Unit 4: Poppy Fingerstyle

Pull Offs

First up, let's take a listen to the full track, and check out the tab at the same time so you can start to get a feel for the track.

We take a hard look at the pull-off technique, which looks exactly the same as a hammer on when you look at the tab, but it is the technique in reverse. We physically pluck the string as you pull it away from the neck of the guitar to create the sound of the note below it, which in our case will likely be the open string. Take a look at the tab to see how it looks.

So try to just loop this little piece of the tab, as Thomas does in the video until you are relatively comfortable with this new technique.

Section A

Let's take a look at the first set of chords in the track, including the cool hammer on and pull off sections! It's a great idea to follow along with the tab, but very important to also be aware of all the chords that we are using and the general chord chart. So, here are those two elements for the first part of section a:

Continued...

Interestingly, the second half of section A is identical in terms of its chord chart and chords being played. However, and that's a big, however, we subtly make a lot of changes that make a big difference overall! Especially some of those awesome double notes. Be sure to closely follow the tab with this section, and gradually add it to the previous set of chords to bring it all together so far. Here are those chords again:

Section B

In section B we are working with a very different set of chords. These chords are shown in the chord chart.

Remember to use the tab as well to highlight those very specific parts as you go through section B, as there are plenty of awesome hammer-ons, pull-offs and more! Run through this as many times as you need, nice and slowly to a beat, and then we'll put it all together in the last lesson!

All Together!

So let's put the whole thing together now! Remember that you have the full tab, which includes those section markers we talked about in the previous unit (Codas etc...).

As you try to piece together the whole track, really focus on getting the timing right with a drum beat. If you find there is a section that keeps coming unstuck, then highlight that section, lose the drumbeat, and just focus on the technique until it is smoother... Then bring the drumbeat in and keep trying to get it all together.

And You've Done It!

You now have 4 amazing tracks that you can keep in your daily practice and slowly, gradually, build up the speed to the point where you play along to the full tracks! This is your absolute focus before starting the level 2 fingerstyle course! Good luck, and as always, have fun each day when you pick up that beautiful guitar.