The term "hammer on" in guitar playing refers to a technique of producing a note by sharply pressing a finger onto a fretboard. The phonetic transcription of this term is /ˈhæmər ɒn/. The first syllable, "ham," sounds like the word "ham" with a slight emphasis on the "a" sound. The second syllable, "mer," is pronounced like "mur" with an "e" sound. The final syllable, "on," sounds like the word "on" with a slightly prolonged "o" sound. Together, they create the phonetic sound of the term "hammer on" used in guitar playing.
"Hammer on" is a guitar technique that involves the act of playing a note by forcefully and quickly pressing down a finger on the fretboard, thereby creating a distinct sound without picking the string. It is primarily used in playing stringed instruments, especially guitars, and is widely employed in various genres such as rock, blues, and metal.
When executing a hammer on, the guitarist typically starts by placing a finger on a fret and then striking the string with enough force to push it against the fingerboard, causing the note to sound. This technique creates a smooth and seamless transition between two or more notes without the need to pluck the string separately for each note.
The term "hammer on" originates from the action of the finger forcefully "hammering" onto the string, applying enough pressure to make it vibrate and produce the desired sound. This technique allows guitarists to produce rapid and fluid passages, enabling them to play notes at a greater speed and with increased dexterity.
A hammer on is often denoted by a curved line connecting two or more notes in guitar tablature, indicating that the player should perform a hammer on to produce the desired sound. It can be used in combination with other techniques like pull-offs and slides to create intricate and dynamic guitar solos or melodic phrases. Overall, the hammer on technique is a fundamental element of the guitar repertoire, giving musicians the ability to add flair and expressiveness to their playing style.
The etymology of the phrase "hammer on" can be traced back to the Middle English word "hamer", which originally meant a tool used for striking objects. This word comes from the Old English "hamor", ultimately derived from the Proto-Germanic word "hamaraz". Over time, "hammer" evolved to refer to the action of striking or pounding, giving rise to the verb "to hammer".
In the context of guitar playing, "hammer on" refers to a technique in which a guitarist uses their fretting hand to strike the string against a fret, creating a distinct sound without picking the string. This technique mimics the action of striking with a hammer, hence the term "hammer on". It is an apt metaphor for the way the guitarist's fingers "hammer" down on the fretboard.