Way back in July of 2021 I began an extended series of posts regarding basic techniques guitarists can employ in their soloing and rhythm playing. The most recent posts (parts, 6, 7, 8 and 9) revolve around hammer-on's and pull-off's. This month I'll be combining the two and discuss trills.
The trill uses a rapid series of continuous alternating hammer-on's and pull-off's. However, the first note is picked and the sound of all notes thereafter are produced with strictly the fingers of the fret hand. See these sample exercises.
There are two things to keep in mind as you are playing a trill:
1) Fingering: As with hammer-on's and pull-off's practice trills using all fingering combinations (starting with a H.O. - 1,2 - 1,3 - 1,4 - 2,3 - 2,4 - 3,4 and starting with a P.O. - 2,1 - 3,1 - 4,1 - 3,2 - 4,2 - 4,3).
2) Rhythmic Accuracy: Try to play trills in time, so practice with a metronome.
See you next month!
