Guitar technique lesson
How to Play Clean Pull Offs on Guitar
A pull-off sounds a lower note by releasing a higher fretted note with a small plucking motion from the fretting hand.
Step by step
Build the movement correctly
- 1
Fret both the lower and higher notes before picking.
- 2
Pick the higher note once.
- 3
Pull the higher finger slightly toward the floor as it leaves the string.
- 4
Keep the lower finger stable and close to its fret.
Practice exercise
Play fret seven to five on every string, listening for equal volume between the picked and pulled notes.
Rule: increase the tempo only when the movement stays relaxed and every repetition sounds the same.
Common mistake
Simply lifting the finger makes the lower note weak. The fingertip must brush the string as it releases.