Ascending Slurs

• Ascending slurs are created by the movement of finger like a hammer to cause the string to ring without using the right hand to sound
• Hence, the common name "hammer-on"
• Ascending slurs can be done with any of the four left hand fingers individually or in combination

Example Explained

The video demonstrates an ascending slur using the finger 3 on string .

Three Types of Descending Slurs

• Resting Slurs begin on the string with a finger and pull off the string until it rests on the adjacent string
• Lifting Slurs begin on the string and then just lift off the string
• Free Slurs begin on the string and slightly grip the back side of the string and pluck avoiding to hit the adjacent string
• Descending slurs are commonly called "pull-offs"

Example Explained

Lifting slurs use no force when leaving the string.

Free slurs are similar to free strokes done with the right hand and use force to create the descending slur sound by gripping the back side of the string. Notice that the hand must arch the wrist slightly to execute the action.