Pulling. It. Off.

Preparatory Pull-Off Exercise

Sometimes, Earl's slides, hammer-ons, or pull-offs, would complete at the same time of the picked 16th note that would follow. Other times, he would complete them just before the next picked note. This exercise shows you how to do the latter, however, you should also learn to complete your pull-off as you pick the next 16th note, like the slide exercise. You won't need that for this lick, but it's a technique you will use at some point. Might as well get introduced to it now.

PULL-OFF TIPS

1. Play on the tips of your fingers, not the pads.

2. Don't let your finger joints collapse. Keep them bent, relaxed, and rounded.

3. Pull your finger towards the wood of the fretboard for power and accuracy.

4. Strive for accurate timing with your pull-off. The timing of the fretting hand, and synchronization with your picking hand, is very as important

5. You can also pull freely(in the air), towards your hand, for a speedy release.

6. Some string players even do a push-off, or push-up. The finger goes up instead of being pulled downards.

Pull-Off Exercise

Up Next, it's time to do the dang thing.