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Super Bluegrass Banjo Picking Techniques
taught by: Alan Munde

Essential Left-Hand Techniques for Bluegrass Banjo - Part 2

by Bob Altschuler

In the last issue we reviewed slides and hammer-ons. Now we'll play the third left hand technique, the pull-off, and then we can put all three techniques together to get that unique bluegrass banjo sound.

Clear and strong pull-offs are the hardest of the three techniques to master, but when they are played well they give your picking an exciting and powerful sound.

Pull-Offs

The third technique is the pull-off, where you pick a right hand note and then pull your left finger off the string to produce a lower note. This can be from a fretted note to an open string or from one fretted note to another. As with the slide and hammer-on, don't rush the pull-off and allow the full effect.

To make the pull-off as loud and clear as possible, don't just lift your finger off the string. Instead, pull or push the string a little as you lift your finger. Whether you play a pull-off or a push-off depends on personal preference and where your left hand fingers will go afterwards. The difference between the two is the direction of your finger. A pull-off goes towards your palm, and a push-off goes away from your palm. The term "pull-off" as used here means either a pull-off or a push-off.

If you can catch a little of your fingertip skin or callous in the string, it becomes easier to get a snappy and clear pull-off.

A common pull-off is from string 3 on fret 2 to string 3 open, and this is shown in measure 1. This pull-off takes up two sixteenth notes.

This pull-off can also be played as two eighth notes, as shown in measure 2. As you pull- off, pick string 2 with your left index finger. The pull-off as eighth notes sounds less "compressed" than as sixteenth notes.

The next pull-off in measure 3 is from string 3 on fret 3 down to fret 2. Place your left index and middle fingers on frets 2 and 3 on string 3, pick the string and pull-off your middle finger (fret 3) while you keep your index finger on fret 2. Practice so you hear the second note with as much volume and clarity as possible. This pull-off takes extra practice to sound crisp, but when you play it well it sounds great.

This pull-off can also be played as eighth notes, as shown in measure 4. Pick string 2 open just as you pull-off on string 3.

Measures 5 and 6 show a common lick with a slide and pull-off.

These and other pull-offs are used extensively in Scruggs style picking.

Pull Offs Example mp3
Download the mp3:
Pull-offs.mp3

Putting the Techniques Together

Now we can put all three left hand techniques together to get that unique, driving and "detailed" bluegrass banjo sound. Shown first is the chorus of Cripple Creek, using all three left hand techniques. Next is an example of a Scruggs type break, with licks using the three techniques. Happypicking!

All Three LeftHand Techniques Example mp3
Download the mp3:
All3LeftHandTechniques.mp3

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About the Author

Bob Altschuler lives in upstate New York and has played bluegrass banjo since 1970. As a banjo instructor, his 25 years of experience includes teaching many students at Banjo Camp North, where he has been the Beginner Bluegrass Track Coordinator since 2003. Bob's training and work as a public school teacher sharpened his teaching abilities, and helped him become a patient and sought after banjo instructor (his day job is now with the NY State Retirement System).

Bob performs with the Dyer Switch band at concerts and festivals across the Northeast, Midwest and South, and recorded "American Airwaves" and "Family Business" CDs with the band. His banjo playing has also been heard on Northeast Public Radio and on television and radio commercials.

You can contact Bob at arobanjo@aol.com, or through the Dyer Switch website at www.dyerswitch.com.