Another important Oud technique is called a hammer-on. It is an important guitar technique as well. I remember when I first learned how to play hammer-ons on the guitar, I thought it was such a cool technique. I spent all my high school years listening to Jimi Hendrix albums, and wanted to play music like him. His use of hammer-ons is extensive and advanced.
Playing hammer-ons are easier on guitar than on Oud, because the guitar has frets so the result is louder. On the Oud a hammer on is often a lot subtler.
Watch the video below to learn how to do it!
The Hammer On
Difficulty: moderate
What?
A hammer-on is simply a note that is played without being plucked. The sound is created solely by the force of pressing your finger on the fingerboard. As the name suggests, you have to put more force into your finger. You have to hammer-your-finger-on the fingerboard.
Why?
One of the first uses of the hammer-on is when you are playing fast descending passages on the Oud. When you are moving to a different string, sometimes using a hammer-on to replace a plucked note can help you play more smoothly and ultimately FASTER.
Hammer-ons are also a flourish or nuance that serves as a grace note after a plucked note.
How?
Playing a single hammer on:
Quickly and somewhat forcefully press down any note with any finger on the Oud. Hold your finger as long as you need to make a sound.
Playing a hammer-on as a grace note above a plucked note:
Pluck any note on the fingerboard and with another finger press on the fingerboard and hold your finger for as long as needed.
Tips for success:
Practice hammering-on with all your fingers to develop their strength.
What Next?
Stay tuned for next week’s article and video, we are going to learn how to do a pull-off. A pull-off is a technique that goes hand-in-hand with hammer-ons. The following week, you will learn how to put hammer-ons and pull-offs together to make authentic middle eastern flourishes and idioms.
Hi, I learned how to play the oud. My problem is I get board after ten or fifteen minutes of playing the oud. I know some songs but I must repeat them like I am learning them for the first time I need help to continue playing for a longer time, and how to play new songs by reading the notes. Thank you. Sabih.
Hello Sabih,
That’s a really good question. I think the best way is to create a challenge for yourself, find some people who like to hear you play and regularly learn new songs by ear to play for them.
Find something exciting that you want to learn how to play. You can always find new challenges.
I think the best way to learn notes is by a teacher. Do you have a teacher? A good teacher can make you excited to learn more.