A pull-off sounds a lower note by pulling your finger off the string, so only the first of each pair is picked. This lesson uses A minor pentatonic, 5th position: on every string you pick the higher note and pull off to the lower one, from the 8th fret of the high e down to the 5th fret of the low E.
Fret both notes before you pick: index on fret 5, ring or pinky on the higher fret. Then pull off by flicking the string slightly downwards toward the floor, not just lifting your finger. That small flick plucks the string and keeps the lower note as loud as the picked one. Use a downstroke for every picked note.
Each string gives two notes, so the triplet groups of three cross over the strings. Accents fall in a different place every beat, which makes it sound faster than it is. Keep the triplet pulse steady and let the accents move.
The most common mistake is a weak, quiet pull-off; the second is letting open strings ring when your finger leaves the string. Mute with the side of your index finger and the picking palm.
The last exercise pulls off to open strings in E minor pentatonic, from G on the high e down to the low E. Mute each open string with your palm as soon as you move on.
How to practice
- Start with the pairs exercise and listen for equal volume.
- Then play the run at a tempo where every note is clear, and only then push the metronome.