Loner154 - Posted - 03/12/2007:  13:51:54

As a novice player, I have been generally satisfied with my progress in most areas but one of the things that has been bothering me is my pull-offs. They just don't sound as crisp as I would like, particulalry on strings 2 and 3. I am wondering if part of the problem is string guage - I went to a slightly heavier guage but am now second guessing that. But I am sure part of it is technique. Are there any tricks or tips (besides practice!!) that might make my progress a littel quicker? I do tend to find it easier to pull-off "up" instead of "down", for whatever that's worth.

"My wife is the sweetest, most tolerant, most beautiful woman in the world. This is a paid political announcement."

Loner154

twhite54 - Posted - 03/12/2007:  13:56:24

well, you've got it half right already, practice...but the problem is pull-off is a bit of a misnomer...it's really a snapping action so the second note, that is the note you pulled off to sounds as loud as you can make it to the note you struck before you pulled off...i realize that explanation is probably as clear as mud but thats the goal...on some strings i push off to get the pop and some i pull...just depends on the situation...good luck...

"she'd her apron wrapped about her and i took her for a swan..."
that's my story and i'm stickin' to it...

"ya got time to breathe, ya got time fer music"...Briscoe Darling


ethel the wonder basset

Edited by - twhite54 on 03/12/2007 13:57:15

Andy K - Posted - 03/12/2007:  14:55:02

I recently switched to using my ring finger for the pull-off. I find it to be easier and I no longer bend the first note.

GerhardP - Posted - 03/12/2007:  14:55:20

Grow callouses :-) Really, they help.

Pushoffs ('up' as you call it) are a good alternative and work better for many pickers. ideally you have both techniques under your belt, depending on where you need the finger in question next. And, I know you already know this: practice practice and practice...

Gerhard

AD3AD3AD3 - Posted - 03/12/2007:  15:30:29

Push-offs and pull-offs are interchagable for our purposes at ths point.Use 'em both and you'll find which works best for you in different situations. The 3 to 2 pull-off can sometimes be improved by using the ring finger to index finger instead of the more logical middle finger to index finger. Once again, push or pull, it really makes no difference. The important thing is to go for a crisp clean sound that pops - this comes with time.

AD3

krazykat - Posted - 03/12/2007:  16:34:34

I'm with the folks above on using your ring finger for pull-offs - it did make mine crisper than before (thanks, Chris Quinn), though it'll take a bit of getting used to as you figure out how to play with slightly different fingerings. The other thing is to practice pull offs by themselves - just take a little time to really focus, and when you pull your finger off (ring or index, whatever you use), pull it down almost into the fretboard, if that makes sense. Callouses will alo help!

Anne.

banjo pickn Dane - Posted - 03/12/2007:  21:44:36

To make it sound like that perfect crisp sound, I push down very hard right before I pull off. That will give you that perfect sound.

greatdane@yahoo.com

pick'n 'n' grinn'n
banjo pickn Dane

Joanchek - Posted - 03/12/2007:  23:29:23

My pulloffs are terrible. But not as terrible as they were a few months ago. I am hoping that by Christmas, they'll be presentable. :D

Two new banjo-centric designs just added! Take a peek at bluegrass wear and accessories: www.cafepress.com/eggheadtrivia

Trower67 - Posted - 03/13/2007:  01:30:06

My pull offs are getting better with practice. I recently experienced my first pull off when I learned Banjo in the Holler and was really having trouble with it. So I just sat and practiced that phrase of the song over and over again. Now I am learning Foggy Mountain Breakdown and there is a push off with first string played at the same time,really having to practice that one. The more I practice the better these sound ,I am a beginner but I notice when I finally get it the satisfaction of accomplishment is cool.The first song I learned was cripple creek and really have that one up to speed , such as my rolls I include pulls offs and push offs in practice. Practice practice practice.

Kevin

slowlybutsurely - Posted - 03/13/2007:  08:02:36

I get a better sound if I push off instead of pulling off. I've tried it both ways and it seems I get a clearer sound pushing off.

Tim Nash
"Awaiting my Huber"

Loner154 - Posted - 03/13/2007:  12:04:07

Good ideas here.Tim you are right...I actually do "push-offs" almost exclusively. I'll have to try the ring finger thing (although for some tunes I am skipping a fret so I would be using that finger anyway). Pushing down hard right before the pull-off sounds like it would work...but...I think that may make my hand tense up and I am trying to concentrate on relaxing when I play. I may give it a try though.

"My wife is the sweetest, most tolerant, most beautiful woman in the world. This is a paid political announcement."

Loner154

eastkypicker - Posted - 03/14/2007:  15:50:27

I have also spent time getting my pull offs sounding right and agree with Andy K and others who use the ring finger. That and time will improve this technique.
MJ

chip arnold - Posted - 03/17/2007:  20:00:04

It's possible to do a what should be a crisp pull off but kill it by not lifting your finger immediately and cleanly away from the string. The slightest fraction of a second of contact with the string after the finger begins lifting will kill the sound. Be very sure you're getting the finger off quick.

Pushing, pulling and using different fingers will present themselves as the need for each arises and will all become second nature with time.

Play with a plan
Chip

pmcnamara - Posted - 03/17/2007:  22:24:58

Practice and more practice...do it over and over until it sounds like you are hitting with a pick..a pulll off really is more of snapping the string. Try snapping it..over and over again.Try to get the same sound as your right hand. Once you make it sound the same as your right hand...you will be on the ceiling. I have a warm up that I do for a Melodic version of cripple creek..6-5 pull off on the 3rd string and 2-3 pull on the third. I try to make it sound like I am hitting it with my right hand. Hold your finger down that won't be pulled(snapped) off... and snap the pull-off. Lots of fun!!!