The Hammer-On (hǽmər- ɑ́n) technique is when notes are played on the neck of the guitar by pressing the fingers on the strings behind a fret, then removing them quickly, as if the strings were being “hammered.” It is the opposite of the “pull off,” which is when the guitar player rapidly presses his/her fingers on the strings and then lifts them off resulting in their  ability to speedily play notes and expand their sound. The sound of the hammer-on notes will not be as vibrant as those that are plucked with the strumming hand. The hammer-on is typically used in metal music but it can also be found in rock or bluegrass.