The Downward Slur (Pull-Off, Descending Ligado)

The term pull-off gives a clue to the technique of the downward slur. The first note is played, then the left-hand finger pulls away, plucking the string as it goes.

Here is how it looks in tablature and standard notation:

It is important to remember that the left hand actually plucks the second note. Many beginners just lift the finger off, resulting in a weak slur. Try it now, and really sound the open string.

Where two fretted notes are involved, both fingers must be in position before starting the slur, otherwise the second note will be indistinct.

Place the first finger firmly behind the first fret. Then put the third finger on, play the note with the right hand, and pluck the finger away to sound the lower note.