Legato on guitar is a playing technique where notes are smoothly connected without any noticeable gaps or interruptions between them.

The word “legato” comes from Italian and literally means “tied together.”

On the guitar, this effect is often achieved by using techniques like hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides to transition between notes seamlessly.

The goal of legato is to create a fluid and flowing sound that almost mimics the continuous tone of a violin or a vocalist.

How Does Legato Work?

Legato involves creating a smooth, flowing sound by minimizing the separation between notes.

Instead of picking each note individually, you use your fingers to perform hammer-ons, pull-offs, or slides to transition from one note to the next.

This minimizes the attack from the pick and creates a continuous, connected tone.

How Do You Play Legato on Guitar?

The following video explains how to play legato on guitar from Mike Olekshy’s lesson:

If you enjoyed the video and Mike’s teaching style resonates with you, sign up for a free trial of Guitar Tricks here to access more valuable lessons.

The basics of legato playing:

  1. Hammer-Ons: Play the first note by picking it, then use a finger to “hammer” onto the fretboard to produce the next note without picking again.

  2. Pull-Offs: Play a note by picking it, then “pull” your finger off the string while maintaining enough force to sound the lower note.

  3. Slides: Play a note, then slide your finger along the fretboard to another note, allowing the sound to continue.

  4. String Transitions: When moving between strings, pick sparingly and rely on these techniques to maintain smoothness.

Is Legato Hard on Guitar?

Legato can be challenging to master, especially for beginners. It requires:

  • Strength and Coordination: Your fingers need enough strength to hammer and pull off notes cleanly.

  • Timing and Precision: You’ll need to play each note at the right time without gaps or unintended noise.

  • String Noise Control: Muting unwanted strings is key to keeping the sound clean.

The good news? With consistent practice and patience, anyone can develop strong legato skills!

What Is the Purpose of Legato?

Legato allows guitarists to:

  • Create Smooth Melodies: Notes flow into each other, giving your playing a lyrical, vocal-like quality.

  • Increase Speed: Since fewer notes are picked, legato can make fast runs feel easier and more fluid.

  • Express Emotion: The connected notes create a dynamic, expressive sound that’s perfect for solos.

  • Play with Efficiency: Once mastered, legato requires less physical effort compared to picking every note.

How to Get a Great Legato Tone

  1. Clean Technique: Practice slow and focus on making every note clear and even in volume.

  2. Strengthen Your Fingers: Exercises like repeated hammer-ons and pull-offs will improve finger strength and endurance.

  3. Use the Right Gear:

    • Electric guitars with lighter strings make legato easier.

    • Adding a touch of compression or distortion can help sustain notes.

  4. Mute Unwanted Noise: Use your picking hand to mute strings you’re not playing to avoid unwanted sounds.

Can You Play Legato on an Acoustic Guitar?

Yes, you can play legato on an acoustic guitar, but it’s generally more challenging.

Acoustic guitars have higher string tension and less sustain than electric guitars, so you’ll need stronger fingers and more precise technique.

However, with practice, you can achieve a smooth legato even on an acoustic.

What Is the Difference Between Legato and Non-Legato (Staccato)?

  • Legato: Notes are played smoothly and connected, with no gaps between them. Think of it as pouring water from one note to the next.

  • Non-Legato (staccato): Notes are played separately, with a slight break or articulation between each one. It’s like stepping on stones rather than sliding between them.

Why Is Legato Important for Guitarists?

Legato is a vital technique for creating dynamic and expressive guitar playing.

It’s used in nearly every genre, from the fluid runs of blues and jazz to the blazing fast solos of metal and rock. Mastering legato expands your technical and musical capabilities, making your playing sound more professional and polished.

In Short

Legato on guitar is a technique where notes are played smoothly and connected using hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides instead of picking every note.

It’s perfect for creating fluid melodies, increasing speed, and adding expressiveness to your playing. While it can be tricky at first—especially on acoustic guitar—with practice and focus, you can master the art of seamless, flowing notes.

Whether you’re shredding solos or playing gentle melodies, legato adds a professional touch to your guitar skills.