Rest Stroke Slurs

Rest stroke slurs (pull-offs) improve tone and aid good rhythm; #techandtone.

A rest stroke slur is when the finger of the left hand pulls clearly and strongly into the next string.  This is a pluck as much as a pluck in the right hand and the difference between rest stroke and free stroke is equal, rest stroke more easily imparting a richer tone with more fundamental frequency. The attack is stronger, particularly in the left hand, and thus aids in achieving precise rhythm. Many fine guitarists will occasionally (or even always) use free stroke slurs by simply lifting the finger off the string, almost hoping for a sound, which is not fully realized.