I'm trying to get back into playing guitar after many many years, but this time learning extra techniques like hammer-ons. I'm currently playing Where did you sleep last night by Nirvana. I can play the song, but learning the intro. In the unplugged version (from what I can see and observe from the concert video), Kurt plays the sixth string open, moves to the second fret, plays that and then moves to the third fret and plays that. I'm getting this to work and it sounds as it should
In this video tutorial and in many online tabs, the sixth string should be played open, then the second and third frets are hammered on which should have the same sound affect as the way that Kurt plays it
My problem is, I cannot get my hammer-ons to sound correct. I am trying to get my technique to work, but being the age I am and not playing for over a decade, my fingers are still very stiff and stupid. I have tried just a basic hammer-on, trying to hit the string as hard with the tip of my finger as I can, but the sound I'm getting back is quite damped and dull.
My question is, is this down to pure technique and exercise to get a proper sound, or does the callusses on your finger tips (which I'm still building, mine is still soft) plays a role in getting a proper sound from a hammer-on