I realize that "practice" is the ultimate answer but I was wondering if anyone had any tips to help smooth out the sound. When I play descending notes on the same string, they tend to either run together so the lower notes have no attack, or to get the attack, there's too much separation and it gets too staccato.

You hit the nail on the head with 'practice' - that is what's really going to do it. Something I do on occasion is to plant my fingers below the note I'm playing and do a slight pull-off that note - the next note below that sounds - and you repeat the process. Something else to try - lightly rest your fingers on the string you are playing on...the highest note tapped will sound and when you complete that note the string won't ring till you tap the next one.

Dave

Hi Damon,
If you use a little hand motion along the string rather than relying entirely on up-and-down finger motion, then this is never a problem.

The high note is released just before the low one, allowing a clean tap without a gap.

This is very different from pulling off, both sonically and in the way that it feels. Practicing both, and being aware of the distinction, is a good idea. Having real control over the articulation of all the notes you play is a great place to be.

Thanks Greg! That actually makes a lot of sense. I'll have to try it when I get home later.

Thanks Greg, I was concerned with descending legato whilst not using pull offs when starting, and while I've got a lot smoother since then, this hint has made things much more fluid!