The tapping technique is a dazzling and versatile guitar playing technique that involves using your fretting hand’s fingers to tap the strings against the fretboard, producing rapid and melodic notes. Popularized by guitar virtuosos like Eddie Van Halen, Steve Vai, and Joe Satriani, tapping adds a touch of magic to a guitarist’s repertoire. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the tapping technique:
1. Basic Tapping Technique:
- Start with your guitar in standard tuning. Most tappings are performed on the higher strings (typically the B and high E strings).
- Use your picking hand to hold the guitar pick, and use your fretting hand’s index, middle, or ring finger to tap the desired note on the fretboard.
- Place your picking hand above the fretboard, hovering above the strings.
- Tap the string by hammering-on to the fret while keeping the string pressed against the fretboard. This creates a clear and sustained note.
- To create a tapping sequence, alternate between tapping and pulling off with your fretting hand or tapping with multiple fingers.
2. Tapping Exercises for Beginners:
- Start with simple tapping exercises on one string. For example, tap the 12th fret and pull off to the open string repeatedly.
- Gradually add more fingers to the tapping hand to create more complex patterns.
- Practice ascending and descending tapping sequences, incorporating different frets and strings.
3. Two-Handed Tapping:
- Two-handed tapping involves tapping with both hands to create intricate and rapid melodies. This technique allows you to play complex arpeggios and scales.
- Start with basic two-handed tapping patterns, such as tapping with your picking hand while your fretting hand holds a chord shape.
4. Incorporating Tapping in Solos:
- Experiment with incorporating tapping into your solos. Combine tapping with other techniques like bends, slides, and vibrato to create expressive and dynamic solos.
5. Advanced Tapping Techniques:
- Explore advanced tapping techniques like tapping with multiple fingers on the fretting hand, incorporating tapped harmonics, and using tapped legato techniques for fluid and fast runs.
6. Tapped Harmonics:
- Tapped harmonics involve tapping lightly over specific frets while allowing the open string to ring. This produces harmonics at various intervals and adds a shimmering, bell-like quality to your playing.
7. Use a Clean Amp Sound:
- Tapping is best heard with a clean or slightly overdriven amp sound. It allows the tapped notes to ring clearly and sustain.
8. Incorporate Tapping into Your Style:
- Tapping can be applied to various musical styles, from rock and metal to jazz and fusion. Experiment with different scales and patterns to find what suits your style.
9. Watch and Learn:
- Study videos and performances by guitarists known for their tapping technique, such as Eddie Van Halen, Steve Vai, and Stanley Jordan, to gain inspiration and insights.
10. Practice, Practice, Practice: – Like any guitar technique, tapping requires consistent practice to develop speed, accuracy, and control. Dedicate time to tapping exercises and incorporate tapping into your playing.
The tapping technique adds a captivating and mesmerizing element to your guitar playing. With patience and practice, you can master this technique and use it to create intricate and expressive guitar solos and melodies that captivate your audience and showcase the magic in your fingertips.
