Estimated reading time 2 minutes
Table of Contents
Introduction
Tapping is most closely associated with ‘80s hard rock and heavy metal but has been used in a wide variety of styles across a surprising number of decades. Tapping is fun to play and will help you achieve jaw dropping speed. Keep reading to learn the secret of how to do guitar tapping.
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Learn the Secret of How to Do Guitar Tapping: What Is It?
What is the term’s meaning?
According to the Essential Dictionary of Music it is:
A technique used on guitar and electric bass where the performer taps down on the fretted string with the index or middle finger of the pick hand. This is usually followed by a pull-off to sound a lower note. (129)
No one guitarist invented tapping.
- However, tapping gained widespread popularity when it appeared on Van Halen’s self-titled debut album.
- Tapping went on to become a staple of ‘80s rock guitar solos largely because of Eddie Van Halen’s influence.
- Even today, it’s still an essential skill for all guitarists to learn.
Learn the Secret of How to Do Guitar Tapping: How Does It Work?
Mobile users: for best results reading the music, rotate your screen 90o to the right.
Tapping is closely related to pull-offs and is often used in conjunction with both hammer-ons and pull-offs.
- Van Halen held his pick between his thumb and middle finger and struck the string with the pointer finger of his right hand.
- Therefore, in the tab example above, you’ll use your pointer finger to strike the 12th fret (on beat 1). The “T” in the tab stands for tap, and the “P” for pull-off.
- Then, like a pull-off, you’ll feel a “dragging” sensation as your pointer finger pulls away from the string at a 45o angle.
- This action plucks the string, sounding the note at the 5th fret that you’ll hold down with your 1st finger (see the picture below of the left hand).
- After which, you’ll use your left hand 3rd finger to execute a pull-off from fret 7 to fret 5.
- The next four notes will be played in the same manner with fret 10 (on beat 2) taking the place of fret 12 from the pattern in the previous beat.
- Lather, rinse, and repeat.
Hand Icon (churien.deviantart.com/art/hand-template-blank-272630198) by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0). Modified by Geoffrey Keith.
Tapping and the Distortion Sound Effect
- Tapping, pull-offs, and hammer-ons sound fantastic when you plug in your distortion pedal.
- Distortion makes fast playing more effective by giving your sound more sustain.
Need incredible distortion?
Learn the Secret of How to Do Guitar Tapping: Video
Video: Demonstration
Final Thoughts
Takeaway points:
- Hold your pick between your thumb and middle finger and strike the string with the pointer finger of your right hand.
- Feel the “dragging” sensation as your pointer finger pulls away from the string at a 45o angle.
- Tapping works well when combined with hammer-ons and pull-offs using distortion.
Have fun playing!
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