How to Get Better at Tapping on the Guitar

Guitar tapping can feel like unlocking a whole new dimension of sound. It’s that wild, electrifying technique that can make your solos soar and your riffs stand out. But let’s face it, getting better at tapping requires more than just enthusiasm. You’ve got to get it right, every tap, every note. Whether you’re looking to add flair to your metal solos or bring out those Van Halen vibes, tapping is your secret weapon. Let’s get into the details of how you can improve your tapping skills and make it sound as effortless as a breeze.

Understanding the Mechanics

Before you start channeling your inner Eddie Van Halen, it’s crucial to understand the basic mechanics of tapping. At its core, tapping involves striking the string with a finger from your picking hand (usually the index or middle finger) to create a note, instead of plucking or picking it. It’s like turning your finger into a mini hammer, and timing is everything.

• Hand Position: Keep your tapping hand relaxed. Your thumb can anchor on the top edge of the guitar neck for stability, letting your fingers move freely.
• Finger Choice: The index or middle finger is typically used for tapping because they’re the strongest. However, some shredders prefer their ring finger.
• String Contact: Aim for precision. Strike the string quickly, and pull off with intent to allow the string to vibrate.

Now, there’s a lot to love about the tapping technique, but it can be tricky to nail down without disciplined practice. At Riffhard, we lean on lessons from legends who break this technique down into digestible steps, helping you achieve clarity and speed without losing your mind.

Starting Simple

Like any technique, tapping benefits from a strong foundation. Start by practicing simple patterns on one string. This will help you focus on the technique itself without the added complexity of string changes or rhythm variations.

Basic One-String Tapping Exercise:

• Pick a note on the fretboard with your fretting hand. Let’s say the 5th fret of the high E string.
• Tap the 12th fret of the same string with your tapping hand’s index finger.
• Pull off to the 5th fret.
• Hammer on to the 8th fret using your fretting hand.
• Repeat.

This exercise helps you get a feel for the tapping motion and the coordination required between both hands. Once you feel comfortable, increase the speed gradually. Remember, it’s all about precision over speed at this stage.

Building Speed and Consistency

Once you’re comfortable with simple patterns, it’s time to build up speed. Speed is not just about fast finger movements; it’s about control and consistency.

• Metronome Practice: Start practicing with a metronome set to a slow tempo. Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable. A metronome helps you maintain a consistent rhythm, which is crucial for tapping.
• Finger Strengthening: Regularly practice finger exercises to strengthen both tapping and fretting fingers. Strong fingers contribute to clearer, louder taps.
• Focus on Cleanliness: Speed is useless if your notes sound muddled. Always prioritize clarity over speed.

Interestingly enough, at Riffhard, we’ve seen how structured practice can transform your playing. By following lessons tailored for metal guitarists, you can develop speed without sacrificing accuracy, all under the guidance of expert players.

Incorporating Tapping into Solos

Tapping can add a whole new layer of complexity and expressiveness to your solos. It’s like adding spice to a dish—it can make a good solo great. But how do you incorporate it effectively?

• Tapping Licks: Start by learning simple tapping licks. Many iconic solos use tapping as a highlight rather than the main focus.
• Blend with Other Techniques: Combine tapping with bends, slides, and vibrato to create dynamic solos. This blending makes your solos sound more fluid and less mechanical.
• Experiment with Timing: Use tapping to create interesting rhythmic patterns. You can play around with triplets, dotted notes, and syncopation.

While it’s hard to say for sure what style will fit your playing the best, tapping adds a unique flair to solos. And if you’re looking for inspiration, Riffhard offers lessons from top metal guitarists who use tapping to elevate their music, providing you with practical examples to study and learn from.

Developing Advanced Tapping Techniques

Once you’re comfortable with basic tapping, it’s time to explore more advanced techniques like two-hand tapping and string skipping. These techniques can really showcase your skills and creativity.

Two-Hand Tapping:

• Use both your fretting and tapping hands to create intricate patterns. This technique can produce fast, cascading arpeggios or complex melodic lines.
• Practice with exercises that focus on coordination between the hands, such as tapping scales or arpeggios.

String Skipping:

• This involves jumping over strings instead of playing adjacent strings, which can add a wide intervallic sound.
• Start slowly to ensure each tapped note rings clearly, and gradually increase speed as you become more comfortable.

Learning advanced techniques can be daunting, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. At Riffhard, our instructors break down these advanced techniques in a way that’s easy to understand and apply, allowing you to integrate them into your playing smoothly.

Overcoming Common Tapping Challenges

Tapping, like any complex technique, comes with its own set of challenges. Let’s look at some common issues and how to deal with them:

• String Noise: Unwanted noise from adjacent strings can muddy your sound. Use your fretting hand to mute strings you’re not playing, or consider using a string dampener.
• Weak Tapping Finger: If your taps sound weak, focus on strengthening your tapping finger with exercises. Practice tapping slowly and forcefully to build strength.
• Timing Issues: Playing in time is crucial. Use a metronome to practice keeping your taps in sync with the beat.

While these challenges might seem tricky at first, they’re all part of the learning process. Keep practicing and remember that even the best guitarists started somewhere. Our lessons at Riffhard are designed to help you tackle these issues head-on, with practical advice from seasoned professionals.

Creating Your Own Tapping Phrases

Once you’re proficient with tapping, it’s time to unleash your creativity. Creating your own tapping phrases lets you express your unique musical voice. Here’s how you can start:

• Experiment with Scales: Use scales you’re familiar with as a basis for tapping phrases. Try incorporating different scales to add variety.
• Mix Rhythms: Vary the rhythm of your taps to add interest. Syncopation and changing rhythmic patterns can make your phrases stand out.
• Use Repetition: Repeat certain notes or patterns within a phrase to create a memorable motif.

Creating your own phrases is like solving a musical puzzle. It can be challenging, but it’s incredibly satisfying when you piece together a phrase that sounds just right. At Riffhard, our lessons encourage creativity and provide you with the tools to develop your personal style.

Practicing with Purpose

Practicing deliberately is crucial for improving any guitar technique, and tapping is no exception. Here’s how to ensure your practice sessions are effective:

• Set Goals: Before each practice session, set specific goals. Whether it’s mastering a new tapping lick or improving your speed, having a goal helps you focus.
• Track Progress: Keep a practice journal to track your progress. Note down what you practiced, what went well, and what needs improvement.
• Break It Down: Break down difficult sections into smaller parts and practice them separately. This makes challenging pieces more manageable.

Practicing with purpose turns your practice sessions from a chore into a rewarding experience. By focusing on clear goals and tracking your progress, you’ll see improvements faster. Our structured lesson plans at Riffhard can guide your practice, ensuring you’re working on the right things at the right time.

Staying Inspired and Motivated

Let’s face it, even the most passionate guitarist can hit a plateau. Here’s how to stay inspired and keep your motivation high:

• Listen to Great Music: Listening to music that features tapping can inspire you to practice more. Pay attention to how your favorite guitarists use tapping in their playing.
• Jam with Others: Playing with others can be a great source of inspiration. You can learn new techniques and get feedback on your playing.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Each step forward is a win!

Remaining motivated is key to improving your guitar skills. Remember, every great guitarist faced challenges too. By staying inspired, you’ll continue to grow as a musician. At Riffhard, we foster a community of passionate guitarists who motivate and inspire each other every day.

Final Thoughts

Tapping can elevate your guitar playing to new heights. With practice and patience, you can develop this exciting technique and weave it seamlessly into your music. At Riffhard, we’re here to help you on this journey with lessons from the best in the metal genre. Keep tapping, keep creating, and most importantly, enjoy the process!