How to Learn Guitar Tapping Lessons

Tapping on the guitar can feel like unlocking a whole new dimension of sound. It’s that flashy technique that makes solos soar and melodies dance. If you’ve ever wanted to add some extra flair to your playing, learning tapping is a great way to go. It’s not just about showing off; it’s about expanding your musical vocabulary and adding a new voice to your guitar’s repertoire. Let’s break down how to get started with guitar tapping, step by step.

Understanding Tapping: The Basics

Tapping involves using a finger (or several) from your picking hand to press down on the strings, creating notes without the need for picking. This technique allows for rapid note sequences and can make your solos sound more fluid and intricate. To put it simply, tapping is like hammer-ons and pull-offs, but with an extra hand in the mix.

Start with one finger from your picking hand—usually the index or middle finger. You’ll want to tap firmly on the string over a fret, just like you would when playing a note with your fretting hand. The key is to strike the string hard enough to sound the note clearly but not so hard that it causes unwanted noise.

For beginners, a great exercise is to tap on the high E string at the 12th fret while holding down the 5th fret with your fretting hand. This creates a classic tapping sound and helps you get used to the motion. Remember, precision is crucial here, so take it slow and focus on getting a clean sound.

Building Speed and Precision

Once you’ve got the basic motion down, it’s time to work on speed and precision. Tapping can be fast and furious, but it needs to be clean to sound impressive. A metronome is your best friend here. Start slow, ensuring each note is clear and even, then gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable.

One effective way to build speed is to incorporate tapping into your scale practice. Choose a simple scale, like the pentatonic, and add tapping to it. For example, on the high E string, play the 5th fret with your index finger, hammer on to the 8th fret with your ring finger, and then tap the 12th fret with your picking hand. This pattern helps you practice coordination between both hands.

Precision comes down to control, so be patient. It might help to record yourself playing and listen back to catch any inconsistencies or unwanted noise. Cleanliness is key, and it often helps to lightly rest your palm on the strings you’re not playing to mute any accidental sounds.

Expanding Your Tapping Vocabulary

As you become more comfortable with basic tapping, it’s time to spice things up. You can start using multiple fingers from your picking hand to create more complex patterns. This is where tapping really becomes a playground for creativity.

Try incorporating slides, bends, and even harmonics into your tapping routines. For instance, tap a note, then slide it up or down the fretboard. Or, tap a natural harmonic for a bell-like tone. These variations add texture and interest to your playing.

One fun exercise is to create a tapping arpeggio. Pick a chord shape, and tap through the notes of the arpeggio across the strings. This not only sounds impressive but also helps you learn the fretboard in a new way. Remember, the more you experiment, the more unique your style will become.

Creating Musical Phrases

Tapping isn’t just about speed; it’s a tool for expression. Think of it as a new way to phrase your solos. You can use tapping to create call-and-response patterns, or to emphasize certain notes within a melody.

Experiment with dynamics—try tapping softly for a mellow sound, or harder for aggressive accents. Your phrasing can make a huge difference in how your tapping sounds, so pay attention to how you can use it to tell a musical story.

A great way to practice this is by taking a simple melody you know and adding tapping embellishments. This will help you see where tapping fits naturally into your playing and how it can enhance your musical ideas.

Incorporating Riffs and Licks

Once you’re comfortable with tapping in solos, why not add it to your riffs and licks? This can give your rhythm playing a unique twist. Tapping within riffs is used by many metal guitarists to add complexity and texture to their sound.

Try tapping on lower strings and incorporating it into power chords or open string riffs. This adds a percussive element that can make your playing stand out. You can also tap harmonics within a riff for a shimmering, ethereal quality.

At Riffhard, we have lessons from top metal guitarists who use tapping to craft powerful, memorable riffs. Learning from the pros can give you insights into how to blend tapping with other techniques seamlessly.

Advanced Tapping Techniques

If you’re ready to push your skills further, there are advanced tapping techniques that can take your playing to the next level. Consider learning multi-finger tapping, where you use several fingers on your picking hand to create intricate patterns.

Another technique is double-handed tapping, where both hands work together to play complex passages. This is often used in progressive metal and can create a wall of sound that’s both impressive and musical.

These advanced techniques require more practice and coordination, so be patient. It’s helpful to break down complex patterns into smaller sections and master each part before putting it all together.

Practicing with Purpose

Practice makes perfect, but purposeful practice is even better. Set specific goals for your tapping practice sessions. Whether it’s working on a new technique or increasing your speed, having a clear focus will help you progress faster.

Break your practice into smaller chunks. Spend time on precision, then speed, then creativity. This keeps things balanced and ensures you’re improving in all areas. It’s also important to take breaks and let your hands rest, especially when working on intense techniques like tapping.

One of the features that helps guitarists like you at Riffhard is our custom metronome. It’s designed specifically for guitar practice, allowing you to fine-tune your timing and rhythm with ease.

Inspiration from the Pros

Learning from the best is a surefire way to improve. Watch videos and performances from guitarists who excel at tapping. Take note of their technique, hand positioning, and how they incorporate tapping into their playing.

Guitarists like Eddie Van Halen were pioneers of tapping, and their music is a great source of inspiration. Study solos from songs that feature tapping and try to emulate the sound and feel. This not only improves your skills but also gives you a greater appreciation for the technique.

At Riffhard, we provide lessons from renowned metal guitarists who share their secrets and techniques. It’s like having a front-row seat to learn from the best in the industry.

Experiment and Have Fun

Ultimately, tapping is about expressing yourself and having fun. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different sounds and styles. The more you play around with tapping, the more you’ll discover what works for you and your music.

Try writing your own tapping licks or incorporating them into songs you’re working on. This is a great way to make the technique your own and develop your unique sound.

Remember, every guitarist’s journey is different. What works for one person might not work for another, and that’s okay. Enjoy the process, stay curious, and keep pushing your boundaries.

Final Thoughts

Tapping is an exciting technique that can transform your guitar playing, adding a new layer of creativity and flair. It takes practice and patience, but the results are worth it. At Riffhard, we’re here to support your journey with lessons from some of the best in the metal world. Dive into tapping and watch your solos soar and your riffs resonate with new life.