Tapping is an exciting guitar technique that allows guitarists to create fast and fluid passages by using their picking hand to tap on the fretboard instead of picking or strumming the strings. It has been popularized by virtuoso guitarists such as Eddie Van Halen and Steve Vai, who have pushed the boundaries of what can be achieved with this technique. In this article, we will delve into the world of tapping guitar mastery, exploring essential exercises and patterns that will help you develop your tapping skills and take your guitar playing to new heights.
Before diving into the exercises and patterns, let’s go over the basic technique of tapping. Tapping is typically performed with the picking hand, using either the index or middle finger (or both) to tap on the fretboard. The fretting hand is responsible for muting the strings and providing support for the tapped notes. The tapping finger should strike the string cleanly and firmly against the fret, producing a clear and articulate sound.
Now let’s explore some essential exercises and patterns that will help you develop your tapping skills:
Single-Note Tapping Exercise
Start by practicing single-note tapping exercises. Begin on a single string, such as the high E string, and tap a note using your picking hand finger. Focus on accuracy and clarity, ensuring that the tapped note rings out clearly. Gradually increase your speed and experiment with different fingers and positions on the fretboard.
Double-Note Tapping Exercise
Once you are comfortable with single-note tapping, incorporate double-note tapping exercises. These involve tapping two notes simultaneously, creating a harmonic or melodic interval. Practice tapping intervals such as octaves, fifths, or thirds. Pay attention to muting the unused strings with your fretting hand to prevent unwanted noise.
Tapping Arpeggios
Arpeggios are excellent for developing dexterity and control in your tapping technique. Start with simple arpeggio patterns, such as major or minor triads, and gradually progress to more complex arpeggios like diminished or augmented shapes. Practice ascending and descending arpeggios across the strings, focusing on precise tapping and clean transitions between notes.
Tapping Licks
Explore tapping licks that incorporate different techniques and patterns. Experiment with legato techniques such as hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides in conjunction with tapping to create fluid and expressive lines. Study tapping solos by influential guitarists to learn their approaches and incorporate their ideas into your own playing.
Tapping Across Strings
Challenge yourself by tapping across multiple strings. Practice exercises that involve tapping on one string and quickly moving to another string, creating fast and melodic phrases. Start with simple two-string patterns and gradually increase the complexity by incorporating more strings.
Tapping with Chords
Explore tapping with chords to add harmonic richness to your playing. Experiment with tapping triads, extended chords, and voicings across different positions on the fretboard. Combine tapping with strumming or picking to create unique and dynamic chord progressions.
Tapping Rhythms and Grooves
Develop your rhythmic sense by practicing tapping patterns with different rhythms and grooves. Experiment with syncopated rhythms, odd time signatures, and polyrhythms. This will help you expand your musical vocabulary and create more interesting and intricate tapping compositions.
Tapping with Effects
Experiment with incorporating effects such as delay, reverb, or distortion to enhance your tapping sound. These effects can add depth, sustain, and richness to your tapping passages. Take the time to explore different settings and experiment with how the effects interact with your tapping technique.
Remember, consistent practice is key to mastering tapping guitar techniques. Set aside dedicated practice sessions to work on these exercises and patterns. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you develop accuracy and control. Use a metronome to practice with a steady tempo and focus on clean execution of each note.
Additionally, record yourself playing and listen back to assess your progress and identify areas for improvement. Take note of any inconsistencies or areas where your technique can be refined. By actively listening to your playing, you can refine your technique and develop a strong sense of timing and phrasing.
Tapping guitar mastery requires patience, dedication, and a systematic approach to practice. By incorporating these essential exercises and patterns into your daily routine, you will develop the technical proficiency, creativity, and musicality necessary to excel in the world of tapping guitar. So, grab your guitar, start tapping, and embark on a journey to become a master of this exciting technique.