Guitar Tapping Exercises

Guitar Tapping Exercises: Learn how to shred with guitar tapping exercises! Build coordination with these beginner-friendly drills to unlock speedy licks.

Hi. Ian here and welcome to this article!

Ever watched a shred-master like Eddie Van Halen or Steve Vai and thought, “Man, I wish I could do that?”

Well, guess what? You can! The secret weapon behind those lightning-fast licks is a technique called guitar tapping.

Tapping isn’t just about showing off (though, let’s be honest, it looks pretty darn cool).

It unlocks new melodic possibilities, adds a whole new dimension to your playing, and seriously impresses your audience. But where do you even begin? Don’t worry; we’re about to dive into the wonderful world of guitar tapping exercises.

First things first, you’ll need some solid right-hand picking technique. Imagine you’re drumming your fingers on a table – that alternating motion is key. There are tons of online resources (a quick YouTube search for “alternate picking exercises” will do the trick) to get you started. Once you’ve got that down, we can get tappin’!

This article will guide you through a step-by-step approach to mastering guitar tapping exercises, from beginner licks to mind-bending scales. We’ll break down the mechanics, show you cool examples from famous players, and most importantly, keep things fun and engaging. So grab your axe, buckle up, and let’s get tapping!

Understanding Guitar Tapping

The Basics of Tapping

When you begin your journey into tapping, you’re engaging in a technique that essentially involves using both left and right hands to ‘tap’ notes on the fretboard. This method allows you to play notes at high speed and with greater reach than is possible with traditional picking techniques.

Eddie Van Halen pioneered this approach, bringing it into the mainstream with his song “Eruption”. Following Van Halen, guitarists like Joe Satriani and Steve Vai adopted and expanded upon the technique, each bringing their unique styles to it. The beauty of finger tapping is that it’s not just about speed – it’s as much about rhythm and melodic expression.

To start, you’ll want to isolate each hand and work on the precision of your taps. Both hands will be tapping on the fretboard, but your picking hand usually does the ‘tapping’ part, while the fretting hand aids in pull-offs and hammer-ons in coordination with the taps. Here’s a simple way to visualize the mechanics:

1. With your fretting hand, hold down a note on the fretboard.
2. With your picking hand, sharply tap another fret above the note held by the fretting hand, ideally on the same string.
3. Lift your picking hand finger quickly off the fret to create a clear sound.
4. Use a pull-off with the fretting hand to return to the original note.

This basic motion, when practiced repeatedly, will become more fluid and you can then incorporate more complex taps and finger movements, such as string skipping or tapping on different strings. Remember to start slowly to ensure clarity and precision before aiming for speed.

Getting Started with Tapping

Before diving into tapping on the guitar, remember that this technique hinges on precision and clarity. You’ll want to get your finger positions and hand posture right to execute clean taps.

Finger Positions and Hand Posture

Your fingers should be curved, poised for action, with tips ready to press down firmly just behind the fret. Good tapping technique begins with ensuring your fretting hand maintains a thoughtful hand position to facilitate smooth transitions between notes.

Tapping Hand vs Fretting Hand

The role your hands play in tapping is distinct and requires coordination. Your tapping hand (usually your dominant hand) is responsible for hammering onto the strings with enough force to produce a note. Simultaneously, your fretting hand needs to be in position for any necessary pull-offs or to assist in legato sequences as you tap across the fretboard. Remember, practice makes perfect, so take it slow and work on the synchronization of both hands.

Tapping Exercises for Beginners

Tapping on the guitar is a technique that can give your playing a unique and technical edge. These exercises will introduce you to the basics of tapping, starting with a simple exercise and progressing to include additional techniques like hammer-ons and pull-offs. Before starting, make sure your guitar is in tune and start with a slow tempo, gradually increasing the speed as you become comfortable.

Exercise 1: Basic Tapping

Begin your tapping practice with a straightforward, single-note exercise. Here’s how to get started:

1. Place your picking hand’s index finger over the 12th fret on the high E string.
2. Tap the string with enough force to sound the note clearly.
3. With the note ringing, release your tapping finger to let the string resonate.

Tip: Start slowly and use a metronome to keep time. Aim for clear, consistent notes.

Exercise 2: Adding Pull-Offs

Once you’ve got the hang of the basic tapping technique, incorporate pull-offs into your practice:

1. After performing the initial tap on the 12th fret with your index finger, pull your finger off to sound the 8th fret, which should be held down by a finger on your fretting hand.
2. From the 8th fret, execute a pull-off to the 5th fret, also held down by a finger on your fretting hand.

Tip: This exercise helps develop synchronization between both hands. Use a metronome to maintain a steady tempo and work on the smoothness of transitions between notes.

Remember, it’s not about speed but precision and control. As your confidence grows, try experimenting with different tempos and rhythms.

Intermediate Tapping Techniques

As you delve into intermediate guitar tapping techniques, you’ll see a significant expansion of your playing capabilities. Mastery of hammer-ons, pull-offs, and a marked increase in speed and dexterity are critical to your progress at this level.

Incorporating Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Tapping isn’t just about the tap; it’s an elegant dance of hammer-ons and pull-offs that give your melodies fluidity. Start by practicing on the 12th fret with your tapping finger, and hammer on to the 7th fret and pull off to the 5th fret. This three-note motíf is a building block for more complex patterns. Aim for a clean transition between the notes, ensuring each one rings out clearly.

• Exercise: Tap at the 12th fret, hammer on at the 7th fret, and pull off to the 5th fret. Repeat.

Building Speed and Dexterity

Increasing your tempo using these techniques requires patience and consistent practice with a metronome. Set your metronome to a pace where you can play cleanly and without tension. Gradually increase the speed only when you’re comfortable – clarity trumps speed. Always stay relaxed and don’t compromise precision for pace.

• Tips for Improvement:
  • Start slow: Begin at a tempo where you maintain accuracy.
  • Incremental increases: Only nudge up the metronome after mastering the current tempo.
  • Daily practice: Regular, structured practice ensures steady progress.

Remember, using these exercises consistently will significantly enhance your tapping technique and overall guitar proficiency.

Advanced Tapping Applications

When you delve into advanced guitar techniques, tapping offers a dynamic way to add complexity and speed to your playing. Here, we focus on two powerful applications: intricate two-handed patterns and arpeggio-based tapping solos.

Two-Handed Tapping Patterns

Two-handed tapping requires you to use both hands to create rhythmically complex and speedy patterns on the fretboard. To begin, try a basic exercise that involves both hands tapping in sequence:

1. With your fretting hand, tap the 12th fret on the high E string.
2. Next, with your picking hand, tap the 17th fret on the same string.

Remember, consistency is key. Start slow and increase your pace as your coordination improves. Here’s a pattern to challenge your dexterity:

• Tap: 12th fret (fretting hand)
• Tap: 17th fret (picking hand)
• Pull-off to the 8th fret (fretting hand)
• Tap: 7th fret (picking hand)

Each tap should be clear and precise. Here you’ll find 13 essential guitar tapping exercises that can enhance your technique and dexterity.

Arpeggio-Based Tapping Solos

An arpeggio-based tapping solo takes the harmony of chords and breaks it into stunning single-note sequences. To execute this effectively, you should have a strong understanding of chord structures. Start with a triad and sequentially tap each note:

• Tap the root note with your fretting hand.
• Tap the third and fifth intervals with your picking hand in a rolling motion.

For instance, if you’re tapping an A minor arpeggio:

• Tap: 12th fret (A) on the A string (fretting hand)
• Tap: 14th fret (C) on the G string (picking hand)
• Tap: 17th fret (E) on the D string (picking hand)

This technique can turn simple arpeggios into riveting solos that captivate audiences. It’s important to practice transitioning between arpeggios smoothly to maintain the flow of the solo. Guitarists interested in crafting tapping solos can look to popular pieces for inspiration.

By working through these advanced applications, you’re expanding your tapping arsenal beyond the basics and into expressive solos and captivating patterns that can define your unique sound.

Exploring the Fretboard Like a Boss:

Tapping isn’t just about one string – it’s about conquering the entire fretboard! This means venturing beyond the high E string and exploring the tonal landscapes of the B and G strings. Imagine tapping out a melody that jumps across strings, creating a truly unique sound. Websites like [Fictional guitar website] offer awesome exercises to get you started.

Crafting Melodic Tapping Solos:

Tapping isn’t just about speed – it’s about creating beautiful music. By combining tapping with scales (think pentatonic or blues scales!), you can craft solos that are both technically impressive and melodically satisfying. Think Eddie Van Halen’s “Eruption” – a true tapping masterpiece!

Developing Your Signature Tapping Style:

The beauty of tapping is that it’s not a one-size-fits-all technique. As you get comfortable, experiment! Try incorporating different rhythms, hammer-ons, and pull-offs to create your own tapping fingerprint.

Tapping Tone and Guitar Setup:

Getting the right sound is crucial for tapping. Experiment with different guitar effects like compressors and delays to create a smooth and defined tone. Websites like [Fictional guitar magazine] offer excellent articles on optimizing your setup for tapping.

Practice Makes Perfect: Mastering Tapping with a Metronome:

Tapping is all about precision and control. Your best friend on this journey? A trusty metronome! Start slow and focus on hitting the notes cleanly with both hands. Gradually increase the tempo as your skills progress. Remember, slow and steady wins the race!

Frequently Asked Questions:

So, are you ready to unleash your inner tapping hero? With these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to conquering the fretboard and creating jaw-dropping guitar solos in no time!

Conclusion

Guitar tapping unlocks a world of rapid-fire melodies and mind-bending solos. With dedication and these exercises, you’ll transform your playing, leaving audiences awestruck. Remember, slow and steady wins the race – focus on precision first, then unleash the speed!