How to Do Finger Tapping on an Electric Guitar

Finger tapping on the electric guitar can transform your playing, adding a whole new dimension to your solos. It’s a technique that can seem a bit daunting at first, but with some practice, it can become second nature. Whether you’re a fan of Eddie Van Halen’s iconic solos or you’re aiming to incorporate some flair into your own playing, finger tapping is a versatile skill worth adding to your arsenal. Let’s break down how you can get started and refine your tapping technique.

The Basics of Finger Tapping

Finger tapping involves using a finger on your picking hand, often the index or middle finger, to hammer onto the fretboard, allowing you to play notes that would be hard to reach otherwise. This technique creates fast, fluid passages that can sound incredibly impressive in the right context. It’s not just about speed, though; it’s about creating a seamless flow of notes that can take your solos to the next level.

To start with finger tapping:

• Choose the Right Finger: Most guitarists use their middle finger since it allows them to hold the pick while tapping. However, some prefer the index finger for more control.
• Get Comfortable: Before diving into complex patterns, practice simple taps on a single string. Try tapping around the 12th fret, as it’s a common starting point.
• Use Both Hands: Your fretting hand will still play a crucial role. Practice moving between tapped notes and fretted notes smoothly.

Remember, it’s all about building muscle memory and getting your hands coordinated. With patience, you’ll see progress.

Developing Speed and Accuracy

Once you’re comfortable with the basic tapping motion, it’s time to focus on speed and accuracy. It’s tempting to rush into fast solos, but it’s essential to build a solid foundation first.

Here’s a simple exercise to help develop these skills:

• Slow and Steady: Start by tapping a single note slowly and consistently. Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.
• Use a Metronome: Practicing with a metronome will help you keep time and gradually increase your speed. Set it at a slow tempo and increase it incrementally.
• Focus on Clean Sounds: Every note should be clear and distinct. If you’re getting a lot of string noise, slow down and refine your technique.

Speed will come with practice, but accuracy should always be your priority. Remember, tapping is not just about how fast you can play, but how cleanly you can execute each note.

String Muting Techniques

One of the biggest challenges with finger tapping is dealing with unwanted string noise. It’s crucial to develop good string muting techniques to keep your playing clean and professional.

Consider these tips for effective string muting:

• Use Your Fretting Hand: Lightly rest your fretting hand fingers on the strings you’re not playing to keep them from ringing out.
• Try a Hair Tie: Some guitarists use a hair tie or a specialized string dampener around the neck to mute open strings.
• Right-Hand Muting: Your picking hand can also mute strings. Use your palm or unused fingers to silence any strings that might be making noise.

These techniques will help keep your tapping sound tight and focused, allowing the notes you play to shine through.

Building Complex Tapping Patterns

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can start experimenting with more complex tapping patterns. This is where your creativity can really shine, as there are endless possibilities for what you can play.

To get started:

• Explore Different Scales: Use the scales you already know and see how they translate into tapping patterns. Try pentatonic, minor, or modal scales.
• Incorporate Slides and Pull-Offs: Adding slides and pull-offs between tapped notes can add flair to your patterns, making them sound more fluid.
• Experiment with Rhythms: Don’t just stick to even note values. Experiment with triplets, quintuplets, and other rhythmic variations.

As you explore these patterns, you’ll find new ways to express yourself on the guitar, making your solos more dynamic and engaging.

Using Tapping in Metal and Beyond

Tapping is a staple in many metal subgenres, from classic heavy metal to progressive metal and djent. But it’s not just confined to metal. You can find tapping in jazz, rock, and even blues. The key is to understand how it fits into the style you’re playing.

For metal guitarists:

• Embrace the Aggression: Use tapping to create rapid-fire runs and aggressive passages that complement the intensity of metal.
• Layer with Other Techniques: Combine tapping with techniques like sweeping and alternate picking for complex, multi-layered solos.
• Think Rhythmically: Metal is often rhythm-driven, so consider how your tapping patterns fit into the overall groove of the song.

By understanding how tapping integrates into different styles, you can make your playing more versatile and interesting.

Incorporating Tapping into Your Practice Routine

Like any technique, finger tapping requires consistent practice to master. Incorporating it into your routine will help you improve faster.

Here’s how you can make tapping a regular part of your practice:

• Set Aside Time: Dedicate a portion of your practice session specifically to tapping. Consistency is key.
• Use Backing Tracks: Practice your tapping patterns over backing tracks to get used to playing in context. This helps with timing and musicality.
• Record Yourself: Listening back to recordings of your playing can help you identify areas for improvement and track your progress.

By making tapping a regular part of your practice, you’ll see improvement over time, and it will start to feel more natural.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Every guitarist makes mistakes, especially when learning a new technique. Recognizing these common errors can help you avoid them in your own playing.

Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Rushing the Technique: It’s easy to want to play fast right away, but speed will come with time. Focus on accuracy first.
• Ignoring Dynamics: Tapping isn’t just about volume. Pay attention to the dynamics of your playing to make it more expressive.
• Neglecting Muting: Unwanted noise can ruin a good tapping run. Make sure you’re muting effectively to keep your sound clean.

By being aware of these mistakes, you can adjust your practice and improve your tapping technique more effectively.

Learning from the Masters

There’s no better way to improve than by learning from those who have mastered the art. Listening to and studying from accomplished guitarists can provide valuable insights into tapping technique.

Consider these legendary players:

• Eddie Van Halen: Known for popularizing tapping in rock music, his work is a great resource for inspiration and technique.
• Steve Vai: Vai’s intricate solos often incorporate tapping, and his style can teach you about creativity and expression.
• Joe Satriani: With a focus on melody and feel, Satriani’s tapping solos demonstrate how to use the technique musically.

By studying these masters, you can learn new techniques and apply them to your own playing. And if you’re looking for more structured lessons, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the world’s best metal guitarists, helping you refine your technique and expand your musical vocabulary.

Final Thoughts

Finger tapping is a fantastic way to add flair and complexity to your guitar playing. It opens up new possibilities for your solos and helps you express your creativity in unique ways. As you practice and refine your tapping technique, consider learning from the best in the business. At Riffhard, we offer lessons that can boost your skills and inspire your playing, making the journey even more exciting.