How to Tap Guitar Strings

Ever wondered how some guitarists make their solos scream with insane speed and precision? One of the secret weapons in their arsenal is tapping. It’s a technique often used to add flair and complexity, especially in metal and its many subgenres. Let’s break down how you can start tapping guitar strings and make your playing more dynamic and exciting.

Understanding the Basics of Tapping

Guitar tapping is all about using both your fretting and picking hands to play notes on the fretboard. Normally, your fretting hand handles the notes while your picking hand strikes the strings, but tapping flips the script. You’ll be using your picking hand to tap on the fretboard, allowing you to play notes that would be hard to reach otherwise.

Think of Eddie Van Halen, who famously popularized the technique with his song “Eruption.” He showed the world that tapping wasn’t just a gimmick; it was a legitimate technique that could enhance a guitarist’s repertoire. The core of tapping involves hammer-ons and pull-offs, but with an extra twist—literally and figuratively.

Start simple: Try tapping a note on the 12th fret of the high E string, while your fretting hand holds down the 5th fret. Hammer-on to the 8th fret with your fretting hand, then tap the 12th fret with your picking hand’s middle or index finger. Pull off back to the 8th fret and then to the 5th. Voila! You’ve just tapped your first lick.

Choosing the Right Gear

Before jumping headfirst into tapping, let’s talk gear. Your guitar setup plays a crucial role in how effectively you can tap. While you can tap on any guitar, some setups make it easier.

First, consider your strings. Lighter gauge strings make tapping easier because they require less force to press down. A set of 9s or 10s should suffice for most players. If you’re venturing into more extreme metal genres where speed is paramount, you might want to experiment with lighter strings.

Next, your guitar’s action can impact your tapping. Lower action reduces the distance you need to press the strings, making tapping smoother. However, be cautious about lowering your action too much, as it can cause fret buzz. A happy medium is best, and a trip to your local guitar tech can help you find that sweet spot.

Amplification and effects also come into play. Using a compressor can even out the dynamics, ensuring your tapped notes ring out just as clearly as picked notes. Distortion helps sustain each note longer, a necessity for creating those long, fluid runs that tapping is known for.

Developing Finger Dexterity

So, you’ve got the gear, and you understand the basics. What’s next? It’s time to make those fingers nimble. Tapping requires a different kind of finger dexterity than typical playing. You’ll need to train both hands to work independently yet in sync.

Start with simple exercises. Place your fretting hand on the 5th fret of the B string and your tapping hand on the 12th fret. Practice tapping the 12th fret, then pulling off to the open string, and then hammering back onto the 5th fret with your fretting hand. At first, it may feel awkward, but with repetition, it’ll become second nature.

Gradually increase the complexity of your exercises. Incorporate more fingers from your fretting hand and experiment with different string combinations. The key here is to build muscle memory. Your hands should know what to do without your brain having to consciously direct every movement.

And hey, don’t forget about that pinky! Often neglected, your pinky is crucial for tapping. It extends your reach and allows you to play more intricate patterns. Practice tapping exercises that specifically involve the pinky to give it a workout.

Getting the Timing Right

Timing can make or break your tapping. Even if you can tap at lightning speed, it’s useless without good timing. This is where a metronome becomes your best friend. Start slow and gradually build up your speed.

Use the metronome to practice tapping in time. Set it to a comfortable tempo and play a simple tapping pattern, like the one we discussed earlier. Focus on keeping each note evenly spaced and in time with the metronome. As you become more comfortable, increase the tempo.

Consider incorporating rhythmic variations into your practice. Play eighth notes, triplets, and sixteenth notes to develop versatility in your tapping. This will prepare you for real-world playing situations where you need to adapt your timing on the fly.

For a deeper dive into timing and rhythm, Riffhard offers lessons that focus on these aspects with some of the best metal guitarists in the world. Their custom metronome and lesson plans can help you nail those tricky rhythms.

Creating Tapping Licks

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, it’s time to get creative. Tapping isn’t just about speed; it’s about creating interesting musical phrases. Try composing your own tapping licks.

Start simple. Choose a scale you’re familiar with, like the pentatonic or minor scale. Work within the scale to create a tapping lick. This could involve tapping notes that jump up or down the scale in unique ways.

Experiment with different patterns. You might try tapping on one string and then moving to another string, creating a cascading effect. Or, try tapping harmonics for a different sound altogether. The possibilities are endless, limited only by your creativity.

Remember, music isn’t just about technique; it’s about expression. Use tapping to express yourself musically. Whether you’re writing a soulful solo or a blistering riff, the way you use tapping can add new dimensions to your playing.

Incorporating Tapping into Your Solos

So you’ve got some tapping licks under your belt. How do you incorporate them into your solos? It’s all about context and flow. Tapping can be a powerful tool, but overusing it can make your playing sound mechanical. The trick is to use it sparingly and thoughtfully.

When crafting a solo, think about the emotional arc you want to create. Use tapping to add intensity or drama at key moments. It can serve as a climax or a transition within your solo. Experiment with different ways to incorporate tapping seamlessly into your existing style.

If you’re playing in a band, listen to what the other musicians are doing. Use tapping to complement the music, rather than overpower it. For instance, if the drummer is playing a complex rhythm, you might use tapping to mimic or enhance it.

For more guidance on incorporating tapping into your solos, Riffhard offers lessons from top metal guitarists. They teach how to integrate tapping into solos to make them more expressive and impactful.

Advanced Tapping Techniques

Ready to take your tapping to the next level? There are several advanced techniques you can explore, each adding a new layer of complexity and intrigue to your playing.

Multi-finger tapping involves using more than one finger from your tapping hand. This allows you to play more notes simultaneously, creating rich, layered sounds. It’s a staple in genres like progressive metal and djent, where complexity is king.

Two-handed tapping involves using both hands on the fretboard simultaneously. This opens up a world of possibilities, letting you play complex harmonies and melodies. It’s similar to playing a piano, where each hand has its own role.

Finally, consider tapping harmonics. By lightly tapping at specific points on the string (usually over the frets), you can create ethereal harmonic sounds. This adds texture and nuance to your playing, perfect for creating atmospheric sections in your music.

Practicing Tapping Daily

Like any skill, tapping improves with practice. Consistent, focused practice will yield the best results. Set aside dedicated time each day to practice your tapping technique.

Start with a warm-up. Spend a few minutes tapping simple patterns to get your fingers moving. Then, focus on specific exercises that target areas you want to improve, whether that’s speed, accuracy, or creativity.

Use a variety of practice tools. Alongside your metronome, consider practicing with backing tracks. This helps you apply your tapping skills in a musical context. You can find a wealth of backing tracks online, covering a myriad of genres and styles.

Track your progress. Record yourself playing and listen back to identify areas for improvement. This can be incredibly revealing and motivating, helping you stay on track and see how far you’ve come.

For structured, effective practice routines, check out Riffhard. Our lessons and practice plans are designed to help you improve efficiently, with input from some of the best guitarists in the metal scene.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

As you practice, you might encounter some common issues. Don’t get discouraged; these are part of the learning process and can be overcome with patience and persistence.

One common problem is string noise. This occurs when other strings ring out unintentionally while you’re tapping. To combat this, try muting unused strings with your palm or a hair tie placed around the neck above the nut. This keeps your playing clean and focused.

Another issue is inconsistent volume. Tapped notes can sometimes be quieter than picked notes. Adjust your attack and use effects like compression to even out the dynamics. Practicing with a clean tone can also help, as it forces you to rely on technique rather than effects to create volume.

Finally, if you find tapping awkward or uncomfortable, check your hand positioning. Ensure your tapping hand is positioned over the fretboard in a way that allows your fingers to strike the strings cleanly. Sometimes, small adjustments can make a big difference.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—a roadmap to start tapping guitar strings like a pro. Remember, tapping is a journey, not a destination. With practice and creativity, you can make it a powerful part of your guitar toolkit. For those looking to dive deeper, Riffhard offers extensive lessons and resources from the world’s top metal guitarists to guide you on your journey.