Guitar Dictionary Category
Picking & Fretting Technique
What Is Guitar Tapping?
Guitar tapping sounds notes by striking the fretboard with a picking-hand finger. The tapped finger acts like a hammer-on from above the neck. It can then pull off to notes held by the fretting hand, allowing both hands to create one connected line.
Two-hand tapping was popularized in rock guitar by Eddie Van Halen, although forms of tapping appeared before him. The technique is now used in rock, metal, fusion, progressive music, solo guitar and extended-range playing.
How a Tapped Note Sounds
Place a fretting-hand note first. Tap a higher fret firmly with the tip of the picking-hand index or middle finger, close behind the fret wire. The finger must land with enough speed to sound the note, but unnecessary force creates tension and pitch problems.
After the tap, release with a small sideways pull-off so the lower note sounds. The movement resembles a normal pull-off, except the active finger belongs to the picking hand.
Basic Three-Note Tapping Pattern
Use the first string. Fret the 5th fret with the first finger and the 8th fret with the fourth finger. Tap the 12th fret, pull off to 8, then pull off to 5.
T = picking-hand tap e|--12T-p8-p5--12T-p8-p5--12T-p8-p5--| B|------------------------------------| G|------------------------------------| D|------------------------------------| A|------------------------------------| E|------------------------------------|
Keep the three notes evenly spaced. Many players rush the two pull-offs after the tap. Practise as triplets before attempting faster repeated patterns.
Muting and Noise Control
Tapping removes the picking hand from its normal muting position, so unused strings can ring. Use the unused parts of both hands to damp them. A temporary string dampener may help during recording, but it should not replace learning basic muting control.
Practise with a clean or moderately overdriven tone. Heavy gain makes tapping easier to hear but also magnifies every accidental string contact.
Keeping the Pick Available
Some players tuck the pick into another finger, hold it against the palm or tap with the middle finger while the thumb and index finger continue holding the pick. Choose a method that allows a reliable return to normal picking without dropping the pick or interrupting the phrase.
Tapping Beyond One-String Patterns
Tapping can outline arpeggios, add notes outside a familiar scale shape, create wide intervals or allow both hands to play independent parts. Jennifer Batten developed full two-hand approaches in which several fingers from each hand participate. Start with one finger and one string before expanding the system.
Why Tapping Matters
Tapping extends the fretting range and allows connected phrases that would be difficult with one hand alone. The technique is most effective when the rhythm, harmony and phrasing remain clear enough that the listener hears music rather than only a physical effect.
Kalymi Tip
Eddie Van Halen described the tapping finger as functioning like an extra fretting finger. Use that idea literally: the tapped note must arrive in time, close behind the fret, and with only enough force to sound clearly.
Start with one three-note triplet on one string. Tap, pull off to the higher fretting-hand note, then pull off to the lower note. Make all three notes equal in rhythm and volume before repeating the pattern.
Jennifer Batten’s broader two-hand work shows where the technique can eventually go, but do not begin by trying to use every finger. Build reliable muting, timing and a secure way to keep or recover the pick. Then place the tapping pattern inside an actual arpeggio or melodic phrase.
Related Terms
Learn More
- 6 Essential Solo Tips for Unforgettable Guitar Playing
- Guitar Scales Chart
- Guitar Learning Path
- Kalymi Music Library
- Eddie Van Halen Explains Two-Handed Tapping
- Jennifer Batten Interview
Reviewed by
Brent C. Robitaille,
music educator and founder of
Kalymi Music.