finger tapping

peaveyuser · #1 10-18-2006, 07:44 PM

I'm new to this forum and i know this has probably already been covered but i couldn't find any threads on it. I'm wondering what's the proper technique to tapping. I don't plan on being the next billy sheehan but i want to learn how to do this. I have almost no use to this technique but i'd like to learn it to improve my skill and because it sounds cool. I've heard of how your supposed to put the middle finger on top of the index and tap around the 12th fret but i tried it and seems a bit slow, does anybody have any recomendations on this subject. I'd like to at least be able to play a few songs or solo using that style.

Swimming Bird · #2 10-18-2006, 10:53 PM

You know how you hammer-on with your left hand? Do that with your right. You need the same accuracy, power and ability to pull-off otherwise it won't sound great. I like Vic's method of anchoring your right thumb behind the neck.

peaveyuser · #3 10-19-2006, 05:58 AM

ya i tried that technique once and i'll practice it but what should i practise first, got any recommendations on exercises i should do for learning this technique?

Swimming Bird · #4 10-19-2006, 08:20 AM

Just practice. You'll get better at it, you just have to be persistant. Try playing a riff or melody though, don't just hit notes. Whatever works for you. Try scales, but use both hands -- you can trade hands or you can do the scale in different octaves at the same time. If you get really good at that, try ascending a scale with your left hand and descending the same scale an octave up with your right. Also, polyrhythm excercises can be fun (3/2 is a good one to start with).

Later you can add pull-offs and use both hands for some EVH-style solos.

peaveyuser · #5 10-19-2006, 03:45 PM

yhanks alot for the recommendations, i'm going to try the godfather theme song with it. I've learned that song with my fingers and a pick already and it just seems like a good song to fool around with and improvize, it sounds good any way you do it.

Swimming Bird · #6 10-19-2006, 04:55 PM

Have you heard the Fantomas version of the Godfather theme?

peaveyuser · #7 10-19-2006, 06:58 PM

no i just do the slash one. Sure it's guitar but sound is what matters.

AmazingGracePlayer · #8 10-20-2006, 09:20 PM

it's just like playing the piano, except you dont use your thumbs, and you have to press harder

peaveyuser · #9 10-21-2006, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htotheh

it's just like playing the piano, except you dont use your thumbs, and you have to press harder

that's actually realy good clear advice. It's funny how sometimes things that simple can be more helpful than long instructions.

garth elson · #10 10-22-2006, 08:57 PM

Stu Hamm would be a good watch for you, if you haven't watched much already. It's worth noting that your middle fingers are probably going to end up being your strongest tapping fingers, followed by index, then ring, then pinky. I heard a couple people talk about the "middle over index" method, and then I heard firsthand how bad they were at tapping. It's good to work on forearm strength (look at vic's, they're enourmous!), as that naturally will make hammer-ons and pull-offs easier. But, as far as technique goes, that's something that can only be taught so far by letters and spaces over the internet. Some peope like the right thumb behind the neck, some don't. Some like to use pinkies, some like to actually use thumbs for frets, and of course some don't. Spend a good few hours messing with it, and you'll find something that fits.