5 Finger Tapping

Learning to tap with more than three fingers isn't as hard as you might think, so in this lesson we're going to take a look at 5 finger tapping for guitar. The concept may be a little different for some, but the process of getting multi-finger tapping down is the same with any other technique.

All you have to do is start slow enough so that you can get the coordination down. Once you've got the muscle memory flowing, the tempo is a lot easier to keep than it is with standard three finger tapping.

Have a listen to this example, and then we'll break it down.





Here's a break down of the tapping process:

1. Tap the 11th fret with your picking hand index finger.
2. Pull off to the fretting hand index finger, which is anchored on the 5th fret.
3. Hammer-on/pull off from the 5th to the 7th fret with your ring finger.
4. Tap the 12th fret with your picking hand middle finger.
5. Pull off to the fretting hand index finger anchored on the 5th fret.
6. Hammer-on/ pull off from the 5th to the 8th fret with the pinkie finger.

That completes the whole cycle of this tap. The trick then is to make sure that you can loop the tap in good timing.

This particular five finger tapping exercise is of course minor, and is not appropriate for every style of music, but the formula for this type of guitar tapping can be customized to fit in with different styles of music.

It all depends on the tempo and key of the song that you want to use it in.

If for some reason you are having trouble with this exercise, focus on the index and middle fingers of the picking hand. Really give a lot of attention to those fingers when they are tapping.

Make sure to do this with the hammer-ons and pull offs as well. If you make it so that your intention is to have strong fingers, you will be golden with all things
guitar.

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Introduction To Tapping

We're ready to get this tapping thing started and hopefully you checked out The Origins Of Guitar Tapping, which contains more insight on the development of the guitar tapping technique.

Now I could sit here and go on and on, but this is really a very visual demonstration, so check out the video, use the tab and apply them together.

My goal was to be as specific about tapping as much as possible when I made the video, and I think that I did a pretty decent job, but I do so love feedback on any of my articles, just so that I know what's on everyone's mind. So if you want to give me your input, please feel free to do so. Any kind of criticism is productive criticism. Enjoy!

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The Origins Of Guitar Tapping

You may be surprised to know that guitar tapping isn't all that new of a technique. In fact, tapping on a stringed instrument in general has been around for the last two centuries, to the point where even Paganini himself had used techniques with similar results.

I'm under the impression that there is no real sole creator of tapping, only string musicians who have modified it as years go by. One thing seems prevalent, which perhaps will change your outlook on music if you are only fond of heavy metal, and further proves that music is indeed universal. It would seem that jazz musicians were the real pioneers of guitar tapping, to the point where many of them would later go on to invent customized instruments to facilitate the technique. Maybe you've heard of Michael Angelo, who is world famous for tapping on two guitar necks at the same time, in order to create intricate passages. That unique honor as originator of that particular approach can be bestowed upon one Dave Bunker, who in 1958 designed the Bunker Touch Guitar.

So you may be saddened to realize that rock and metal guitarists are a little late in the game, but we still must give credit where credit is due. There were rock guitarists tapping long before Eddie Van Halen came around, but the good thing for us is that Eddie bumped it up a notch. Thanks man! (he reads this blog everyday).

There is so much that can be done with tapping and eventually we'll get around to discussing all aspects of it. 3 finger tapping, 4 finger tapping, 5 finger tapping, 6 finger tapping, 7 finger tapping, 8 finger tapping, sweep pick/tapping combos, taps slides, tapping chords, all of it. Give me time and all will be revealed.

If you have no idea what I am talking about at this point or think that tapping means that you are at a keg party, or it brings back memories of going out onto a stage with your fruit boots on, to do a shuffle off to buffalo, then stay tuned. I'm a little pressed for time today and I thought that I would be able to establish the first tapping lesson on this blog, but apparently that will have to be postponed until tomorrow. I can however guarantee you that it will be a good exercise and that it will help you nail it.

I found a formula for developing your tapping skills that bypasses the normal 3 finger tapping approach, and goes straight to 4 finger tapping. Don't worry, its really not hard at all and the exercise will help you to develop a good sense of rhythm, which is the key thing about tapping. Plus, you'll be able to brag to everyone that you know how to do 4 finger tapping. Until tomorrow, I bid you all a good day.

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