What is Tapping in Guitar?

Tapping in guitar is a playing technique where the fingers of the picking hand are used to press notes onto the fretboard, rather than picking the strings in the traditional way. It is known for enabling fast, fluid, and highly expressive passages.

The technique typically involves hammering notes onto the fretboard with one or more fingers from the picking hand, often combined with the fretting hand to create rapid sequences of notes.

Tapping emphasizes speed and legato phrasing, allowing for smooth note transitions and extended range across the instrument.

It is commonly used in rock, metal, and fusion styles, especially for solos and intricate melodic runs.

Today, tapping is widely used by guitarists, valued for its ability to expand technical possibilities and create distinctive, high-energy musical expressions.