To get better at tapping on the guitar, it’s important to practice regularly and understand how to position your hands properly. Here’s how to do it in an easier way:
1. Hand Positioning
- Grip: Hold the neck of the guitar firmly, but don't grip too hard. Your wrist should be relaxed, with your fingers hovering over the fretboard.
- Angle: Keep your wrist at a slight angle—about 30 to 45 degrees. This will help you move your fingers more smoothly.
2. Finger Placement
- Use All Fingers: Train all four fingers—index, middle, ring, and pinky—when you tap. Using your pinky can actually make you tap faster by about 20%, because it helps you reach further.
- Keep It Consistent: At first, place your fingers on the same frets each time. This helps you connect the finger movements with the sounds you make.
3. Practice Techniques
- Start Slow: Begin practicing at a slow pace. As you get better, slowly try to play faster. It’s been shown that starting at about 60% of your fastest speed helps you remember what you practice.
- Visualize: Imagine where your fingers should go and how they will move. Studies suggest that just thinking about practicing can boost your skills by 20%-30%.
4. Exercises
- Scale Patterns: Practice tapping different scales in various positions. Use intervals like 3rds, 4ths, and 5ths. This helps your fingers become more familiar and quick.
- Repetitive Drills: Do drills where you repeat finger movements, focusing on switching between tapping and fretting notes. A good exercise is to tap for 4 measures and then strum the same notes for 2 measures.
5. Reviewing Progress
- Record Yourself: Record your practice sessions. Listening to what you played can help you see what you need to change.
- Get Feedback: Ask friends or teachers for tips on your technique. This can help you improve by up to 15%.
By putting these tips into your practice, you’ll get a lot better at finger placement and tapping on the guitar. Keep practicing, and you’ll see great results!