Blending Tapping and Blues Licks: Tips for Guitarists

Mixing tapping techniques with blues guitar sounds can be tough for players. The main challenge comes from the differences between tapping and blues playing. Tapping often has fast and tricky melodies that can sometimes drown out the emotional vibe that blues music is known for. Let’s break down why this can be hard and how to make it easier.

Challenges:

1. Emotional Disconnect:

   • Blues music is all about deep feelings, shown through bends, slides, and vibrato. Tapping can feel more robotic and less emotional, which doesn’t always fit well with the blues.

2. Technical Complexity:

   • Tapping licks need a lot of skill and coordination. Trying to mix these complex moves into a blues song can make the performance feel awkward.

3. Sound Overlap:

   • The sounds from tapping might not match well with blues licks. This can create a confusing experience for the audience, making it hard to tell what type of music they are hearing.

4. Inconsistency:

   • Finding the right mix of tapping and blues can be tricky, especially for players who aren’t beginners. It’s easy to either overdo the tapping or not capture the true spirit of the blues.

Solutions:

1. Mixing Styles:

   • Start by learning classic blues licks. Once you know those, try adding tapping to them. For example, take a blues scale and tap a note on a nearby string. This way, you keep the blues vibe while adding something new.

2. Create Hybrid Licks:

   • Make licks that use both techniques. You can play a blues lick with hammer-ons and pull-offs, then follow it with a tapped note going up to create a smooth flow.

3. Focus on Dynamics:

   • Think about how loud or soft you are playing while tapping. Use softer taps along with strong accents on the main blues notes to make it sound more emotional.

4. Practice Slowly:

   • Practice regularly to get better. Start slow and make sure you can play both styles well on their own before trying to combine them. A metronome can help you keep good timing.

5. Experiment:

   • Don’t be afraid to try new things without worrying about making it perfect. Some of the best sounds come from mixing different styles in unexpected ways.

By recognizing these challenges and trying out the suggested solutions, you can successfully blend tapping techniques with blues licks. This can lead to a unique sound that makes your guitar playing stand out while still celebrating the depth of both styles. Let your creativity shine as you explore these musical techniques!