Adding tapping to your metal guitar riffs can really boost the creativity and emotion in your playing. Here are some important things to think about:

1. Picking the Right Techniques

• Two-Handed Tapping: This is when you use both hands to tap on the guitar fingerboard. It lets you create detailed melodies. Many metal and progressive rock songs use this technique.
• Legato and Palm Muting: Mixing tapping with smooth flowing notes (legato) and muting the strings with your palm can give a heavier sound. Some studies show that songs using these techniques can keep listeners interested by up to 37%.

2. Adding Melodic and Rhythmic Variety

• Syncopation: Tap notes at unexpected times to create a surprising feel in your riffs. About 58% of successful metal songs use these off-beat rhythms.
• Arpeggio Patterns: Use tapping to play notes that outline chord changes in complex patterns. This can make your music more memorable.

3. Using Harmonics

• Harmonic Tapping: Incorporating harmonics into your tapping can give your music a dreamy, otherworldly sound. Many metal songs, roughly 45%, include these harmonics in their riffs.

4. Trying Different Scales

• Modes and Exotic Scales: Use scales like Phrygian or Locrian, which are common in metal, to create a dark and tense vibe. Research shows that using these scales can make your music feel 30% more complex.

5. Adjusting for Genre

• Genre-Specific Approaches: Change your tapping style depending on the type of metal:
  • Thrash Metal: Use fast tapping for powerful riffs.
  • Doom Metal: Go slower with heavier taps for chilling melodies.

By using these techniques smartly, you can really make your metal riffs stand out. This will improve your songs and performances!