Tapping and Sweep Picking: Understanding Advanced Guitar Techniques

Tapping and sweep picking are cool guitar techniques. They help musicians play complex melodies and solos. Knowing how to use these techniques can help guitarists choose which one to use in their music.

Tapping Technique

What Is Tapping? Tapping is when you use one or both hands to press down on the strings to make notes ring out. Most guitarists use their picking hand’s fingers, like the index, middle, or ring fingers, to create sounds. Guitar legends like Eddie Van Halen and Joe Satriani made tapping popular.

How It Works:

1. Finger Independence: Tapping needs your fingers to move independently because musicians often play difficult patterns across various strings and frets.
2. Speed: With tapping, players can hit high notes and play fast sequences without moving around much. Skilled players can tap out 15-20 notes every second!
3. Multiple Lines: Tapping lets guitarists play more than one tune at the same time, making their music richer and more interesting.

Getting Better at Tapping:

• Practice is crucial. Many musicians spend about 20-30% of their practice time on tapping exercises.
• Experienced players might work on tapping 2-3 times a week.

Sweep Picking Technique

What Is Sweep Picking? Sweep picking is a method that lets you move smoothly between notes on nearby strings with one continuous motion. You usually use one downward or upward stroke of the pick to do this. Famous shredders like Yngwie Malmsteen and Paul Gilbert are known for this technique.

How It Works:

1. Smooth Sound: Sweep picking creates a smooth sound that is great for fast sequences and complex chords.
2. Speed: The typical speed for sweep picking is about 10-15 notes every second. But advanced players can even go over 25 notes per second!
3. Chord Shapes: Sweep picking helps guitarists play different chord shapes quickly and clearly. They can play arpeggios of 3 to 5 strings easily.

Getting Better at Sweep Picking:

• To master sweep picking, players usually practice for 1-2 hours, focusing just on that technique and learning various patterns.
• Guitarists often spend about 30-40% of their practice time improving their sweep picking skills.

Comparing Tapping and Sweep Picking

Strengths and When to Use Them:

• Creating Melodies: Tapping is great for making melodies that don't fit traditional scales. Sweep picking is better for fast arpeggios and chord parts.
• Sound Quality: Tapping can create a unique sound that feels rhythmic, which is popular in modern rock and metal. Sweep picking is commonly found in neoclassical and progressive metal music.

Popularity Among Guitarists:

• About 60% of guitarists use both techniques. Around 30% prefer tapping, while only 10% focus on sweep picking.
• Tapping tutorials get about 40% more views online than sweep picking tutorials, showing a growing interest in tapping.

Final Thoughts

In the end, whether a guitarist chooses tapping or sweep picking depends on their musical goals and personal style. Each technique has its unique benefits that can really improve a guitarist's skills. Intermediate and advanced players should aim to master both techniques to enhance their creativity and technical abilities.