Learn AND Apply Two Hand Tapping: Technique + Theory [GUITAR LESSON]

This lesson is a detailed guide to get you started on learning the two-handed tapping technique for guitar. There are two important skills that must be learned first: left hand legato, and the right hand tap. After that, we will break down the most common tapping pattern (heard in Van Halen’s “Eruption,” Metallica’s “One,” and countless other tracks) into three simple steps.

After learning how to synch up our practice with a metronome, we will then explore different patterns of varying difficulty, including 4-note sixteenth note patterns, 5 note quintuplet patterns, and 6-note sextuplet patterns.

A small amount of music theory will also be taught relating to minor and major arpeggios, which are the most common way to perform tapping sequences. However, you are encouraged to EXPERIMENT with new shapes, patterns, strings, etc.

Included with this lesson is a backing track using the chords Em-G-A-C. Try using the skills taught in this lesson to create a tapped arpeggio sequence that matches each chord. Also included is a 2 page PDF detailing the steps to tapping, arpeggio theory, and tabs/music for the tapping patterns.

These lessons are sponsored by my incredible Patreon supporters. They deserve my appreciation, and if you enjoy these lessons, yours as well!
Shout out to the following heros:

Adam Granger
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Daniel Danciu
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Don Watters
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Martin
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00:00 Intro
00:50 Getting Started
04:42 Three Steps To Tapping
07:23 Technique advice
09:11 Descending Threes
10:22 Metronome Practice
12:11 Beyond Triplets
13:53 Tapped Arpeggio Music Theory
17:23 Arpeggio Passages
18:54 Advanced concepts
21:28 Practice Advice

[whitewalker]

THIS. IS. THE. BEST. TAPPING. VIDEO. ON. YOUTUBE. PERIOD.

[scrappy]

Beginner guitarist here and i've got to say, out of all the lessons i have seen on youtube this is by far the easiest to understand, i love your way of teaching. Thank you for making tapping so easy to understand.

[johnathondupuis]

Love Jake's content. He teaches not only the big picture, but also the subtleties, nuances, and tricks that alot of other people will not teach. This lesson is a perfect example of that.

[positivefingers]

Your tapping is good but I’m impressed by how fast you can count xD

[Iser]

i've always said this.. this is the best music theory channel available on the internet. indeed tapping was very easy for me to learn as a self thought guitarist but i still think that the hardest part is actually mixing tapping with other techniques. like for me, the hardest part was to use the middle finger to tap so i can keep holding my pick with the thumb and index finger, then actually switching my right hand back in position for picking the strings fast enough. in the beginning even at slower paced songs i had problems shifting my hand from the bridge side to the frets and then shifting it back, but with a little practice you get used to it and you are able to hit the right fret immediately when shifting

[genebene]

I remember when you were on your way to 100k subscribers. Now you’re almost at 400k. Keep up the great content Papa Jake 🥺👍

[jyca]

best beginner tutorial of tapping I have seen so far

[zakguitar]

6:50 i appreciate the dedication to syncing the guitar to the text

[hadiiiiii_iiiiiiiii]

let's all admit it, jake is probably the best music youtuber ever at explaining things about music

[rpalmese]

You’re an impressive teacher! Clear, articulate, to the point and... you know your shit! A real pleasure!

[gabejohnson]

I'm self taught, non-classically trained. I think I've gotten pretty decent at feeling around in the dark over the years, but every time I watch one of Jake's videos it's like turning the lights on and being able to see too. Having that deep sense of feel augmented by a new ability to see what I'm feeling is going to exponentially increase my writing and performing abilities. Can't thank this awesome guy enough!

[Ocean]

As a Jazz guitarist using a clean sound alla George Benson for at least 35 years I have never experimented with tapping. Your instructions are so clear that I am motivated to learn tapping and try incorporating the concept into my style. You are probably one of the best instructors I have ever seen or heard ! Your ability to simplify the complex so clearly is amazing, to say the least!! thank you and keep up the good work!! The only thing missing is your name!!

[josephwalker]

OMG..! Thank you for the best fundamental and comprehensive two handed tapping instruction ever...!

[newell]

Eddie Van Lizzio - nice lesson. I remember trying to teach myself how to play in the pre-PC, pre-internet, pre-YouTube era around the time VH1 came out and wore the vinyl off the Eruption track. Swore there was some layered sound trickery going on, then they pulled the curtain back and everyone was blown away.
 One thing guys struggle with that I don't think you touched on is what to do with the pick. Tons of techniques and even finger(s) used for tapping. Always enjoy your material. Thanks for taking the time to educate the next generation of guitarists.

[LukeCassidy]

I’ve been playing for like 15 years and yet have learned comparably more in the last couple months from this channel than the entire time I’ve been playing. Kinda sad but speaks to have platinum this channel is. Keep it rockin’ Jake, you’re killing it man.

[TheMeJustMe]

He and Shred Scott = you can learn everything you want to know no matter how long you have been playing. Been playing since the mid 90's and my playing drastically changed when I found them. I tip my hat to these gentlemen.

[SoftSpokenStrongLove]

Immediately, yes. I love that you are breaking the technique down into each individual mechanic, without focusing too much on the theory. One constructive critique- lead off with: "this will take you some time!"
You do a great job of emphasizing slow practice; however, I think leading off with a mention of time invested will save some frustration and retain more interest.
So good! Thank you, Jake, for bringing this level of guitar-ing to the masses!

[Bana]

Absolute genius in making all your lessons simple and easily digestible and understandable. Both in theory and practice. Thank you. Now the rest is just up to us.

[keremkaya]

I swear to god this channel might be the most underrated channel in Youtube. Keep up the good work Jake!

[mr.businessman]

I've learned more from watching this video than the last 5 yrs. You have an awesome way of making things simple and slow and so easily understood. Thank you so kindly !! ⭐⚡👌👏👏