Talking Technique: Tapping into Tapping

Today we’re talking tapping! I get a lot of questions about tapping because of Oon, my duo with bassoonist Paul Hanson. I get to play chords, melodies, and grooves – sometimes at the same time. Tapping is a helpful technique to expand the possibilities of the bass, but it must be used with taste! Function comes first.

This lesson will get you started on tapping with a look at tapping on a 6-string versus a 4-string, how to get extra oomph out of your right hand, and how to use both hands to get more notes. We’ll also go over a few cool and accessible things to start on.

[chazy]

Fantastic Ari! Great demonstration as well as teaching for technique and application! You're the best!

[mondegreenbees]

What a great pedagogical teacher we have here. Just stumbled in but would like to thank you for your "simplification" and tasteful presentation - gonna give it a go! Thanks

[bringyourownsnake]

I feel if one's approach to tapping itself is tasteful that it can be a primary playing style. I adore the fullness & subtly that can be utilized with the "piano approach".

[bluecollarbuddha]

Very nice explanation. Thanks for switching to the 4-string for most of the video too! (made me feel slightly less inferior :P )

[NoHandlex]

Very good introduction to the tapping concept. Thanks.

[RettaTheRipper]

This is awesome! I've seen others do it and figured it was something I'd never be able to do without years of playing, but you make it look super easy and so I'm totally going to try it!

[neilmoran]

Thank you. A pleasure to learn from you.

[mariomp]

Awesome video, you have an amazing technique and give very good tips!

[SUKOCONANUNGBOND]

"Good Job Mom Ariane
Amazing...Thank You Mom!!"🎸👍👍

[Sonicstillpoint]

Would love to see some more of your amazing multi finger tapping. Tschüss

[jazzbassmc]

Very nice trick! Thank you very much! I need to practice now lol!

[simplygroove]

Thank’s you are a very good and cool teacher

[kevmac]

Thanks for teaching an old dog new tricks.You are a special player.

[sbergman]

I just watched the video snippets of OON. Such delicately pretty music. Personally I had always thought 6 string basses were ridiculous instruments until I saw you playing one. You handled the rhythm and bass sections with equal clarity, skill, taste and technique. Then again, I think you could make a washtub bass sing. Good God, did I see 11 tuning pegs on the guitar behind you on Dear Prudence?? Have you no limitations?

[ROVAKAN]

if i had a teacher like you i would be a mozart right now

[jeroam]

Do you have the tabs for the melody you play at the beginning? Love it and i want to learn it. Great tech by the way.

[MrNathan]

You have great technic . Thanks for this lesson, but right now tipping is way out of my league. Good to have it explained and shown though.

[ManosRK]

Sweet tip there with the supporting middle

So if I want to play something without open strings i need a fretwrap ? No other way ?

[Leiria]

Why hasnt there been a follow up to this yet?

[ALEXANDERONBASS]

cual debería ser la altura recomendada de las cuerdas???