The art of tapping into one’s hyper-speed on the guitar relies heavily on the efficiency of hand positions. Achieving speedy yet clean tapping sequences, whether it’s your dedicated solo gigs or enviable studio sessions, is largely attributed to mastering the best hand positions. This article unveils the expert-approved hand positions to help you tap faster with precision and clarity.
Bracing your Hand
While tapping might feel like a daunting task when you’re first starting out, bracing your hand correctly can give you a head start. Anchoring your picking hand to provide stability while tapping is crucial. Generally, resting your thumb on the edge of the fretboard will provide the necessary stability. The hand should be lightly placed so that the thumb joint forms roughly a right angle. Meanwhile, the arm and wrist should be positioned in a way that allows your fingers to align naturally with the frets.
Classical Hand Position
An effective place to start in adopting the best hand positions is the classical hand position. This position involves the neck resting on the base of the index finger while the thumb supports the back of the neck. Your fingers should be arched over the strings, making sure they are parallel to the frets.
By adopting this position, you can freely utilize all four fingers in playing, which is essential to achieving fast tapping sequences. Your fingers are allotted individual playing fields, eliminating the probability of messy finger tapping.
Van Halen’s Clutch Technique
Eddie Van Halen, renowned as one of the pioneers in tapping, employed this clutch technique regularly. His thumb would wrap around the fretboard, stabilizing his hand enabling him to tap rapidly. Van Halen’s technique involved stretching his fret-hand thumb to reach around the guitar’s neck, clamping it against the fret-hand middle finger. The index finger of the fretting hand was then free to tap or be used in other playing techniques.
Even though this technique may appear unusual to some, it provides optimum balance and control that potentially enhances your tapping speed. However, it is vital to remember that the clutch technique requires the player to have a greater reach and flexibility in their hands.
Finger Pressure
Applying the right amount of pressure on the strings is key to achieve a clean and consistent sound. Try to tap onto the fret just as firmly as you would when you’re normally fretting a note. Another important aspect to remember is to avoid too much pressure as it might cause the string to bend slightly and play out of tune.
Utilizing All Fingers
Faster tapping necessitates the use of all your fingers. Keeping every finger on deck allows more ease and speed in playing different notes. Invest time to practice using each finger and keep a tab on your pinky as it tends to be weaker than the other fingers. Systematic exercising of all fingers will help in developing strength and coordination, ultimately leading to swift tapping.
Minimal Movement
A general rule of thumb when tapping at high-speed is to minimize movement as much as possible. The smaller and more controlled your hand movements, the faster you can move from one note to another. You should aim to keep your fingers close to the fretboard, avoiding unnecessary grand gestures that could slow you down.
Maintaining a Relaxed Hand
While it might seem counter-intuitive when you’re focusing on fast tapping techniques, maintaining a relaxed hand is remarkably significant. Reducing tension and refraining from clenching your hand will prevent muscle fatigue and strain, allowing you to play for longer stretches.
To sum up, the best hand positions for fast tapping will always boil down to personal comfort and ease. Learning and practicing different techniques may be enlightening, allowing guitarists to carve out a hand position that resonates with them personally. Remember, practice is the key, and repetition will result in a smooth and fast tapping transition that sounds natural and effortless. Optimally achieving one’s potential in tapping speed is definitely a compelling amalgamation of perfecting the hand positions, regular practice, and absolute dedication.
