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

The Chord Progression Codex is NOW AVAILABLE! shorturl.at/bouLV
My pro theory + songwriting course: bit.ly/2J2Nctn
Enroll in my Rhythm Training Course at ANY price! bit.ly/3wDacU4
My Patreon: / signalsmusicstudio
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
Billyshes
Bradley Bower
Brandon Combs
BuzzWasHere
Christopher Swanson
CrippleMonkey
Daniel Danciu
Darrin Goren
Donal Botkin
Don Dachenhausen III
Don Watters
Erik Lange
Joe Buote
John Arnold
jon reddish
Kip Ingram
Linas Orentas
Lord of the Chords Live on Indiegogo Now!
Marc Bulandr
Marek Pawlowski
Markos Zouganelis
Martin
Michael Galli
Morgan M.
Nick White
Patrick Ryan
Philip Sharp
Stumann
Stephen Marz
Tyler Sherkin
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

[@scrappy8551]

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.

[@whitewalker608]

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

[@Lewcifr5150]

Brand new guitar player here and agreed!!!

[@johnathondupuis1301]

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.

[@nonick11]

What is "perfect" here? Please, tell me?

[@rolandjgutierrez7737]

😢😢😢​@@nonick11

[@jyca3101]

best beginner tutorial of tapping I have seen so far

[@Iser1999]

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

[@crestadude4139]

I like this tip I never quite figured out what to do with plec I tried George Lynch 's technique of using the plec to tap with just some of the time it is a good way to keep up pace and string volume loads of practice time required, another plec using technique not for tapping is a 3 note partially damped 3 string chicken picking technique hold plec as normal between thumb and index finger and hit the g-string use middle finger on b string and ring finger on high e string and use your fretting hand to hold down a slide able shape like a standard d chord or take the e down down 1 fret which gives a lovely classical sounding slide able shape while you get faster and faster at the chicken picking and can then break into an arpeggio based solo kind of soloing lead with chords and single notes at major speed built up with a metronome, I am still working on it I find it way harder than tapping but the plectrum being used to tap and make it easier to bring in more standard heavy rock soloing between tapping sections is worth doing, the chicken picking is a Zack Wylde technique developed from some old blues man on an acoustic Zack figured it would work well on an 3lectric for super fast picking which could be used with any slideable shapes bringing in your pinky could let you do it with 4 strings but is too much for me chicken picking is used to describe other techniques so look it up specifically as Zack Wyldes chicken picking using your plec and fingerstyle combined. It is a mind blowing technique if you have the patience to learn it just like tapping you have to start slow and bring it on slowly or you will fail. It is at least easy to do the fretting hand stuff and easy to understand what you are trying to achieve and can also be mixed with tapping style and fast Gary Moore style solos so really great if you work on it and use it fairly often even as a show solo spot to mindful a few fans if you play live if you have seen Zack you know he enjoys playing with himself live on stage giggly bit intended, while the band have a ten minute break very different from Satriani, Van or Malmsteen. Great for sounding different but in a good way. You can pick up elasticated cloth dampers for lightly damping the nut on your guitar usually 3 for a fiver on ebay or 3 quid each in an indie music shop some very good musicians use them for losing extraneous string noise when it just gets too much to damp with your plectrum hand when you are combining difficult moves and stretches with either hand the ebay ones are really good amd very easy to use quickly damping and undamping the nut as required before these were available some very good as in bloody fantastic metal guitarists used to tie a smelly sock across the nut for the same effect but it took longer to apply and remove, one of the great American female guitarists mixing metal and Country invented an actual damping baton that is screwed on using machine head nuts to keep it in place full time with an adjustable thick foam pad which is simple to adjust and once set to your preference takes literally half a second to switch on and off the nut it's about 25quid but worth it if you can tap or chicken pick a highly distorted high gain guitar. She has it for her strat aswell but it requires two small screws to hold it onto the headstock, it can't be worse than a prescribed Rory Gallacher strap 2hich has about six square inches of paint left on it after it is made to look just like Rory's for a mere 5 grand apparently he had a really bad sweating problem 2hen playing live and actually rotted a few stats so badly from his sweat that they were not worth repairing, the pickups were rusted inside along with the switches and wires, the tremolo springs were ready to break through the steel block was lighter due to rusting some of its mass away machine heads and frets and bridge absolutely done along with the neck an neck jointing screws the body was heavier by around a pound and a half due to the wood soaking through and never truly drying out as he used his one favourite for so long at a time and still practiced even when touring. I still think some fans would pay plenty to own his last favourite guitar no matter what condition it was in, the latest epoxy resins could repair any guitar crack so it is possible that it could be dried out and repaired but a real Luther genius would have to take over the neck and fit a complete board and truss rod and fit the Malmsteen style machine bolts instead of screws for the attachment of neck to body. At auction expect to pay 30000 dollars or more if a few rock icons like Clapton, Brian May and Maybe Joe Bonamassa were Bidding against each other that would be easily into six figures for that beast and maybe it would take guitarists with such great blues chops in their heads and fingers to actually play it on occasion I liked Rory's style and his low volume big blues solo where he made you be quiet and listen, just different and definitely world class playing.

[@positivefingers1321]

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

[@blackcitadel37]

I'm impressed even more how the hell he can play a lot of complex stuff and talk to the camera like it's nothing.

[@abelgonzo5353]

@@blackcitadel37 k7 in. N

[@greg1569]

@@blackcitadel37 that's because it's not complex. it's a three note pattern, if you practice enough it requires less than 1% of your brain and talking is not so difficoult also

[@johnhendricks8140]

Yeah he does count fast. Lol

[@titmusspaultpaul5]

Lol.

[@rpalmese]

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

[@genebene1152]

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

[@ibrahim_syed7]

I was here when he had 10k

[@genebene1152]

Syed Ibrahim that’s cool bro. But I’m struggling to find who asked :|

[@airconditioningunit9777]

Gene Bene no one asked you either

[@genebene1152]

Air conditioning unit | When Syed Ibrahim said he was here before me to try and signify that he is better than me in some way because of that. I merely made an observation that Jake has grown a substantial following over the months and years. A very positive observation, that no one HAS to ask for. The fact is, Syed Ibrahim tried to make it about himself when I was trying to make it about Jakes progress and how superb his content is. No one asked me, but who tf even cares who asked 😂. Just read the comment and move on, no need to make it about yourself. :|

[@airconditioningunit9777]

Gene Bene ok

[@andymetaldad]

Definitely, one of the better vids on this subject. Very informative.

[@zakguitar2359]

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

[@josephwalker138]

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

[@gabejohnson97]

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!

[@Ocean8881]

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!!

[@sergiomendoza4827]

You are the best guitar teacher on youtube, this will help beginners a lot

[@CHO-tq5yu]

This Channel deserves a million subscribe... Very helpful

[@Bana888]

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.

[@mr.businessman9790]

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 !! ⭐⚡👌👏👏

[@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!

[@l30n.marin3r0]

This! This is what I was looking for. Most people "teach" a "lick" for one to repeat over and over again but there is never an explanation as to how it works. If you don't really have a foundation all this is is a party trick that happens to be done with a musical instrument. Thank you!

[@newell2339]

Eddie Van Lizzio - nice lesson. I remember trying to teach myself how to play in the pre-PC, pre-internet, pre-KZbin 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.

[@petar_marus]

You are the best teacher on KZbin !

[@ianl6254]

Gotta get me a metronome! Thanks, Jake, great lesson, love the effects, too!

[@johnwallace2319]

This guy is the teacher we all need

[@kiri4186]

Finally a tapping video with application. Great lesson!

[@liquidsolids9415]

Jake, you are the best guitar teacher on KZbin. Thanks for another great video!

[@michaelelder3945]

Of all the guitar instruction I've seen on KZbin, I think your style of teaching is the cleanest and most concise. I've been playing guitar for more than 50 years and thoroughly enjoy your video lessons. You're good at this.

[@hadiiiiii6_9iiiiiiiii45]

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

[@LookAtTheTrees]

So much fun. You explain things very well.

[@cenzotatcenzotat8036]

I have play the guitar for over 30 years and I can say that you are the best teacher I have ever seen work. Thanks for sharing your Knowledge. 🙏🙏🙏 P. S. Hey man you have a killer tone

[@keremkaya6915]

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

[@TheMeJustMe75]

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.

[@xavierxavier6329]

Jake! You're by far the best teacher out there. Completely blown away at how much you've made music theory easy for me to understand. Youre it!

[@jayrelox]

Very good teacher! Thank you so much. Keep safe. GOD bless

[@rubenvilla2224]

After buying an electric guitar a couple of weeks ago ( I only played acoustic) I started searching for some new technique videos and just found this channel. After watching halfway through the video I am subscribed. This guy is an excellent teacher and very knowledgeable I look forward to watching all his videos. Thank you so much for the content.

[@ChiminNotJimin]

What a great content, i’m struggle for this like for years now. But now thanks to ur video i easipy master my guitar and amazed my friends

[@truthseeker630]

One of the best lessons on youtube! I use the philosophy at the end as well where we push ourselves beyond the limit until it becomes sloppy. Then when we play back to the original slow pace, it suddenly becomes very easy! Thanks for these invaluable lessons and advice!

[@eiseks3410]

You're amazing! Every time I watch one of your videos I learn so many new things.

[@noreen7691]

This is one of the few tapping videos that teaches the music theory behind it. I was looking for this. I knew the techniques, but not the notes I have to play to be in key. I love this video ☺️

[@TarnaBarTM]

One of the best music theory and practical applications on youtube. Awesome video my man, keep them coming.

[@Setha107]

Great video. Surely one of the best(if not the best) tutorials on tapping.

[@PivasRox]

Great lesson! Thank you so much!!!

[@DeadShred9]

I have been playing 40 plus years and my Tapping was hit & miss . This has given me ideas and technic I never came to on my own . Thanks a TAP LOAD !!!!!

[@correametal]

This is the best and most comprehensive video ever for people aspiring to learn the tapping technique! You are awesome Jake! Thanks!

[@MrDVNNY]

Sir you are amazing at helping with all the nuanced information of proper technique. Thank you

[@miaoupha2370]

Your channel is so good, you're a fantastic teacher.

[@sagnikdam7652]

You are my favorite instructor. I can't thank you enough for your contribution to my playing !

[@thkount5851]

the best lesson for tapping in the internet!!!

[@crsmade]

Dude… you sure do know how to explain sht extremely well! Subscribed!

[@garyjones783]

Very well presented! Good job!!!

[@mihailmihaylov988]

Great video. Really appreciate the high quality lesson.

[@kristopherdetar4346]

Bar none best easy to understand breakdown of tech playing on YT. Thank you Sir !

[@the_original_Bilb_Ono]

You should do a more in depth video on the style of tapping done by many Math Rock bands where they are playing full chords and arpeggios.

[@fishylogic222]

Trevor Wong has some great videos on this!

[@swagmiredoesall]

@@fishylogic222 Fr. I've watched his videos

[@sagig72]

As always - super great lesson Jake ! Good job !

[@logandowdy9887]

Perfect video as always!

[@unktopia]

The theory is really the key. Although I knew that it must be triads the simple pattern breakdown and 4 then 3 for major and 3 then 4 frets for minor is a real ah ha moment for me. Love your work.

[@andersjjensen]

Likewise! That was a lightbulb moment for me too... despite that when I thought it through it's so god damn obvious! :P

[@lilcaesarman]

Thanks! Really good lesson. I am in the beginning stages of learning music theory and this video taught me more stuff.

[@ketantank159]

Very nice lessons .Your tapping and teaching is too good

[@tungwkseow5003]

This clip is certainly an eye opener for myself and many beginners, thanks !

[@2giantmonsters]

Excellent. Thank you, Jake.

[@sciexp]

Thanks for sharing this great video. Very good, very well explained...

[@Ric-Phillips]

Great breakdown Jake. I don’t know how much you dabble in fingerstyle percussive techniques - pluck ‘n chuck (notes on a non-thumb down stroke while creating a thumb strike), glops, half strums, tap harmonics etc. - but there are precious few videos on this platform that break down the bio-mechanics as clearly as you do. Thanks again for this excellent vid. 👍

[@ymyasiyadofficial7013]

You are super awesome instructor for all the time Mr. Jay Lizzion. Thank you so much Mr. Jay Lizzio for sharing and preparing helpful vids which I have benefitted from your vids.

[@darshanaalles6780]

DUDE!!!...when I DON'T invest enough time to improve myself and to become better at something I LOVE, the fact that you put so much effort and care to teach others, just blows my mind. Thank you. And may all your munificence come back to you a hundred fold.

[@st.peterunner8758]

Such a good teacher. Wish I had this when I was learning the basics. Still enjoyed watching it

[@jimhagler3716]

A really excellent video in every category, thanx

[@DumbWhiteBeats]

You made this incredibly easy to understand and practice.

[@fabiocaetanofigueiredo1353]

Pure gold. Thanks Jake!!!

[@MSpotatoes]

Excellent video, thanks!

[@parkerb1661]

Awesome lesson greetings and peace much appreciation brotha man! your lessons always help me unlock areas where i feel i become stagnant, like ties together stuff i thought i didnt know. I appreciate your clear instruction, cheerfulness, your intelligent humor and your awesome creativity. Awesome channel yo😇🙌

[@dufusbug]

You are quite good giving instruction in a very easy to follow patient way. SUBSCRIBED!

[@Oakbard]

Your videos are great, I recommend them to anyone who mentions that they are learning guitar or music theory. You break the theory down well and show so clearly how to apply things

[@Andersabjorn1]

Yes, he is great!

[@mauricioa.b.2897]

Amazing tapping lesson!

[@imcameronlee]

Thank you for this! I remember watching it a year ago and it has helped so much.

[@Sttuarrtt]

So helpful. Thank you so much!

[@itsfreezinginhere764]

I was just looking for a good video on tapping. Thanks Jake!

[@rae5425]

This was very helpful, thanks Jake!

[@vzm4663]

Such a great lesson- really excited to learn this soon 👏

[@mattbell4982]

what a fantastic teacher.Thankyou very much

[@lynington]

Thanks Jake for another great video, engaging presentation and very worth while content, I'll definitely put some time in on this.

[@spang1111]

Excellent lesson! Thank you.

[@adityab1924]

I have learnt a lot of things from you , sir . The way you teach is too good , definitely the content

[@fractualitymusic]

Dude your edits are hilarious. The extended tapping face. Also I just wanted to say how much I appreciate your channel you’ve been such an informing inspiration to me and my guitar playing.

[@bryantblair]

Thanks! Excellent teaching and demonstrating.

[@nokrimchimarak1246]

you make things soo easy to understand....

[@slushpuppydevil]

Been actively working on tapping for a few days now and immediately this video arrives, what great timing haha

[@surfrby8876]

Another great lesson, your teaching style works 👍

[@manahaas]

love ur teaching. so great

[@shezza57]

Great video, thanks Jake

[@patriciosilvarobalino9832]

Hey Paul thanks, you're a wonderful guitar teacher...love your lessons.

[@Avedis-G]

Excellent teacher and even better voice!

[@hottamanful]

Very excellent explanation.. keep up the great work.. thank you ..

[@Zwolers]

Jake You're doing perfect lessons. Entertaining and teaching with great details simutainously. Laughed few times :)

[@edgardhossny]

The best lesson ever i never understood this until know you rock! ❤️

[@carlop3019]

Amazing explanation, the best I ever seen on the net!

[@ramelak1635]

Great instructional stuff!

[@jiu6246]

Thank you very much for this content. What I personally do is that I play for each scale 3 sets of pentatonics (AC, DF, EG) and just tap the notes from the pentatonic boxes and just learn it in more like relative way to the position of the box.

[@briansullivan3424]

I've seen some people use a pick instead of their finger to do the tapping. The mechanics are the same, you're just hitting the highest desired fret of your pattern with a pick instead of your finger. This isn't always the sonic aesthetic you want (because the nylon or plastic will sound different than the other notes you're hammering on and pulling off with your fretting hand), but it can be really effective if you're alternating between picking and tapping phrases quickly.

[@carrieciccolella]

Very helpful! Wish I had found you sooner!

[@Guitarzzzzzzz173]

Just 25 seconds into this video, I already like your approach and teaching technique!😃 Thank you for posting this. It was very helpful.!🎸