Percussive Tapping in Drop D Tuning

We focus on tapping notes on the fretboard. We need to de-tune our low E string from E to D so we are in Drop D tuning.

Exercise 1 - Tapping Method

To start:

• Form a D bus 2 chord and play through the chord

• Upstroke, playing the D, A and Low E

• Then, string slap

After these first steps, we come onto our tapping motif 

• Strum down on the lower strings, looking for resonance rather than accuracy of notes

• Hammer-on an octave shape by playing the 3rd fret on the low E and D string, using second and third fingers

This leads to our first tap. We are tapping two notes together using the first and second finger, aiming for the low E and D string (Use your thumb of the picking hand to stabilise the hand on the neck as you aim to tap)

• Tap 7th fret of the E and D with first and second finger (keeping the fretting hand notes on the fretboard)

• Pull-off both hands and release the Low E (D note as we are in Drop D) and the D string

• Then, using the same fingers to hammer-on, we aim for the 5th fret

The second bar uses exactly the same method and movements as detailed above - we just hammer-on and tap in different positions.

This exercise is designed to help us get used to tapping and basically getting both our hands comfortable with lots of different techniques.

Top Tip! - Remember that tapping with our strumming/picking hand is essentially the same as hammering-on with our fretting hand!