Create Basslines Episode 4 – Part 2: Tapping – HOLLY FRANKLIN BASSCHICK (H.F.B.C)

In the previous techniques lesson, I talked about incorporating slap/pop technique into your basslines.

In this episode, we are going to be discussing how you can use tapping in your basslines.

WHAT IS TAPPING?

Tapping is a technique where you are using both your picking (or plucking) and fretted fingers to play a note. This can be done placing your fingers on the fret and add some pressure when going down to play a note.

HISTORY OF TAPPING

Tapping is a technique that has been around for hundreds of years dating back to when Niccolò Paganini used a similar technique on the violin.

It is a common technique used on a variety of stringed instruments with the most popular being guitar.

ONE-HANDED TAPPING

I actually did a whole lesson in this back in January 2022 that you can check out here.

TWO HANDED-TAPPING

This technique utilizes both your fretting and picking (plucking) hand and produce sounds on the fretboard by using the padding of your finger applying pressure on the fret through hammer-ons and tapping.

I will create a future lesson on this technique but it does require some skill and playing experience. it is not an easy technique to master at first but through practice you can become amazing at it.

Two-handed tapping can be played where you are alternating notes between your two hands without playing notes at the same time or having both hands go at the same time.

There are many bass players that utilize two-handed tapping including, Billy Sheehan, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, and Stu Hamm to name a few.