Tapping Exercise #2 Guitar Lesson

Chapter 1: (00:23) Lesson Introduction Welcome back to the Basic Electric Guitar Series with Dave "DMac" MacKenzie! Dave returns in this lesson with a new tapping exercise. This exercise is much easier than the tapping exercise introduced in the previous lesson. If you find yourself struggling with the previous exercise, take a break and practice up on this new one. The exercise presented in this lesson serves as an excellent stepping stone towards perfecting the previous exercise.
Chapter 2: (08:12) Tapping Exercise #2 The arpeggios used in this exercise are based on the following chords: B major, C# major, E major, and F# major. With the exception of C# major, all of these chords are diatonic to the key of B major. Familiar major arpeggio shapes discussed in the previous lesson are applied to these new chords.

B Major (First Inversion)

The exercise begins with a first inversion B major arpeggio played on the second string. Remember that a chord or arpeggio is played in first inversion when the third is played as the lowest note.

The same slur / tapping sequence from the previous lesson is once again applied to each arpeggio in this lesson. The third, D#, is played by the left index finger at the 4th fret. The pinky hammers onto F# at the 7th fret. Finally, the right index finger taps the tonic note at the 12th fret.

Practice this arpeggio pattern in eighth notes along with a metronome. Within the exercise, the tapping / slurring pattern is repeated four times before proceeding to the next arpeggio.

C# Major (First Inversion)

Slide each of the notes from the B major arpeggio up two frets to play a C# major arpeggio in first inversion. This arpeggio occurs in measures 2 and 3 of the exercise.

E Major (First Inversion)

Once again, the first inversion major arpeggio is used in the exercise. This time, the shape is applied to an E major arpeggio in first position. The E major figure is played on the first string.

F# Major

Thee exercise concludes with an F# major arpeggio played in first position. In relation to the key of B major, F# major is the V chord. The dominant V chord creates a strong pull back to the tonic B major chord that begins the exercise.

Practice Time

Practice each arpeggio individually along with a metronome. Loop the arpeggio several times before moving on to the next one. Once you feel comfortable with each individual arpeggio, begin to play the exercise as a whole. Keep your metronome going through your practice session! Practice the exercise in a variety of rhythms. Dave plays through several rhythmic examples at 06:35.

Backing Track Practice

Dave encourages you to create your own backing track for this lesson. Playing the exercise with a backing track will improve your timing and overall musicality. Your rhythm playing will also improve as you gain experience accompanying a solo line. Watch at 05:18 as he demonstrates the chord voicings that can be used to accompany this exercise. Apply your own rhythmic ideas to this chord progression. Dave provides a sample strumming pattern at 05:40.

Record yourself playing the progression. A simple tape recorder will do the trick. Then, play the tape back and practice the exercise along with the progression. You will most likely need to adjust the rhythm of the tapping exercise to fit with your strumming rhythms.

Experiment!

Come up with your own tapping licks. You can either come up with a chord progression first or build a progression around the licks that you have written. Chapter 3: (04:28) Alternate Tapping Exercise Many tapping licks, including the famous lick demonstrated in this scene, utilize a "pedal tone." A pedal tone is a note that is repeated while the arpeggios in the lick continue to change. In this lick, an E note at the 12th fret of the first string is used as the pedal tone. This note is played in conjunction with a descending left hand pattern. As the left hand continues to descend, various chords are implied by the lick. The first tapping sequence implies an E7 chord. Then Eo7, Am, and E major are implied by the remaining tapping sequences. Overall, this lick will work over an E major or E7 sound.

At 01:50 Dave strings each of the individual sequences together. Each of the sequences is repeated twice. Practice the lick in this fashion in a variety of rhythms along with a metronome. Play in a variety of tempos as well. Watch as Dave plays through the lick as it was originally used at 02:35. Can you guess which classic song it is from?

Try playing the lick on other strings and in other keys. Don't be afraid to explore and experiment with the guitar!

Preview of Next Lesson

Dave continues to explore the tapping technique in upcoming lessons. He demonstrates various slur patterns that can be combined with right hand tapping. He will also cover some licks that involve two right hand tapping fingers. New arpeggio patterns will be discussed as well. It is Dave's goal to explore all of the possibilities that are available with the tapping technique. Stay tuned for more electric guitar action with David MacKenzie on JamPlay.com!

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