Tapping #4: Diminished Lick Guitar Lesson
Tapping #4: Diminished Lick
The fourth lesson in Dave's tapping series deals with a monster diminished lick.
Taught by David MacKenzie in Basic Electric Guitar seriesLength: 11:02Difficulty: 2.5 of 5
In this lesson, David demonstrates a tapping lick that utilizes a diminished arpeggio. The lick itself is similar to a Nuno Bettencourt lick that leads into the song "He-Man Woman Hater" from the 1990 Extreme album Extreme II: Pornograffitti
Diminished Tapping Lick (Scene 2)
In order to learn the tapping lick you must first be able to play a diminished arpeggio with the left hand only (right hand for all you lefties out there). David demonstrates the correct fingering, using the first and fourth fingers of his fretting hand. The pattern is very symmetrical, using the same fret-hand fingering moving "diagonally" across the fingerboard as David explains. Be aware of the skip between the third and second strings! Because the third and second strings are tuned to the interval of a major third (rather than a perfect fourth like the rest of the guitar), there is a whole-step shift from the third to second string in the fingering (rather than a half-step, as with the rest of the arpeggio form).
Because David begins the pattern on the fourth fret (G#), he is spelling out a G# fully diminished 7th chord. This works very nicely in the key of A minor because it is the diatonic vii chord in relation to the A Harmonic Minor scale.
G# dim7 - G# B D F
After familiarizing yourself with the "one-handed" arpeggio shape, it's time to add the taps! David uses his right hand index finger to tap, but feel free to use any finger you're comfortable with (many people use their middle finger, so that they can still grip a pick between their index finger and thumb). The tapped note is the interval of a Perfect 4th (5 frets) away from the note played by the fourth finger on each string. It follows the fretting hand by moving "diagonally" across the fingerboard as David explains. Again, be aware of the larger shift between the 3rd and 2nd strings.
Begin practicing this lick very slowly and gradually build up speed. Strive for a rhythmic feel of triplets (3 notes per beat) or sixteenth-note triplets (6 notes per beat).
Have fun with this cool lick and see you in the next lesson!
Supplemental Learning Material
Basic Electric Guitar
Found in our Beginner Lesson SetsIn his Phase 1 series, David MacKenzie will walk you through the basics of rock guitar.
Lesson 1
About the Guitar
David discusses the parts of the guitar. He also gives you some basic techniques to get you started.
Length: 31:00 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
Power Chords
In this lesson, David introduces basic power chords. Great fun for beginners!
Length: 10:12 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Basic Chord Progressions
David introduces some basic chords and chord progressions.
Length: 14:15 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Notes, Chords and Arpeggios
David provides a brief explanation of what notes, chords, power chords, and arpeggios are.
Length: 8:12 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
Speed and Coordination
This lesson is all about increasing your speed and coordination. David demonstrates basic picking exercises.
Length: 14:12 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Chord Exercises
David MacKenzie presents a mysterious sounding chord exercise. This exerices is designed to improve right hand technique.
Length: 9:12 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Practice and Discipline
In this short lesson David talks about practice, discipline, and how you should apply yourself when learning and mastering the guitar.
Length: 6:00 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
Double Stops
Double stops can bring new life to your rhythm and lead playing. David provides a short tutorial on what double stops are and how they can be used.
Length: 7:12 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
The Major Chords
David covers the basic major chord shapes. Every guitarist must learn these basic chords.
Length: 18:29 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
The Minor Chords
David MacKenzie walks you through the basic minor chords. Expand your knowledge of chords with this fun-filled lesson.
Length: 8:15 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Major Scales
Major scales are an essential component of all styles of music. They can also be used as a great way to orient yourself with the fretboard.
Length: 32:12 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Major Scale Jam
David MacKenzie explains how to practice the major scales along with a fun backing track.
Length: 11:10 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
The Minor Scales
David MacKenzie proceeds to an in-depth discussion of the minor scales.
Length: 15:36 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Minor Scale Jam
David MacKenzie shows you how to play the natural minor scale over a rockin' JamTrack.
Length: 6:12 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
One String Exercise
David demonstrates an excellent one-string exercise in this lesson. This exercise will improve your dexterity and knowledge of the fretboard.
Length: 16:48 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs
Hammer-ons and pull-offs are techniques that enable you to play with a smooth, legato feel.
Length: 8:27 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Basic Bends
David MacKenzie gives a crash course on bending in this lesson. Bends can add a lot of soul to your playing.
Length: 16:12 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Cool Rock Licks
David MacKenzie teaches two rock licks inspired by Yngwie Malmsteen and Kirk Hammett of Metallica.
Length: 12:12 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Hammer-On Exercise
David returns to the world of hammer-ons with a fun new exercise. This lesson includes a JamTrack.
Length: 13:56 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Return to Pull-Offs
David returns to the world of pull-offs with a new exercise. This lesson includes a backing track.
Length: 12:50 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Practicing Bends
David MacKenzie returns to bending technique in this lesson. This lesson features a backing track that is designed for bending practice.
Length: 12:18 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Basic Vibrato
Integrating vibrato into your guitar playing is a great way to add emotion and soul. David MacKenzie explains the basics of vibrato in this lesson.
Length: 9:12 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Pentatonic Scale
David MacKenzie introduces the pentatonic scale.
Length: 5:48 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Minor Pentatonic Scale
David MacKenzie introduces the minor pentatonic scale in this lesson.
Length: 4:38 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Full Major Scale
David MacKenzie explains a two octave pattern of the major scale.
Length: 11:31 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Full Minor Scale
David MacKenzie introduces a two octave natural minor scale pattern.
Length: 12:20 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Full Major Pentatonic Scale
David teaches a two octave pattern of the major pentatonic scale.
Length: 6:30 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Full Minor Pentatonic Scale
David MacKenzie teaches a two octave version of the minor pentatonic scale.
Length: 9:20 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Cool Lick
David MacKenzie teaches several licks based on common arpeggio patterns. This lesson also includes a backing track to jam with.
Length: 20:40 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Rhythm Basics
David MacKenzie introduces some important rhythm basics in this lesson. This lesson also includes a backing track exercise.
Length: 14:55 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Power Chord Variations
David MacKenzie explains various power chord voicings. By simply moving a finger or two, new power chords can be formed.
Length: 18:43 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Cool Lick Exercise
David MacKenzie introduces some new amazing licks.
Length: 29:12 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Tapping Exercise
David MacKenzie introduces the tapping technique and teaches a fun exercise. This lesson includes a backing track.
Length: 22:44 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Tapping Exercise #2
David MacKenzie teaches another amazing tapping exercise.
Length: 13:07 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Tapping #3: Adding Open Strings
The third tapping lesson elaborates on the previous lesson by adding open strings.
Length: 12:59 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Tapping #4: Diminished Lick
The fourth lesson in Dave's tapping series deals with a monster diminished lick.
Length: 11:02 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Tapping #5
In lesson five of his tapping mini-series, DMac provides backing tracks that you can tap over.
Length: 8:04 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Tremolo Technique
In lesson 38, DMac demonstrates some tremolo techniques to add to your repertoire.
Length: 13:54 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Tapping #6
DMac returns to his tapping instruction with more advanced techniques.
Length: 19:54 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Chord Structures
In lesson 40, DMac teaches you how to play various D chords all the way up the neck.
Length: 9:20 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Octaves
In lesson 41, David discusses the octave and its uses while playing.
Length: 17:09 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
About David MacKenzie
View Full Biography
Dave MacKenzie has been playing guitar for 30 of his 45 years on this earth. Starting back when he was 14 years old, Dave picked up the guitar and started to learn from his oldest brother, who had played some guitar as well. Dave was hooked, and couldn't learn fast enough! Everything from the Beatles, Chicago, Ted Nugent, The Eagles, you name it, Dave was trying to play it.
Then as with a lot of players out there, Eddie Van Halen came along and changed the way guitar was played! Dave has been influenced by anyone he has heard play guitar, literally! Always keeping an open mind and a humbleness about him has helped him to keep learning new things on, and about the guitar.
Dave has mostly played in top 40 rock, country, and pop bands. He is most recently playing guitar and keyboards in a 80's metal band called Open Fire. They have opened for Warrant, Firehouse, Winger, and LA Guns
within the 3 and a half years they have been together, and are now jumping into original music.
Dave believes you should have internal motivation, and passion to play guitar, and most definitely, it should be fun!
As with his playing, Dave will find new ways to show you how to get the most out of your time learning guitar!
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Member Comments about this Lesson
Discussions with our instructors are just one of the many benefits of becoming a member of JamPlay.hi david...i got another question...how do you make your guitar sound like that htrough all the exercises...?which effects do you use...?cause i like the sound of your guitar...thanks
I have to jump in here, from a musicology point of view. Melting is right - this is NOT a diminished lick. What Dmac is demonstrating is a lick of Triads played at the INTERVALS of a diminished arpeggio. However if you were to play this over a dimished harmony (or a Dominant 7 b9 chord) it would sound rather crazy. Maybe that is the goal , haha.. You can make it work for yourself by keeping the left hand pattern and tapping notes from the diminished chord, in this case gsharp, b, d, f.
Hi David, My question is regarding how this fits as a diminished lick. I'm just learning theory so I'm trying to figure things out. My understanding is that diminished chords or arppegios are notes in a key separated by minor thirds so in the first measure the G# and B would be followed by a D rather than an E. Utilizing the E makes this appear to be a G# minor triad. In the Second measure I get the same result. The D and F are followed by an A# making the lick appear to be a minor triad. I get a G# for a diminished triad. What am I missing. Thanks for your time.
The moment I heard the intro to this video, I thought, awesome, it's He Man Woman Hater! :) So, er, when are you going to teach the whole track in phase 3? ;)
lol! oh no your on to me dash!!! yeah definitely influenced by nuno!! dont know honestly if i will ever get to teach "he-man woman hater" but it is one of my very favorite tunes!!
It's an awesome album. It took me ages to be able to play Hole Hearted properly (one of my favourite tracks), but He Man Woman Hater is in a different league altogether. And, in case you haven't heard it before ('cause it's on a different album), check out Midnight Express. :)
okay, looking at what i explained at the beginning with the left hand, be careful not to get confused if you're only looking at the video. i believe i skipped the 4th string in the explaination putting the lick out of sequence on the proper frets. its....6 string=4th fret, 5th string=5th fret, 4th string=6th fret, 3rd string=7th fret, followed by the jump to the 9th fret on the 2nd string, then 1st string=10th fret. that is the 1st finger on the fretting hand, so i hope that keeps it clear. rock on and have fun with this one!!!