Eddie Van Halen demonstrates this technique very well in "Hot for Teacher." Start by placing your index finger on the first fret, any string. What you will do is hold the pick in the right hand and simply tap on the fourth fret. (It only sounds good if you stay in the scale. In this case, the F Minor Pentatonic). Just hit the fourth fret, don't strum. It creates a neat effect. To add more to it, use the Fm Pentatonic in the Blues position. So, tap the fourth fret and at the same time, Hammer-On to the third fret with your third finger. TAB: T -4-1h3--- --------- --------- T= Tap --------- --------- --------- Once you have that down, your ready for some licks! Here is one I made up for a solo. Em Pentatonic T T T T T T T -17-15p12-17-12h15-17-15p12-17-12h15-17-15p12-17-12h15-17-15p12 --------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- Then you can just move down a string and move anywhere, as long as you stay in the scale. Remember tapping can be used at any tempo, but to get the full effect, your gonna have to play pretty darn fast. Back to Technique
