How to start prog-style guitar tapping using chords

Mike Sullivan
(Image credit: Kieran Frost/Redferns)

Guitar chords: Using these simple chords and our audio example as a starting point, try creating a chord progression of your own, then tapping extra notes or intervals as outlined in the tab. 

The chords are simple – identifying cool sounding notes to tap is the challenge. The first five of these chords are in G major (G A B C D E F#) so tap notes from this key for your initial ideas.

Chords

(Image credit: Future)

Chords

(Image credit: Future)

Track: The Hot Tap

(Image credit: Future)
Tone Tip

Tapping

(Image credit: Future)

Aim for a balanced tone without too much top end. Use a compressor to even out the volume. We used a delay set to 500ms.

This can be tricky at first, but fun! By bringing in the picking hand to tap notes on the fretboard, we can expand chords far beyond what the fretting hand alone can achieve.

Check out Joe Satriani, Stanley Jordan and Plini to hear more. A little compression can help the tapped notes pop out more easily, especially if you’re using a clean tone.

More more of our guitar lessons 

Total Guitar

Total Guitar is Europe's best-selling guitar magazine.

Every month we feature interviews with the biggest names and hottest new acts in guitar land, plus Guest Lessons from the stars.

Finally, our Rocked & Rated section is the place to go for reviews, round-ups and help setting up your guitars and gear.

Subscribe: http://bit.ly/totalguitar