Guitar Beyond Classical

A technique associated with any string instrument (Paganini on the violin for example); however, it has become an art within the guitarist's realm. Tapping encompasses both single and the two handed method. Originating as an extension of the legato tap, tapping the string with the left hand against the finger board, thus eliciting sound without the aid of strumming. Therefore, tapping can be seen further as an extension of "pull-offs" and "hammer-ons." However, today's artists bring these techniques to a new level incorporating both hands working in parallel to create a synchronized beat and melody.

One handed tapping misleads one to believe that only one hand is actually involved. As the left hand plucks or strums a cord, the left taps a string creating an intermediate note. Although this sounds easy, in practice, the acoustic guitar does not naturally amplify this intermediate note, and so special attention must be given to dampen unwanted sound.

Two handed tapping on the other hand utilizes 8 and up to 9 fingers to play polyphonic and counterpoint music. i.e., a treble melody and an accompaniment melody are managed from a single guitar and musician. No longer is the guitar limmited to standard tabliture for the guitar, but music created by such composers as J. S. Bach -designed for the piano and multiple instruments.

However, there are limitations to this music. The first note played is predominantly the loudest one -and in Jazz, Flamenco, or other exotic beats, this is often unwanted. Compressor effects -electronic are now possible to rectify the sound, making this technique more mainstream. Additionally, instruments have followed this development of music, creating guitars such as the: Box Guitar, Bunker Touch-Guitar, and Warr Guitar (however not exclusive to this technique).