Two Hand Tapping on Acoustic Guitar Made Easier • Acoustic Tuesday 250

Two-hand tapping on guitar isn’t easy. It’s even harder on acoustic guitar. But what if there was an easy, step-by-step guide for learning how to tap on acoustic guitar?

Tapping on guitar is an advanced technique. It provides a bright, ethereal sound (as long as you’re not using overdrive or distortion!). And, for most of the guitar’s existence, it’s been used primarily on electric guitar. It’s that classic shredding sound that was popularized by Eddie Van Halen and other electric guitarists. 

But what if the same technique is applied to acoustic guitar? On today’s episode, you’ll get an easy step-by-step guide to learning how to two-hand tap on acoustic guitar. It requires a good amount of dexterity and finger strength, but Tony’s Acoustic Challenge members should be up for the challenge.

By tuning down the guitar, breaking the technique into chunks, and creating actionable steps where you feel confident in your playing, I hope you can successfully apply these techniques to your playing. It’s a bit of a specialized skill, but you never know what kind of creative horizons you may expand.

Two-hand tapping is a fairly new technique for acoustic guitarists. If you want to hear more examples of this technique, I highly recommend you visit the modern fingerstyle acoustic guitar genre. Many of the players in this style are virtuosos, but you’ll get a taste of what kind of sonic possibilities exist. 

Featured in this episode…

  • Hawktail  
  • Molly Tuttle  
  • Tommy Emmanuel  
  • Martin Guitar  
  • Billy Strings  
  • Taylor Guitars  
  • Mule Resonator Guitars  
  • Carter Vintage Guitars  
  • National Guitars  

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  1. Tony – Just to add my name to the chorus of fans that loved the introduction to two-hand tapping. Please, sir, may we have some more? I enjoy all of the Acoustic Tuesday’s, but thought this one was of particular interest and can’t wait to hear your picks for your favorite artists. I’ve watched and listened to this method and wasn’t sure it was achievable, but the way you have broken it down seems to bring it within reach. Now to establish a routine to work this in with the rest of my practice. So many notes, so little time! One question I’m not sure was addressed: is this style typically done in open tuning or are standard tunings used, as well?

  2. I really enjoy the direction TAC and Acoustic Tuesday shows are heading. Seeing, hearing, and discussing new styles of playing, have kept me motivated and engaged. I’m thrilled with the progress of my guitar journey. Keep on keeping on!
    Have a Grateful Day! Al

  3. Hey Tony – your site has been pretty much unwatchable for the last couple of weeks – are your servers functioning properly? Constant buffering, reminds me of 1990 AOL!

  4. Thank you for the great lesson. You made the technique sound awesome. I love the sound you got from the guitar you were using. What kind of guitar were you playing?

  5. Two hand tapping is a technique I’m not quite ready for… Not yet anyhow. TWO much too soon! I’m still working on one hand strumming.

  6. Tony, is it possible to get a tab sheet on the finger positions and progressions you were playing during the two hand tapping lesson? That would be helpful!

  7. Yes i like it…and eye opening…you sounded great Tony. Been a fan of Preston Reed for sometime and this reminds me of him!

  8. I liked the two handed hand tapping technique lesson, Tony. You made it very accessible for us beginners. I would like to see more.

    The blue Taylor – I though it was a great color… but it wouldn’t be my thing either.
    Mlobe the artist features you have on Acoustic Tuesday as it opens new musical genre and style doors to explore.

  9. Whoaaah, Ida May…smoking and where there is smoke there is fire. Can’t imaging they are not a good show. Another great AT Tony P. Thanks for keeping the light shining brightly on the path.

  10. I loved the two hand tapping instruction. I really loved it! This was the first lesson in this technique that I could follow and start right away with. I will consume as much of this as you can give us. Warm-ups, licks, use with scales etc. As a long time Michael Hedges devotee, this will help me produce some Aerial Boundryesque, Andy McKeeish type of music. Thanks much Tony!