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What is Two-Hand Tapping?
Two-hand tapping is a technique where both hands are placed on the fretboard simultaneously, hammering notes onto the strings rather than picking them. Popularized on electric guitar by Eddie Van Halen, it was adapted for acoustic guitar by Michael Hedges into something entirely different — a compositional approach rather than a shred technique.
In acoustic fingerstyle, two-hand tapping allows a single guitarist to create the density of a full ensemble: bass lines, inner voices, and melody all playing simultaneously.
How It Works
In standard playing:
- Left hand: fretting notes
- Right hand: picking strings
In two-hand tapping:
- Both hands: fretting notes by hammering from above
- Neither hand picks the strings (the attack comes from the hammer itself)
The technique exploits the guitar's ability to produce tone from a forceful hammer-on alone — no pick required.
Michael Hedges' Approach
Hedges approached the acoustic guitar almost like a piano, with his right hand in the upper register and left hand in the lower register. His compositions were notated like keyboard music — two staves for two independent "hands" of material.
Key elements of his approach:
- Position: Right hand near the soundhole (upper frets), left hand near the nut (lower frets)
- Force: Acoustic tapping requires significantly more force than electric tapping to produce clear tone
- Accuracy: No pick means no forgiveness for missed strings
Learning Path
Prerequisite Skills
Before attempting two-hand tapping, you should have:
- Strong hammer-on and pull-off technique (without picking)
- Comfortable use of all four fingers on both hands
- The ability to play single-hand tapping passages cleanly
Step 1: Single-String Exercises (Weeks 1–2)
Practice hammering notes onto a single string with your right hand while left hand holds a position. Each tap should produce a clear, ringing note — if it sounds dull or muted, you need more force and/or better accuracy.
Step 2: Simple Two-Hand Patterns (Weeks 3–6)
Play a simple bass note with left hand while tapping a melody with right hand. Start with C major scales, tapping one note at a time.
Step 3: Adding Complexity (Months 2–3)
Introduce alternating bass notes with the left hand while maintaining right-hand melody. This is the core challenge of acoustic tapping.
Step 4: Musical Pieces (Months 3–6)
Apply the technique to actual music. Start with beginner tapping compositions before attempting Hedges.
Common Mistakes
Not enough force: The most common issue. Acoustic tapping requires a deliberate, firm hammer. Practice on the lower frets first where less force is needed.
Missing the string: Without a pick as reference, the right hand can miss strings. Slow down dramatically until accuracy is consistent.
Ignoring tone: Tapped notes can sound percussive and thin. Work on producing a warm, sustained tone even at slow tempos.
The Reward
Two-hand tapping opens an entire new dimension of fingerstyle composition. Players who master it describe feeling like they've unlocked a new instrument. The music that becomes possible — the cascading melodies, the thick harmonic textures — is unlike anything achievable with conventional technique.