Eddie Van Halen 3-Note Tapping Lick: Master Descending Tapping!

Master Eddie Van Halen's Iconic 3-Note Tapping Lick

Eddie Van Halen revolutionized the guitar world with his innovative tapping techniques. Today, we'll dive into one of his signature licks—perfect for beginners looking to add some Van Halen flair to their playing. With the Gibson app's interactive lessons and built-in amplifier simulator, you can master this lick and more, just like having Eddie himself guiding you.

Understanding the Tapping Technique

Tapping involves using your picking hand to 'tap' a note on the fretboard, while your fretting hand performs pull-offs and hammer-ons. This technique creates a fluid and rapid sound, characteristic of Van Halen's playing style.

Breakdown of the 3-Note Tapping Lick

In the video, the instructor demonstrates a classic Eddie Van Halen tapping lick that features three notes per string. Let's break it down step-by-step.

1. Start at the B string:
   • Tap the 10th fret with your picking hand.
   • Pull off to the 5th fret with your fretting hand.
   • Hammer on the 8th fret with your fretting hand.
   • Repeat this sequence four times.

2. Shift Down a Semitone:

   • Continue tapping at the 10th fret.
   • Pull off to the 4th fret.
   • Hammer on the 7th fret.
   • Repeat four times.

3. Further Down:

   • Tap the 10th fret.
   • Pull off to the 3rd fret.
   • Hammer on the 6th fret.
   • Repeat four times.

4. Final Shift:

   • Tap the 10th fret.
   • Pull off to the 2nd fret.
   • Hammer on the 5th fret.
   • Repeat two times.

By maintaining a minor third interval (tone and a half stretch) with your fretting hand, this lick achieves its distinctive sound, as shown in the image above.

Tips for Practicing the Lick

Slow and Steady

• Start Slow: Begin practicing the lick at a slower tempo. The Gibson app's custom reduced-speed settings allow you to gradually increase speed as you build confidence.
• Use Effects Wisely: Experiment with the Gibson app's built-in amplifier simulator to achieve the iconic Eddie Van Halen tone. Adding effects like a phaser can enhance your sound, just as Eddie did.

Interactive Lessons

• Play-As-You-Go: Utilize the interactive lessons in the Gibson app to receive real-time feedback and guidance. This feature helps ensure you're playing each note correctly.
• Loop Functionality: Use the loop functionality to repeatedly practice challenging sections of the lick. Focus on smooth transitions between notes.

Unlock More with Our App

Ready to take your guitar skills to the next level? Join tens of thousands of users who are already mastering techniques like Eddie Van Halen's iconic tapping lick with the Gibson app. Explore competitive leagues, interactive lessons, and the built-in tuner to enhance your playing experience. Try the Gibson app for free today and unlock your full potential!