What Is Tapping Percussion on the Guitar Body? A Complete Guide to the Technique

Tapping percussion on the guitar body is an extended technique where the player uses their hands to strike, tap, or slap the instrument’s wooden surfaces—such as the top, sides, or bridge—to create rhythmic, drum-like sounds. It turns the guitar into a percussive instrument, often combined with fingerstyle playing to produce a full-band effect.

Etymology / Origin

The term “tapping percussion” combines “tapping” (from the two-handed tapping technique popularized by Eddie Van Halen in the 1970s) with “percussion,” referring to striking the guitar body. However, the practice of using the guitar as a drum predates modern tapping. Early blues and flamenco guitarists occasionally slapped the body for rhythmic effect. The technique gained prominence in the 1990s and 2000s with the rise of percussive fingerstyle artists like Michael Hedges, Preston Reed, and later Andy McKee, who integrated complex body percussion into melodic compositions. The term itself is descriptive and emerged from the online guitar community and instructional materials to distinguish body strikes from string tapping.

How It Works

Tapping percussion on the guitar body relies on the resonant properties of the instrument’s wooden soundbox. When a player strikes a specific area, the wood vibrates, producing a sound that is amplified by the hollow body (in acoustic guitars) or captured by pickups (in electro-acoustic models). Different areas yield distinct timbres:

• Top (soundboard) tap: A deep, bass-drum-like thump, often produced with the heel of the palm or fingertips near the bridge.
• Side tap: A sharper, snare-like crack, typically executed with the thumb or knuckles on the upper bout.
• Bridge slap: A bright, percussive click, created by slapping the strings against the bridge or tapping the bridge pins.
• Muted string slap: While not strictly body percussion, slapping the strings against the fretboard (a “slap” technique) often accompanies body taps to emulate a full drum kit.

The technique requires precise timing and coordination, as the player must simultaneously maintain a melody, bassline, and percussion pattern. Many guitarists use a thumb pick or acrylic nails to enhance attack, and some install internal microphones or contact pickups to better capture body hits in live settings.

Notation & Diagrams

There is no universal standard for notating guitar body percussion, but common symbols include:

• “X” noteheads on a single-line percussion staff above the standard tablature, with text labels like “Top,” “Side,” or “Slap.”
• Rhythmic slashes with written instructions (e.g., “hit top with palm”).
• Tab symbols: Some tabs use “T” for top tap, “S” for side tap, and “P” for palm slap.

Below is a placeholder for a typical diagram showing hand positions:

Step-by-Step / How to Play

1. Hold the guitar securely. Use a strap or classical position to keep the instrument stable, freeing both hands for movement.
2. Start with a basic top tap. With your picking hand, form a loose fist and use the side of your thumb or heel of your palm to strike the soundboard near the bridge. Aim for a consistent, muted thud.
3. Add a side tap. Use your fretting hand’s thumb to tap the upper side of the guitar body (near the neck joint) on beats 2 and 4, simulating a snare drum.
4. Combine with a simple bass note. Pluck the low E string with your thumb (picking hand) on beat 1, then top tap on beat 3. Practice this two-beat pattern slowly.
5. Integrate a melody. While maintaining the bass and percussion, use your remaining fingers to pluck a melody on the higher strings. Start with a single repeating note, then expand.
6. Develop independence. Practice each limb’s part separately, then layer them. Use a metronome and gradually increase tempo.

Common Variations

• Flamenco golpe: Tapping the golpeador (tap plate) with the fingernails for a sharp, flamenco-style accent.
• Harp harmonics + body percussion: Combining tapped harmonics with rhythmic body hits, as popularized by Jon Gomm.
• Two-handed tapping on the body: Using both hands to create complex polyrhythms on different parts of the guitar, often in a lap-style setup.
• Electronic augmentation: Using a looper or effects pedal to layer body percussion with live looping, common in modern solo performances.

Common Mistakes

• Striking too hard: Excessive force can damage the guitar’s finish or bracing. Use controlled, relaxed motions.
• Neglecting muting: Unwanted string resonance can muddy the sound. Use the fretting hand to mute strings when not playing notes.
• Poor timing: Body percussion often rushes or drags. Practice with a metronome, focusing on the percussive hits as part of the groove.
• Inconsistent tone: Striking different spots on the body yields different sounds; be precise to maintain a consistent drum-like tone.
• Ignoring dynamics: Vary the intensity of taps to create a more musical, dynamic performance.

Notable Examples in Songs

• “Drifting” – Andy McKee
• “Passionflower” – Jon Gomm
• “The Nomad” – Mike Dawes
• “Rylynn” – Andy McKee
• “Ocean” – John Butler Trio (live version features body tapping)
• “Aerial Boundaries” – Michael Hedges