If you’re looking to add some explosive flair to your solos, finger tapping is a must-have technique — and no one popularised it quite like Eddie Van Halen.
Tapping is the technique that separates the men from the boys — it’s a showstopper move that screams confidence and skill. If you’re serious about rock guitar, this is one technique you absolutely need in your arsenal.
In this lesson, I’ll break down three Van Halen–inspired tapping licks based on the pentatonic scale, and show you how to bring that classic EVH energy into your own playing.
What Is Finger Tapping?
Tapping is a technique where you use your picking hand (usually your index or middle finger) to “tap” notes on the fretboard — almost like your fretting hand. It opens up blazing-fast runs, wide interval leaps, and a unique percussive tone you can’t get with standard picking alone.
It’s a favourite among shred guitarists, and a huge part of the sound of the late 70s and 80s rock scene.
Who Was Eddie Van Halen?
Eddie Van Halen wasn’t the first guitarist to use finger tapping — but he’s the one who made it iconic. With his revolutionary two-hand tapping solos (like in “Eruption”), he redefined what rock guitar could sound like. His use of tapping wasn’t just flashy — it was melodic, inventive, and loaded with personality.
If you’ve ever wanted to sound more like EVH, mastering his approach to tapping is essential.
Tapping Lick #1 – Pentatonic Outline Across All Strings
This lick is a great introduction to Van Halen-style tapping. I tap fret 12 on each string using my picking hand, while my fretting hand outlines the A minor pentatonic scale.
It’s a fantastic exercise to work on string crossing, coordination, and keeping a consistent tap. Even though you’re tapping the same fret each time, the movement from your fretting hand gives it that fluid, climbing sound that sounds both technical and musical.
Here’s the process for finger tapping Lick 1
- Firstly, Tap fret 1 on string 1
- Then flick off to fret 5
- Then hammer-on to fret 8 with your pinkie!
Repeat this four times and then change string.
Tapping Lick #2 – Rapid Tapping on Strings 1 and 2
This next lick ramps up the intensity. I tap a 12-5-8 sequence on strings 1 and 2, bouncing rapidly between the notes.
This kind of three-note-per-string tapping run is great for building speed and precision. It sounds flashy but is built on a simple shape. Once you get the rhythm and muscle memory down, it creates an incredibly slick, Van Halen–esque flurry of notes.
You can think of this lick as being similar to the first idea, but you are changing string after a single rep instead of doing four repeats before you change.
Tapping Lick #3 – Four Notes Per String Using Adjacent Shapes
This is where we break out of basic patterns and get more creative. In this lick, I tap notes from adjacent pentatonic scale shapes, turning them into four-note-per-string tapping ideas.
It’s an amazing way to break out of the box and extend your runs across the neck. This lick blends scale knowledge with tapping freedom — and the result is a sound that’s aggressive, fluid, and completely EVH.
Here’s the process for finger tapping Lick 3
- Firstly, Tap fret 12 on string 6
- Then flick off to fret 5 and hammer onto fret 8
- Next, tap fret 10
- Then flick off to fret 5 again and hammer fret 8 again
- now, move on to the next string
Repeat this process with every string as you ascend. Make sure you match the notes to the shape of the pentatonic scale you’re playing
Learn More About Tapping
If you’re brand new to the technique or want to solidify your fundamentals, check out my article on creating a guitar practice routine — it’ll give you a strong foundation to build from before diving into licks like these.
🎥 And don’t forget to watch the full lesson on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/vCUJHNn4YEU
About the Author
Michael Gumley is the founder of Melbourne Guitar Academy and has taught thousands of students how to shred, solo, and play with confidence. If you’re serious about improving your technique and want the best guitar lessons in Boronia, Michael and his team will help you level up your playing faster than ever.