Playing without strumming

[RollingCodeGuits]

I have been watching the prodigy Marcin  Patrzalek just maul that guitar with his playing. At times it seems like he is playing the guitar without strumming or plucking with his right hand. what is that technique? i just started learning and am awestruck by it. is he like just pressing the fret super hard? picking the fret? 

 

 

[Fretless]

Hello. That technique is called tapping. It is popular mostly in two genres: the acoustic style as Marcin Patrzalek demonstrates in the video, and also heavy metal - check out Eddie Van Halen's song Eruption as just one example.

[DianeB]

The technique has been around for decades, but languished in obscurity until perhaps most significantly the late Michael Hedges brought it to a wider audience in the eighties. Acoustic virtuosos like Christie Lenee, Tommy Emmanuel, and Ian Ethan Case cite Hedges as an influence. As Fretless observes, it crossed over to rock with EVH, who amusingly attempted to keep the technique a trade secret at first by turning away from his audience.

[Popeye]

I know that this young man has talent, but I can't get into this. It was so much percussion that I couldn't really listen to the sound of the guitar. Just a humble observation and opinion for my taste.

Mike

[Eracer_Team-DougH]

yes the constant tapping and percussion gets old fast..

plus his 'gyration's are sort of ... well it was commented by the judges .. "an out of control performance" 

@RollingCodeGuits  BTW Ian Ethan Case as name dropped by Diane .. is a graduate of the Steve Krenz LMG guitar course. very nice guy.. google him.

 

[Plantsman13]

I’m a fan of Rodrigo y Gabriela when it comes to tapping.  Watching her live is a treat.  Their early version of Stairway to Heaven was a unique experience.  
Christie Lenee is a talented, and turbocharged ball of energy as well.  
Tapping is a tool, that used properly, can be a positive addition to an artist’s repertoire…if overused, like many pedals, can get old fast.  IMHO 🤓