Learn Tapping Techniques Pt. 2- Eruption of Triads

If you missed part 1 of this lesson make sure you go to the blog map and check it out. In part two of Learn Tapping Techniques we will take a look at Van Halen’s Eruption.  Though the actual technique of tapping is the main focus of the lesson, the theory behind the tapping passage is also worth covering. We will take small portions of the passage and slowly we will learn the whole thing. Make sure you tune down a half step for the song. All of the tapping is on the B string (Bb when half step down) so I’m not going to include the rest in the tab.First some basic theory

A triad is a group of 3 notes. It can be thought of as two thirds stacked on top of each other. There are two main types of thirds, minor( 4 semitones) and major (5 semitones). The for major types are triads are shown below in terms of the two thirds that they are made up of.

 Triad   |  1st third   |  2nd Third

1) 

 Major        Major          Minor

2)

Minor        Minor          Major

3)

Diminished   Minor          Minor

4) 

Augmented    Major          Major   

A triad can either be in root position, 1st Inversion, or 2nd Inversion depending on which note is lowest. Now onto eruption.            

Eruption- Van Halen 

Lick 1- Root Position Minor Triad 

Bb|----9p2h5----9p2h5----9p2h5----9p2h5---|

This first part demonstrates a tapped root position minor triad. Anytime you see a 3 note tapping lick that has 4 semitones between its lowest two notes and 5 semitones between its highest two notes, it is a root position minor triad.

Lick 2- 1st Inversion Major Triad

Bb|---10p2h5---10p2h5---10p2h5---10p2h5---|

This next lick demonstrates a tapped 1st inversion major triad. The basic form for a 1st inversion major triad is 4 semitones and then 6 semitones.

Lick 3- Diminished Triad

Bb|---10p4h7---10p4h7---10p4h7---10p4h7---|

The next lick demonstrates a tapped diminished triad. The basic form for a diminished triad is 4 semitones and them another 4 semitones.

Lick 4- 1st Inversion Major Triad 

Bb|---12p4h7---12p4h7---12p4h7---12p4h7---|

Another 1st inversion major triad with the form 4 semitones then 6 semitones.

Lick 5- Root Position Major Triad

Bb|---12p5h9---12p5h9---12p5h9---12p5h9---|

A root position major triad with the form 5 semitones and then 4 semitones.

Lick 6- 1st Inversion Major Triad

Bb|---13p5h8---13p5h8---13p5h8---13p5h8---|

Another 1st inversion major triad with the form 4 semitones then 6 semitones.

Practice each lick individually.  An then put it together using this tab.

If you have any questions or comments please email me at mdguitarteacher@gmail.com.

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