Extended Techniques for the Classical Guitar - Robert Lunn Composer

There is not a standard way to notate this technique and is often added to a performance
by the performer as a way to add color to the piece. Writing, “clarinet sound” above the
intended passage with an explanation in the performance notes should suffice.
2.4 Right Hand Tapping
Example 2.5 Right hand tapping in “Chicago, IL.” from Some Towns and Cities by
Benjamin Verdery. Measure 67.
In Example 2.5, “Chicago, IL.,” from Some Towns and Cities by Benjamin
Verdery, the performer activates the string at a particular fret with the right hand. This
technique is known as right hand tapping, or just tapping. In this example, the left hand
is playing slur figures while the right hand activates the low G by hitting the fret with the
right hand thumb hard enough to produce the G3. The right hand thumb then glides up
the sixth string producing a glissando to the E4. Verdery notates this by using a T at the
spots where the right hand finger produces the sound (see Example 2.5).
26