Taps

What You'll Learn

The tap (also called a strike or pat) is the partner ornament to the cut. Where the cut goes above the note, the tap goes below it.

How a Tap Works

A tap is played by quickly striking an open hole below the note you're playing. This momentarily lowers the pitch and creates a rhythmic percussive effect.

Like the cut, air flow continues — the tap is pure fingering.

Tap Exercise: On A

Play A (top three holes covered, all others open). While holding A, tap your bottom hand index finger (hole 4) down and lift it. The tap is lower than A, creating a brief drop in pitch.

A (tap) A - | A (tap) A - |

(tap) - | (tap) - |

Tap Exercise: On G

Play G (top three + bottom index covered). Tap your bottom hand middle finger (hole 5) down and lift.

G (tap) G - | G (tap) G - |

(tap) - | (tap) - |

Cuts vs Taps

• Cut — lift a finger above the note → pitch goes up briefly.
• Tap — put a finger down on an open hole below the note → pitch goes down briefly.
• Both are used to break up repeated notes and add rhythmic drive.

Practice Tips

• Practice taps on every note where you have an open hole below the note.
• Alternate cuts and taps on the same repeated note: cut-tap-cut-tap.
• The tap should be lighter than a cut — think of it as a rhythmic "bounce" rather than a note.

Common Mistakes

• Hitting too hard — the tap should be a light pat, not a slam. Aggressive taps sound clumsy.
• Finger stays down too long — you'll hear a distinct lower note instead of a quick ornament. Quick in and out.