Foot tapping!

Gene Jones · Post by **Gene Jones** » 31 Aug 2006 8:19 am

Lots of info here about foot tapping that I've never heard before.

In my experience, foot tapping was considered to be a tool for a beginner while learning to keep time with the beat, but, after achieving performing status, foot tapping was frowned upon as being amateurish.

However, many musicians still covertly tap their big toe to keep the beat because it's inside their shoe and not visible to anyone.

Foot tapping obviously has a place among musicians, but,in general, it's status is probably "Don't ask....don't tell".

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Bill McCloskey · Post by **Bill McCloskey** » 31 Aug 2006 8:39 am

If you really want to hear some good foot tapping, go see guitarist Jeff Lang. He plays an incredible slide guitar while standing on a box that is amplified. He pounds out the rhythm with both feet while playing slide. It is pretty amazing.

Steinar Gregertsen · Post by **Steinar Gregertsen** » 31 Aug 2006 9:24 am

Foot tapping is an integral part of much traditional folk music, and many performers of 'modern' folk and roots music are inspired by this and makes it part of their style.

Norwegian Hardanger fiddle players has always used both feet to produce the most hypnotic grooves, for example..

Steinar

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Jesse Pearson · Post by **Jesse Pearson** » 31 Aug 2006 10:29 am

I think foot tapping depends on the genre of music your really into. I'm a blues musician above everything else and I can't stop tapping my foot, no matter what kind of music it is. I have found that musicians who don't tap their foot seem to lack groove and have bad timing. Because of this observation I always think "hmmm, he doesn't tap his foot, could be a problem". When I was seriously busking for money, the addition of a hi hat with a tamborine on top increased my novelty and my money's doubled and even tripled sometimes. Go figure?

Chuck Fisher · Post by **Chuck Fisher** » 1 Sep 2006 7:23 pm

Harry Manx does use that effectively,but if you really want the sh-t, listen to the cut "old friend" on the newish Allman bros "Hitting the note" CD,, Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks on Dobros and Greg stompin and singing,, its just too good