Tosin Abasi of Animals As Leaders is renowned for his innovative and complex guitar playing, particularly his distinctive tapping techniques on his signature Tosin Abasi Guitar. In this masterclass breakdown, we delve into the core elements of his approach to tapping, using examples from his instructional series and the iconic song ‘CAFO.’ Abasi often employs his 8-string Ibanez guitar, demonstrating techniques that can be adapted across various guitars, but are uniquely showcased on his extended range instruments.
Exploring Tosin Abasi’s Signature Tapping Style
Abasi’s tapping style is deeply intertwined with his guitar tuning. He often utilizes a [E B E A D G B E] tuning, which sets up the first three strings in a power chord configuration (1, 5, 1). This tuning is fundamental to understanding his newer tapping riff, demonstrated in his masterclass. Set in Bb, this riff involves tapping an octave above the fretted notes. He transitions from a minor third interval above Bb to a major third, shifting the tonality to Bb major. Following this, he introduces a C Phrygian idea, notably skipping the B string to create unique intervallic textures.
Close-up of Tosin Abasi's hands demonstrating tapping technique on his 8-string Ibanez guitar
This approach, as Abasi explains, is a cornerstone of his playing. The specific guitar tuning he uses is highly “conducive to tapping,” allowing for techniques that are virtually impossible with standard power chord shapes and conventional tunings. This highlights how deeply his tuning choices influence his unique guitar techniques and overall sound.
Tapping in ‘CAFO’: An Octave-Based Riff
Another prominent example of Tosin Abasi’s tapping is featured in the Animals As Leaders’ track ‘CAFO.’ This riff further exemplifies his octave-based tapping approach, where he taps twelve frets away on the same string. For ‘CAFO’, Abasi tunes his 6th string down a whole step to D, creating a heavier, lower register foundation for the riff.
CAFO Riff Example
(Note: Musical notation is simplified for text representation. Refer to official tabs for precise notation.)
[Simplified Representation of CAFO Riff Structure]
In analyzing the left-hand portion of the ‘CAFO’ riff, Abasi points out the groups of five notes. Critically, between each of these left-hand notes, he introduces a tapped note an octave higher. He then transitions to the high D string, mirroring the rhythmic and melodic pattern initiated on the lower D string.
Tosin Abasi demonstrating the 'CAFO' tapping riff on his Ibanez 8-string guitar
This method, as Abasi articulates, is a “cool way to achieve this intervallic sound.” The intervals, primarily octaves and fifths, are inherently consonant. However, the octave displacement combined with the percussive nature of tapping lends a distinctive and unique sonic signature to his guitar playing. This approach, as demonstrated in both his masterclass examples and ‘CAFO’, showcases the versatility and innovation inherent in Tosin Abasi’s guitar techniques, making his style instantly recognizable and highly influential in modern guitar music.
