Originally Posted by: schmangeOk, so here's a question.
Is tapping considered to be shred?
You could easily do 300 bpm without even thinking about it.

en.wikipedia.org/Shred ---> the online dictionary says:

"In the context of an electric guitar, "Shredding" refers to a virtuosic, highly technical style of playing the instrument, as exemplified by the virtuosos of the eighties.
The style of shred guitar is strongly founded in technique and theory. Many shred gutiarists are extremely well versed in music theory and classical music. Much time is devoted to the development of technique through numerous exercises. A key practice tool is the metronome. Many virtuosic techniques displayed by "shredders" include sweep picking, Tapping, legato, alternate picking, string skipping, as well as a combination of the aforementioned techniques."

From that description, I can say Tapping is considered Shred (combination of the said techniques) .

But in my opinion even if its considered Shred, if tapping is done in bad taste and the main intention of a guitarist is too play as fast as possible and sacrifice the melodic content for speed's sake, then I can call it WANK or wanking. ;)