Who invented guitar tapping?

Guitar tapping, a technique where the player uses their fingers to tap on the fretboard, is often attributed to guitarist Eddie Van Halen, who popularized the method in the late 1970s through his innovative playing style. However, variations of tapping have been used by Guitarists before him, including Jimi Hendrix and Les Paul. Van Halen's distinctive tapping style, showcased in songs like "Eruption," brought it into mainstream Rock Music and inspired countless musicians.