As with a number of other tapping instruments (such as the harpejji and the StarrBoard), the Tapboard is designed to be played on the lap, on a table or on a table-style stand, in much the same position as a pedal steel or lap steel guitar. The playing style involves the use of all ten fingers (and thumbs) in a pianistic style, with the resulting sound being similar to that of a Chapman Stick. Dunnery has commented "it's a very rhythmic instrument.
The Tapboard is designed for lap, table, or table-style stand use, similar to the way pedal steel and lap steel guitars are played. The playing style involves using all ten fingers (and thumbs) in a piano-like manner, producing a sound like that of a Chapman Stick.