Harmonics
Harmonics are my favorite technique. They
really add to solos and there are so many
sounds you can produce, it's incredible.
Basiclly, a harmonic is a screech. It's the
ability to take a note and play it one,
even two octaves higher.
Natural Harmonics
I do not like these but for the sake of this
discusion, I have to talk about them. They
are easier than others. Take the 12th fret
for example, the easiest one. You lightly
touch the string above the fret wire. You
should hear the same sound as the actual fretted
note. If there is a muffled or muted sound, you
are pressing too hard. All the strings are like
that at the 12th fret. Try the seventh fret on
the B string. That is a much higher pitch
harmonic. Now try the 5th fret on the G string.
Even higher. The closer to the nut you get,
the higher the pitch, but, they get harder
to produce. This is where Artificial Harmonics
(or Pinch Harmonics) come in.
Artificial Harmonics (A.H.)
A.H are harder to do, because it requires
more use of your hands. Fret the fifth fret.
Now go 12 frets above (with your right hand,
keep your left index finger on the fifth
fret) which would be the 17th fret. Lightly
touch it above the fret wire with your right
index finger. Hold the pick between your middle
finger and thumb. Pluck the string. You should
hear the harmonic. You can also go 7 frets
above or 5 frets and get shorter but, again,
the closer to the nut you get, the harder it
is. You can also produce some killer harmonics
if you find the right place to pluck over a
pickup. Fret the 12th fret (high e string.)
Make an Artificial Harmonic right over the
middle pickup. It's hard to do but if you
get it right it's damn high!
TAB:
harm. A.H.--------------|
-12-----------|----------5---6-7-7-8-9---
--------------|--------------------------
--------------|--------------------------
--------------|--------------------------
--------------|--------------------------
--------------|--------------------------
Back to Technique