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

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