|
Menu
|
Harmonics
Playing harmonics is a technique widely used in all styles of guitar music which gives some variety to ordinary picked notes. The sound created by harmonics is a high, piercing sound which, if used effectively, can add a lot to a song or riff. Simple harmonics are easy to execute with practice but artificial or pinch harmonics (which I may mention at a later date) are much more difficult. Harmonics are indicated in my tab notation by this symbol:
e:--!--!---!--|
B:-12--7--12--|
G:--------12--|
D:--------12--|
A:------------|
E:------------|
The first harmonic indicated is played on the second string 12th fret.
The second harmonic indicated is played on the second string 7th fret.
The third harmonic indicated is played on the second, third, and fourth strings at the 12th fret.
The harmonics indicated above are accomplished by placing your finger gently against the string directly above the fret indicated. Do not fret the string; only touch it very lightly. Then pick as you normally would, and quickly remove your fretting finger from the string. You should hear a high-pitched sound. Harmonics are most easily made at the 5th, 7th, and 12th frets. Harmonics at the 12th fret are the easiest, while harmonics at the 5th fret are the most difficult of the three. It will take a large amount of practice to be able to consistently execute harmonics, but they are well worth it once you have learned how. To produce multiple-string harmonics, simply place your finger across all desired strings at the same time, fret, and remove your finger. Don't try this until you can consistently play single-string harmonics.
 |