Harmonics are the secret ingredient behind some of the most captivating and expressive sounds you can coax from your guitar. Often described as bell-like or chime-like tones, they add a shimmering, ethereal quality to your playing that can range from subtle accents to screaming, high-pitched squeals. While sometimes perceived as an advanced technique reserved for virtuosos, understanding and utilizing harmonics is accessible to players of all levels and can dramatically expand your sonic palette.
Every note you play on your guitar is actually composed of a fundamental tone accompanied by a series of quieter, higher-pitched sounds called harmonics or overtones. These harmonics are mathematically related to the fundamental frequency and occur at specific intervals. Think of them as the natural resonance of the string vibrating in segments, not just as a whole. Normally, we primarily hear the fundamental note, but by using specific techniques, we can isolate and amplify these harmonics, bringing them to the forefront of our sound.
On the guitar, we categorize harmonics into two main types: natural harmonics and artificial harmonics. Both are achieved by manipulating the guitar string at specific points, known as harmonic nodes, which are fractions of the string’s length between the nut and the bridge.
Natural Harmonics: The Open String’s Secrets
Natural harmonics are produced on open strings and are often the first type of harmonic guitarists learn. They are called “natural” because they occur at predictable points along the open string’s length, corresponding to simple fractions like halves, thirds, and quarters.
To play a natural harmonic, you lightly touch the string directly above a specific fret – not pressing down to fret the note, but just making gentle contact before quickly releasing. This action dampens the fundamental tone while allowing the harmonic overtone to ring out clearly.
The most prominent natural harmonic is found at the 12th fret. This point is exactly halfway along the string, dividing it into two equal vibrating segments. Touching lightly over the 12th fret wire and plucking the string will produce a harmonic that is an octave higher than the open string note. It will be the same note name, but at a higher pitch.
You can find other strong natural harmonics by further dividing the string. Dividing the string into thirds gives you harmonic nodes at approximately the 7th and 19th frets. These harmonics will be a perfect fifth higher than the 12th fret harmonic (or two octaves and a fifth above the open string).
Dividing the string into quarters yields harmonics at the 5th fret and around the 24th fret position (or equivalent if your guitar has fewer frets). These are two octaves higher than the open string.
Experimenting with these fret positions – 12th, 7th, and 5th – is the best way to get started with natural harmonics. Listen carefully to the bell-like tones that emerge as you refine your touch.
Natural Harmonics on Guitar Fretboard
While these are the most easily accessible natural harmonics, they exist at other points along the fretboard too. Don’t be afraid to explore between these main positions to discover more subtle and less defined natural harmonics.
Artificial Harmonics: Expanding Your Harmonic Range
Artificial harmonics, sometimes called false harmonics, unlock a much wider range of harmonic possibilities across the fretboard. They are termed “artificial” because they are created on fretted notes, effectively shortening the vibrating string length before you apply the harmonic technique. This allows you to play harmonics on any fretted note, not just open strings.
There are several techniques for playing artificial harmonics, each with its own unique sound and approach. Here, we’ll explore three common methods: harp harmonics, tapped harmonics, and pinched harmonics.
Harp Harmonics: Elegant and Clear
Harp harmonics are known for their clean, bell-like tone and are often favored in melodic passages. This technique involves using both your fretting and picking hands in a coordinated manner.
First, fret a note as you normally would. Then, with your picking hand, extend your index finger and lightly touch the string exactly 12 frets higher than the fretted note. This is crucial – the 12-fret interval replicates the same string division as the 12th fret natural harmonic, but now relative to your fretted note.
While your index finger is gently resting at this harmonic node, use your thumb or another finger of your picking hand to pluck the string behind your index finger, towards the bridge. The combination of the light touch and the plucking action should produce a clear, ringing harmonic.
Tapped Harmonics: Percussive and Dynamic
Tapped harmonics offer a more percussive and aggressive harmonic sound. This technique utilizes a tapping motion with your picking hand to create the harmonic.
Again, start by fretting a note. Then, with your picking hand, use your index finger to sharply tap the string directly above the fret wire that is 12 frets higher than your fretted note. Think of it as a quick, bouncing tap – make contact and immediately lift your finger away. The tapping action excites the harmonic overtone.
Tapped Harmonics Technique
The key to tapped harmonics is the speed and lightness of the tap. Too much pressure will mute the harmonic, while too slow a tap might not excite it sufficiently. Practice finding the right balance for a clear, ringing tone.
Pinched Harmonics: Squealing and Expressive
Pinched harmonics, sometimes called “squealies,” are known for their screaming, vocal-like quality and are a staple in rock and metal guitar playing. They are arguably the most challenging artificial harmonic technique to master, but also the most expressive.
Pinched harmonics are generated by using your pick and your thumb together in a specific way. As you pick the string, you intentionally allow the side of your thumb to graze or “pinch” the string immediately after the pick attack. This slight muting and re-excitation of the string at the right point creates the harmonic.
The “sweet spot” for pinched harmonics – the optimal position for your thumb to graze the string – varies depending on the fretted note, your guitar, and your pickup placement. Many players find success picking closer to the bridge pickup, and experimenting with slight variations in your picking hand angle and thumb position is crucial to finding your personal pinched harmonic sweet spots.
While some simplify the technique by aiming to pinch the string roughly 12 frets higher than the fretted note (similar to harp and tapped harmonics in concept), the most versatile approach involves learning to find these sweet spots around the pickup area. This requires practice and experimentation, but the screaming tones you can achieve are well worth the effort.
Artificial Harmonics Technique Diagram
Mastering Harmonics: A Journey of Sound
Harmonics On Guitar are a fascinating and rewarding area to explore. Whether you’re adding subtle shimmer with natural harmonics or unleashing screaming pinched harmonics, these techniques will dramatically enrich your guitar playing. Start with natural harmonics to understand the basic principles, then gradually delve into the world of artificial harmonics. With practice and experimentation, you’ll unlock a whole new dimension of sound from your instrument.
