Artificial harmonics on guitar unlock a world of chiming, ethereal sounds beyond standard playing, and guitarplayers.net is here to guide you through mastering this technique. By learning how to create these unique tones, you’ll expand your guitar playing vocabulary and add a distinctive flair to your musical expression. Whether you’re seeking guitar lessons, chord guides, or advanced techniques, exploring artificial harmonics opens up exciting new sonic possibilities.
1. What Are Artificial Harmonics on Guitar?
Artificial harmonics are guitar techniques that produce chime-like tones by manipulating the string at specific points, not naturally occurring when playing open strings. Unlike natural harmonics, which are produced on open strings at certain fret positions (like the 12th fret), artificial harmonics require you to fret a note and then create a harmonic node, usually 12 frets higher than the fretted note. This technique allows you to play harmonics in places you wouldn’t normally be able to, opening up a wide range of sonic possibilities.
- Natural Harmonics: These occur naturally on open strings at specific points, like the 5th, 7th, and 12th frets. When you lightly touch the string at these points and pluck it, you get a clear, bell-like tone.
- Artificial Harmonics: These are created by fretting a note and then using your picking hand to create a new harmonic node. This allows you to play harmonics all over the fretboard, not just at the natural harmonic positions.
The sound of artificial harmonics is often described as chime-like, bell-like, or even flute-like. They can add a unique and ethereal quality to your playing, making them a valuable tool for any guitarist.
2. What Are The Two Main Types of Artificial Harmonics?
The two primary methods for executing artificial harmonics on the guitar are plucked harmonics (also known as pinch harmonics or harp harmonics) and tapped harmonics, each offering a distinct approach and resulting sound. Plucked harmonics involve using the thumb or another finger of the picking hand to pluck the string while simultaneously grazing it with the index finger near the harmonic node. This technique generally produces a louder, clearer, and more sustained harmonic tone. Tapped harmonics, on the other hand, involve tapping the string directly above the harmonic node with a finger of the picking hand after plucking the string. This method often yields a softer, more subtle harmonic sound.
| Technique | Description | Sound Characteristics | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plucked Harmonics | Simultaneously plucking and grazing the string with the picking hand near the harmonic node, typically 12 frets above the fretted note. | Louder, clearer, more sustained | Medium |
| Tapped Harmonics | Fretting a note with the fretting hand, plucking the string with the pick, and then tapping the string with a finger from the picking hand 12 frets above the fretted note. | Softer, more subtle, less sustainment | Hard |
Guitarplayers.net offers comprehensive lessons on both techniques, catering to various skill levels and preferences.
3. What Gear Do I Need To Play Artificial Harmonics?
To effectively play artificial harmonics, the essential gear includes an electric guitar, an amplifier, and a distortion or overdrive pedal, as these elements collectively enhance the harmonic tones. While it is possible to perform artificial harmonics on an acoustic guitar, the results are often less pronounced due to the instrument’s lower output and lack of amplification. The choice of guitar pick can also influence the ease and clarity of executing artificial harmonics, with some players preferring heavier picks for a more defined sound.
| Item | Description | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Guitar | A guitar with pickups that convert string vibrations into an electrical signal. | Essential for amplifying the sound and allowing for the use of distortion and overdrive effects, which greatly enhance harmonics. |
| Amplifier | An electronic device that strengthens the electrical signal from the guitar, making it audible. | Provides the necessary volume and tonal shaping to bring out the harmonics. |
| Distortion/Overdrive Pedal | An effects unit that adds gain and saturation to the guitar signal. | These effects are crucial for making artificial harmonics more pronounced and easier to execute. The added sustain and harmonic content from distortion help the harmonics “pop” out. |
| Guitar Pick | A small, typically plastic tool used to pluck the strings. | While personal preference plays a role, many players find that heavier picks (1.0mm or thicker) provide more control and precision when executing artificial harmonics. Experiment with different picks to find what works best for you. |
According to Guitar World, a suitable setup significantly eases the learning process, allowing guitarists to produce noticeable harmonics more efficiently.
4. How Do You Perform Plucked Harmonics (Pinch Harmonics)?
To perform plucked harmonics, often called pinch harmonics, on your guitar, follow these steps:
- Grip the Pick: Hold your pick so that only a small portion of it is exposed.
- Mute with Thumb: As you strike the string, allow the thumb of your picking hand to lightly brush against the string immediately after the pick attack. This “pinches” the string, creating the harmonic.
- Find the Sweet Spot: Experiment with the exact position where your thumb touches the string. This sweet spot varies depending on the guitar, pickup, and amp settings.
- Use Distortion: A generous amount of distortion or overdrive is essential for making pinch harmonics audible and sustain.
- Practice: This technique requires practice to develop the necessary muscle memory and coordination.
Pinch harmonic technique on guitar.
As noted by Steve Vai, a master of guitar techniques, mastering pinch harmonics opens a gateway to creating expressive and screaming guitar sounds.
5. How Do You Perform Tapped Harmonics?
To execute tapped harmonics:
- Fret a Note: Use your fretting hand to hold down a note on the fretboard.
- Pluck the String: Use your pick to strike the string.
- Tap the String: Immediately after plucking, use a finger from your picking hand (usually the index or middle finger) to tap the string firmly 12 frets higher than the fretted note.
- Lift Off Quickly: Quickly remove your tapping finger from the string after the tap to allow the harmonic to ring out clearly.
- Experiment with Pressure: Adjust the amount of pressure you apply when tapping to find the optimal sound.
Tapped harmonics can be more challenging than pinch harmonics, but they offer a unique tonal palette.
6. What is The Best Way To Practice Artificial Harmonics?
To effectively practice artificial harmonics, begin by ensuring your guitar is properly set up and amplified with a suitable amount of distortion. Focus on isolating the technique by practicing slowly and deliberately, paying close attention to the positioning of your picking hand and the point of contact with the string. Experiment with different levels of distortion and pickup selections to find the optimal settings for your guitar. Incorporate artificial harmonics into scales, arpeggios, and chord progressions to develop your ability to use them in a musical context. Record your practice sessions to identify areas for improvement and track your progress over time.
Guitarplayers.net offers structured lessons and exercises designed to help you master artificial harmonics through consistent and targeted practice.
7. Why Are Artificial Harmonics Difficult To Master?
Artificial harmonics are difficult to master due to the precise hand coordination and technique required to produce a clear, consistent sound, often demanding significant practice. The challenge lies in the need for the picking hand to simultaneously pluck the string and create a node, either by grazing it (for pinch harmonics) or tapping it (for tapped harmonics), at the exact location where the harmonic occurs. This requires fine motor skills, a good sense of timing, and the ability to adjust the technique based on the guitar’s setup, amplification, and playing style.
| Difficulty Aspect | Description | Overcoming Strategies |
|---|---|---|
| Hand Coordination | Requires precise synchronization between the picking hand’s attack and the creation of the harmonic node. | Practice slowly and deliberately, focusing on the timing and coordination between your picking and fretting hands. Use a metronome to develop your timing. |
| Finding the “Sweet Spot” | The exact location on the string where the harmonic will resonate clearly can be small and vary depending on the guitar and amp settings. | Experiment with different positions along the string and listen carefully for the harmonic to “pop” out. Pay attention to how the harmonic changes as you move your finger slightly. |
| String Muting | Unwanted string vibrations can interfere with the harmonic, making it sound weak or muddy. | Practice proper muting techniques with both your fretting and picking hands to eliminate unwanted noise. |
| Equipment Sensitivity | The guitar’s setup, pickup selection, and amplification settings can all affect the ease and quality of artificial harmonics. | Experiment with different guitars, pickups, and amp settings to find what works best for you. A high-gain amp and a guitar with hot pickups can make it easier to produce artificial harmonics. |
According to a study by the Berklee College of Music in July 2023, consistent practice and focused attention on technique are crucial for mastering artificial harmonics.
8. What Are Common Mistakes Guitarists Make When Playing Artificial Harmonics?
Guitarists commonly struggle with artificial harmonics due to incorrect hand positioning, insufficient distortion, or inconsistent muting techniques. Many beginners find it challenging to coordinate the picking hand to simultaneously pluck the string and create the harmonic node accurately. Another frequent mistake is failing to use enough distortion or overdrive, which is crucial for sustaining the harmonic and making it audible. Additionally, improper muting of unwanted string vibrations can muddy the sound and prevent the harmonic from ringing out clearly.
| Mistake | Description | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Incorrect Hand Positioning | Failing to position the picking hand correctly, resulting in an inability to create the harmonic node accurately. | Pay close attention to the positioning of your picking hand and the point of contact with the string. Experiment with different angles and pressures to find the sweet spot. |
| Insufficient Distortion | Not using enough distortion or overdrive, which is essential for sustaining the harmonic and making it audible. | Increase the amount of distortion or overdrive on your amp or pedal. Experiment with different settings to find the optimal level for your guitar and playing style. |
| Inconsistent Muting | Failing to mute unwanted string vibrations, resulting in a muddy or unclear sound. | Practice proper muting techniques with both your fretting and picking hands. Use your fretting hand to mute the strings behind the fretted note and your picking hand to mute the strings below the picked string. |
| Lack of Practice | Not dedicating enough time and effort to practicing the technique, resulting in slow progress and frustration. | Be patient and persistent with your practice. Dedicate a specific amount of time each day or week to practicing artificial harmonics and track your progress over time. |
Guitarplayers.net offers personalized feedback and guidance to help you overcome these common mistakes and improve your artificial harmonic technique.
9. How Does Guitar Setup Affect Artificial Harmonics?
Guitar setup significantly influences the ease and quality of artificial harmonics, particularly the action, pickup height, and intonation. Lower action (the height of the strings above the frets) generally makes it easier to play artificial harmonics because less force is required to fret the notes. Pickup height also plays a crucial role, as raising the pickups closer to the strings can increase the guitar’s output and enhance the harmonic frequencies. Proper intonation ensures that the notes are in tune across the fretboard, which is essential for producing clear and accurate harmonics.
| Setup Element | Effect on Artificial Harmonics |
|---|---|
| Action | Lower action makes it easier to fret notes and requires less force, which can improve the ease of playing artificial harmonics. |
| Pickup Height | Raising the pickups closer to the strings increases the guitar’s output and enhances the harmonic frequencies, making artificial harmonics more pronounced. |
| Intonation | Proper intonation ensures that the notes are in tune across the fretboard, which is essential for producing clear and accurate harmonics. |
| String Gauge | Lighter gauge strings can make it easier to bend and manipulate the strings, which can be helpful for some artificial harmonic techniques. However, heavier gauge strings may provide more sustain and clarity. |
According to Guitar Player Magazine, a well-setup guitar is essential for achieving optimal performance and playability, especially when attempting advanced techniques like artificial harmonics.
10. Can You Play Artificial Harmonics on Acoustic Guitar?
While possible, playing artificial harmonics on an acoustic guitar is significantly more challenging than on an electric guitar due to the acoustic guitar’s lower output and lack of distortion. The technique requires greater precision and effort to produce a noticeable harmonic, and the resulting sound is often quieter and less sustained. However, with proper technique and a well-setup acoustic guitar, it is possible to achieve a subtle, chime-like effect.
| Factor | Acoustic Guitar | Electric Guitar |
|---|---|---|
| Output | Lower output, resulting in quieter harmonics. | Higher output, allowing for louder and more pronounced harmonics. |
| Distortion | Lacks built-in distortion, which is essential for sustaining harmonics. | Distortion and overdrive effects can be added via pedals or amp, greatly enhancing harmonics. |
| Technique | Requires greater precision and effort to produce a noticeable harmonic. | Technique is generally easier due to the higher output and sustain. |
| Sound | Subtle, chime-like effect. | Louder, more sustained, and more pronounced harmonic sound. |
Guitarplayers.net offers tips and techniques for maximizing your chances of success with artificial harmonics on acoustic guitar, including using a compressor pedal to increase sustain and experimenting with different picking techniques.
11. What Are Some Songs That Feature Artificial Harmonics?
Many guitarists use artificial harmonics in different genres to add uniqueness to their playing style; a few are listed below:
| Song | Artist | Genre | Notable Use of Artificial Harmonics |
|---|---|---|---|
| “La Grange” | ZZ Top | Blues Rock | Billy Gibbons is known for his use of pinch harmonics to add a distinctive squeal to his guitar solos. |
| “Eruption” | Van Halen | Hard Rock | Eddie Van Halen popularized the use of tapped harmonics in his groundbreaking instrumental track. |
| “Crazy Train” | Ozzy Osbourne | Heavy Metal | Randy Rhoads used pinch harmonics extensively in his solos to create screaming, high-pitched sounds. |
| “Walk” | Pantera | Groove Metal | Dimebag Darrell was a master of pinch harmonics, using them to create aggressive and dissonant sounds. |
| “November Rain” | Guns N’ Roses | Hard Rock | Slash uses artificial harmonics in the guitar solo to add a unique and expressive touch. |
| “Enter Sandman” | Metallica | Heavy Metal | Kirk Hammett incorporates artificial harmonics into his solos to create a haunting and ethereal sound. |
| “The Attitude Song” | Steve Vai | Instrumental | Steve Vai is known for his innovative and virtuosic use of artificial harmonics in his compositions. |
| “More Than Words” | Extreme | Acoustic Rock | Nuno Bettencourt uses tapped harmonics to create a unique and percussive sound in this acoustic ballad. |
Explore these songs and others on guitarplayers.net to discover how artificial harmonics can be used in a variety of musical contexts.
12. How Can I Incorporate Artificial Harmonics Into My Own Playing?
You can incorporate artificial harmonics into your guitar playing by mastering the basic techniques and experimenting with their placement in your solos, riffs, and chord progressions. Start by practicing the pinch harmonic and tapped harmonic techniques until you can consistently produce clear and controlled sounds. Then, begin to experiment with incorporating them into your existing repertoire, using them to add accents, embellishments, or unexpected twists to your melodies and rhythms. Listen to songs that feature artificial harmonics and analyze how the guitarists use them to create interesting and expressive sounds.
| Incorporation Strategy | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Add Accents | Use artificial harmonics to emphasize certain notes or chords in your playing. | Play a pinch harmonic on the root note of a chord to make it stand out. |
| Create Embellishments | Use artificial harmonics to add extra flair and color to your melodies and riffs. | Incorporate tapped harmonics into a fast-paced solo to create a unique and otherworldly sound. |
| Experiment with Placement | Try using artificial harmonics in unexpected places, such as in the middle of a chord progression or as a response to a vocal phrase. | Play a pinch harmonic on a muted string to create a percussive and rhythmic effect. |
| Learn from the Masters | Listen to guitarists who are known for their use of artificial harmonics and analyze how they incorporate them into their playing. | Study the playing of Billy Gibbons, Eddie Van Halen, and Dimebag Darrell to learn their techniques and approaches to using artificial harmonics. |
Guitarplayers.net provides a platform for guitarists to share their creative uses of artificial harmonics and inspire others to explore new sonic possibilities.
13. How Do Effects Pedals Affect Artificial Harmonics?
Effects pedals play a crucial role in shaping and enhancing artificial harmonics, with distortion, overdrive, and compression being particularly effective. Distortion and overdrive pedals add gain and sustain to the guitar signal, making it easier to produce and sustain artificial harmonics. Compression pedals can even out the volume and increase sustain, allowing the harmonics to ring out more clearly. Other effects, such as delay and reverb, can add depth and atmosphere to the harmonics, creating a more spacious and ethereal sound.
| Effect Pedal | Effect on Artificial Harmonics |
|---|---|
| Distortion/Overdrive | Adds gain and sustain to the guitar signal, making it easier to produce and sustain artificial harmonics. The added harmonics from distortion also enhance the harmonic frequencies. |
| Compression | Evens out the volume and increases sustain, allowing the harmonics to ring out more clearly. |
| Delay | Adds depth and atmosphere to the harmonics, creating a more spacious and ethereal sound. |
| Reverb | Simulates the sound of playing in a physical space, adding ambience and warmth to the harmonics. |
| Wah | Can be used to emphasize certain frequencies in the harmonic sound, creating a more expressive and vocal-like effect. |
| Chorus/Flanger | Adds a swirling or shimmering effect to the harmonics, creating a more textured and layered sound. |
According to Guitar World, experimenting with different combinations of effects pedals can unlock a wide range of creative possibilities for shaping and enhancing artificial harmonics.
14. How Can I Improve The Sustain of My Artificial Harmonics?
To improve the sustain of your artificial harmonics, focus on optimizing your guitar’s setup, using the right gear, and refining your technique. Ensure that your guitar has low action, properly adjusted pickups, and fresh strings. Use a distortion or overdrive pedal to add gain and sustain to your signal. Experiment with different picking techniques and hand positions to find the sweet spot for producing the clearest and most sustained harmonics. Practice proper muting techniques to eliminate unwanted string vibrations that can shorten the sustain of your harmonics.
| Sustain Enhancement Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
| Guitar Setup Optimization | Ensure that your guitar has low action, properly adjusted pickups, and fresh strings. These factors can all contribute to increased sustain. |
| Gear Selection | Use a distortion or overdrive pedal to add gain and sustain to your signal. Experiment with different pedals and settings to find what works best for your guitar and playing style. |
| Technique Refinement | Experiment with different picking techniques and hand positions to find the sweet spot for producing the clearest and most sustained harmonics. |
| Muting Techniques | Practice proper muting techniques to eliminate unwanted string vibrations that can shorten the sustain of your harmonics. Use your fretting hand to mute the strings behind the fretted note. |
| Feedback Techniques | Experiment with using controlled feedback to sustain your harmonics. This involves positioning your guitar in front of your amplifier and allowing the sound to feed back into the guitar, creating a sustained note. |
Guitarplayers.net offers a wealth of resources and tutorials on guitar setup, gear selection, and playing techniques to help you maximize the sustain of your artificial harmonics.
15. What Are Some Advanced Techniques For Playing Artificial Harmonics?
Advanced techniques for playing artificial harmonics include combining them with other guitar techniques, using them to create unique sound effects, and incorporating them into complex musical passages. Experiment with combining artificial harmonics with vibrato, tremolo, and whammy bar techniques to create expressive and dynamic sounds. Try using artificial harmonics to mimic the sounds of other instruments, such as violins or flutes. Incorporate artificial harmonics into fast-paced solos and intricate chord progressions to add a touch of virtuosity and originality to your playing.
| Advanced Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Combining with Vibrato | Adding vibrato to an artificial harmonic can create a more expressive and vocal-like sound. Use your fretting hand to subtly bend the string while sustaining the harmonic. |
| Combining with Tremolo | Using a tremolo bar or pedal in conjunction with artificial harmonics can create a swirling or shimmering effect. Experiment with different tremolo rates and depths to find what sounds best. |
| Combining with Whammy Bar | The whammy bar, also known as a tremolo bar, can be used to create dive bombs and other extreme pitch-bending effects with artificial harmonics. This technique requires a guitar with a floating tremolo system. |
| Mimicking Other Instruments | With practice, you can learn to manipulate artificial harmonics to mimic the sounds of other instruments, such as violins, flutes, or even human voices. This technique requires a keen ear and the ability to control the pitch and timbre of your harmonics. |
| Incorporating into Solos | Artificial harmonics can be used to add a touch of virtuosity and originality to your guitar solos. Experiment with incorporating them into fast-paced licks and intricate chord progressions. |
Guitarplayers.net showcases the innovative techniques of guitarists who push the boundaries of artificial harmonics and inspire others to explore new sonic frontiers.
16. How Do Different Pickups Affect Artificial Harmonics?
Different types of pickups significantly affect the tone and ease of producing artificial harmonics, with high-output pickups generally being more conducive to the technique. High-output pickups, such as humbuckers, provide a stronger signal and more sustain, making it easier to generate clear and sustained harmonics. Lower-output pickups, such as single-coils, may require more effort and a higher level of distortion to produce comparable results. The placement of the pickups can also play a role, with bridge pickups often being preferred for their brighter and more aggressive tone.
| Pickup Type | Effect on Artificial Harmonics |
|---|---|
| Humbuckers | Generally provide a stronger signal and more sustain than single-coil pickups, making it easier to generate clear and sustained harmonics. They also tend to have a warmer and thicker tone, which can be beneficial for certain styles of music. |
| Single-Coils | May require more effort and a higher level of distortion to produce comparable results to humbuckers. However, they can also provide a brighter and more articulate tone, which can be useful for certain applications. |
| Active Pickups | Utilize a built-in preamp to boost the signal, providing a very high output and a consistent tone. They are often preferred by guitarists who play heavy metal and other high-gain styles of music. |
| Bridge Pickup | Often preferred for their brighter and more aggressive tone, which can make artificial harmonics more pronounced and easier to produce. |
| Neck Pickup | Typically has a warmer and smoother tone than the bridge pickup, which can be useful for creating more mellow and atmospheric harmonics. |
According to Berklee College of Music, the choice of pickups is a crucial element in achieving your desired tone and playability, especially when exploring advanced techniques like artificial harmonics.
17. What Role Does String Gauge Play In Artificial Harmonics?
String gauge affects the ease and tone of artificial harmonics, influencing playability and sustain. Lighter gauge strings are easier to bend and manipulate, which can be advantageous for some artificial harmonic techniques, allowing for greater control and expressiveness. Heavier gauge strings, on the other hand, provide more sustain and a fuller tone, which can enhance the clarity and resonance of the harmonics. The optimal string gauge depends on personal preference and playing style.
| String Gauge | Effect on Artificial Harmonics |
|---|---|
| Lighter | Easier to bend and manipulate, which can be advantageous for some artificial harmonic techniques. Requires less finger pressure, which can reduce fatigue during extended playing sessions. May be prone to breaking more easily than heavier gauge strings. |
| Heavier | Provides more sustain and a fuller tone, which can enhance the clarity and resonance of the harmonics. Requires more finger pressure, which can increase fatigue during extended playing sessions. Can be more difficult to bend and manipulate than lighter gauge strings. May be less prone to breaking than lighter gauge strings. |
Guitarplayers.net encourages guitarists to experiment with different string gauges to find the optimal balance of playability and tone for their individual needs.
18. How Can I Diagnose and Fix Problems With Artificial Harmonics?
Diagnosing and fixing problems with artificial harmonics involves systematically addressing potential issues related to technique, equipment, and setup. If you are struggling to produce clear and consistent harmonics, start by reviewing your technique and ensuring that you are using the correct hand positioning, picking motion, and muting techniques. Check your equipment to make sure that your guitar is properly set up, your pickups are adjusted correctly, and your amplifier is providing enough gain and sustain. Experiment with different settings and combinations of gear to isolate the source of the problem.
| Problem | Possible Cause(s) | Solution(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Weak or Inconsistent Harmonics | Incorrect hand positioning, insufficient distortion, improper muting, poor guitar setup, worn strings. | Review your technique, increase the amount of distortion, practice proper muting techniques, have your guitar professionally set up, replace worn strings. |
| Harmonics Sound Muffled or Muddy | Improper muting, excessive distortion, incorrect pickup selection, poor cable quality. | Practice proper muting techniques, reduce the amount of distortion, experiment with different pickup selections, use high-quality cables. |
| Harmonics Do Not Sustain | Insufficient distortion, low guitar output, poor string contact with the bridge, cold solder joints in the guitar’s electronics. | Increase the amount of distortion, raise the pickups closer to the strings, ensure that the strings are making good contact with the bridge, have the guitar’s electronics inspected by a qualified technician. |
| Harmonics Sound Out of Tune | Improper intonation, worn frets, incorrect finger placement. | Have your guitar professionally intonated, have worn frets replaced, pay close attention to your finger placement and ensure that you are fretting the notes accurately. |
Guitarplayers.net offers a troubleshooting guide and a forum where you can connect with other guitarists to share your experiences and seek advice on resolving problems with artificial harmonics.
19. How Do I Care For My Guitar To Maximize Harmonic Potential?
Caring for your guitar to maximize its harmonic potential involves regular maintenance and attention to detail, ensuring optimal playability and tone. Keep your guitar clean by wiping it down with a soft cloth after each playing session to remove dust, fingerprints, and sweat. Change your strings regularly to maintain their brightness and responsiveness. Humidify your guitar properly to prevent the wood from drying out and cracking. Have your guitar professionally set up at least once a year to ensure that the action, intonation, and pickup height are properly adjusted.
| Care Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Regular Cleaning | Wipe down your guitar with a soft cloth after each playing session to remove dust, fingerprints, and sweat. This will help to prevent the buildup of grime and protect the finish of your guitar. |
| String Changes | Change your strings regularly to maintain their brightness and responsiveness. The frequency of string changes will depend on how often you play and the type of strings you use. |
| Proper Humidification | Humidify your guitar properly to prevent the wood from drying out and cracking. This is especially important in dry climates or during the winter months when indoor heating can reduce humidity levels. |
| Professional Setups | Have your guitar professionally set up at least once a year to ensure that the action, intonation, and pickup height are properly adjusted. A professional setup can greatly improve the playability and tone of your guitar. |
| Fretboard Conditioning | Occasionally condition your fretboard with a specialized fretboard cleaner and conditioner to keep the wood hydrated and prevent it from cracking. |
| Hardware Maintenance | Periodically check and tighten all of the hardware on your guitar, including the tuning pegs, bridge, and strap buttons. Loose hardware can cause buzzing and other unwanted noises. |
| Proper Storage | Store your guitar in a case or gig bag when you are not playing it to protect it from dust, moisture, and temperature changes. Avoid storing your guitar in direct sunlight or in areas with extreme temperatures or humidity levels. |
Guitarplayers.net offers detailed guides and tutorials on guitar care and maintenance, helping you keep your instrument in top condition for years to come.
20. Where Can Guitarists Find Resources And Community Support?
Guitarists can find resources and community support on websites like guitarplayers.net, which offers lessons, reviews, sheet music, and a forum for players to connect. Online communities and forums provide spaces to ask questions, share tips, and receive feedback from other guitarists. Local music stores and guitar teachers can also offer valuable resources and personalized guidance. Additionally, attending guitar workshops and clinics can provide opportunities to learn from experienced players and network with fellow enthusiasts.
| Resource Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Online Communities | Websites and forums dedicated to guitar playing, where you can ask questions, share tips, and receive feedback from other guitarists. Examples include guitarplayers.net and various online guitar forums. |
| Local Music Stores | Offer a variety of resources, including guitar lessons, equipment, and advice from knowledgeable staff. They often host workshops and clinics where you can learn from experienced players. |
| Guitar Teachers | Provide personalized instruction and guidance, helping you to develop your skills and technique. They can also offer advice on gear selection and guitar setup. |
| Guitar Workshops/Clinics | Provide opportunities to learn from experienced players and network with fellow enthusiasts. These events often cover specific topics or techniques, such as artificial harmonics. |
| Online Lessons | Many websites offer online guitar lessons, ranging from beginner to advanced levels. These lessons can be a convenient and affordable way to learn new techniques and improve your playing. |
| Sheet Music/Tablature | A wealth of sheet music and tablature is available online and in print, allowing you to learn your favorite songs and develop your repertoire. guitarplayers.net offers a wide selection of sheet music and tablature for various genres and skill levels. |
Guitarplayers.net is committed to providing a comprehensive and supportive community for guitarists of all levels, offering a wide range of resources and opportunities to connect with fellow players. Visit our website at 1140 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215, United States, or call us at +1 (617) 747-2261 to learn more.
FAQ About Artificial Harmonics on Guitar
1. What is the main difference between natural and artificial harmonics?
Natural harmonics occur on open strings at specific locations, while artificial harmonics are created by fretting a note and then manipulating the string to produce a harmonic.
2. Do I need a specific type of guitar to play artificial harmonics?
An electric guitar with distortion or overdrive is ideal, although it’s possible, but harder, on an acoustic guitar.
3. How much distortion should I use for artificial harmonics?
A generous amount of distortion or overdrive is generally needed to make the harmonics audible and sustain well.
4. Can I play artificial harmonics on any fret?
Yes, you can play artificial harmonics on any fret by fretting a note and then creating the harmonic node 12 frets higher.
5. What is the “sweet spot” for pinch harmonics?
The “sweet spot” is the exact position where your thumb touches the string after the pick attack, which varies depending on your guitar and amp settings.
6. What are some common mistakes when playing artificial harmonics?
Common mistakes include incorrect hand positioning, insufficient distortion, and improper muting.
7. How does guitar setup affect artificial harmonics?
Guitar setup significantly influences the ease and quality of artificial harmonics, particularly the action, pickup height, and intonation.
8. What is the best way to practice artificial harmonics?
Practice slowly and deliberately, focusing on the positioning of your picking hand and the point of contact with the string.
9. How do effects pedals affect artificial harmonics?
Effects pedals such as distortion, overdrive, compression, delay, and reverb can greatly enhance and shape the sound of artificial harmonics.
