Harmonics are a fundamental aspect of the sound we perceive from musical instruments, and the electric guitar is no exception. In fact, harmonics are integral to the very notes we play on the guitar. While often considered specialized techniques, harmonics are actually present in every note you sound.
Each note produced on a guitar is composed of a series of harmonics. What we perceive as a single, distinct note at a specific pitch is the fundamental – the strongest harmonic within this series.
By understanding and manipulating harmonics, we can incorporate them into our guitar playing as a unique and expressive technique, isolating specific overtones to create shimmering, bell-like sounds.
In this guide, we will explore the two primary categories of Guitar Harmonics:
- Natural Harmonics
- Artificial Harmonics
Guitar harmonics are produced by dividing the vibrating string length at specific points, known as harmonic nodes. These nodes are located at precise distances along the string, measured from the nut and the bridge.
While technically all guitar harmonics involve manipulating the string length to alter its vibration frequency, we differentiate natural harmonics as “natural” because they are played on open strings, occurring organically along the string’s full length.
Natural Harmonics: The Voice of the Open String
Natural harmonics are inherent to the open strings of your guitar. Envision the guitar’s scale length, the active vibrating portion of the string between the nut and the bridge. Within this span, specific locations exist where you can lightly touch the string to isolate and amplify particular overtones. These locations are the harmonic nodes.
Playing a natural harmonic involves gently placing your finger directly above a fret wire at a specific fret. The easiest starting point is the midpoint of the string.
The 12th fret is precisely halfway between the nut and the bridge. By lightly touching the string above the 12th fret wire and plucking the string, you will generate a harmonic that resonates at the same pitch, and note name, as the open string itself, but an octave higher.
Dividing the string length into thirds reveals another harmonic node. This occurs around the 7th fret. Similarly, lightly touching above the 7th fret wire will produce a natural harmonic. Another identical harmonic can be found at the 19th fret, also dividing the string into thirds from the bridge side.
Natural Harmonics Locations on Guitar Fretboard
Dividing the string into quarters unveils yet another harmonic node, located around the 5th fret. Touching lightly above the 5th fret wire will produce a natural harmonic. A corresponding harmonic exists at the 24th fret position. Even if your guitar has fewer than 24 frets, you can still find this harmonic by lightly touching the string in the approximate location where the 24th fret would be.
Natural harmonics exist at numerous points along the guitar string, although many do not precisely align with fret wires. The 12th, 7th, and 5th fret harmonics are easily accessible due to their alignment with frets. Take time to experiment and explore other positions on the fretboard to discover the guitar’s full spectrum of natural harmonics.
Artificial Harmonics: Expanding the Harmonic Palette
Artificial harmonics are created by intentionally shortening the vibrating string length by fretting a note, and then subsequently finding the harmonic nodes on this newly shortened string segment. Mastering artificial harmonics significantly expands your harmonic vocabulary on the guitar. There are three primary techniques for playing artificial harmonics, all commonly utilizing the 12th fret harmonic interval as a foundation.
Artificial Harmonics Techniques on Guitar
Harp Harmonics: Delicate and Ethereal
Harp harmonics, sometimes referred to as tapped harmonics by some players (though distinct from the tapped harmonic technique described next), involve using your picking hand to both pluck the string and create the harmonic node.
To execute a harp harmonic, fret a note as usual with your fretting hand. Then, with your picking hand, extend your index finger and lightly touch the string exactly 12 frets higher than the fretted note, directly above the fret wire. This effectively creates a 12th fret style harmonic relative to the fretted note.
While your index finger maintains this light touch, use your thumb or another finger of your picking hand to pluck the string. This action sets the string in motion, and your index finger simultaneously isolates the harmonic, producing a clear, ringing tone.
Tapped Harmonics: Hammer-On Harmonics
Tapped harmonics are a dynamic and percussive technique where you use a tapping motion to create the harmonic.
Similar to harp harmonics, begin by fretting a note. Then, using your picking hand’s index finger, sharply tap the fretboard exactly 12 frets higher than your fretted note. Aim to tap directly above the fret wire.
The crucial element of tapped harmonics is a quick, bouncing motion. Tap the string firmly but momentarily, immediately lifting your finger away. This tap acts like a hammer-on, initiating string vibration and simultaneously creating the harmonic node, producing the characteristic tapped harmonic sound.
Tapped Harmonics Finger Position
Pinched Harmonics: Aggressive and Expressive Squeals
Pinched harmonics, often called “squealies,” are known for their aggressive, vocal-like character and are a staple in rock and metal guitar playing. They are generated through a specific picking technique that involves intentionally grazing the string with your thumb or pick as you pluck the note.
One approach to pinched harmonics involves picking the string and immediately brushing the side of your thumb against the string right after the pick has passed. This contact with your thumb at the correct point excites the harmonic.
A simplified method to learn pinched harmonics is to focus on picking and brushing your thumb in the general area approximately 12 frets higher than the fretted note. While this approximation can work, the more nuanced and commonly employed technique involves discovering the “sweet spots” for pinched harmonics, which often lie closer to the guitar’s pickups.
The challenge with pinched harmonics is that the precise harmonic “sweet spot” varies depending on the fretted note, pickup configuration, and your guitar’s setup. Mastering pinched harmonics requires experimentation and developing a feel for finding these individual sweet spots for each note you play.
Harmonics, in all their forms, add a captivating dimension to guitar playing. By practicing these natural and artificial harmonic techniques, you can unlock a wider range of sounds and textures, enhancing your musical expression on the guitar. Explore, experiment, and let the magic of harmonics elevate your playing!
