Guitar Technique- Basic Harmonics (Natural Harmonic)

Natural harmonics are used for a number of different things on the guitar. You can use them to tune your guitar, or even use them for melodies. Harmonics can be found all over the guitar, some of them are even produced in places you would not expects a note or harmonic could be produce.

What is a Harmonic?

“A guitar harmonic is a musical note played by preventing vibration of certain overtones of a guitar string. Music using harmonics can contain very high pitch notes difficult or impossible to reach by fretting. Guitar harmonics also produce a different sound quality than fretted notes, and are one of many techniques used to create musical variety.” (Wikipedia)

How do I create them?

• The simplest way to produce a harmonic is on the 5th, 7th, and 12th frets.
• Lightly place a finger on one of the above frets on any string of your choice, and then pick
• After you have picked the note, you should hear a harmonic or bell like tone

Now that we know how to produce these harmonics, try to experiment around the neck.

Tips:

1. To get a better sounding harmonic use distortion, and crank it up!
2. Try using the tip of your finger when applying to the string, and make sure your lightly pressing on the string or this will dampen the string and will not produce a harmonic correctly.
3. You can tune your guitar by harmonics

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