harmonics on guitar

     

    Understanding Harmonics on Guitar

    Harmonics on the guitar are a fascinating way to add texture, depth, and shimmering tones to your playing. Many guitarists use harmonics in solos, riffs, and even chord progressions to create a unique sound. This article will explain what harmonics are, the types you can play, and how to incorporate them into your guitar playing.

    What Are Harmonics

    Harmonics are overtones produced when a string vibrates in sections rather than along its full length. When you pluck a string normally, it vibrates along its entire length, producing the fundamental note. However, if you lightly touch the string at certain points, called nodes, it divides into fractions, creating higher-pitched sounds called harmonics.

    Harmonics are natural, ringing, bell-like tones. They are used in various musical styles including classical, rock, metal, and jazz. Understanding harmonics allows you to expand your guitar vocabulary beyond standard notes and chords.

    Natural Harmonics

    Natural harmonics are produced on open strings. To play a natural harmonic, lightly place your finger above a fret without pressing down and pluck the string. Do not press the string to the fretboard. Common frets for natural harmonics are the 5th, 7th, and 12th frets.

    For example, on the low E string, touching above the 12th fret and plucking produces an E note one octave higher than the open string. Similarly, the 7th fret produces a B note, and the 5th fret produces an A note.

    Steps to Play Natural Harmonics

    1. Pick the string gently.
    2. Lightly touch the string directly above the fret wire.
    3. Pluck the string with a pick or finger.
    4. Lift your finger immediately after plucking to let the harmonic ring.

    Practising natural harmonics on different strings helps develop accuracy and finger sensitivity. They are also useful for identifying fret positions quickly by ear.

    Artificial Harmonics

    Artificial harmonics, also called pinch harmonics, are produced on fretted notes rather than open strings. This technique involves fretting a note with your left hand and lightly touching the string with the thumb or edge of the pick while plucking with the right hand.

    Pinch harmonics are commonly used in rock and metal to create squealing high-pitched sounds. They require precise hand coordination and control over picking and fretting.

    Steps to Play Artificial Harmonics

    1. Fret a note with your left hand.
    2. Hold the pick and pluck the string.
    3. Let the edge of your thumb or finger lightly touch the string immediately after picking.
    4. Experiment with the position of your right hand to find the harmonic sweet spot.

    Artificial harmonics are often combined with bends and vibrato for expressive effects. Guitarists like Eddie Van Halen and Dimebag Darrell have made this technique famous.

    Pinch Harmonics

    Pinch harmonics are a subset of artificial harmonics. They are produced by striking the string with a pick and simultaneously touching it with the thumb. This creates a squealing or screaming harmonic sound, frequently used in lead guitar playing.

    The key to successful pinch harmonics is precise placement and consistent picking technique. Different frets and string gauges will produce slightly different harmonic tones. Experimentation is essential to master this technique.

    Tapped Harmonics

    Tapped harmonics are another advanced technique. They involve fretting a note and then tapping the string directly above a fret with your right-hand finger. This produces a harmonic without plucking with a pick.

    Tapped harmonics are common in modern rock, metal, and fusion styles. They are useful for fast melodic passages, arpeggios, and creating ethereal soundscapes.

    Steps to Play Tapped Harmonics

    1. Fret a note with your left hand.
    2. Lightly tap the string directly above a harmonic node with your right-hand finger.
    3. Ensure your tapping finger is quick and precise to produce a clear harmonic tone.
    4. Combine with slides, bends, and vibrato for expressive effects.

    Harmonics in Chords

    Harmonics can also be incorporated into chords. By playing harmonics on specific strings while holding a chord, you can add shimmering overtones. This is particularly effective in fingerstyle guitar or ambient music.

    For example, when playing a C major chord, you can create harmonics on the G and B strings at the 12th fret. This adds a bell-like quality to the chord without changing the fundamental harmony.

    Musical Applications of Harmonics

    Harmonics are used across different genres and contexts. In classical music, they provide a delicate, singing tone. In rock and metal, they add aggression and sharpness. Fingerstyle and jazz guitarists use harmonics to add subtle colour and sophistication.

    Some creative applications include:

    • Layering harmonics in arpeggios.
    • Using harmonics to mark transitions in a song.
    • Combining harmonics with effects pedals for ambient textures.

    Tips for Practising Harmonics

    1. Start Slow: Focus on clarity rather than speed.
    2. Use a Clean Tone: Effects and distortion can mask harmonics initially.
    3. Experiment with Touch: Light pressure is key to producing clear tones.
    4. Combine Techniques: Practice natural, artificial, and tapped harmonics together.
    5. Listen Carefully: Develop an ear for subtle overtones and harmonic relationships.

    Conclusion

    Harmonics are a versatile and expressive element of guitar playing. They allow guitarists to create new textures, embellish melodies, and produce unique sounds. By practising natural, artificial, pinch, and tapped harmonics, you can significantly expand your musical vocabulary.

    Understanding harmonics also deepens your knowledge of string vibration and note relationships, making you a more thoughtful and creative guitarist. With consistent practice and experimentation, harmonics can become an integral part of your playing style, giving your guitar sound a distinctive, shimmering quality.