Harmonics

[anuj291]

Hi. Most of us know about the main nodes where you can find the best harmonics, on the 12th, 9th, 7th , and 5th frets, where natural string divisions let harmonics ring in 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, 1/5 string length. You can also get harmonics on any note by simply touching the string just at one octave higher very lightly as you tap/hammeron the note. It takes a little practice to get proficient, and it helps to have a 24 fret neck to identify harmonic locations in the second octave. Theoretically you could also get the 1/3, 1/4, 1/5, etc, string lengths this way as well for any note, although the harmonic points are more difficult to identify than the octaves.

[olly]

Yes harmonics are great to play around with.

The best place to hear one is to gently touch your finger (don't push down) on the 12th fret. Pick the sting and the harmonic will ring out.


There are many places that harmonics exist although some are far harder to ring out than others. Some require loud volumes and lots of overdrive to hear.

The next easiest harmonic is on the 7th fret. The next (my favourite) is the 5th fret.

I love to be playing a solo then end on the b string on 5th fret harmonic. Play it and dive with the wammy bar.

Satriani would be Proud!

[BryceAlexander]

Learn the Money for Nothing riff, loads of harmonics and squeaks used there!

[mikeyBoab]

The best place to hear one is to gently touch your finger (don't push down) on the 12th fret.

The intro to Metallica's Nothing Else Matters is a good example of this - the start of the second riff.