How to Do Harmonics on an Electric Guitar

Harmonics on an electric guitar are like the secret spices in a gourmet meal—they add flavor and depth that can transform your playing. Whether you’re diving into a searing solo or adding texture to a rhythm part, mastering harmonics can elevate your music to new heights. Let’s take a closer look at how to unlock these magical tones and bring your guitar playing to life.

Understanding Harmonics: The Basics

Before you start producing those ethereal sounds, it’s helpful to understand what harmonics are. In the simplest terms, harmonics are overtones that occur at specific points along a vibrating string. When you lightly touch the string at these points, you can isolate these overtones without playing the fundamental pitch.

There are two main types of harmonics you’ll encounter: natural and artificial. Natural harmonics are produced by lightly touching the string at certain frets—most commonly the 5th, 7th, and 12th. Artificial harmonics, however, involve fretting a note and then using your picking hand to create the harmonic. Both types are incredibly useful, especially in metal and other high-energy genres.

While harmonics might seem elusive at first, they’re not as mysterious as they seem. Think of them as the guitar’s way of showing off its hidden potential. With a bit of practice, you’ll be ringing out harmonics like a pro.

Natural Harmonics: Finding Your Way Around the Neck

Let’s kick things off with natural harmonics. These are the ones you’ll find scattered across the fretboard, just waiting to be discovered. Start by gently resting your finger over the 12th fret of any string. Don’t press down like you would when fretting a note. Instead, just barely touch the string and pluck it with your picking hand. You should hear a clear, bell-like tone.

Once you’ve got the 12th fret down, try the 5th and 7th frets. Each of these positions will produce a different harmonic. Here’s a quick guide:

• 12th fret: The octave harmonic, one of the easiest to produce.
• 7th fret: Produces a harmonic a fifth above the open string.
• 5th fret: Produces a harmonic two octaves above the open string.

Experiment with these positions and listen to how they sound. You might notice that some strings ring out more clearly than others, depending on your guitar and technique. Don’t worry if it takes a few tries to get a clean sound. The key is to use a light touch and experiment with your picking dynamics.

Artificial Harmonics: The Next Level

Once you’re comfortable with natural harmonics, it’s time to tackle artificial harmonics. This technique is a bit more complex but incredibly rewarding. You’ll often see virtuoso guitarists using artificial harmonics to add an edge to their solos or riffs.

To get started, fret a note with your fretting hand, then use your picking hand to create the harmonic. Here’s how:

1. Fret a note, say on the 5th fret of the A string.
2. Find the harmonic node, which is 12 frets higher than the note you’re fretting. In this case, it would be the 17th fret.
3. Lightly touch the string with your picking hand’s index finger at the 17th fret.
4. Simultaneously pluck the string with your thumb or pick.

This technique might feel awkward at first, but with practice, you’ll be able to produce clear, ringing artificial harmonics. They can add a searing quality to your solos and make your notes pop out of the mix.

Palm Muted Harmonics: Adding Texture to Your Playing

Palm-muted harmonics are a cool variation that you can use to add some texture to your riffs. This technique combines the percussive quality of palm muting with the ringing tones of harmonics.

Start by palm-muting the strings as you normally would, but instead of fully muting them, lighten your touch a bit. You’ll want to find a sweet spot where the harmonics can ring out clearly while still maintaining that chugging, muted sound.

This technique is perfect for creating a dynamic contrast in your playing. You can switch between muted chugs and ringing harmonics to keep your audience on their toes. It’s a staple in many metal genres, from thrash to progressive metal.

Pinch Harmonics: The Metal Guitarist’s Secret Weapon

If you’re into metal, you probably know about pinch harmonics—the squealing, screaming tones that can make your solos stand out. Pinch harmonics are essentially a type of artificial harmonic created by using your thumb and pick at the same time.

Here’s how to nail pinch harmonics:

1. Hold your pick so that just a tiny bit of the tip is exposed.
2. As you pick the string, let your thumb lightly graze it just after the pick strikes. This will create the harmonic.
3. Experiment with different parts of the string to find the sweet spot where the harmonic rings out the most clearly.

Pinch harmonics take practice, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to add a wicked edge to your playing. They’re perfect for making your solos scream and adding a bit of flair to your riffs.

Using Harmonics in Metal and Beyond

Harmonics aren’t just for showing off—they can be a powerful tool for creating unique musical textures. In metal, they’re often used to add an aggressive, cutting edge to solos and riffs. But they’re not limited to metal alone. You can find harmonics in everything from jazz to ambient music, adding a shimmering quality to the sound.

Try incorporating harmonics into your playing by experimenting with different techniques. Use them to create atmospheric intros, add accents to your solos, or even as a rhythmic element in your riffs. The possibilities are endless, and the more you explore, the more you’ll discover about what harmonics can do for your music.

For more in-depth lessons on using harmonics in metal guitar, check out Riffhard. We’ve got lessons from some of the world’s best metal guitarists, covering everything from harmonics to advanced riffing techniques.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Like any skill, getting good at harmonics takes practice and patience. Here are some common challenges you might face and how to overcome them:

• Inconsistent Harmonics: If your harmonics aren’t ringing out clearly, try adjusting your touch. Make sure you’re using a light touch and placing your finger exactly over the fret.
• Muted Harmonics: If your harmonics sound muted, check your picking technique. Make sure you’re using enough force to pluck the string without pressing too hard.
• Finding the Right Spot for Pinch Harmonics: Pinch harmonics can be tricky because each string has multiple nodes. Experiment with different parts of the string until you find the sweet spot.

Remember, persistence is key. Keep practicing, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Each attempt is a step closer to mastering harmonics and adding a new dimension to your guitar playing.

Gear Tips: Getting the Best Harmonic Sound

Your gear can have a significant impact on how your harmonics sound. Here are a few tips to help you get the best tone:

• Strings: New strings tend to produce clearer harmonics. If you’re struggling to get a clean sound, consider changing your strings.
• Pickups: Humbucker pickups are great for capturing harmonics, especially in high-gain settings. Consider adjusting your pickup height to see if it improves your tone.
• Effects: Effects like overdrive, delay, and reverb can enhance harmonics by adding sustain and depth. Experiment with different effects to find what works best for your sound.

While gear can help, remember that technique is the most important factor. Focus on your playing, and the gear will complement your skills.

Practicing Harmonics: Developing Consistency and Precision

Like any guitar technique, practicing harmonics requires consistency and patience. Set aside time each day to focus on your harmonic technique. Start with natural harmonics, then move on to artificial and pinch harmonics as you become more comfortable.

Use a metronome to help you keep time and develop precision. Start slow and gradually increase your speed as you gain confidence. Try incorporating harmonics into your warm-up routine or practice sessions to make them a regular part of your playing.

For structured practice routines and lessons on harmonics, visit Riffhard. Our interactive player allows you to adjust the tempo of lessons, making it easier to practice at your own pace.

Exploring Harmonics in Different Genres

While harmonics are often associated with metal, they can be found in many genres. In jazz, they’re used to create subtle textures and accents. In ambient music, harmonics can add a haunting, ethereal quality. Even in funk and pop, harmonics can be used to add a bright, shimmering element to your playing.

Experiment with harmonics in different musical contexts to see how they can enhance your sound. You might find that they open up new possibilities and inspire you to explore new musical directions.

Final Thoughts

Harmonics are a powerful tool for any guitarist, offering a range of sounds and textures to explore. Whether you’re playing metal, jazz, or anything in between, harmonics can add depth and interest to your music. For in-depth lessons on harmonics and other guitar techniques, check out Riffhard, where we offer lessons from top metal guitarists around the world. Keep practicing, stay curious, and let your creativity shine through your guitar playing.