How to Find Harmonics on the Guitar

Ever tried to make your guitar sing with those ethereal, bell-like tones known as harmonics? If you’ve ever wondered how guitarists can pull off those magical sounds, you’re in the right place. Let’s break down the art of finding harmonics on the guitar and get your playing to resonate with that shimmering, otherworldly vibe.

The Basics of Guitar Harmonics

Harmonics are those sweet, clear tones that seem to float above the regular notes you play on the guitar. They’re not just for showing off; they add an extra layer of texture and color to your playing. So, what exactly happens when you play a harmonic? You’re exciting specific overtones of a note, which is why they sound so unique.

To produce a harmonic, lightly touch the string at specific points without pressing it down onto the fretboard. The most common spots are above the 5th, 7th, and 12th frets. When you strike the string at these points, you’ll hear that beautiful chiming sound.

These harmonics are called “natural harmonics” because they occur naturally at specific points that divide the string into equal parts. There are also “artificial harmonics,” but we’ll save those for later. For now, let’s focus on getting the basics down.

Finding Harmonics: The Sweet Spots

If you’re eager to start producing harmonics, you need to know where to find them. The most forgiving place to start is the 12th fret. Lightly touch the string exactly above the fret wire and pluck. You’ll hear a clear, ringing note that’s one octave higher than the open string.

Next, try the 7th fret. It’s a little trickier since the spot is smaller, but once you get it, you’ll hear a note that’s an octave and a fifth above the open string. Finally, try the 5th fret. It’s even more challenging because the sweet spot is tiny, but the resulting harmonic is two octaves above the open string.

• 12th Fret: One octave above the open string.
• 7th Fret: One octave and a fifth above the open string.
• 5th Fret: Two octaves above the open string.

These are the starting points, but there are many more harmonics to discover along the neck. Exploring these will enhance your tonal palette, and you’ll start using them more creatively in your music.

Techniques for Clean Harmonics

Producing clean harmonics can be a bit of a challenge, especially if you’re just getting started. The trick is to touch the string lightly and precisely. If you press too hard, you’ll mute the string, and if you’re too soft, you might not get a sound at all.

Here are a few tips to help you find that sweet spot:

• Use the side of your finger rather than the tip. This gives you more surface area to work with.
• Pluck the string with your picking hand closer to the bridge for a sharper attack.
• Practice with the amplifier’s volume turned up. Harmonics need a bit more volume to really shine.

Once you get the hang of it, try incorporating harmonics into your riffs or solos. Metal guitarists, in particular, love using harmonics to add a piercing edge to their sound.

Pinch Harmonics: Unleashing the Scream

Now that you’re comfortable with natural harmonics, it’s time to unleash the beast—pinch harmonics. This technique is a staple in metal guitar playing, giving you those screaming, squealing tones that cut through the mix like a knife.

To execute a pinch harmonic, choke up on your pick so that your thumb or the edge of your finger briefly touches the string right after you pick. The key here is the angle and timing. You’ll need to experiment with different parts of the string to find the sweet spot where the harmonic rings out.

It might take some time to master, but once you do, you’ll have a powerful weapon in your guitar arsenal. Remember, practice makes perfect, and each guitar might have its own quirks in where the best spots for pinch harmonics are.

Artificial Harmonics: A Deeper Dive

Once you’re comfortable with natural and pinch harmonics, it’s time to explore artificial harmonics. These are like the custom-made suits of the harmonic world, allowing you to create harmonics on any note, not just open strings.

To play an artificial harmonic, fret a note with your left hand and then use your right-hand index finger to lightly touch the string exactly 12 frets above the note you’re fretting. At the same time, pluck the string with your thumb or pick.

It’s a more advanced technique, but it opens up a whole new range of possibilities for your playing. With enough practice, you can seamlessly integrate artificial harmonics into your solos, creating textures and sounds that are both unique and expressive.

Incorporating Harmonics into Your Playing

Having learned these techniques, the next step is to integrate them into your playing. Harmonics can add a touch of magic to a clean passage, create tension in a solo, or provide a dramatic climax to a riff.

Consider using harmonics in a breakdown section of a metalcore song or as a transition between heavy riffing and a melodic solo. Experiment with different placements and combinations to see what feels right for the piece you’re working on.

And if you’re looking for more structured guidance, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the world’s best metal guitarists, covering all these techniques and more. You’ll find plenty of inspiration and guidance to incorporate harmonics into your playing in a way that’s both powerful and musical.

Common Challenges and Solutions

As with any guitar technique, playing harmonics comes with its own set of challenges. You might find it difficult to get them to ring out clearly at first, or perhaps you’re struggling with the transition between different types of harmonics.

Here are some common challenges and solutions:

• Getting a Clear Sound: If your harmonics sound muted, try adjusting your finger placement and pressure. Sometimes a slight shift can make all the difference.
• Timing with Pinch Harmonics: Practice slowly, focusing on the angle and timing of your pick attack. Once you feel comfortable, speed it up gradually.
• Transitioning Between Harmonics: Work on developing muscle memory by practicing scales or riffs that incorporate multiple types of harmonics.

And remember, patience is key. Even the most skilled guitarists had to start somewhere, and with time and practice, you’ll get the hang of it.

Advanced Harmonic Techniques

For those ready to push the envelope, there are advanced harmonic techniques that can take your playing to new heights. These include tapped harmonics, where you tap a string 12 frets above a fretted note with your picking hand, and harmonic sweeps, where you incorporate harmonics into sweep-picking passages.

These advanced techniques require precision and a solid foundation in the basics, so make sure you’re comfortable with the simpler harmonic techniques before diving into these more complex methods. And if you’re eager to learn more, Riffhard has lessons that delve into these advanced techniques, taught by some of the most skilled guitarists in the metal genre.

Final Thoughts

Harmonics can transform your guitar playing, adding depth and texture to your sound. Whether you’re just starting with natural harmonics or exploring advanced techniques, the key is practice and experimentation. And if you’re looking for more guidance, Riffhard offers lessons from the world’s best metal guitarists to help you master these techniques and more. Happy playing!