How to Notate Guitar Harmonics

Ever wondered how to capture those eerie, shimmering sounds of harmonics on your guitar? Notating guitar harmonics can feel like you're learning a new language, but it's a skill worth mastering. This guide will help you understand the different types of harmonics and how to notate them effectively, making your compositions and performances shine.

The Basics of Guitar Harmonics

Let's talk about what guitar harmonics are. In simple terms, harmonics are those ethereal tones that ring out when you lightly touch certain points on a guitar string. When done correctly, they produce a sound that's clear and bell-like. These sounds are a staple in many metal subgenres, adding texture and intrigue to riffs and solos.

Harmonics occur naturally at specific points along the string, known as nodes. By lightly touching the string at these nodes while plucking, you're effectively dividing the string into sections that vibrate at a higher frequency. This is what produces that unique sound.

There are a few types of harmonics you should know about:

• Natural Harmonics: These are the easiest to produce and occur at specific frets like the 5th, 7th, and 12th. You simply lightly touch the string at these points and pick.
• Artificial Harmonics: These require a bit more technique. You fret a note as usual, and then use a finger on your picking hand to lightly touch the string at the harmonic node 12 frets above the fretted note. This technique is common in advanced metal playing.
• Pinch Harmonics: These are a staple in metal guitar playing. They involve striking the string with your pick and simultaneously letting your thumb graze the string, producing a squeal-like sound.

Understanding these types of harmonics is the first step in learning how to notate them effectively in your music.

Notating Natural Harmonics

When it comes to notating natural harmonics, clarity is key. You'll want to make sure that anyone reading your music can easily understand where and how to play them. Typically, natural harmonics are notated with diamond-shaped note heads on sheet music. This indicates that the string should be lightly touched at the corresponding fret.

For example, if you want to notate a natural harmonic at the 12th fret of the G string, you would place a diamond-shaped note head on the G note in the staff, with a small "12" above or beside it to indicate the fret. Guitar tab notation usually involves writing the fret number inside brackets or using a small circle above the fret number.

Here's a simple example:

e|---------------------|
B|---------------------|
G|-------[12]-------|
D|---------------------|
A|---------------------|
E|---------------------|

In the example above, the brackets around the "12" indicate that this is a harmonic.

One thing to keep in mind is that different guitarists might have their own ways of notating harmonics, so it's always a good idea to include a legend or key at the beginning of your notation to clarify your symbols and intentions.

Artificial Harmonics: A Step-by-Step Guide

Artificial harmonics can be a bit tricky to notate because they require more steps than natural harmonics. In standard notation, you might see a regular note head with a small circle above it, indicating that the harmonic should be played 12 frets above the fretted note.

When using tablature, you can notate artificial harmonics by writing the fretted note and indicating the harmonic node with a small circle or diamond shape. For instance, if you're fretting the 5th fret on the D string and producing an artificial harmonic 12 frets up, you might write it like this:

e|---------------------|
B|---------------------|
G|---------------------|
D|-5--------------|
A|---------------------|
E|---------------------|

In the example, "5<12>" means you fret the 5th fret and then lightly touch the string at the 17th fret to produce the harmonic.

Now, let's talk about technique. To play an artificial harmonic, follow these steps:

• Fret the Note: Press down firmly on the note you want to play the harmonic from.
• Find the Node: Locate the node, which is typically 12 frets above the fretted note. Lightly touch the string there with your picking hand finger.
• Pick the String: Use your pick to pluck the string while maintaining light contact at the node.
• Practice: It might take some practice to get the technique just right, but with time, you'll be able to make those harmonics sing.

Artificial harmonics are great for adding complexity and texture to your playing, especially in metal genres where unique sounds can make all the difference.

Pinch Harmonics: The Metal Squeal

Ah, the pinch harmonic—a signature sound in metal guitar playing that can make a solo or riff stand out with its aggressive, squealing tone. Notating pinch harmonics can be slightly different from natural or artificial harmonics, but with practice, it becomes second nature.

In standard notation, pinch harmonics might be indicated with a small "PH" or a circle above the note. In tablature, the note might be marked with a "ph" or an "!" above or beside the fret number.

Here's a simple example of how you might notate a pinch harmonic on the 3rd fret of the G string:

e|---------------------|
B|---------------------|
G|-3(ph)--------------|
D|---------------------|
A|---------------------|
E|---------------------|

To play a pinch harmonic, follow these steps:

• Choke Up on Your Pick: Hold your pick close to the tip so that a bit of your thumb is exposed.
• Pick the String: Strike the string with the pick while allowing the edge of your thumb to lightly graze the string immediately after the pick. This creates the harmonic.
• Find the Sweet Spot: Move your picking hand along the string to find the sweet spot where the harmonic rings out clearly.
• Practice: Like any technique, pinch harmonics require practice to perfect. Experiment with different angles and grip strengths to find what works best for you.

Pinch harmonics are not only fun to play but also an effective way to add flair and excitement to your music. They're a staple in the metal guitarist's toolkit.

Using Harmonics in Metal Music

If you're diving into the world of metal guitar, harmonics are going to be your best friend. They can add an eerie, otherworldly quality to your sound that's perfect for heavy genres. Whether you're using natural, artificial, or pinch harmonics, each type brings something unique to the table.

In metal, harmonics can be used in a variety of ways:

• Riffs: Incorporate harmonics into your riffs to add texture and complexity. They can serve as accents or even be the main focus of a riff.
• Solos: Harmonics can add a screaming quality to solos, making them more dynamic and memorable.
• Soundscapes: Use harmonics to create atmospheric soundscapes, especially in subgenres like black metal and progressive metal.

For those looking to expand their harmonic skills, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the best modern metal guitarists. You'll find tips on incorporating harmonics into your playing and making them a standout feature of your music.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Like any guitar technique, playing harmonics comes with its own set of challenges. Here are some common issues you might face and how to tackle them:

• Inconsistent Sound: It can be frustrating when harmonics don't ring out clearly. Make sure you're touching the string lightly at the node and that your guitar is properly set up.
• Finding the Node: Locating the exact spot for artificial harmonics can be tricky. Use markers or stickers on your fretboard to help you find the nodes more easily.
• Pinch Harmonics Not Squealing: If your pinch harmonics aren't producing that classic squeal, adjust your grip on the pick and experiment with different angles and pick attack.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Don't get discouraged if it takes time to get the hang of playing harmonics. With persistence, you'll be hitting those notes with precision.

Tips for Writing and Composing with Harmonics

Incorporating harmonics into your compositions can elevate your music and give it a distinctive edge. Here are some tips for writing and composing with harmonics:

• Experiment with Placement: Try placing harmonics at different points in your riffs or solos to see how they affect the overall sound.
• Use Them Sparingly: While harmonics can be impactful, using them too often can lessen their effect. Use them strategically to highlight key moments.
• Mix Harmonics with Other Techniques: Combine harmonics with techniques like palm muting or legato to create interesting textures.

When composing, consider the mood and atmosphere you want to convey with your music. Harmonics can add an ethereal or haunting quality that's perfect for metal genres.

Playing with Other Effects and Techniques

Harmonics are versatile and can be combined with other effects and techniques to create unique sounds. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Use Distortion: Distortion can enhance harmonics, making them more pronounced and aggressive. Experiment with different levels of distortion to find the right balance.
• Add Delay or Reverb: These effects can add depth and dimension to harmonics, creating a more atmospheric sound.
• Combine with Whammy Bar Techniques: Use a whammy bar to bend harmonics for a dramatic, swooping effect.

By experimenting with different effects and techniques, you can discover new ways to incorporate harmonics into your playing and make your music stand out.

Learning from the Pros

If you want to take your harmonic skills to the next level, learning from professional guitarists can be incredibly beneficial. At Riffhard, we offer lessons from some of the best modern metal guitarists, including Dean Lamb of Archspire and Aaron Marshall of Intervals. These instructors share their expertise on harmonics and other advanced techniques, helping you refine your skills and broaden your musical palette.

By studying with the pros, you can gain insights into their playing styles and discover new ways to incorporate harmonics into your own music.

Final Thoughts

Notating guitar harmonics may seem complex at first, but with practice, it becomes a rewarding skill. Whether you're playing natural, artificial, or pinch harmonics, each type offers unique possibilities for your music. At Riffhard, we provide lessons from top metal guitarists to help you master these techniques and bring your compositions to life. Keep practicing, and soon you'll be adding those magical harmonic sounds to your own riffs and solos.