Technique lab

Harmonics

Harmonics are not a trick. They are nodes: spots where the string divides into equal vibrating parts.

Natural harmonics

Touch the string lightly over the metal fretwire — do not push to the fretboard. Pick, then lift the touching finger.

First drill, low E:
e|----------------
B|----------------
G|----------------
D|----------------
A|----------------
E|--<12>--<7>--<5>-

Then the chime ladder across all six strings at 12, then 7, then 5.

Common fail: pressing down. If it thud-buzzes, you fretted it. Hover.

Pinch harmonics

Fret a note normally (try G string, fret 5 or 8). Pick with the side of the thumb and the pick at once — thumb barely kisses the string a few centimeters from the bridge. The pick attacks; the thumb finds a node.

Not every pickup/amp will scream. Bridge pickup + gain helps. The technique is still valid clean; the squeal is volume + distortion revealing the overtone.

Artificial harmonics

Fret a note with the left hand. Right-hand index touches the string 12 frets above the fretted note. Ring finger (or pick) plucks.

Example: fret D string at 2, touch over fret 14, pluck. Harmonic an octave above the fretted note.

Tap harmonics

Fret a note, then tap the same string 12 frets higher so the fingertip bounces off the node. Same physics as natural 12th-fret harmonics, just with a stopped string.

Printable one-liner: 12 = octave. 7 = fifth. 5 = double octave. Touch, don’t press.

Related lessons

Slide uses the same over-the-wire idea · Harmonics follow the open pitch