Natural Harmonics Guitar Lesson

Chapter 1: (0:42) Intro Music Brad jams on the hit song “Barracuda” by the band Heart. The introduction to this song exemplifies how natural harmonics can spice up a great riff. The riff begins with some low, chunky power chords. The sound of these low power chords contrasts nicely with the high, squealing sound of the harmonics. Chapter 2: (0:09) Lesson Information In this lesson, you will learn the basics of natural harmonics. Brad will demonstrate where natural harmonics occur on the fretboard. Next, he will show you how to properly produce a natural harmonic. Finally, Brad will offer some suggestions regarding how to apply harmonics to your own playing.

Note: Other Jamplay instructors have filmed lessons that detail the importance of natural harmonics. We strongly suggest that you watch David Anthony’s Tips and Tricks lessons as well as Mark Nelson’s 4th Phase 2 Slack Key lesson. Much of the information presented in this article is taken from these two lessons. Chapter 3: (7:03) Basics of Natural Harmonics 1. What is a Harmonic?

“Harmonic” is a term that is often used in the scientific field of acoustics. Harmonics are component frequencies that comprise a larger, fundamental frequency. The individual pitches or notes that occur in music are referred to as “fundamentals.” For example, the pitch we hear when the fifth string is struck is a fundamental. This fundamental is called “A”. The pitch that our ears perceive as “A” is actually a sum of several overtone frequencies called harmonics. When we hear a fundamental, our ears cannot distinguish the individual overtones. We only hear their resulting sum or fundamental.

A frequency is assigned to every pitch or note that we hear. Frequency is measured in a unit called hertz (abbreviated Hz). For example, the frequency of the open A string is 220Hz. Harmonics are integer multiples of this fundamental frequency. For example, if the length of the A string is divided in half, the resulting pitch is an octave higher. The 12th fret marks the exact center of a string. If a harmonic is plucked at the 12th fret, the frequency of the pitch doubles. The frequency of this harmonic is 440Hz. The pitch that results is still A, just one octave higher. If the length of string is divided into an even smaller section, a higher harmonic occurs.

2. Natural Harmonics

Listen to the introduction music once again. The high chime-y sounds Brad creates are examples of “natural harmonics.” Many guitarists also refer to the sound produced by harmonics as a high pitched squealing sound. The harmonics he plays occur at either the 5th or 12th fret. Harmonics are a frequently used compositional technique. Compare the sound of a fretted note at the 12th fret to a harmonic played at the 12th fret. The pitch is the same, but the overall tone is quite different. Harmonics are added to a piece of music to add a contrasting tonal color.

3. Where do Natural Harmonics Occur?

The easiest harmonics to produce occur at the 5th, 7th, and 12th frets of all six strings. The upper octaves of these harmonics are relatively easy to produce as well. These harmonics occur at the 17th and 19th frets. If you have a guitar with 24 frets, harmonics can be produced at the final fret. Due to how frequently they are used, Brad refers to these harmonics as the first set of natural harmonics.

Note: Open the “Supplemental Content” tab for a fretboard diagram detailing where the first set of harmonics occurs. Brad has labeled the pitch produced by a harmonic at each location on the fretboard. What do you notice about the arrangement of these pitches?

Harmonics actually occur down the length of the entire string. However, many of these harmonics are very difficult to produce. As a result, these harmonics are used rather infrequently. For example, harmonics at the 9th and 3rd frets are occasionally used. These harmonics are typically used in rock and metal.

Note: It is much easier to produce natural harmonics on an electric guitar. Harmonics really jump out when played with a distorted tone. Also, scooping the midrange frequency of a distorted guitar tone increases the projection of harmonics.

4. Performing Natural Harmonics

Performing a natural harmonic is relatively easy. Begin by practicing harmonics at the 5th fret. Lightly rest the fleshy tip of the index finger on the string directly over the 5th fret. If your finger is not directly over the fret, the harmonic will not sound. Misplacement of a left hand finger while playing a harmonic usually results in a muted string.

Do not press the string down at all. Once you pluck the string with the right hand, release your left hand finger from the string. Many instructors teach that you must immediately remove the left hand finger from the string to produce the harmonic. However, this is not true. You actually have a comfortable amount of time to remove your finger from the string. The tone of the harmonic blossoms and becomes richer once the finger is released from the string.

Practice playing harmonics at the 5th fret on each string. It is much easier to produce a loud and clear harmonic on the larger strings than on the smaller strings. Then, practice harmonics on the 7th fret and 12th fret. Harmonics at these locations are slightly easier to produce than harmonics at the 5th fret. Harmonics that are closer to the nut require a little more effort to produce a clear tone. Memorize the pitch that corresponds with each harmonic location.

Also, practice playing two harmonics simultaneously. Simply barre a left hand finger across the desired strings. Pluck them simultaneously. Then, quickly lift the barre from both strings.

5. Combining Harmonics with Other Techniques

Vibrato and bends are frequently combined with harmonics. These tricks are most commonly performed on guitars equipped with a floating tremolo system. A floating tremolo enables you to pull the whammy bar up. This raises the pitch. Guitarists such as Eddie Van Halen and Dimebag Darrell have exploited these techniques to great effect. Dimebag would frequently force a harmonic at the third fret. Then, he would raise the pitch of the harmonic with the whammy bar. Listen to the end of “Cemetery Gates” for a great example of this combination technique. You can also push the bar down to lower the pitch. Rapidly moving the bar up and down produces a unique form of vibrato.

However, most guitars are not equipped with a floating tremolo. Brad demonstrates how to play these same techniques on a guitar with a fixed bridge such as a Les Paul. First, produce a harmonic. Then, use a left hand finger to manipulate the strings on the other side of the nut. The middle finger works the best since it is the strongest finger. Pressing a string down on this side of the nut raises the pitch. Jimmy Page uses this technique all of the time. Listen to the introduction of “Dazed and Confused” from the first Led Zeppelin album to hear some examples of harmonics combined with bends.

Chapter 4: (2:18) More Natural Harmonics The same harmonics produced at the 5th and 7th frets can also be played at the 17th and 19th frets respectively.

A repeat of the harmonics at the 12th fret occurs at the 24th fret. It is possible to produce these harmonics on a guitar that has less than 24 frets. However, it is slightly more difficult. Find the location of where the 24th fret would be if you had more frets. If you play a strat-style guitar, this harmonic occurs right over the neck pickup. It may take some trial and error before you find it. Chapter 5: (3:12) Natural Harmonic Trick Brad demonstrates a great harmonic trick pioneered in the 80’s by Joe Satriani. Begin by performing a trill between the 5th and 7th frets of the A string. A trill is a rapid succession of hammer-ons and pull-offs performed between two notes. Watch Brad carefully for a clear demonstration of how a trill is performed. While performing the trill, lightly touch the A string around the bridge pickup with the index finger. This generates some harmonic overtones. If you slide your finger up and down the length of the string, different harmonic overtones are generated. Experiment to find the sweet spots on the string where harmonics are most clear.

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