Basics of Harmonics Guitar Lesson

Basics of Harmonics

David explains the basics of natural harmonics. You will learn the acoustical properties pertaining to harmonics. You will also learn how to tune your guitar using natural harmonics.

Taught by David Anthony in Tips and Tricks seriesLength: 25:00Difficulty: 2.5 of 5

David Anthony plays some introductory music that introduces the topic of Lesson 2. In this lesson, David defines what a harmonic is and how one is produced. There are several types of harmonics. Each type of harmonic is performed in its own unique way. In this lesson, David explores “natural” harmonics, the most prevalent type of harmonics. The remaining types of harmonics are discussed in later lessons.

“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.

Listen to the introduction music once again. The high chime-y sounds David creates are examples of “natural harmonics.” The natural harmonics he plays occur at the 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.

Performing a natural harmonic is relatively easy. Begin by practicing harmonics at the 12th fret. Harmonics at this location are much easier to produce. Lightly rest the fleshy tip of the finger on the string directly over the 12th fret. If your finger is not directly over the fret, the harmonic will not sound. Do not press the string down at all. As soon as you pluck the string with the right hand, quickly release your left hand finger from the string. Watch David carefully as he demonstrates some harmonics at the 12th fret.

Also, practice playing two harmonics simultaneously. Simply barre a left hand finger across the desired strings.

The easiest harmonics to produce occur at the 5th, 7th, and 12th frets of each string. 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.

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.

You may already be familiar with a tuning method called the“5th fret method.”

However, many guitarists use harmonics as their favorite tuning method. This is because some people hear better in higher registers. Since harmonics produce a high, chime-y sound, they are an ideal basis for tuning the guitar.

Note: The following review information regarding the “5th fret method” is taken from Lesson 2 of Brian Thomas’ Phase 1 series.

One common way to tune the guitar by ear is by using a method commonly referred to as the “5th Fret Method.” There are other ways to tune the guitar that are more effective. However, these methods are much too difficult for beginners to perform. Consequently, they will be discussed in later lessons. Here is a quick list of steps that will take you through the 5th Fret Tuning Method.

1. Using your electronic tuner, tune your lowest (fattest) string to E.

2. Now, play the note on the 5th fret of the E string. This note is A.

3. While this fretted note is still ringing, play the next string open. This note is also A.

4. Match the pitch of the open A string to the pitch of the fretted note on the sixth string. As Brian mentions, when two notes are slightly out of tune with one another, an oscillating waveform is heard. The wavering sound is referred to as a “beat.” The greater the length of time between beats, the farther the string is from being in tune. When the beat disappears, the strings are in tune with one another. Watch this scene carefully and listen closely to the beats as Brian is tuning his guitar.

5. Play the note at the 5th fret of the A string. This note is a D. Match the pitch of the open D string to this pitch.

6. Play the note at the 5th fret of the D string. This note is a G. Match the pitch of the open G string with this note.

7. Play the note at the 4th fret of the G string. This note is a B. Match the pitch of the open B string to this note.

8. Play the note at the 5th fret of the B string. This note is an E. Match the pitch of the open E string to this note.

9. Check your accuracy with your electronic tuner. Make any necessary adjustments.

10. Rock out!

1. Using your electronic tuner, tune your lowest (fattest) string to E.

2. Now, play the harmonic on the 5th fret of the E string.

3. While the harmonic is still ringing, play the harmonic on the 7th fret of the A string.

4. Match the pitch of the harmonic on the A string to the harmonic on the sixth string.

5. Play the harmonic at the 5th fret of the A string. Match this harmonic with the harmonic on the 7th fret of the D string.

6. Play the harmonic at the 5th fret of the D string. Match this with the 7th fret harmonic on the G string.

7. Play the harmonic at the 4th fret of the G string. Match the 5th fret harmonic on the B string with this pitch.

8. Play the harmonic at the 5th fret of the B string. Match it with the 7th fret harmonic on the E string.

9. Check your accuracy with your electronic tuner. Make any necessary adjustments.

Member Comments about this Lesson

digitaladam replied on March 15th, 2012

Hi Dave, There is no megahertz in audible frequencies range. 1 Megeherzt = 1,000,000Hz. You should say 220 hertz no 220 megahertz. Just a little correction. Adam

ric2play replied on January 5th, 2008

Youre the man David. Love your playing, love your style. Hope u teach me enough to be half as good as you. Im looking to buy a good low cost acoustic. Whats the best one?

kasra replied on December 19th, 2008

i made a fine investment when i wanted to start about 2 yrs ago, maybe a martin really similar to what david is playing with ( mine is CX auditorium) was a bit too much for the beginning but trust me, when u want to do harmonics, u need to be able to hear that vibration and only good guitars can produce sounds like that. im suggesting u to invest $500-$700 and ull be amazed by the quality. get one of the low end martin models. they are amazing. they well worth for the investment.

rarsen replied on December 8th, 2008

Hi Dave, Thanks for the harmonics lessons. Can you please teach/explain the cool funky jazzy lick, ? chords, on the 5th fret area you played "with feeling"on your 2nd lesson for harmonics? Please help! Thanks, Ron

frozenfew replied on April 6th, 2008

Having trouble grasping how you are making the tone like that, It would really help if you could get a close up of your left hand to show exactly what you are doing. I have played around on the 12th fret for about an hour and can't seem to emulate the sound?

silvana replied on January 16th, 2008

u r soo cool and cute i love ur work

ric2play replied on January 5th, 2008

by the way could u breakdown that groove in the "feel" section in lesson two. I would appreciate.