Online Video Guitar Lessons
  • Call Us at 1-877-999-4JAM
  • Home
  • Lessons
  • Features
  • Teachers
  • Live
  • Signup

Tap Harmonics Guitar Lesson

Home > Guitar Lessons > Skill Building > Tips & Tricks > Tips and Tricks > Tap Harmonics
  • About
  • Comments
  • About this Series
  • Free Lessons
  • Membership
David Anthony

Tap Harmonics

David Anthony covers the basics of tap harmonics. He demonstrates an exercise that will help you with this technique.

Taught by David Anthony in Tips and Tricks seriesLength: 24:00Difficulty: 3.0 of 5
Chapter 1: (08:34) Introduction to Tapping Take some time to review the previous lessons in this series before diving into the current lesson. Thus far, you have learned how to perform natural harmonics. These are the most common type of harmonics used by string players. David has demonstrated how these harmonics can be applied to a musical context. Natural harmonics can be applied to an arpeggiated chord progression as you learned in the previous lesson. They can be used on their own at the 12th and 5th frets as a substitution for a basic open Em chord. Lastly, natural harmonics are frequently added to a technique know as the string rake. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the information presented in the previous lessons, feel free to contact David Anthony or any of the Jamplay instructors.

I. Notation of Harmonics

Note: Open "Harmonics and Tab" in the "Supplemental Content" tab for examples of notated harmonics.

A. Natural Harmonics

A natural harmonic is typically indicated in tablature by placing the appropriate fret number in brackets. The abbreviation “N.H.” is written above this note. In standard notation, this abbreviation also appears. A harmonic is notated on the staff by a note head that is shaped like a diamond.

B. Tapped Harmonics

Tapped harmonics are written the same way as natural harmonics in standard notation. Typically, a "+" symbol is used in the notation to indicate that the harmonic should be tapped. In tablature, the fret location of where the right hand tap should be performed is written in parentheses. The note that is fretted with the left hand is written beside this note outside of the parenthesis. The fretted note is always 12 frets lower than the tapped pitch.

II. Why Are Tapped Harmonics Used?

Natural harmonics can only be used to sound pitches that are neither sharp nor flat. For example, you cannot produce an Ab by performing a natural harmonic. Using tap harmonics, you can sound a harmonic on any of the 12 pitches in the chromatic scale.

David applies this concept to an Ab chord. Tapped harmonics are most commonly used to outline chord arpeggios. You wouldn't want to add a natural harmonic to this chord, because the pitch of the natural harmonic would clash horribly with the notes in the Ab chord. However, using tap harmonics, you can produce a harmonic pitch that is a note contained within the Ab chord.

III. Tapping with an AMI7 chord

David introduces tapping concepts within the context of a fifth position AMI7 chord. This chord is an excellent choice to start with, because all of the notes in the chord occur along the 5th fret. If you are unfamiliar with this chord, check out David Anthony's Phase 1 lesson pertaining to MI7 chord shapes. You can also access a fretboard diagram of this chord under the "upplemental Content" tab. This particular chord voicing is a movable shape with the root note on the sixth string.

Begin by performing a tapped harmonic on the D string. The left hand is fretting the note G with the second finger at the 5th fret. The harmonic is produced on this same string with the right hand index finger. Smack the fretwire of the 17th fret of the G string to produce the harmonic.

Note: Like David mentions, a tapped harmonic can be produced at either five, seven, or twelve frets up from the note fretted with the left hand. However, the harmonic that occurs 12 frets up from the initial fretted note is the only one that is typically used. Harmonics that are five or seven frets up from the note fretted by the left hand produce a weak, quiet tone.

A. Right Hand Technique

Use the pad of any right hand finger to smack the fretwire. Since the pinky finger is rather weak, it is seldom used to produce a tapped harmonic. Do not plant the right hand finger on the fretwire once you have tapped it. As soon as you have tapped the harmonic, quickly release the right hand finger from the string.

Chapter 2: (04:55) Another Tapping Exercise In this scene, David presents some exercises that will get you acquainted with tapped harmonics.

Exercise 1

Note: Open the "Supplemental Content" tab for tablature to this exercise.

Exercise 1 gives you practice producing tapped harmonics in conjunction with notes fretted by the left hand at the 5th fret. This exercise is divided into three sections. The first section indicates that the harmonic should be tapped 5 frets up from the root note. The harmonics in the second section are played 7 frets up from the root. Harmonics are produced 12 frets above the root in the third section. Devote extra practice to the third section.

Chapter 3: (10:53) More Tapping Practice Exercise 2

Note: Open the "Supplemental Content" tab for tablature to this exercise.

The second exercise features a chromatic riff in the left hand. Practice the chromatic riff by itself before you begin to include the tapped harmonics. Isolating and mastering the left hand portion of the exercise will make the right hand portion much easier when you get to it. Remember that the tapped harmonic occurs twelve frets above the fretted note. Practice this exercise very slowly to begin with. Focus on creating loud and clear harmonics. If you have a problem sounding a particular harmonic, isolate the harmonic and practice it repeatedly.

Exercise 3

Note: Open the "Supplemental Content" tab for tablature to this exercise.

Exercise 3 demonstrates how tapped harmonics can be applied to an arpeggiation of a chord. As mentioned earlier, tapped harmonics are usually applied to arpeggio shapes. Play the exercise with harmonics and without them to compare the differences in tone.

This exercise outlines a DMI7 chord in fifth position. Apply tapping harmonics to other chords in your vocabulary. Also, use this technique in the context of chord progressions that you have learned.
  • Harmonics and Tab
  • Exercise 1
  • Exercise 2
  • Exercise 3
  •  
  • A Minor 7
  • D Minor 7 Barre
  •  



Supplemental Learning Material

Select

Member Comments about this Lesson

Discussions with our instructors are just one of the many benefits of becoming a member of JamPlay.


ingridshevkuningridshevkun replied on July 28th, 2008

Man, I can't do those. I have a classical guitar that (obviously) has only 18 frets (the 18th is TOTALY the last one). It also sux because even if I try hard, I can't produse a good tap harmonic. Any suggestions?

Tips and Tricks

Found in our Beginner Lesson Sets

Every guitarist gets to a point where he/she wishes to add his/her own touch to songs. Basic techniques such as hammer-ons, pull-offs, rakes, and harmonics are a great way to put an original spin on the music you play.



Lesson 1

Intro to Lesson Series

David Anthony introduces the Tips and Tricks lesson series.

Length: 4:12 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
Lesson 2

Basics of Harmonics

David explains the basics of natural harmonics.

Length: 25:00 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Lesson 3

Cool Harmonic Exercises

David Anthony teaches a basic harmonic exercise. The exercise is modeled after "Nothing Else Matters" by Metallica.

Length: 10:48 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Lesson 4

Rakes and Harmonics

David Anthony explains a technique known as string rakes. He explains how rakes may be used with harmonics.

Length: 15:30 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Lesson 5

Harmonic Exercise

David Anthony teaches a beautiful harmonic exercise. This exercise is a short piece that is great for building harmonic skills.

Length: 15:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Lesson 6

Tap Harmonics

David Anthony covers the basics of tap harmonics. He demonstrates an exercise that will help you with this technique.

Length: 24:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Lesson 7

Slap Harmonics and Open Tuning

In this action packed lesson, David Anthony teaches slap harmonics and CGDGAD tuning.

Length: 15:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Lesson 8

More Slap Harmonics

David demonstrates a new exercise involving slap harmonics.

Length: 9:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Lesson 9

Harp Harmonics

David introduces harp harmonics.

Length: 16:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Lesson 10

Harp-Slap Harmonic Jam

David Anthony brings harp and slap harmonics together in a practical, musical exercise.

Length: 10:03 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Lesson 11

More Harp Harmonics

David returns to the world of harp harmonics. Once again, this lesson uses an alternate tuning.

Length: 14:30 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only

About David Anthony View Full Biography David Anthony was born on November 9th, 1982, in the small town of Mount Hope, NY. As a child he absorbed the church flavored musical environment that his parents provided. With this influence he realized at a young age that music would not simply be a passive experience for him. It was not until the age of 15 that he decided to string up his first guitar. Relying solely on his father for his foundational chord knowledge, he quickly became enamored with the possibility of endless melodic structures, and the goal of becoming a fantastic player himself.

His early shredder influences came from Kirk Hammet of Metallica. During his first few years of guitar playing, he developed a very workable knowledge of pentatonic, major and minor scales. Over the years his musical interests swayed from rock to standards, from jazz to classical, and a strong love of the art of flamenco guitar; Spanish finger style. It was not until the age of 18 that he decided to surround himself entirely with the music of Steve Vai and Joe Satriani. This influential exclusivity enabled him to learn more about thinking outside of the musical box. In one year he had learned than in the prior 3 years. Picking up multiple ways to structure melodies, create chords and use different modes, his writing and improvisational abilities grew exponentially. In his senior year of high school, he was responsible for the development of the first Musical Appreciation class in the schools history, and had aided the instructor in the teaching of those classes.

After high school, his focus started to rest mainly in writing. With this he realized that he would need additional, abstract influences to develop a unique style of writing. After a couple more years of playing in a small band, and writing some decent material, he greeted 2004 with a move to Nashville, TN. There he found the exact influence that would change his opinion of the guitar forever. Attempting to weed out a strong foundation in shredding and solo techniques, he began learning finger style guitar, and quickly realized the options that his door would open for him.

As he picked up more complex chord structures and jazz scales, his style became a passion for him that continues to drive him and push him to learn more. He feels strongly about the connection between musical input and the music you write. He notes that his subconscious pool of influence, developed from the music he listens to, is almost directly responsible for the type of music that he writes. He adamantly believes that in order to create a unique, soulful style, the pool must remain unpolluted by substandard music. What's that mean? As David puts it, "If you don't want to play crap, don't listen to crap."

David currently teaches Jazz guitar in Fort Collins, Colorado, with plans to move back to Nashville in the spring to pursue a career in writing.

Acoustic Guitar Lessons

Our acoustic guitar lessons are taught by qualified instructors with various backgrounds with the instrument.


Pamela Goldsmith Pamela Goldsmith

Pamela brings a cap to her first 13 JamPlay lessons with another original etude inspired by the great Leo Brouwer. This is...

Free LessonSeries Details
Peter Einhorn Peter Einhorn

In this lesson, Peter discusses the two bar clave that is common to the Brazilian style. You'll put together several patterns...

Free LessonSeries Details
Hawkeye Herman Hawkeye Herman

Hawkeye teaches several Robert Johnson licks in this lesson. These licks are played with a slide in open G tuning.

Free LessonSeries Details
Mitch Reed Mitch Reed

Mitch teaches his interpretation of the classic "Cannonball Rag." This song provides beginning and intermediate guitarists...

Free LessonSeries Details
Mark Lincoln Mark Lincoln

Time to unlock your creativity because in this information packed lesson. Mark dives deep into how to deconstruct the process...

Free LessonSeries Details
Steve Eulberg Steve Eulberg

Steve Eulberg does a quick review of this lesson series and talks about moving on.

Free LessonSeries Details
Trace Bundy Trace Bundy

Trace Bundy talks about the different ways you can use multiple capos to enhance your playing.

Free LessonSeries Details
Danny Voris Danny Voris

Lesson 7 is all about arpeggios. Danny provides discussion and exercises designed to build your right hand skills.

Free LessonSeries Details
Orville Johnson Orville Johnson

Orville Johnson introduces turnarounds and provides great ideas and techniques.

Free LessonSeries Details
Jim Deeming Jim Deeming

Jim Deeming discusses how to use a metronome for practice, skill building, and speed building.

Free LessonSeries Details

Electric Guitar Lesson Samples

Our electric guitar lessons are taught by instructors with an incredible amount of teaching experience.


Steve Stevens Steve Stevens

Steve Stevens shows some of his go-to licks and ideas while improvising over a backing track he made.

Free LessonSeries Details
Brendan Burns Brendan Burns

Brendan demonstrates the tiny triad shapes derived from the form 1 barre chord.

Free LessonSeries Details
Bryan Beller Bryan Beller

Bryan Beller of the Aristocrats, Dethklok, and Steve Vai takes you inside his six step method to learning any song by ear....

Free LessonSeries Details
Nick Kellie Nick Kellie

Nick explains how to use scales and modes effectively when soloing over a chord progression.

Free LessonSeries Details
Brad Henecke Brad Henecke

Free LessonSeries Details
Eric Madis Eric Madis

In this lesson Eric talks about playing basic lead in the Memphis Blues style.

Free LessonSeries Details
Jane Miller Jane Miller

Jane Miller talks about chord solos in part one of this fascinating mini-series.

Free LessonSeries Details
Dennis Hodges Dennis Hodges

Learn a variety of essential techniques commonly used in the metal genre, including palm muting, string slides, and chord...

Free LessonSeries Details
Mark Brennan Mark Brennan

Mark Brennan teaches this classic rock song by Jethro Tull. Released on the album of the same name in 1971, this song features...

Free LessonSeries Details
James Malone James Malone

James explains how to tap arpeggios for extended musical reach.

Free LessonSeries Details




Additional Lesson Features Available to Members

While we have attempted to provide you with an accurate rendition of our video lesson experience, there are some features which
require a membership with us!



Progress Reports

Custom Progress Reporting

At JamPlay, we give you the ability to monitor your own progress for any lesson! If you watch one of our lessons and feel as though you understand around half of it, mark your progress at 50%. This adds the lesson to your customized Progress Report, and gives you an incredible ability to document what you need to work on, and where you left off.



Progressive Bookmarks

Progressive Bookmarking

With thousands of lessons at your fingertips, JamPlay can be a touch intimidating to a first-time user. With Progressive Bookmarking, we give you the ability to systematically bookmark sections of any lessons you are working on to quickly access later. After all, what is the point of all this content if it isn't easy to use?



Note Taking

Save Your Notes

JamPlay also gives you the ability to leave notes for yourself on any lesson. Just like in any educational system, taking your own notes while learning gives you the ability to highlight the instruction that is important to you. Leave your notes, and we store them in our database for you to reference each and everytime you come back to the lesson.

Join the Thousands of Members at JamPlay

Signup today to enjoy access to our entire database of video lessons, along with our exclusive set of learning tools and features.



Unlimited Lesson Viewing

A JamPlay membership gives you access to every lesson, from every teacher on our staff. Additionally, there is no restriction on how many times you watch a lesson. Watch as many times as you need.

Live Lessons

Exclusive only to JamPlay, we currently broadcast 8-10 hours of steaming lesson services directly to you! Enjoy the benefits of in-person instructors and the conveniences of our community.

Interactive Community

Create your own profile, manage your friends list, and contact users with your own JamPlay Mailbox. JamPlay also features live chat with teachers and members, and an active Forum.

Chord Library

Each chord in our library contains a full chart, related tablature, and a photograph of how the chord is played. A comprehensive learning resource for any guitarist.

Scale Library

Our software allows you to document your progress for any lesson, including notes and percent of the lesson completed. This gives you the ability to document what you need to work on, and where you left off.

Custom Chord Sheets

At JamPlay, not only can you reference our Chord Library, but you can also select any variety of chords you need to work on, and generate your own printable chord sheet.

Backing Tracks

Jam-along backing tracks give the guitarist a platform for improvising and soloing. Our backing tracks provide a wide variety of tracks from different genres of music, and serves as a great learning tool.

Interactive Games

We have teachers covering beginner lessons, rock, classic rock, jazz, bluegrass, fingerstyle, slack key and more. Learn how to play the guitar from experienced players, in a casual environment.

Beginners Welcome.. and Up

Unlike a lot of guitar websites and DVDs, we start our Beginner Lessons at the VERY start of the learning process, as if you just picked up a guitar for the first time.Our teaching is structured for all players.



JamPlay Newsletter

Enter your email to get freebies, updates and some sweet offers from our company.

Facebook
Twiiter
Tweet
Google
Better Business Bureau GoDaddy.com Secured VeriSign Secured
TRUSTe online privacy certification
All text, information, images, media, and design are copyright JamPlay, LLC 2007-2013 | 1905 Woods Dr Suite 101 Beavercreek OH 45432 | 1-877-999-4-JAM
  • Membership
  • Signup Today
  • Member Testimonials
  • Activate Expired Account
  • Online Bass Guitar Lessons
  • Customer Service
  • Contact Us
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Money Back Guarantee
  • JamPlay Review
  • Company
  • Company Info
  • Affiliate Program
  • Strategic Alliances
  • Privacy Policy
  • Content
  • Podcast and Blog
  • Tools | Articles | Forums
  • Guitar Lessons Directory
  • iPhone App and Store