Harmonics are one of those magical guitar techniques that can add a whole new dimension to your playing. You’ve probably heard those bright, bell-like tones in some of your favorite guitar solos and riffs, and maybe even wondered how they’re done. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate guitarist, mastering harmonics is a fun and rewarding way to add texture and dynamics to your playing.
From the clean chime of natural harmonics to the scream of pinch harmonics in heavy rock and metal, learning how to execute these techniques can elevate your sound. In this article, we’ll break down the different types of harmonics—natural, artificial, and pinch—and walk you through how to use them to spice up your solos and riffs.
What Are Harmonics?
First things first, what exactly are harmonics? Harmonics are high-pitched, bell-like tones that occur when you play a note in a very specific way. Instead of letting the entire string vibrate as it normally would, harmonics interrupt the vibration at certain points, known as nodes. These nodes divide the string into sections, allowing it to produce a higher-pitched overtone.
Harmonics are not just cool sound effects—they can add a layer of texture and expression to your playing. Guitarists often use harmonics to create a shimmering, ethereal sound, or to add a sharp, cutting edge to their solos. Whether you want to use them for subtle color or to make a statement, learning harmonics opens up new creative possibilities.
Natural Harmonics
Let’s start with the easiest to grasp: natural harmonics. These are produced by lightly touching the string at specific points on the fretboard, typically the 12th, 7th, or 5th fret. You don’t press the string down as you would when fretting a note; instead, you gently place your finger directly above the fret wire, pluck the string, and immediately lift your finger. This technique creates a clear, chiming note.
How to Play Natural Harmonics
The 12th fret is the most forgiving place to start learning natural harmonics, as it’s where the string is divided in half—perfect for creating a strong, resonant harmonic. Follow these steps:
Place your finger lightly above the 12th fret wire (not the middle of the fret but directly on top of the metal).
Pluck the string.
As soon as you hear the harmonic ring out, lift your finger off the string.
Once you’ve got that down, try playing harmonics on the 7th and 5th frets, which divide the string into smaller sections, creating higher-pitched harmonics. The principle is the same: light touch, pluck, and release.
Where to Use Natural Harmonics
Natural harmonics are great for adding a sparkling, ethereal quality to clean guitar passages. For instance, many guitarists use natural harmonics in intros or quiet, ambient sections. Listen to songs like Rush's "Red Barchetta", which features natural harmonics prominently in the opening riff. They can also be a cool way to end a song, letting that final harmonic ring out like a distant echo.
Artificial Harmonics
Artificial harmonics take the concept of natural harmonics and apply it anywhere on the fretboard, allowing you to play harmonics on fretted notes. While this technique is a bit trickier, it opens up a world of possibilities by letting you produce harmonics in any key, at any position on the neck.
How to Play Artificial Harmonics
Here’s where things get a little more technical, but stick with it—it’s worth it!
Fret a note as you normally would with your fretting hand.
With your picking hand, touch the string exactly 12 frets higher than the note you’re fretting. For example, if you’re fretting the 5th fret, lightly touch the string above the 17th fret with your picking hand.
While lightly touching the string with your picking hand, pluck the string with the same hand (usually with your thumb or pick).
It takes some coordination, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to create harmonics anywhere on the neck. Artificial harmonics are often used in jazz and classical guitar, but they can be applied to any genre for a unique tonal flavor.
Incorporating Artificial Harmonics into Your Playing
Because artificial harmonics allow you to create overtones on fretted notes, you can integrate them into solos or riffs in any key. Experiment with adding them to melodies or chord progressions to create a shimmering, harp-like effect. Artificial harmonics work especially well in quiet, solo passages or for adding some extra flair to your fingerstyle playing.
Pinch Harmonics
If you’ve ever heard a guitarist hit a sharp, squealing note in the middle of a heavy riff, you’ve heard pinch harmonics. This technique is popular in rock and metal and is often used to make solos or riffs more aggressive and expressive.
Unlike natural and artificial harmonics, pinch harmonics require you to manipulate the string with your picking hand alone. After plucking the string, you lightly "pinch" it with the edge of your thumb, creating a harmonic squeal.
How to Play Pinch Harmonics
To execute a pinch harmonic, follow these steps:
Hold your pick so that only a small portion of it sticks out from your fingers.
After plucking the string with the pick, quickly allow the edge of your thumb (on your picking hand) to lightly graze the string.
The combination of the pick and your thumb hitting the string creates the harmonic.
Pinch harmonics are easiest to achieve on the lower strings (the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th strings) and sound best when played with high gain/distortion. The position of your picking hand along the string also affects the pitch of the harmonic, so experiment by picking in different spots between the bridge and the neck to find the sweet spots for each string.
Mastering Pinch Harmonics in Rock and Metal
Pinch harmonics are a staple in genres like hard rock and metal, where they add a biting edge to solos and riffs. Listen to guitarists like Zakk Wylde and Dimebag Darrell, who have made pinch harmonics a key part of their signature sound. Once you get the hang of it, you can sprinkle them into your own playing for extra intensity.
Combining Harmonics in Solos and Riffs
One of the best ways to take your harmonic technique to the next level is by combining natural, artificial, and pinch harmonics in your solos and riffs. Each type of harmonic brings a different flavor, and using them together can create dynamic and interesting soundscapes.
For example, try starting a solo with natural harmonics to set an ambient, ethereal tone. Then, as you build into more intense passages, switch to pinch harmonics for that sharp, aggressive sound. Throw in some artificial harmonics to surprise your audience with unexpected overtones.
When played clean, harmonics can add a delicate shimmer to your sound. When played with distortion, they cut through the mix with razor-sharp precision. Mixing and matching harmonics within your playing allows for endless creative possibilities.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Harmonics can be tricky to master at first, but with practice, you’ll be ringing them out with ease. Here are some common challenges and how to overcome them:
Muted or weak harmonics: If your harmonics aren’t ringing out clearly, check your finger placement. Make sure you're lightly touching the string directly over the fret wire (for natural harmonics) or 12 frets above the fretted note (for artificial harmonics).
Inconsistent pinch harmonics: This technique can be difficult to control at first. Make sure your thumb is grazing the string lightly and experiment with your picking hand position. High gain can also help amplify the harmonic.
Excess noise: Harmonics require precise finger and pick control, so any excess string noise can muddy the effect. Practice slowly, focusing on clean execution and proper string muting.
Enhancing Your Guitar Playing with Harmonics
Mastering harmonics is a fun and rewarding way to add new layers of expression to your guitar playing. Whether you’re incorporating the clean, chiming tones of natural harmonics, the flexibility of artificial harmonics, or the fierce scream of pinch harmonics, these techniques offer endless creative possibilities.
Don’t be afraid to experiment! Try integrating harmonics into your solos, riffs, or even chord progressions to add texture and dynamic contrast. With a little practice and creativity, harmonics can become one of the most powerful tools in your guitar-playing arsenal.
Ryan
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