Tags
#harmonics#technique#tone
What are Natural Harmonics?
Natural harmonics are bell-like tones produced by lightly touching a string at specific points (nodes) while plucking it. Instead of pressing the string down to the fretboard, you barely touch it, then lift your finger immediately after plucking.
How Harmonics Work
When you play a harmonic, you're dividing the string into equal parts:
- 12th fret: Divides string in half (octave higher)
- 7th fret: Divides into thirds (octave + fifth)
- 5th fret: Divides into quarters (two octaves higher)
Common Harmonic Points
The strongest natural harmonics occur at:
- 12th fret - Easiest, one octave up
- 7th fret - Octave + perfect fifth
- 5th fret - Two octaves up
- 9th fret - Octave + major third (weaker)
- 4th fret - Two octaves + major third (weaker)
Technique Steps
- Light Touch: Barely touch the string directly above the fret wire
- Position: Keep finger perpendicular to string
- Pluck: Use other hand to pluck the string
- Release: Lift touching finger immediately after plucking
- Listen: You should hear a clear, bell-like tone
Common Mistakes
- Pressing too hard: You'll just get a muted note
- Wrong position: Must be directly over the fret wire
- Not releasing: Lift finger immediately after plucking
- Too light pluck: Harmonic won't ring out
Musical Applications
Harmonics add beautiful textures to fingerstyle pieces:
- Ending notes: Create ethereal endings
- Chordal harmonics: Play multiple harmonics together
- Melody accents: Highlight specific notes
- Transitions: Bridge between sections
Practice Exercise
- Start with 12th fret harmonic on the high E string
- Move through all six strings at the 12th fret
- Try 7th fret harmonics
- Try 5th fret harmonics
- Practice chordal harmonics (multiple strings)
Beyond Natural Harmonics
Once you master natural harmonics, explore:
- Artificial harmonics
- Harp harmonics
- Touch harmonics