Pinch Harmonics

What Are Pinch Harmonics?

Pinch harmonics (also called artificial harmonics or chime harmonics in acoustic contexts) are produced by lightly touching a vibrating string at a specific nodal point — typically 12 frets above the fretted note — immediately after plucking. This creates a high, bell-like tone that floats above the normal guitar sound.

Unlike natural harmonics (which occur on open strings at set fret positions), artificial harmonics work at any fret, giving you harmonic versions of any note on the neck.

Natural vs. Artificial Harmonics

Natural harmonics: Touch the string lightly at frets 5, 7, 12 on open strings. Easy, reliable.

Pinch harmonics (artificial): Fret any note, then lightly touch the string exactly 12 frets higher with the right hand while plucking. More flexible but technically demanding.

The Right-Hand Technique

1. Fret the note with your left hand at any position
2. Position your right hand over the string, 12 frets above the fretted note
3. Pluck the string with your right-hand finger (usually ring or middle)
4. Simultaneously (or a tiny fraction after), lightly touch the string with your right-hand index finger extended slightly
5. The index finger must contact the string gently, not press it down
6. Lift the index finger immediately — it's a touch, not a hold

The timing between pluck and touch is the critical variable. Too early and you mute the string. Too late and the harmonic doesn't activate. Practice slowly.

Andy McKee's Harp Harmonics

Andy McKee uses a variant called "harp harmonics" throughout Drifting and Rylynn. His approach:

• Right-hand index finger is always positioned 12 frets above the left-hand finger
• Right-hand ring finger plucks below the index finger
• The index finger acts as a movable "nut" — creating harmonics as the left hand changes position

This technique enables continuous melodic lines played entirely in harmonics — a shimmering, harp-like effect.

Chet Atkins' Use

Atkins used harmonics more sparingly but with great elegance — single harmonic notes as ornaments within a phrase, adding sparkle to key melody notes. His approach is more practical for players just starting with the technique.

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: 12th Fret Harmonics

Play the 12th fret natural harmonics on each string. This establishes the sound and feel of touching the string at exactly the right point.

Exercise 2: Artificial Harmonic on One Fret

Fret the 5th fret of the 1st string. Place your right index finger at the 17th fret position. Pluck and touch simultaneously. Aim for a clear, ringing harmonic.

Exercise 3: Moving Harmonics

Fret a simple scale in the lower positions. As each note is fretted, move your right index finger 12 frets up and produce the harmonic. Move with the left hand.

When It Clicks

Many players report a sudden "aha" moment when harmonics start to work reliably. Until that moment, the technique can feel frustrating. Trust the process — the mechanics are learnable, and once your right hand finds the right touch, the harmonics become remarkably consistent.

The sound reward is extraordinary: harmonics transform a guitar into something otherworldly, adding color and dimension impossible to achieve any other way.