How to Play Artificial Harmonics on Guitar

Once you are comfortable playing natural harmonics, you can expand your repertoire of techniques to include artificial harmonics. The main difference between natural and artificial harmonics is that natural harmonics use open strings while artificial harmonics use fretted strings.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Guitar
• Practice

How to Play Artificial Harmonics on Guitar

1. Start with the low string as harmonics are easier there. Fret the first fret.

2. Place the index finger of your picking hand over the 13th fret as if you were going to play a natural harmonic there.

3. Pluck the string with the middle finger of your plucking hand while keeping your index finger on the string.

4. Remove your index finger immediately after plucking the string.

5. Practice until you can produce a ringing harmonic sound equally.

6. Fret the string at different points and add that many frets to your harmonic finger location to produce further artificial harmonics

Tips & Warnings

• Practice with all the strings as different strings require different strengths of plucking and touch on the harmonic.
• You can play entire songs and melodies with artificial harmonics that do not depend on the notes available on the open strings.