How to Perform a Tap Harmonic on Guitar

Tap harmonics are common embellishments with electric guitar players, but they can also add beautiful effects to acoustic compositions. It takes some practice to play them effectively, however.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Guitar
• Practice

How to Perform a Tap Harmonic on Guitar

1. Start with open strings. Pluck a string as you normally would.
2. Gently tap over the 12th fret where you would normally finger a harmonic. Do not tap hard enough to stop the string from vibrating, but enough to produce a harmonic "ring" an octave above the regular note.
3. Play a fretted note.
4. Count 12 frets up from that note, and gently tap the string right above the fret.
5. Practice tapping until you find a nice medium between stopping the not altogether and not actually changing the string's vibrations.
6. You can produce similar effects by simply touching the string at the harmonic point without tapping down to the fret. This will produce a softer harmonic tone.
7. Practice with other harmonics at 7 and 5 frets above the natural note.

Tips & Warnings

• Different string tensions require different strengths of tapping. Practice with your preferred strings to find the right amount of force to use. Expect to tap differently if you change strings.
• Never tap so hard to actually damage your instrument.