How to Play Tapped Harmonics on Guitar

Harmonics are an incredible asset to stringed instruments, especially the guitar. Simple harmonics such as those at the seventh and twelfth frets are useful and versatile, but the available notes are limited. To get additional harmonic notes, you can use tapped harmonics, which basically mimic the same process as the harmonics at the twelfth fret. Natural harmonics are possible because of their positions along a string. By changing the length of the string, we can create the same harmonic at a different fret position and with a different pitch.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Acoustic or electric guitar

1. Play a natural harmonic at the twelfth fret of the high E string. Lightly touch the string directly above the fret and pluck, then lift your finger from the string. The note should still ring.

2. Now press the first fret on the E string and tap the thirteenth fret at the same position above the fret as if you were playing a natural harmonic, only don't leave your finger on the string. The force of the string slapping the fret should be enough to make it vibrate, and the position of your finger directly above the fret should have produced a harmonic.

3. Repeat Step 2 using the fifth and seventeenth frets. You should be able to get another harmonic. See the pattern? To play a harmonic note, simply fret any note below the twelfth fret on any string, and tap the same number of frets above the twelfth.

4. Now try the second and nineteenth frets. The harmonic is the same as you would get at the seventh fret, though a different note, so add seven to the number of frets you counted above the twelfth in Steps 2 and 3. This pattern works for any natural harmonic on the fretboard.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also play tapped harmonics like you would natural harmonics. Instead of tapping the note, use your index finger to touch the string like you would at the twelfth fret, and pluck the string with your thumb or another finger.
• Try using tapped harmonics with natural to create melodies and arpeggios.