How to Do Guitar Harmonics

Playing guitar harmonics is accomplished through practice. If you are aware of the theory of harmonics as it relates to the string you are playing, you can play several different harmonics on each string. When you tune a guitar, the best method to use other than a tuner is to use harmonics to match the pitches to tune the string.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pick

1. Tune your guitar by placing your finger over the fifth fret (metal bars on the neck) of the string you wish to tune, lightly touching the string. Hit the string with a pick. This should produce a high pitch sound unlike a fretted note. This is a harmonic.

2. Let the first note ring out and then place your finger over the seventh fret of the string below it and pluck the string. You now want the harmonics to match. Twist the tuner of either string until the tones match. You have now just tuned those strings with harmonics.

3. Place your finger over the 12th fret of any of the strings, touching lightly. Use your pick to pluck the string. This is a harmonic as well.

4. Skip around the fretboard, hitting the fifth, seventh and 12th harmonics randomly. Make sure that they sound strong and clear. This string skipping exercise will help you play harmonics fast and accurately.

5. Experiment by placing your finger on any or all of the strings lightly and moving your hand around the fretboard. Pluck the strings while moving your hand---there are many harmonics on the fretboard other than the three listed above.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure your fretting hand is just barely touching the string. If you are not light enough with your touch, the note will be choked.

References

• Understanding harmonics