How to Do Pinch Harmonics

One technique to learn that will add flare to any guitar solo is the pinch harmonic. This technique will add a lot of spice and flare to your guitar playing and will sound great whether played live or on a recording. Practice this technique extensively if you hope to master and perfect it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Turn the overdrive or distortion on and turn it up to a comfortable level. The distortion in the guitar tone is what really sets the harmonic quality of the note off.

2. Find a natural harmonic on your guitar string. Strike or pick one of the strings open (without pressing the string down on any fret) and then gently touch the string with the tip of your finger some where over the pickups on the body of the guitar.

3. Press the string down on any fret and strike it with your pick. Once again, gently touch your finger tip or finger nail down on the string anywhere between the end of the fret board and the bridge of your guitar. The high pitch harmonic will change each time you change frets.

4. Bend the string up or down to draw out the pinch harmonic note.

Resources

• Pinch Harmonics Guitar Lesson
• Pinch Harmonics Video