11 Tips On How To Play Artificial Harmonics On A Guitar (2024)

Mastering the nuanced art of performing artificial harmonics on a guitar requires a sound understanding of fundamental techniques and a lot of practice.

It can drastically enhance your playing skills, adding richness and complexity to your music.

However, beginners often find it tough to perform these harmonics with accuracy.

This is mainly because it necessitates a simultaneous combination of fretting and picking processes.

This article seeks to break down this intricate process to demystify the mechanics behind executing artificial harmonics flawlessly.

The guidance provided will undoubtedly aid anyone wishing to elevate their guitar playing prowess, regardless of their skill level.

Tips On How To Play Artificial Harmonics On A Guitar

1. Tune guitar properly for best harmonic results

While learning to play artificial harmonics on a guitar, the first step must be to tune your guitar properly.

Proper tuning is integral to achieving the best harmonic results.

Just like a musical composition begins with tuning the instruments, so does the process of mastering artificial harmonics.

The sound and quality of the music you create is heavily dependent on the tuning of your guitar, and thus, cannot be overlooked.

The tuning of your guitar lays the foundation for the musical notes that you attempt to produce

This sentence is important because it underscores the need for proper guitar tuning as a basis for producing desired musical notes.

While playing artificial harmonics, if the guitar is not tuned correctly, the sound that comes out will be off-pitch and discordant, no matter how proficiently you touch the node or pick the string.

It’s like building a house on a weak foundation.

An out-of-tune guitar is more likely to produce distorted or poor-quality sounds.

Proper tuning can be the difference between harmonics that sound pleasing and those that do not.

Each string on the guitar must be tuned to a specific pitch: E, A, D, G, B, and E (from the thickest to thinnest string).

These pitch settings establish a specific tension on each string, which is the basis for every note and harmonic you perform.

When the process of tuning is carried out correctly and all the strings are vibrating at their intended frequencies, it allows you to create rich and resonating harmonic sounds.

How to Play Harmonics On ANY Fret Using 5, 7, 12 Killer Method

For a more detailed understanding of how to tune your guitar properly for achieving the best harmonic results, I would recommend watching this informative video.

It will provide you with handy tips and guidance which are sure to be of assistance, especially for beginners.

Remember, practice is key and the more you tune your guitar and play with different harmonic sounds, the more comfortable and natural the entire process will become.

So, take that guitar, tune it well and rhythmically make your way to mastering the art of playing artificial harmonics.

2. Locate nodes: 5th, 7th, 12th frets

The second step in mastering artificial harmonics on a guitar is to locate the nodes. These nodes are specific locations on the guitar strings, also referred to as frets, that generate the rich, chime-like harmonies when played correctly.

Primarily, you will be focusing on the 5th, 7th, and 12th frets.

These fret positions are essential in creating artificial harmonics as they each produce a unique harmonic sound that adds depth and richness to your guitar playing.

Each fret on a guitar corresponds to a specific pitch.

The pitch produced by a string can be altered by the guitarist pressing down on a certain fret.

This changes the length of the string being played, hence affecting its pitch.

Notably, the 5th, 7th, and 12th frets are special spots on the guitar neck where harmonics can be made to ring clearly.

These frets are popularly referred to as harmonic nodes because they have a significant function in generating harmonics.

And so, when a finger lightly touches one of these nodes, it isolates an integer number of standing waves, resulting in a harmonic.

Specifically, the 5th fret produces a harmonic that is two octaves above the fundamental tone of the open string, whereas the 7th fret produces a harmonic that is an octave and a fifth from the open string.

On the other hand, the 12th fret produces a harmonic occurring one octave above the fundamental tone.

The trick to getting a clean harmonic sound is to stimulate the string at these nodes without pressing it down onto the fret.

This action allows the string to vibrate along its whole length and produce those desired harmonic notes. The more precision you have in locating these nodes, the more perceptible and clear your harmonics will be.

Learning to locate and play these nodes properly is key to producing concert-quality artificial harmonics.

Being able to produce a clear and vibrant sound from these frets is an indispensable skill in mastering guitar music, particularly for those playing genres that make heavy use of harmonic tones like rock, metal, and blues.

Remember, the location of these nodes can vary slightly depending on your guitar and its setup, including factors like the tension and gauge of your strings, the scale length, and the trueness of your frets.

Hence, don’t be afraid to experiment a little to find the exact spot on your guitar where you get the clearest harmonic.

As you grow more competent and familiar with the frets, it’s highly encouraged to explore the different nodes outside the 5th, 7th, and 12th frets for versatile sound landscapes.

With constant practice, you’ll be able to instinctively locate these nodes, even without looking at your guitar, which will significantly improve your playing fluidity and confidence.

Your hands will gradually adapt and find the exact spots where to touch and how to pick to produce a clear, vibrant harmonic every time.

3. Lightly touch string at the harmonic node.

The process of playing artificial harmonics on a guitar involves many steps, and one of the most significant steps is to lightly touch the string at the harmonic node.

This action needs to be executed with the utmost precision and attention to detail.

Firstly, it’s essential to understand what a harmonic node is.

A harmonic node is a point on a vibrating string where, due to the wave pattern of the vibration, the string displays minimal or no movement.

These nodes typically occur at the 5th, 7th and 12th frets on a guitar.

When it comes to artificial harmonics, you still deal with nodes, but they are created by lightly touching the string a certain number of frets above a note you’re holding down, effectively shortening the vibrating length of the string and producing a higher pitch.

Now, the process of lightly touching the string is where the mastery comes into play.

In contrast to regular fretting of notes where your finger actually stops the string’s vibration at a certain point, the touch for harmonic nodes is lighter.

You want to just brush the string enough to separate its vibration into multiple smaller ones without actually pressing it down.

The aforementioned statement indicates the delicacy required to execute this process perfectly.

A heavy touch will not yield the desired harmonic; instead, it might stop the vibration of the string entirely, thus ruining the intended note.

In addition, timing is a significant consideration here.

This light touch on the string should be applied precisely at the moment you pick the string. Hence, timing becomes instrumental to generating the sweet bell-like tone of the harmonic.

Note accuracy is also crucial while executing this touch.

You must make sure that your finger touches exactly at the fret and not in between or after the frets.

Any deviation might not produce the harmonic effect as desired.

Gentleness and accuracy are the two key factors which you should keep in mind while touching the string for achieving the artificial harmonic, and these skills are garnered only with time and repeated practice.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=undefined

Through the shared video, you can visually understand the method of touching the strings correctly for artificial harmonics.

Visual understanding is sometimes more beneficial than written instructions as guitar playing is indeed a practical art.

The video will enhance your learning process and make you understand the delicate balance between touch and tone required while playing these harmonics.

Remember, it may take time to master this skill as like any other musical technique, achieving perfect artificial harmonics is a journey of patience, precision, and relentless practice.

4. Use Index Finger For Touching The Node

When playing artificial harmonics on a guitar, the player’s fingers’ precise positioning is crucial, particularly the index finger.

The index finger is by far the best suited for touching the node, the point on the string that produces the harmonic.

Its length, flexibility and positioning on the hand makes it the optimal choice for this technique.

In order to utilise the index finger properly, one must first ensure that it is lightly touching the node, not pressing down on it.

When the index finger is placed correctly on a node, it causes the string to vibrate at a specific frequency, this is how harmonics are produced.

Indeed, it is the slight touch of the index finger that contains the magic behind playing perfect harmonics.

Supporting the importance of a light touch, too much pressure can cause the note to be muted or go flat, which is not desirable when aiming for clear, ringing harmonics.

Additionally, the index finger’s position can also greatly affect the tone of the harmonic produced.

Depending on the specific harmonic you intend to play, the index finger might need to touch the node at the 5th, 7th, or 12th fret.

These are the common nodes where harmonics are most likely to occur, and the index finger’s ability to stretch and reach these locations comfortably is vital.

Equally, if not more importantly, the speed at which the index finger leaves the string after plucking is also key to producing the perfect harmonic.

If it lingers too long on the string, it can dampen the vibrations and interfere with the sustain of the harmonic.

On the other hand, if it leaves the string too quickly, the harmonic may not have time to fully form, causing it to sound weak or disjointed.

Thus, this technique takes practice to really get the feel of it and execute consistently.

In the meantime, the index finger may feel unnatural or uncomfortable in this role.

However, with regular practice and perseverance, the index finger will eventually adapt to performing this key function in playing artificial harmonics on a guitar.

It certainly is invaluable in the pursuit of mastering artificial harmonics, proving that the index finger is indeed the most effective and efficient finger for this specific task.

5. Pick string using thumb or another finger.

In the process of playing artificial harmonics on the guitar, a fundamental step is to pick the string using your thumb or another finger.

It may seem insignificant, but how you choose to pick the string can greatly impact the sound produced.

Contrary to regular picking techniques where you might strum multiple strings, when producing harmonics, you will need to pick individual strings.

This will require precision and control, which can be facilitated by using your thumb or index finger.

The finger you choose can also impact the tone developed.

For instance, choosing to pick with your thumb can often produce a warmer, softer sound whilst using a finger can create a sharper, more pronounced tone.

Since the thumb naturally rests closer to the strings, many players find it easier to use their thumb for picking.

This approach also allows you to easily mute any unwanted strings which can be crucial to avoiding noise in your harmonic notes.

As an alternative, you can also use your index finger or even a guitar pick.

Some players find this gives them more control over the position and pressure when picking the string.

By using a harder material such as a pick, you can produce a brighter, more resonant sound.

It’s important to strike the string forcefully enough to produce the harmonic, but not so hard that the note becomes distorted.

The strength and timing of your strike can be the determining factors in the quality of your harmonic sound.

Ultimately, the choice between using your thumb, another finger or a pick comes down to what feels most comfortable and what best serves the music you’re trying to create.

When learning to play artificial harmonics, the key is to experiment with different picking techniques until you find what works best for you.

There is no right or wrong way to go about it.

Experimenting with your technique is a critical part of finding your own unique guitar voice.

It’s worth noting that the ability to effectively pick a string to produce harmonics can take some practice.

It requires developing a certain level of finesse and accuracy.

The process may be a bit challenging at first, but with time, it becomes more instinctive.

In addition to practicing on your own, there are numerous resources available to help you master this technique.

Among these is a valuable visual tutorial that provides a detailed explanation and demonstration on how to effectively pick a string to produce artificial harmonics.

Pinch Harmonics Tutorial: Super Easy And In Less Than 2 Minutes! (Guitar Lesson)

Watching this video tutorial can significantly facilitate your learning process.

It visually demonstrates the picking technique in action, and it provides practical advice to overcome common challenges faced by beginners.

By observing a professional guitarist and following the suggested exercises, you can learn the rope of picking strings for artificial harmonics more quickly and effectively.

6. Immediately remove finger after picking string

When playing artificial harmonics on a guitar, one key action required to achieve the desired sound is the immediate removal of the finger from the string after picking it.

The idea behind this action is based on physics – the concept of interference and vibrational excitation.

The instant withdrawal of your finger from the string is crucial for the established harmonic to sustain and continue to vibrate.

By swiftly removing your finger, you allow the string to vibrate freely and produce the effect of a harmonic.

While playing a guitar, generally the string continues to vibrate until you dampen it or play another note.

When playing harmonics, however, the string is meant to be left undamped, enabling the resonating frequencies to take over.

Artificial harmonics require a certain level of precision and speed.

After picking the string, your finger must be removed quickly, but in a controlled manner.

The aim is not to abruptly stop the string’s vibration but to allow it to vibrate with a different mode of resonance.

The swift action of releasing the string gives room for the desired harmonic note to ring out as the string continues to vibrate freely.

This quote quantifies the result of immediate removal of the finger from the string, leading to the creation of the distinct harmonic note.

This is because the area of the string that your finger was lightly touching now vibrates at a frequency that’s a multiple of the fundamental frequency, producing the harmonic note.

Remember, the speed and precision in removing your finger from the string will significantly affect the harmonic note’s clarity and volume.

Quick and controlled action allows the string to vibrate at the desired alternate frequency.

This practice might seem unnatural or difficult to beginners.

But with consistent practice and patience, the movement will become more comfortable and intuitive.

Nevertheless, the need for speed should not compromise the care and precision required.

Incorrect removal timing may result in the harmonic note either not being produced or being muted immediately after it is played.

These are common problems that beginners face.

Being aware of them can help you in your practicing endeavors.

The act of immediately releasing the string after picking it can best be achieved through both mental and physical conditioning.

You have to train not just your fingers, but your mind as well to perceive and perform this action effortlessly.

Hence, playing the harmonic on a guitar is not just about where to place the finger but also about when and how to remove the finger from the string.

This step is as significant as finding the correct location of the harmonic node on the fretboard.

With diligent practice and focus, you’ll find that you can control the string’s resonance to draw out the notes you want.

On the long, rewarding road to perfecting guitar harmonics, know that perseverance is key.

Go ahead and start practicing immediately removing your finger after picking the string and witness the magic unfold in the form of beautiful harmonic sounds.

Stay persistent, and happy strumming!

7. Maintain consistency in picking actions.

For harmonics to truly gel with the tune you are playing in, you need to maintain consistency in your picking actions.

The precision in where you place your fingers, how swiftly and smoothly you let go, or how consistently you pick – all play a big role in creating the harmonic effect.

Keep in mind that the pressure you’re applying on your strings matters, so ensure you’re exerting just enough – not too much too distort the sound, and not too less to weaken it.

Be mindful of the consistency, not only with the pressure, but also with the speed at which you are picking or strumming the strings.

The speed can change the tonality of the sound produced dramatically, creating a variety of harmonic sounds.

Thus, it is essential to practice the speed at which you pick the strings to develop that consistency.

On the other hand, the placement and the movement from one string to another also needs consistency.

Again, the placement of your finger at the harmonic node has to be precise, as a slight movement can change the harmonic sound produced.

Hence, the focus has to be on being steady and maintaining control over your finger movements across the strings.

With time, you will be able to switch from one string to another more swiftly and effortlessly, but that comes only with consistent practice.

A great way to develop this consistency is by playing the same tunes or the same harmony over and over again, until you find that the tone is getting steadier and the transition smoother.

Every time you notice any deviation in the sound produced due to inconsistency in your action, focus on rectifying it immediately.

How To Fix "Inconsistent Guitar Playing"

The video embedded above provides great insight into fixing inconsistencies in guitar playing.

By watching it, you may gain a deeper understanding of the several factors that contribute to the inconsistency and learn how to work on them.

Remember, harmonic playing is a form of art and that art comes with discipline – the discipline of maintaining consistency in your actions while playing the guitar.

8. Proper timing is key for desired sound

In the intricate world of artificial harmonics on a guitar, the role of proper timing cannot be over-emphasized.

Let’s dive deep into how this single factor can radically improve your skills and output.

As a guitar player, understanding timing and rhythmic structures are fundamental skills that cannot be overlooked.

You should not just be capable of playing the notes, but be able to play them at the right time.

Remember that artificial harmonics involve two actions – touching the string at the harmonic node and picking the string.

The timing between these two actions is crucial to producing the desired sound.

If there is a delay or if the actions are too hurried, the sound could be distorted, and the expected harmonic may not be produced.

Supporting the above statement, it is essential to note that proper timing gives clear and precise artificial harmonics.

Erratic or inconsistent timing leads to fuzzy or distorted sounds.

The harmonic you are aiming to produce may not even be audible if there is mistiming.

In the beginning, you may find it difficult to get your timing right.

But that’s where practice comes in handy.

Just like any other guitar technique, practice is mandatory for developing your timing for artificial harmonics.

Working with a metronome can greatly help in improving your timing.

A metronome provides a constant beat that you can use as a background to your playing, improving your timing and rhythm.

Making use of backing tracks or playing along with the songs can also aid you in improving your timing.

This gives you a much clear understanding of how the artificial harmonics should sound when playing with a steady rhythm.

Remember that timing in playing artificial harmonics is not just about playing the notes at the required pace, but also about spacing in between the notes.

The sounds should not overlap nor should there be an extended silence.

Practicing slowly at first and then gradually increasing the speed as you gain confidence is another tried and tested method to improve timing.

The goal should be to create a steady rhythm without distortions.

Break down the process into manageable chunks, and practice each part individually at a slow pace, focusing on maintaining a steady rhythm.

Then, gradually increase your speed as you master each section.

I hope these tips will be of immense help.

With the right technique and persistent practice, you will be able to perfect the timing, thereby delivering clear, distinct, and pleasant sounding artificial harmonics.

To make things interesting and challenging, consider trying to play along with songs that make excessive use of artificial harmonics.

And do not forget that the ultimate goal is to maintain the rhythm, which comes with perfect timing.

Keep practicing and exploring, as there is always more to learn and discover when it comes to playing artificial harmonics on a guitar.

9. Practice Various Nodes for Diverse Harmonic Sounds

To truly master the art of playing artificial harmonics on your guitar, it’s essential to practice various nodes.

Each node or fret on your guitar generates a unique harmonic sound that gives depth and variety to your music.

Typically, the 5th, 7th, and 12th frets are the most common nodes where artificial harmonics can be produced.

Playing harmonics at these nodes deliver a chime-like tone with a high-pitched ringing quality that adds an ethereal touch to your music.

The key to producing diverse harmonic sounds lies in varying the nodes you pick for playing the harmonics.

This practice develops your familiarity with your guitar’s harmonic range and improves your precision and technique.

Experimenting with different nodes also allows you to explore and express your musical creativity in versatile ways.

Keep in mind that your guitar can produce vivid harmonic overtones even outside the most commonly used nodes.

How to Play Harmonics! - Natural, Artificial, Pinched, and Tapped!

This hands-on demonstration will provide you with a practical understanding and guidance on how to play artificial harmonics.

The visuals will further clarify how to locate and practice various nodes for producing different harmonic sounds.

Don’t hesitate to always test out diverse nodes, and pay attention to the harmonic effect each position yields.

Remember that the art of playing guitar involves a great deal of personal exploration and experimentation.

The more you practice playing harmonics at different nodes, the more your fingers will naturally find the precise note locations, leading you to produce better quality tones consistently.

Ultimately, by understanding and applying this technique, you can seamlessly incorporate harmonics into your playing style, adding another layer of complexity and richness to your performances.

10. Adjust Amplifier Settings for Optimal Sound

The setting on your amplifier plays a big role in achieving the optimal sound for artificial harmonics on your guitar.

Having a well-tuned guitar and mastering the technique of plucking the strings at the right places are essential, but without the right amplifier settings, the result might not be what you are aiming for.

One fundamental aspect to consider when adjusting your amplifier settings for artificial harmonics is the gain setting.

Artificial harmonics are delicate, and too much gain, although it may make your guitar sound louder, it can easily distort these harmonics, making them lose their characteristic sound.

Therefore, it is advisable to start with a moderate gain setting and adjust it according to your taste, achieving the right balance between the guitar’s volume and the clarity of the artificial harmonics.

An excessive gain setting can squash the harmonics, turning them into a harsh, unclear sound, while a reasonable level of gain will keep them clean and distinct, enhancing their resonation.

The bass, mid, and treble settings on your amplifier can also significantly affect the sound of artificial harmonics.

To make the harmonics stand out, you might want to boost the mid-range frequencies while slightly lowering the bass and treble, creating a balanced sound spectrum.

However, keep in mind that the exact settings can depend on various factors like your guitar type, the strings you use, and even the acoustics of the room you are playing in.

Another vital consideration is to control the level of reverb on your amplifier.

Too much reverb can flood the sound of the harmonics, while the right amount can give them depth and space, enriching the overall sound without overshadowing the main notes.

When starting to play artificial harmonics, it might be useful to experiment with different settings and note how they affect the sound.

Then, with practice and frequent adjustments, you will gradually understand which settings suit your style the most and achieve the sound you wish for your artificial harmonics.

It is vital to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all setting for amplifier settings when playing artificial harmonics, and it is a matter of personal preference.

11. Experiment and keep practicing till perfection.

When playing artificial harmonics on a guitar, it’s important to keep experimenting and practicing until you perfect the craft.

This is because mastering artificial harmonics isn’t something that can be achieved overnight.

Constant practice coupled with a willingness to experiment are two critical ingredients you’ll need to become comfortable with this style of playing.

With enough patience and determination, you will definitely be able to perform this technique flawlessly.

The important thing is to never lose heart, even if you don’t get it right at first.

Keep pushing your limits and try out different techniques until you find out what works best for you.

This statement emphasizes the fact that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to artificial harmonics.

Each guitar player has their own unique approach and string touch.

Therefore, it’s essential to experiment with a variety of techniques until you find the one that suits you and sounds the best.

Creating a solid practice routine can also be incredibly helpful.

Consistency is key in mastering any instrument, and the guitar is no exception.

Make sure to dedicate a certain amount of time each day to practice and improve.

Another essential tip is to record yourself.

This allows you to judge your progress objectively and identify the areas that need more work.

Don’t be too hard on yourself, remember that progress is a gradual process.

At first, artificial harmonics may feel uncomfortable or even sound wrong.

However, as you keep on practicing, your fingers will gradually get accustomed to the technique, and the sounds will start to seem more natural.

The guitar is an incredibly versatile instrument, and there are numerous possibilities when it comes to creating unique sounds.

Artificial harmonics are just one of these possibilities.

So, don’t limit yourself to just this technique, explore and experiment with others as well.

Remember, the ultimate goal here is to create music that you enjoy and that resonates with you.

Whether that means perfecting the art of artificial harmonics or experimenting with a plethora of other techniques – stay dedicated, and you’re guaranteed to achieve it.

Natural Harmonics - Beginner Guitar Lesson

In this video, you will find some practical tips that can help you to improve your guitar playing skills, including the application of artificial harmonics.

Also, you can get visual instructions and live demonstrations to see the techniques in action.

Finally, always remember that progress is measured in small steps.

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your guitar skills.

So keep on practicing, experimenting, and most importantly – enjoying the process.

The Bottom Line

Mastering natural harmonics on a guitar is indeed a delicate blend of precision, timing, and technique.

From tuning the strings for proper harmonic results, locating the accurate nodes to lightly touching the string at these points with your index finger, every detail counts.

Initiating a pick using the thumb or another finger followed by the immediate removal of the digit is equally vital.

Consistency in these actions, coupled with appropriate timing, lays the foundation for the desired sound.

Experimentation with various nodes and adjustments in amplifier settings can lead to a diverse range of harmonic sounds.

Ultimately, like any aspect of mastering a musical instrument, diligent practice and continual testing are the keys to attaining perfection.