Understanding Natural Harmonics

Okay then, guys, let's take a look at another technique. We're going to explore two types of harmonics today: Pinched Harmonics and Natural Harmonics.

Natural Harmonics

Let's start with Natural Harmonics, as they are slightly easier to understand.

• These are signified by a diamond shape around the note in the tablature.
• For example, if you see a 12 on the tab with a diamond around it, that indicates you need to play that note as a Natural Harmonic.

How to Play a Natural Harmonic

To play a Natural Harmonic, it's quite simple:

1. Fretting the String: I'm going to demonstrate how to play the 12th fret on the E string as a harmonic.

   • Normal fret harmonic: You can hear the difference.

2. Placement:

   • Place your finger directly above the metal fret wire.
   • Unlike when you normally fret a note (where you want to position your finger just behind the fret), for a Natural Harmonic, you should be directly above the metal fret.

3. Touching the String:

   • You want to lightly touch the string without applying enough pressure to make it touch the fret or fretboard.
   • Just hover and touch the string very, very lightly.

4. Picking the Note:

   • After lightly touching, pick the note.
   • As soon as you've caught the harmonic, move your left hand out of the way, and you'll hear the harmonic continue to ring.

Demonstration

Here it is...
(The harmonic will continue to ring.)

• The difference between this and a fretted note is clear. If I play the fretted note and then take my hand away, it doesn't continue to ring.
• You can definitely hear the difference in tone between the pitched note and the harmonic.

Key Locations for Natural Harmonics

There are three predominant places on the guitar where you can achieve easily:

1. 12th Fret: Probably the easiest place to start.
2. 7th Fret: Another really cool place to play.
3. 5th Fret: Where the pitch gets even higher.

• These harmonics are generally delicate the closer you get to the note itself.

Applications

It's a really cool technique, and you'll see it crop up in quite a few rock songs.

• Remember:
  • Always signified by the diamond symbol around either the note head or the tabbed number.
  • It might even have NH above it, short for Natural Harmonic.

You can create some really cool melodies with Natural Harmonics. Additionally, playing chords can sound fantastic with a bit of delay, giving you some really ambient sounds.

In conclusion, it's an unusual sound for a guitar, and it's definitely worth experimenting with. So that's the first type of harmonic we're going to talk about!