Artificial (or Octave) Harmonics
Because natural harmonics only cover those harmonics found at natural nodal points on each string, it is necessary to use a different method to obtain all possible notes as harmonics. This is achieved by literally "halving" the string and producing the harmonics which would normally be found at the 12th fret and moving it chromatically or diatonically. As a left hand finger is employed to hold down the note (except in the case of an open string), it is necessary to use an entirely new right hand technique to both pluck the note and stop the string at the harmonic point which always occurs 12 frets above the stopped note. Artificial harmonics are written as normal notes on the stave, an octave lower than they sound. Therefore, if the F note at the first fret is required as a harmonic:
- Locate F! as normal (1st finger)
- Extend the i finger as shown in photos A and B, and move the right hand until the tip of i lays gently on the string directly above the 13th (F) fret.
- Pluck the note with a and immediately remove i to allow the harmonic to sound.
This can be repeated on any note on all strings by moving the right hand to accommodate the extended i finger 12 frets above the fingered note.
Try playing first position scales on single strings (Ex. 1), then a scale moving across three strings (Ex. 2). Remember to adjust right hand (and arm) position when moving up or down the string.
As this technique frees the right hand thumb, it is possible to play in conjunction with p bass notes (Ex. 3).
Play Go Tell Aunt Rhody (page 37) and Old Kentucky Home (page 38), using artificial harmonics on melody notes and p on the open D notes.
It is also possible to include another note with m to produce a three note chord with the harmonic note as melody (Ex. 4 and Study by Carulli).
