Harmonics
The final technique to learn in this lesson is the use of harmonics. A harmonic is a bell-like sound that is produced by lightly touching the string directly above the fretwire, then picking the string. The string is not pressed against the fretboard.
Natural Harmonics
The easiest harmonics to play are natural harmonics, found at the 5th, 7th and 12th frets. This technique will require a great deal of practice to execute cleanly. Harmonics can be played on all six strings and two or more harmonics can be played simultaneously. Harmonics are notated on the tab with a dot and the wording har… below the tab.
Artificial Harmonics
This type of harmonic technique can be applied to any note at any fret. To play an artificial harmonic, touch the string with the first finger of the right hand, just above the fretwire, twelve frets above the fretted note. For example, if your left hand is fretting a note on the second fret, the right hand first finger touches the string above the 14th fretwire. The string is then plucked with the right hand thumb (see photo). The following example applies this technique to a basic C and G chord. The bracketed number in the tab indicates the fret at which the right hand first finger touching the string.
Harp Harmonics
The next harmonic technique simulates the sound of a harp. This technique combines a normal fretted note with an artificial harmonic. First play an artificial harmonic, as outlined in the previous paragraph. After the artificial harmonic sounds pick the second highest string with the little finger of your right hand. For example, if you play a harmonic on the sixth string, pick the fourth string. If you play a harmonic on the fifth string, pick the third string etc. This technique is demonstrated in the following example. The left hand holds an F major bar chord as the right hand play harp harmonics.
Harp Harmonics - Variation
The final harmonic effect involves combining a pull-off with the harp harmonic technique. After the artificial harmonic is played, a pull-off is played with the left hand instead of a normal note.
This technique is highlighted in the following example over a G eleventh bar chord shape, played on the third fret. The pull-offs are executed on the first and second string.
