How to perform both natural and artificial harmonics on acoustic guitar.
Simple way to do natural harmonics on accoustic guitar.
The natural harmonics occur at the "nodes", notably within the middle of the string, and also occur at various points along the length of the strings: 1/4, 1/3, etc...
Natural harmonic could be a technique achieved by rubbing the note very lightly (don't even press it) and removing your finger as you strike the note, so one hand selects the string to vibrate it, while the opposite hand is gently blocking the vibration at one among the nodes.
The result's harmonic. you must hear a cleaner, less shrill bell sound than the natural string.
So far so good, but it takes some practice.
- 12th fret — one octave above the basis note of the string — E on the E string
- 7th fret — the fifth above the 12th harmonic fret — B on the E string
- 5th fret — two octaves above the foundation note — E on the E string.
Artificial harmonics, what's the secret ?
Artificial harmonics mean that we’re gonna actually fret notes and play harmonics according to these fretted notes.
To do that, technically you just need to understand this reverse equation :
- Picture the 12th fret of your guitar as the nut of your guitar.
- Calculate the number of frets in front of the nut.
- Execute the harmonics according to the calculated numbers above the 12th fret.
If you look at the A string (3), we’re fretting the 3rd fret of the A string.
That means there’s three frets in front of nut.
I want you to check out this Alip Ba Ta video cover version of Sadness and Sorrow . He displays in my opinion a mastery of this technique.
And first of all, superb composition in his way of playing, a very natural sound! Always loved it.
His techniques shows combination of artificial and natural harmonics in the best use possible. He uses the melody elegantly with those nice bell-shaped sustain harmonics.