Pinch harmonics
Sunday, August 07 2011 @ 07:25 AM CDT

Ok - can someone please please explain how to do these? For years I've tried and no joy.
I've read endless explanations about catching the string with your thumb after it hits your pick, hold the pick just poking out from between your thumb etc etc etc

Never been able to replicate it and in person, anyone showing me has just been able to say "you can't see my fingers, but it sounds like this.." which is no help.

Are they easier to achieve when picked on a certain area of the string length? Any and all explanation and advice would be greatly appreciated as I just. Can't. Do. It!

p.s. I promise not to deluge MJ with a glut of songs drowing in pinch harmonics afterwards!

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Sunday, August 07 2011 @ 07:39 AM CDT

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Re:Pinch harmonics
Sunday, August 07 2011 @ 07:43 AM CDT

Quote by: -Harold- I was going to mention this previous thread, but you were there. Sorry I can't help... http://www.macjams.com/forum/viewtopic.php?forum=6;showtopic=212803;onlytopic=;show=10;page=1;page=2

Thanks Harold. I've re read that and still no wiser (or "better" might be a more apt word!)

=)

Re:Pinch harmonics
Sunday, August 07 2011 @ 07:44 AM CDT

Here's my approach.

Lay your right hand thumb lightly over he string (about the same feel as you would were you playing harmonics with your left hand on the 12th fret) approximately 12 frets above the note you're fretting with your left hand. So if your playing a note at the 5th fret you would then pick at the 17th fret. An instant after your pick strikes the string your thumb has to lay over the string in that sweet spot to produce the harmonic.

I find it easier to do without the pick. Lay your right hand thumb 12 frets above the fretted note and pluck the string with an upstroke from your right hand index finger.

Think of it this way. Your left hand fingers become temporary and movable nuts. Your right hand thumb does the work your left hand fingers do while playing natural harmonics (laying lightly over the string). Your right hand index finger acts as the pick.

Re:Pinch harmonics
Sunday, August 07 2011 @ 07:44 AM CDT

I'm by no means a guitar god or expert. I hit upon these quite by accident in the late 70's in our band. Had no idea what they were called but loved how I could "bite down" on the pick and on certain notes instead of the note I'd get quite a squeal.

Someone who does them well can really add a new dynamic to their playing.

For me I bite down on the pick so there is just like 1/16 of it showing between my thumb and finger. Then as the descriptions say I pick by diving down into the string so that my thumb impacts the string.

Yes for me there are certain lengths that pinch way better than others and unlike regular harmonics that you do at certain frets you move your picking place to get the ideal pinch harmonic. Also having lots of gain on your amp helps to hear them.

So pick one note on one string. Place the pick like you've been told, now pick by diving down and change where you are picking the string. At some point you'll just "get it". Once that happens it will be easy to do them.

Re:Pinch harmonics
Sunday, August 07 2011 @ 07:50 AM CDT

If you pick the string and allow your finger tip to just barely brush the string. You do it as part of all one movement when you pick the string. I find I am more reliable with it picking upward and using my index finger tip. Once you do it, you can experiment with different places on the string and you can get many different sounds.

Re:Pinch harmonics
Sunday, August 07 2011 @ 08:28 AM CDT

once you get the concept down you can play them in a variety of setups but for me when i learned it helped to be directed to use the treble pickup with allot of gain.

Re:Pinch harmonics
Sunday, August 07 2011 @ 08:39 AM CDT

A pinch harmonic is easier to do if you have your bridge pickup selected (preferably a high output humbucker), and you have a high gain setting on your amp. (rock or metal tone).
Forgive me if I'm covering info you already know, but this helped me out.
The "squeal" is nothing more than the upper partial of the note that you are fretting.
Depending on where you touch the string you can get an octave above the note, an octave + fifth, etc.
Every note on ALL instruments have harmonic overtones that ring out with the fundamental tone. You can get harmonics from any stringed instrument, violin, banjo, bass, etc.

Re:Pinch harmonics
Sunday, August 07 2011 @ 11:36 AM CDT

This is my understanding, hope this helps.

Re:Pinch harmonics
Sunday, August 07 2011 @ 12:57 PM CDT

I don't use a pick, for pinch harmonics I pick the string simultaneously with thumb and forefinger.