How to Play Harmonics! - Natural, Artificial, Pinched, and Tapped!

[@DBSG1976]

Videos like this one are why Darrell's Guitar Channel is my favorite, absolutely fantastic lessons like these! I consider him as much of a teacher as the one I study with on a weekly basis.

[@PaulyDFromDownunder]

I couldn’t agree more!!!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

New Lesson! Hope you find it helpful :) 1. Natural harmonics 2. Artificial harmonics - 3:52 3. Pinched harmonics - 6:27 4. Tapped harmonics - 9:06 5. Harmonic Riff Lesson - 11:12 Enjoy!

[@smithjason5887]

More lessons please!

[@MD-tr1yv]

Darrell Braun Guitar thank you so much! Well produced and straight to the point. I will incorporate some of these into my style.

[@burnedmyfoot]

I love it so much when people put timestamps in the comments or description, it's super convenient. Thank you.

[@jamesstewart3941]

All i get is the soumd you get when strings are muted

[@kevinmcguinness1113]

@@jamesstewart3941 try increasing your gain and they work better on neck pick up, with tone knob at max treble setting. Also, if you have a wah pedal, open it up 😁👍

[@benjaminaustnesnarum3900]

Pinched harmonics; also known as the "accidental harmonics"

[@danielhounslow4274]

Ba ha ha ha!!

[@patmccrotch5373]

I'm an accidental human, pretty sure it started with some pinching too

[@Cranetechofficial]

LOL

[@triixstiir]

Facts.

[@pallbearer1175]

not in Death metal lol

[@RoyBelmont]

Artificial and tapped are the 2 ive been trying to figure forever! This helped a lot.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Glad to help!

[@gergoolle5773]

Me too man. This vid is a blessing for me as well

[@tristanfaith]

I always wondered what the heck was up with that 12 frets ahead finger tapping harmonic pitch thing myself. Glad to have learnt how it is done!

[@albertosotelo9969]

Darrell... I have been playing self-taught guitar for 15 years... I always tried to do those "touch/tapped" harmonics to play Deep Purple's Sometimes I feel like screaming and I thought my pickups just sucked because I could never make them sound the same... I didn't know you had to pluck the string at the same time as your index hovers over the note 12 frets above the fretting hand... nobody had explained this as good as you... thank you!

[@jimblack5726]

Don't feel bad - We've ll been there! BTW, When was the last time you heard Ritchie play a harmonic? 😏

[@David-og7ps]

ª

[@samueljett7807]

This guy can't go wrong with content. Super helpful channel. Keep it up man!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Thanks SJ!

[@padywac1970]

I’ve been playing guitar for 35 years, and I know (and do) all of these harmonics, but it’s great to see someone teaching these techniques. Not to mention this guy is an awesome teacher/youtuber. But the great thing is that even someone like me can pick up on other people’s styles and techniques. I learned a different way to do pinch harmonics! I pinch from my index, as Darrell rolls to his thumb. I’m going to give this technique a try. You’re never to old to learn, and you will never be so good that you can’t pick stuff up from even “beginners”. Great video!

[@KevinORourke25]

What a great lesson. I have been baffled by how you you play artificial harmonics. As old and experienced as I am, I never considered using my thumb to play behind the harmonic note! Embarrassing? Yes, but it proved you are never to old to learn. Thanks so much Darrell. kevin

[@emmaerlingsson4503]

haha same

[@tcarr8004]

If you don't have any thumbnail you can change how you're holding the pick so your thumb extends out to tap the note and the pick sits near the base of your thumb

[@lmaospoon]

ARTIFICIAL HARMONICS ARE INCREDIBLEEEE A WHOLE NEW WORLD

[@OkayBrianBand]

That’s a reallllyyyy nice guitar. I love the tele shape but the complete non telecaster vibe it gives

[@DustinAlford]

It's cool to see the Tele evolve and move away from being just a twang machine.

[@theirishpotato6588]

Same.

[@nathang1184]

It is a custom made 10s guitar for him

[@michaelsmoak6267]

The strings are so close to the fretboard it's absolutely insane

[@Nova28100]

'Roll into it' on Pinched Harmonics helped me a great deal, Ive literally been trying harmonics for years, and no one has ever mentioned that you need to 'roll into it' with your thumb, such great advice, thanks very much

[@MrFeuerFux]

I'm so thankful for this lesson! I tried to play artificial and pinched harmonics my whole life and couldn't find out how to do it correctly. Big thumbs up from Germany!

[@magistermurray]

Darrell's explanation of creating harmonics is the simplest I've ever encountered. I've never quite been able to make harmonics sound good. Until now. Thank you!

[@ginomatusasiamen8336]

Perfect guitar tutorial.... No intros, just the lesson i understand clearly.... I don't know but I see in your eyes that you're a good person...

[@upfront2375]

For those artificial harmonics (also works for naturals) as a classical player, I can say that there is a trick to make them sound much louder and it works on any type of guitar. As soon as you hit the string with you thumb (or pick) do a quick pull-off kind of move and move away your finger from the fret.

[@ianwheeler8764]

Thanks Darrell. Nice video for combining all the different harmonic types which can be played on a guitar. If I may be so bold, I would like to add a couple of things which might be confusing for less experienced players. First, when he mentions "floating" over the string, you do have to actually lightly touch the string with your finger; it's just that you're not "fretting" the string by pressing it down until it touches the frets. Also, once the string is picked, plucked, or tapped, you must remove your finger(s) from the strings quickly, other wise you will mute the harmonic and it won't ring out and sustain.

[@diegomahoudeau934]

This is not the lesson we deserve, but it's the lesson we need Darrell

[@RC32Smiths01]

Ahhh really cool lesson! Especially the Tapped harmonics, which I am currently in a rut on. Great work and content as always!

[@masonmount17]

Wow I wish I had seen this sooner, I've been wanting to play artificial harmonics for ages and within 5 minutes of watching this I had success. Thank you sir!

[@DenisAhmet]

I’ve said it before. Darrell has a natural ability of explaining things that is so easy to understand and follow. Darrell thank you again for this amazing tutorial. Keep up the great work and may you prosper 👍

[@musicfreak3536]

Love this lesson, Darrell! By far, you are one of the most clear and understandable individuals to explain this technique!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Thanks TT!

[@truckercowboyed2638]

I've seen u do these so flawlessly but I can never remember where the right spots are for harmonics. Especially the tap harmonics.

[@lathumpipe]

Darrell, I wanted to thank you for the pinch harmonics tip. I've played guitar for 18 years but only over the past 2 years started to focus on becoming more technically better. I can now hit pinches more frequently after watching this video a single time. I really appreciate your work.

[@jcoulter43]

Good stuff Darrell. Your teaching style is Very easy to understand. God bless 🎸👍😎

[@ShadowRifft]

Agreed. Simple n easy to understand. Not overly verbose, dragged on, over technical, or bad camera view, the pains of other tutorials out there🙈

[@jasong546]

I am so glad you did this, I can do natural because of you pointing out to do it over the fret, that’s what I was doing wrong, so thanks Darrell! It’s cool to see you using your custom t shaped guitar for the video too!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Glad to help!

[@chewie1498]

I came to learn pinch harmonics so I could play 4 words to choke upon by BFMV, decided to watch the whole video and had a blast learning and playing these, thanks a lot, really helped me out

[@jackallen6261]

Awesome video!! I have been butchering the guitar for 30 some years and a couple of years ago I decided I was better at working on the gear than playing the guitar itself (I work on tube amps) This actually makes me want to start playing again!! Thanks!!

[@stevenw4549]

You are the first to show how to do natural harmonics. Because of this I have subscribed to your channel.

[@WarmNapkin]

Dude that tap harmonic riff.. beautiful.

[@bebopredux]

I used to see Lenny Breau play here in Maine. Maybe 10-12 times. Got fairly friendly with him and he'd sit with us at the table during breaks. He was playing his 7 string and one time put it in my lap. Showed me how to play artificial harmonics right there. Pretty cool. Listen to him. He knew a thing or two about them. Absolutely awesome player who made it look so simple. Love your vids.

[@umbrachris2455]

0:33 Sounded like the Holy Wars solo

[@azmikocaker]

I thought I played the guitar for so many years but I just learned 2 new harmonics techniques and it opened a new window. I’m indebted ! Thank you.

[@ThunderBassistJay]

You're the best! Playing harmonics on a fretless bass makes fun as well.

[@peablasfemo]

I saw on a video a guy performing artificial and I didnt know what was it. Now thanks to you i got it. Always thought that pinched and artificial were quite the same, I was totally wrong. thanks for this video lesson, really needed it ❤

[@Rollermanfromspace]

the key to harmonics is that you're cutting the string down into different frequencies. That is why there are dots on the fretboard, because the strings break down at those points and produce those different frequencies. When you cut the string in half, like a natural harmonic on the 12th fret, it produces the same note at a different frequency and tone, making it sound cool. So when you do artificial and are outlining the chord, you're just cutting the string in half at different points because you've functionally moved the nut up say two frets like on the Am chord. It helps with tapped harmonics too, if you're playing an Am pentatonic scale and want to do a tapped harmonic, use the 17th and 19th fret markers. At those frets it cuts the string in half (5th fret + 12 frets = 17th fret)

[@StrengthSachin]

One of the best videos I have seen on guitar lessons so far. You've covered harmonics beautifully. Thank you for teaching us.

[@justinjerome6950]

Wow, I was just playing guitar and I was tapping on the strings like a novice, accomplished nothing and then I go check my subs on KZbin. And I see the top one is my dude over here showing hows it’s done. Hallelujah!

[@mood_]

Best explanation of harmonics I’ve seen on KZbin so far, thanks man.

[@bellachi9575]

I want to thank you for this tutorial even before I watch! I’ve been looking for this for some time. Thank you thank you thank you!!!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Glad to help!

[@Tryggvasson]

for a million years i tried to play tapped, sometimes i got it, sometimes not, and didn't know you were supposed to tap 12 frets up. your video is so useful for this technique, and would have been so useful then.

[@karll3119]

The best player of all the teachers out there AND the best teacher of all the players. My only opinion. I should add a genius marketing move here teaching his intro riff so everyone around the world will play DBG tune! Magic!!!

[@k1sfd1974]

Absolutely phenomenal lesson on harmonics. One of the absolute best for learning these techniques. I'm still new to guitar (6 months ~1-2 hours a day and I finally consider myself a beginner! Lol) and trying to piece together lesson material on these techniques can be trying. In this day and age, everyone wants to post a KZbin video; even if they haven't a clue on what they are doing. Sorting the 'wheat' from the 'chaff' could be a full time job in itself! As always though, this is excellent content. Keep up the great work Darrell! ✌🏼

[@Friend_of_the_One-Eyed_Ladies]

Plenty of people have tried to explain that stuff to me. Yours is the first explanation I understood.

[@johnnydswing]

Thanks Darrel one of the best and broadest video on tapping, let’s try it out! You are amazing

[@kinciscorner]

Ooooooohhhhhhh. The pinch one. Is like magic. I've been trying to figure it out and can't make sense of it. Thank you!

[@ravikanthasokan4836]

Darrell you are very creative even in your videos, presentations and just very helpful for guitarists, guitar teachers. Brilliant and superb. I am your fan boss!

[@andre.1984]

It would be worth explaining to people what the technique essentially consists of, which is about damping the lower harmonic(s), so that the higher harmonics stand out. A basic sound wave is a sine wave, which has only one frequency. But when we excite the string of a real guitar, the vibration of the string contains a superposition of several frequencies, with different sound volume or amplitude. Usually, the frequency that stands out the most is the fundamental frequency, which is the lowest frequency (lowest pitch). This vibration mode manifests at its highest amplitude at half the length of the string (about where the 12th fret is), with nodes (static points of no vibration) only where the strings are fixed (i.e. saddle and nut). But in that same length of string, standing waves of the higher harmonics also coexist. They are there, despite being less visible and less audible. So, if frequency f is the fundamental frequency (also called 1st harmonic), f2=2*f is its 2nd harmonic, f3=3*f is its 3rd harmonic, f4=4*f is its 4th harmonic, and so on. The higher the harmonic, the higher the octave. Harmonics are the same notes, but in different octaves. These frequencies will have maximum amplitude points at multiple locations (equally spaced) along the string. The higher the harmonic, the higher the number of locations where the amplitude reaches its maximum. For example, the 2nd harmonic has a maximum on the 5th fret (about 1/4 the length of the string) and another one near the neck pickup, about where a 24th fret would be. It also has a node (zero amplitude) at half the string length (12th fret). That is why when we hover the finger over the 12th fret and hit the string, we let the 2nd harmonic stand out. By doing that, we are damping the fundamental frequency, which has maximum amplitude at that location, while not affecting the 2nd harmonic, because it has a node there. The same effect explains why when we hover the finger over the 5th fret and hit the string, we are letting the 3rd harmonic stand out. By doing that, we damp the 2nd harmonic, because it has maximum amplitude there, we don't affect the 3rd mode, because it has a node there, and we partially damp the 1st harmonic (fundamental frequency), because that is not the location of a 1st harmonic node and thus the string still vibrates with that frequency at that location. So we can damp it. Playing the string at a hypothetical 24th fret would produce the same frequency or pitch as playing the 3rd natural harmonic on the 5th fret. So, the whole idea about playing higher harmonics is about finding the locations where you can damp the vibration of the lower harmonics. In other words, you have to find the location of a suitable node of the harmonic that you want to stand out, so that you can damp the others without affecting it. Now you can imagine that, since the string actually vibrates in a superposition of many frequencies, there are special points along the string where one can damp certain groups of harmonics with one single touch, while letting other harmonics stand out. That is the art of the pinch harmonics. The artificial harmonics are not really artificial per se. They are natural harmonics of the fretted string. It is equivalent to making the guitar neck shorter. When you fret a string and play it, you are changing the length of the string (the length that is free to vibrate), and therefore you are changing the fundamental frequency and all its related harmonics. You changed the note. As a consequence, the positions where you can damp harmonics will change in relation to the length of the string. I hope this helps clarify "why", in addition to the video's answer to "how".

[@anthonyjohnny1470]

Very well explainded! Great job! 😉👍

[@andre.1984]

@@anthonyjohnny1470 Except that I said that harmonics are only multiplies of the fundamental frequency. That's not true. The string vibration also contains 5ths, 3rds, etc.

[@ericwilliams7374]

Pinched harmonics and natural harmonics is probably one of the very first cool tricks a metal head learns how to do on guitar. Dime Bag does this amazing hammer on type of "harmonic squeal", while "climbing" on his tremolo. I have yet to perfect this method, but Natural and Pinched, I can do in my sleep.

[@christianjacobson4530]

Awesome tutorial again. Watched other lessons about pinched harmonics but got it within 10 mins after watching this one. Thanks DBG

[@IloveChrome846]

Bro, this info was really appreciated. Btw, you're talented as ****, man. Instantly subbed.

[@yazansakran3326]

I mastered these in a few minutes thanks to you. Simple and concise vids man!

[@xvaderxkiller5190]

This is THE best video I’ve watched. It explained everything so well. I just couldn’t get the pinch and this video basically spelled it out for me and now I got it THANKS

[@EricBlackmonGuitar]

Awesome!

[@akmedia8206]

The man himself

[@duaneh1973]

That last part of the harmonic lesson was FUNKY! This was a very good lesson on harmonics, others talk about it but don't show you. Thanks!

[@michael_caz_nyc]

You are such a great teacher. You always have useful content to help people improve, and to better understand the techniques being-applied.

[@emmaerlingsson4503]

Finally someone who actually shows exact how to do these things:))

[@Nissan570Lsx]

I pulled up to make a delivery a couple of days ago. As i got out of my truck i thought to myself i need to look up some lessons on harmonics. And there you were in my feed, killin it as usual. Thanks for lessons and upgrade videos. I want to put P-rails in my ibanez artcore with push pull pots. Need to measure f holes and new pots. This is your fault. Thanks again.

[@bluesmonkey4463]

As always Darrell ........Awesome Lessons ! All The Very Best Wishes From Central Coast Australia, Keep up The Great Work !

[@gusviera3905]

You are the man, Darrell!

[@misterjameswest]

Great tutorial!! Loved how you explained and simplified things, great camera angles for nice and close views especially when showing pinched harmonics and touching the string with the side of your thumb. Many thanks! Will have to check out your other videos as well!

[@CrisFrancisco]

Darrell, thank you for taking the mystery out of harmonics for me in a very practical, illustrative way. Appreciate you and your channel!

[@Scorpionwins23]

Oh man, thank you for making this! I’m learning the solo to “Are you ready” by AC/DC and it’s got a few pinched harmonics in it. I’ve definitely taken on more than I can chew lol, but I’ll get there eventually.

[@alanst.4417]

You did it again, Darrell! Another outstanding comprehensive lesson, you're a great teacher and make us all improve!

[@gtamediaproductions1]

EVH used them all very intricately and gracefully always with a smile.

[@gharodc614]

Excellent Lessons Darrell. This is the reason I don’t miss your videos Always good and excellent material Looking forward to buy the tabs sheet

[@saimanojkeshipeddi]

Damnnnn... This is the best video I have watched on harmonics.

[@PYC334]

you're the best , Darrell, you just helped me learn something new, in an awesome, simple and effective way

[@rishabhbose29]

Great lesson. Been playing for over 10 but never quite figured out Artificial Harmonics. But you made it so easy and understandable

[@MyklBlue69]

Another fabulous video Darrell!

[@davidledford3522]

Thank you I've always used nh but this was a real eye opener!!!!I recommend this channel to all guitarist nubes and old guys like me

[@randelcross]

Thanks Darrell! I've been watching you sneak those waykool overtones (harmonics) for awhile... great basic theory lesson!

[@Bilbo_Swaggins0528]

ive been trying t learn pinch harmonics for a few months now, just found your video and have been getting the continuously for a few minutes now

[@mastery7901]

Wes's work in Boiler is super underrated imo., especially the harmonics in riffs. Plus the device that you hover over the string that keeps 'ringing' it continuosly like in the intro of that song. Not sure what its called but sounded great.

[@emmaerlingsson4503]

when you showed how to do the artificial harmonic, i was like "huh, the thumb is supposed to be BEHIND the index??" it was like watching a magic trick:D *feeling pretty stupid for not have figuring that out before now* hehe

[@andrelp9596]

What a great lesson this is! Thanks Darrell!!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Glad to help!

[@adrianmartinez-lq5he]

Straight to the point Simple yet effective Subscribed

[@spikesprospectingequipment1419]

Love all your playing , styles way beyond me. But has caused me to start my own channel, Spikes Guitar Woodshed. Woodshed, when you play out get embarrassed, go spend the time getting better!! Thanks!!

[@AllThingmac]

He’s one of the best guitarists around! I loved this lesson!

[@johnadams9044]

How helpful is this video! Always needed to learn about Harmonics. Thanks again Darrell.

[@shaneroberts9466]

1. This is the first video I've seen that explains these, and I found it very informative. I never understood how these were done. 2. From day one I just didnt like that custom dbg t-style guitar, but in this video it looks and sounds great. Funny how that goes. 👍

[@Ndlanding]

Excellent! When I was a wee boy, I used to experiment with this stuff all the time, although it was like witchcraft back then! Fact is, I never really had a clear picture of what I was doing, and here you have described everything to a tee -- the first time I have ever heard such a complete description. Well done! Once again, guitar students (=all of us!) have it easy thanks to this interweb thing, instead of spending our lives practising the Battle Hymn of the Farting Republic.

[@yajakump8252]

Im happy that i figure out that natural and artificial harmonics while im on a journey playing guitar. But this video gives me more knowledge about those and other harmonics style, thx sir

[@TheFlyingExperience]

One quick accidental tip for beginner guitar - pick a melody (full song) to play (so its not repetitive) and play it for about 15 - 20 times standing STANDING and use the softest pick. As you get completely comfortable with the tune (you wont worry about hitting the notes) you hand becomes loose. Then try and tweak the angle of attack (strumming hand) just a little and dig into some of the notes and you'll hear it. It was a crazy moment! I could not do the same sitting and playing though but it happened by accident standing! You'll get it!

[@alastair6356]

Great lesson I have been trying to do this for years you have shown these techniques really well and I am going to have a lot of fun with this.👍😊

[@ManumusMaximus]

Your custom T style is badass. Makes me think twice about the buying a ce 24 because I do love the beveleved too on my SE. great lesson as well.

[@philmccutcheon5760]

Fantastic video! I felt that each technique was explained very well, and more importantly, very easily. Thanks you.

[@kensmith8950]

Loved this video Darrell

[@kashivishwanath7603]

Beautiful explained and demonstrated. Superb lesson and video tutorial.

[@tessrichards7058]

thanks for this video! the "rolling off" technique for pinch harmonics got me to finally figure it out!

[@theanalyst1054]

Hey i just caught you with a clue of gain you said. In your electric guitar it has passive pickup from Seymour Duncan which it self is the best of all. This would definitely will very very good results with tube amp heads connected to cabinet. But your video had helped me with something else. I've sloved my problems for the tone not getting delivering what i was looking for. Well i am beginner playing with Esp MH50 with Marshal 15 CDr have pedals HM 300, Zoom MG 50. Thats basic my basic set-up. I purchased them to get the tones but they didnt delivered. Problems were with my pickup so got solved. I thank you to give clues to solve my issues which i was searching since 2 months every where over internet and KZbin.

[@Newnodrogbob]

Damnit you make the pinched harmonics look so easy. All I ever get is a series of loud fundamentals in a row...

[@SaxJockey]

Probably not light enough contact with the side of thumb. In this demo Darrell very briefly contacts the string during a rolling action. We mostly just see the part where he has cleared the string and the harmonic is ringing out. Then he manages to bend the note/harmonic up 😎.

[@Newnodrogbob]

SaxJockey you’re almost certainly correct. I just can’t seem to get it right.

[@SaxJockey]

@@Newnodrogbob Maybe....but it doesn't mean I can do it reliably! I like the sound (in moderation), so will continue to practice it; hopefully it will come good in time 😏.

[@altoverde1845]

it is easier with small picks like the jazz III

[@Newnodrogbob]

@@altoverde1845 thanks! I’ve found it easier with really thick or stiff picks, too. I find it really hard with the medium thickness celluloid picks that I generally use

[@ac250cort8]

Practical lesson and good teacher, thank you Darrell!

[@MichaelKeeter]

I love your vids, but I have to stop at 1:54 and say there are also natural harmonics not over actual frets. I use the ones at "3.2" and "2.7" in my own music quite a bit. Now back to the vid! lol

[@danielhounslow4274]

That guitar is beautiful! Thanks for your help, your a legend mate!

[@positiveEnergyProgramming]

Thank you so much for sharing your techniques and practice routines. Adding this to my practice.

[@matthiassoellner]

Hello Darrell, that's a amazing tutorial! You made a very good comparison - thank you so much! And by the way, I like that Darrell Braun Guitar (DGB) With lovely greetings from Germany to Canada

[@cedrickvstheworld1810]

Oh my goodness, i think i can play on another level because of these

[@endtyme1345]

Love your channel & lessons!

[@DreamBig48]

Wow thank you for this lesson! You did it in a way that is much more easy to understand. You got another fan here in Manila. =)

[@philzellmer6073]

Darrell, I don't know how I missed this one!!??....I'm a little late to the party, but thanks for another great video!!!.....