Pinch Harmonics Tutorial - Unleash Your Inner Guitar Hero

[@TimHolman]

I get a lot of questions regarding pinch harmonics so I really wanted to clear up the mystery with this video. I'm confident that this video will greatly increase your ability and confidence to hit pinch harmonics. I actually trimmed about 5 mins of footage to keep the video on point but let me know if you want to go further into the world of harmonics and we can go deeper in an upcoming video. As always, thanks for watching and supporting the channel! I have a few spots open for new students right now. Head over to my website to check out rates: timholmanofficial.com/private-lessons or get in touch by email: [e-mail]

[@mattclawson6919]

you taught me a normal harmonic and that made me understand the task at hand lol

[@wilmoney4619]

The reason that it is called a pinch harmonic is because back in the 80s we learned to do it by pinching the pick so that only a 1/16th of an inch or about 2mm was exposed to pluck the string with. Obviously there is a better way to do it consistently and so you can even play a scale of notes with it but that is how it was done in the guitar mags and teaching videos back then. No bullshit

[@TimHolman]

Ah, a holdover from the 80's. Thanks for clearing that up. A bit before my time (guitar playing time anyway). Yeah, it was always a mystery and it just seems a bit tedious to alter the grip. I can just see all the 80's kids now trying to constantly change how much pick is showing. Lol. I don't do much beyond adding my thumb.

[@drefrazier4266]

I do that with clean tones or on acoustic. It's risky as the pick tip can disappear completely, you might even drop it, but it kinda bullies the A.H. into happening when it would otherwise be stubborn. I don't know if this counts as a pinch but you can use the side of the pick too in a kind of slicing motion.

[@wilmoney4619]

@@TimHolman a lot of dropped picks hahahaha

[@wilmoney4619]

@@drefrazier4266 absolutely man! There are always people coming up with better ways to shred! Hahaha

[@BryantWalker-m6e]

​@@TimHolman I always pick with only the tiniest bit out from under my thumb I play metal AND use a thick little jazz pick Dunlop JD Jazztone 205

[@Ali-wk5ge]

NOBODY EVER FREAKING TOLD ME RIGHT HAND PLACEMENT FOR WHEN YOU PICK MATTERS!!!! I ALWAYS JUST THOUGHT MY LEFT HAND TECHNIQUE SUCKED!! HOLY SHIT! I THINK AFTER 25 YEARS I WILL CONSISTENTLY PLAY ARTIFICIAL HARMONICS, PLUGGING IN NOW!!! THANKS!

[@redrocks1983]

Same here... I can't believe how much time I wasted trying to learn these by "fretting" correctly. Lol 🙄 It was pre-internet/social media.

[@michaelmarchei8539]

SKULL YEEEAH HOSS !111

[@karaokeentertaintment8197]

Can't be serious.🤦🏻‍♂️

[@sPazzYx1]

@@karaokeentertaintment8197 Should they apologize for not being as perfect as you?

[@kevinsim1514]

Same here! I’ve been struggling with this since the ‘90’s! I honestly thought that actual pinching was involved between the pick and thumb. Thank you Tim Holman! 🍻

[@pissymissy9565]

I can’t wait to share this technique with my neighbors. 👹🎸

[@emartinezr]

They're gonna love it 👌

[@skipacuff5104]

🤣🤣🤣

[@smb7647]

😂👍🏻

[@katayounkharparvar558]

Lmfao 🤪 😂 💀

[@roba7737]

Make sure you dime the amp so they can hear all the harmonic overtones. Otherwise, they're missing out .

[@rippedjack1]

Best pinch harmonic lesson I’ve watched. Very helpful and thorough.

[@johnlizmore3678]

I’ve never understood how to do this trick. But now I do. Great stuff! Thanks!

[@TimHolman]

Happy to help!

[@RustinRoark]

Finding the harmonic sweet spots for your setup is one of the critical steps many tutorials miss...now to seamlessly hit the AHs during play throughs....

[@daithidoyle5869]

Deadly lesson, I wouldn't say no to a deeper dive into harmonics if that's your pleasure 👍🏻

[@TimHolman]

Cool, thanks!

[@SixBladesKojiro]

Sitting alone watching this i audibly said "nuh uh" out loud the instant i learned "pinch" is actually a "brush" technique with the thumb. Baffling...simply baffling.

[@robowizard6132]

Really great video, keep up the good work, these videos are so useful and in no time you're gonna be one of the biggest guitar youtube channels out there

[@TimHolman]

Thanks man! Really great to hear!

[@NinjaRunningWild]

I've watched & read (& was taught) a LOT on this technique but this was far & away the most practical & useful approach I’ve seen. I really feel like I understand what’s happening now. Thanks!

[@siegfriedschlag4353]

Guten Morgen, tolles Video, vielen Dank für deine Arbeit 🔔 👍 wünschen dir einen guten Start in die neue Woche ❤️Grüße Anne und Siggi 🔔 Abofreund 🔔🎹

[@vincental3038]

best video about pinch armonics in 2023.

[@RJsCave]

Good video! So many people need help with this.

[@TimHolman]

Yes, it's a very common question. As I mention in the video I think that even the name confuses people.

[@tigermcflash131]

Thank you! The best tutorial on pinch harmonics that I have seen..!

[@mariuszj78inwazjamelodii43]

Very beautiful one again. Big bravo friend

[@d3w4yn3]

Holy Spankage, Batman! You actually explained this like nobody else has ever explained this before!! GLORIOUS!!!

[@TimHolman]

Haha, great comment! Thank you!

[@scorpio1155]

I just found your channel. As an old guy nearing 70, I gotta tell you, I LOVE your teaching style. Thank you!

[@TimHolman]

Thanks for dropping a comment! Glad I can help!

[@trabrex7697]

I really like the wooden wall behind you

[@davidcarter1157]

🤘 Finally! After trying to learn PH’s for about 3 months (one of the most frustrating techniques personally for me) I can across your vid. It helped me out A LOT. I’m at least consistent with hitting them not. I have just recently started learning guitar about 8 months ago. So it’s not like I had played for a long time (unlike bass) but thanks man!

[@hubertgunpowder]

Awesome video, Tim !! ♫

[@ajshelton6011]

If you don't teach it I don't learn it .I'm 44 been playing 10 mnths and you have taught me fade to black and sanitarium. Thanks !! my friends and fam have even said WOW you have made big improvement.thnks 2 U

[@TimHolman]

That is awesome to hear! Glad to help you out!

[@matthewa441]

Thank you so much this is the first video about this that actually taught me how to do a pinch harmonic correctly so that I understand how and why. I'm still not very good at it but we all start somewhere

[@PhilFeedback]

Good job 👍

[@13IanH]

This is the best pinch harmonics lesson I’ve watched. So much is now clear to me. Thanks! 😊

[@EricEdwards1]

Great Pinch Harmonic lesson, best one I have come across.

[@edwardglyons]

Fantastic lesson!

[@TimHolman]

Thanks Edward!

[@mopeymcjopey7391]

Best lesson on pinch harmonics. Thank you!

[@TimHolman]

Happy to help!

[@TheMyrkr]

Awesome video as always 👍

[@jzu907]

nice man im a beginner and pinch harmonics have been tough for me and you touched on some cool tips i hadnt seen before in a lot of other videos! thanks

[@peterhenderson2193]

Awesome. Thanks for this.

[@Chimp_No_1]

Really interesting and helpful Tim ! Thank you for sharing !

[@metalcat7486]

thanks man.. really helpfull

[@BrettBolzenthal]

I second that! Best pinch harmonic lesson. Some say the tip of pick needs to point towards fretboard. Also Zakk does something a little different. He uses his fingernail to hit first then the pick.

[@Sojourner-Life]

Great video! Thorough tutorial, nice guitar, cool concise presenter, clean audio. Thanks for this

[@ferguson4096]

This is the best tutorial I've seen on the topic. Great way to build the idea up in parts to the final product.

[@bjstein4242]

I laugh when people say this guitar does not pull of pinch harmonics as if their is something wrong with it or its construction.. its a math problem and string length, gauge all play a part.. finding WHERE that note is, is most important.. different guitars, scales lengths.. # frets will look different.. you have to know your guitar.. nice lesson.. !!!

[@goveriusmylliemumlongchann4207]

The best video and instruction for pinch harmonics. Thank you for this video. Now I can learn pinch harmonics with my practice.

[@adrianstachowski9422]

That was actually very helpfull! I've learnt pinch harmonics by myself a week ago but had no clue what I did to finally make it work :D Now I know

[@CarlWinter-oy8uf]

You are spot on ---those almost impossible pinch harmonics do not involve any pinching --but still very difficult to achieve !

[@hillers54]

Great camera angle on the picking technique Tim 🎸🎸🎸🎶🎶🎶

[@kollabrock]

Great lesson, easy to understand! The only thing you should have added...is how important vibrato is in order to make the pinched harmonic sustain longer and sound way better

[@concretedonkey9947]

wow, finally a YT video that explains it matters where you place your right hand. I've been playing since 2020 and have been baffled by this. I've been wondering why I have to move my right hand, when the tutorials don't mention this and the player appears to not have to move their hand. Thanks for clarifying this is actually necessary. Oddly, at the start of the video you don't appear to be moving the position of your right hand even though you play harmonics over a span of about 5 frets. I find where I can get the perfect harmonic for a particular fret I can also play 2 frets lower before I'd need to reposition my right hand.

[@TimHolman]

The pinch harmonics that I'm hitting in the intro are mathematically related to the fundamental but I could choose another pitch by changing the position of my hand. There are harmonics all over, you really just have to make sure that you're not hitting a 'dead spot.'

[@enjoeymusic]

What a great and detailed explation. Thank you so much!

[@jeremyhaskovec1212]

Really great lesson and much appreciated! You brought in a lot of tips and nuances I've never seen before (capo, finding a PH with the exact right pitch for your solo, etc.). Subscribed and looking forward to more of your content.

[@imienazvvisko]

Cool video. No sub begging, no "free tab if you join not free patreon" but actual lesson that spread information. And interesting approach with saying its ntural harmonic played outside of fretboard with one hand.

[@imcnblu]

I love those Acoustik Attak Stealth Picks. Another youtuber sent me a pack of them about a year ago, and they've gotten a lot of use. Fantastic design and sound.

[@olivervilo]

The best explanation found. That's how you do things!

[@weets69]

Awesome vid/lesson. Easy to follow explanation. Luv the capo hack🤘

[@BrockOfBodom]

From one Holman to another, great video, great tone, and beautiful Kiesel! Earned a sub!

[@TimHolman]

Thank you very much! Cheers man!

[@AlekVila]

Wow! What a great lesson!

[@rickargo4950]

thanks!! this should help a lot!!

[@paulbannon2968]

That has to be the best video I've ever seen on pinch harmonics. Wow! yeah i'm subscribing

[@Osmium2024]

Most pinch harmonics videos don’t help but this really helps

[@GavinColucci]

That’s a sick guitar

[@Sergio2006A]

Thanks a lot for this lesson, Tim. I think your explanation is the best I've seen on YT about this technique. I think now I get it but I need more practice for sure.

[@TimHolman]

Glad to help!

[@benmyths]

whenever i used to play guitar i somehow did pinch harmonics randomly without even knowing how it happened... was always curious about that.. thx for this lesson

[@PaulWilliams-xz3mz]

Video of the year so far, I've always wondered how they do that...thanks I've liked and subscribed...and hello from Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@TimHolman]

Thank you!

[@TheMetalStation]

Thanks this helps a lot. I will work on it.

[@mattnobrega6621]

Good video. It's hard for me to learn technical things, and this video really breaks it down barney style so that I can absorb it. Now I need to apply it. Thanks for the lesson

[@thegreatlifereset]

Now I understand how to do this. Great video! Now, I need to buy an amp.

[@Tedious_Teacup]

It just mutes my string and no noise happens, I’ve followed like 4 videos and it still isn’t working but I’m doing what it’s saying help me 😭

[@JACKPAVAL]

Good video! In Jacksonville Florida, We call it a Pick- Bite

[@oscarcaballero5670]

Very useful lesson, thank you so much.

[@TimHolman]

You're welcome!

[@Unasstheao]

Thank you!

[@KaneFordK9]

Excellent explanation!

[@len73-]

Awesome lesson..thankyou

[@martinkuliza]

0:46 if i was responsible i would have called it the screaming harmonic of awesomeness

[@xio5672]

You made me learn pinch harmonics, thank you so much!!

[@TimHolman]

Glad to hear it! You're welcome!

[@hakizimfurabonheur6569]

Thank you broo!🎉

[@JB19504]

Great video. I will try your techniques. So far nothing has worked for me. My favorite pinch harmonic is on Already Gone by the Eagles. Don't know if it was Glenn Frey or Felder (was he even in The Eagles for that song?) Any way best video I have seen on this. Also love your guitar.

[@joetimilty221]

Awesome video thank you!

[@brCharlieNagy]

great detailed video, thanks. You think active pickups bring out pinch harmonics better ?

[@Moonshine449]

You madlad. I got it within 5 minutes, thank you

[@TimHolman]

Glad to hear it! You're welcome!

[@Sdevistan]

I've been practicing this for 5 months and can't get it to sound, I feel stupid. Like if I try to do the pick then slighly touch it doesn't even modify the sound and if I put just a little bit more strenght it mutes it, I'm completely stuck

[@Sdevistan]

@michaelmiller1257 I’m actually getting it now, though I still get no sound some times but mostly if I’m learning the song . What worked for me is doing it with the side thumb fast instead of the front of the thumb, leaving as little as possible of the pick outside. Needs a lot of practice from my perspective

[@ryancrarymusic]

Is your distortion cranked? I have more luck with distortion opposed to just an overdrive

[@IZ7IZ7]

@@ryancrarymusic I’m using an overdrive and I can’t get the sound so maybe I do just need a distortion pedal

[@ryancrarymusic]

@@IZ7IZ7 I’ve got several ODs, one Dist and one fuzz. The easiest time I have is with distortion and I’m not really pinching- just sustaining with a bit of vibrato. Give it try let us know how it goes 🤘🏽

[@IZ7IZ7]

@@ryancrarymusic I just started getting into pedal got my first one the boss overdrive last month. On sweet water they got a ds1 and the boss looper for $200 for both you think that’s a good deal?

[@gabedom_]

All the natural harmonics are mirrored on the string, with the 12th fret being the center. Same distance from the nut to the 12th, as from the 12th to the bridge. So pinch harmonics are the mirror opposite of natural harmonics around the 3rd fret.

[@MichaelHenderson-c6d]

Can you do that on a box guitar?

[@TimHolman]

I've never tried but I don't see why not. A vibrating string is a vibrating string. The harmonics would be there.

[@6LACKMETAL_ESSAY]

I finally learn this! Thank you!!!

[@TimHolman]

Awesome man! Glad to help!

[@8478als]

Hello and thanks for sharing your tips!! When you are doing the pinch harmonics, are you hitting the string with your thumb downwards or can you do it upwards? I still haven't mastered this technique. I find it easier to get pinch harmonics holding the pick between my middle finger and thumb.

[@TimHolman]

I am always making a downward motion while adding my thumb.

[@8478als]

@TimHolman This is a technique a definitely have to master. I just can't seem to get them using my thumb

[@alexanderdavis9636]

Thank you, now I know how to do it.

[@TimHolman]

Glad to hear that!

[@grubz5011]

The pole on the neck pup d string is crazy

[@mowieboy]

I was so happy when I finally learned these, but to this day I cannot replicate the Zakk Wylde A string 2nd fret pinch harmonic he does. I think it’s partially due to his active EMG pickup, but not sure. Anyways, great intro into this. Wish I had the internet 30 years ago!

[@Breamin]

Can you do a tutorial on Way Cool Jr from Ratt? That song has a really bluesy sound to it but rocks really loud.

[@jeanabsonturel268]

Thanks bro

[@tintin69rr]

Awesome

[@martinkuliza]

8:54 IF YOU DON'T HAVE A CAPO.... Get a shoelace and tie it around your guitar, it does work Also it would be good for people to actually understand what harmonics are relative to the reference note as opposed to just saying Ohhh, here's one and there's a nice one and there's a dead spot LEARN WHAT HARMONICS ACTUALLY ARE. and if you have an oscilloscope, Hook your guitar up to you and generate a note in FFT Mode and then hit the harmonic and see what happens or even better ... Tune your guitar with an Oscilloscope, See what happens to teh waveform as you tune up and down

[@djay6651]

I can do them pretty easy on the higher strings, but not so much on the lower notes on the wound strings.

[@keystonslater3774]

Great video mate. What is that guitar? I want it.

[@TimHolman]

Thanks! The guitar is one of a kind. It's a custom K6 Kiesel.

[@harrisosman795]

What effect are you using?

[@irritatie]

It might be called a pinch harmonic, because of the way you would play fretted harmonics on a Spanish guitar. Obviously you wouldn’t have a pick, so you have an extra finger to use. You’d lightly put your index finger on the hotspot of your string, while plucking it with your thumb, releasing the index finger. It’s a pinching movement.

[@mcmaniac108]

That's a badass guitar, you should clean the dust and grime from under the strings and pick-ups 🎸🤙🏼✌🏼

[@TimHolman]

Lol, I was waiting for someone to mention that. That took a looong time. I should give you a prize. Haha!

[@Aresmusic.official]

Please correct me if I'm wrong. You need to find the right exact place of the harmonics on the strings for each one of the notes on the fretboard?!

[@meikiwastaken]

ive been practicing trying to play pinch harmonics for weeks now, probably totaling more than 10 hours. ive watched every single video there is about pinch harmonics on youtube, and still the most i ever get is a quiet squeal. i love guitar and i used to love electric guitar too but man i hate it so much now because of this one trick. i honestly dont know what im doing wrong

[@itzjetlife3639]

same brother same, i did it twice yesterday and couldn’t replicate it ever since

[@concretedonkey9947]

I'm pretty decent at them now. My only confusion until now was why I had to move my right hand to make different frets sound out. I thought it must be something wrong with my set up, but this video has cleared that up for me. As the video mentions you have to find the sweet spot for where you right hand should be for each fret when playing a harmonic. There are a few for each fret but I usually stick with the same ones (same pitch). I have two guitars and it's the same for both, so I assume the sweet spots are the same on all guitars. The way I think of it is in the middle of the neck pick up is the sweet spot for the 4th fret. Just off the neck pick up to the bridge side is the sweet spot for the 7th fret etc and the opposite side for the 2nd fret. Also, I find I can play harmonics 2 frets below where the sweet spot is, although they don't sound nearly as good i.e. if my right hand is in the sweet spot for the 4th fret, I could also create weak harmonics on the 3rd and 2nd fret without the need to move my right hand. I would of course be better to move my right hand to the 3rd and 2nd fret sweet spots. The problem with that of course is it's taking focus off what the left hand should be doing - lol. I will say I think pinch harmonics are the most difficult thing to get good at. It took me aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaages. My advice would be don't freak out about how long it takes to get good at them. I wouldn't try and make it part of a regimented practise routine as I could see how that could drive someone mad, as most people probably don't see results for a long time. If they're frustrating you maybe try playing them for a few minutes MAX each day. I think the best way to learn guitar is by not getting to a point where you hate what you're doing. I've definitely switched up my practise routines over the years, when I felt myself burning out doing what I'm doing. Knowing what I know now I feel the best way to learn guitar is by learning theory alongside technique. I used to focus heavily on technique, but after putting a lot of time into theory I really see the benefits. The guitar frets/notes/chords were pretty meaningless to me before learning theory.

[@asraiSOA]

Awesome lesson… and that guitar is FN gorgeous. LMFAO… Beer or capo… the struggle is real.

[@rsi2493]

What guitar is that?

[@TimHolman]

It's a custom K6 Kiesel

[@lewistait6665]

wow...that capo idea!!!

[@hurdygurdyguy1]

When Billy Gibbons was asked how he got his pinch harmonics he replied, "Ya gotta grab that twine and make it whine!" 😆😆😆 4:12 ... and that's wherer the term "pinch" harmonic comes from...you've pinched off much of the pick...

[@20_Quid]

can all guitars do this? Like when i'm picking the string and then touch my thumb on it after wards like how you did when demonstrating up close. it just mutes my string. It doesn't play the high pich harmonic sound

[@christredwin2551]

So if I understand it, the exact spot needed to produce a harmonic varies depending on which note you're fretting? No wonder a lot of players find it so random, whether you get one or not, and can't consistently find a harmonic on demand. I guess you really need to dive into it and study a bit.

[@TimHolman]

Yes, the harmonics change according to the note that's being fretted. However it's all mathematically related. An easy example would be that we all know a harmonic is sounded at the 12th fret of the open string. Therefore if you fret the first fret you will then be able to find the same mathematically related harmonic (octave) at the 13th fret. It's still 12 away. For further study, the harmonics that you'll find will be part of the overtones series of the note that's being fretted.

[@Zero_thehero]

What are the amp settings volume vs gain vs bass/middle/treble why not show your amp? It sounds like an expensive one are you using a noise gate? A distortion or overdrive. Like what’s your signal chain and settings man?