What Finally Made PINCH HARMONICS Click For Me (aka Artificial Harmonics/Squeals)

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Struggled and struggled with Pinch Harmonics, and then bam! they finally made sense. Hope it helps you too.
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Thanks!!!

[@coreoYEAH]

“Whoa! I just did it, sort of” Me, every time I’ve done anything on a guitar in the last 10 years.

[@isetmfriendsofire]

Followed by "Well, I guess that's all the practice I need"

[@Hedonkeviik]

@@isetmfriendsofire get rid of that thought lol

[@MrNeonx]

Hahahahahaha same

[@dropdead___]

That's a feeling that never fades. It doesn't matter how older you get on guitar :D

[@ok-rn2un]

I love it when markiplier teaches me pinch harmonics

[@xanderfilms8820]

Thanks now I can’t unsee it

[@Danxisk]

😂

[@N16HTM4RE]

XD XD XD

[@simon-di7xt]

Who doesn't

[@laurent1678]

this comment wins

[@ZitiPatrol]

24 years playing guitar and never have i mastered it because most teachers just say "catch the string with the bottom of your thumb" and you made me so happy knowing it can be done with any part of the finger. Thank you.

[@Larry821]

Like many I learned it by accident. But my technique is different. Pinch the pick between thumb and forefinger so that only the very tip of the pick extends out of the fingers. When you strike the string the thumb will hit the string a tiny fraction of a second after the tip of the pick does. Takes a bit of practice.

[@circumcizednun1814]

​@@Larry821 wow that's even better

[@salty_3k506]

​@@Larry821 that works for me too but isn't that exactly what people mean when saying catch the string with your thumb?

[@ophiolatreia93]

Could you explain how do do it please

[@rishz7857]

I rub my pick & thumb on string nearly simultaneously. Works. It took a few minutes to learn & a week or so to be consistent.

[@Equimanthorn80]

It's fascinating that the best lesson on pinch harmonics that I've ever seen was preceded by an ad that said YOU CAN'T LEARN HOW TO PLAY GUITAR ON KZbin, YOU NEED TO BUY OUR LESSONS.

[@--TOM--]

Lmao same I hate those ads

[@DerAykac]

Lol, after buying my first bass i asked them for learning material. Guy just started laughing, told me that was a stupid question i should just go on youtube xD

[@xxSk8ing4christxx]

YOU CAN LEARN HOW TO PLAY FROM SIMPLY GUITAR?!?!?!?

[@TheArtofGuitar]

The irony hurts my boobs.

[@ItsEmilyEliza]

@@DerAykac I literally just paid for a guitar lesson subscription, and they don't have one video on how to do squeals. The guys in the forum said to go on youtube as well LOL... Thanks, "Riffhard"...

[@sirmoanalot3779]

Pinch harmonics are like Pringles. One you pop, you can’t stop

[@tylersmash7134]

*Zakk Wylde likes this*

[@wizarddemon]

I know it sounds cool

[@bucaro5336]

Can't stop addicted to the Pringles

[@goodguyoofyeet647]

Just like Johnny Cash, but he was popping something else

[@51MontyPython]

@@tylersmash7134 You beat me to it.

[@theonetruemungdaalgamer725]

Markiplier literally just made my entire month by teaching pinch harmonics. Dude, you're a legend

[@fcshadow5793]

Lol.

[@myoneandonlylink]

Nah he’s better looking than markiplier

[@deeztoasty]

​@@alwaysabiggafish3305 oooookay

[@BlazedFan83273]

guitarkiplier

[@Killer007X1]

“No internet back then” when you realize how lucky we are to have this legend

[@ChickenPermissionOG]

internet has been around since the 80's and in the uni's in the 70's

[@TheArtofGuitar]

@@ChickenPermissionOG Not for me. My first intro to the net was an AOL disk. haha

[@danielvazquez392]

@@TheArtofGuitar haha yea same

[@brpadington]

I remember using BBS's in the late 80s. The internet was amazing before dumb people could use it. We didn't have censorship back tnen.

[@matthewtoomer2181]

@@ChickenPermissionOG didn't have it till the 90s and KZbin didn't exists till like what like 10 years ago? or so

[@jesseoreilly1792]

I practiced playing Metal on an acoustic guitar for months and when I finally got my hands on an electric again, my fingers were gnarly strong and I could bend and squeal like no one's business.

[@ix-Xafra]

Electrics attracts dicks, Acoustics attract chicks...

[@RockerNate81]

YESSSSSS! Acoustic metal is the best!

[@Spectre2V]

I am now imagining acoustic metal in drop A

[@Cthulhu_Awaken]

@@ix-Xafra Grim but facts.

[@ekman2095]

@@ix-Xafra Sounds like an absolute win to me!

[@AndyPasinski]

I watched like 10 videos on pinch harmonics. Couldn't do it even a little bit. Just watched yours and now I can do it consistently on command after like 10 min of practicing how you explained it. So thank you!

[@austinkamp8048]

I had a similar experience when I was learning too. I accidentally did it once the "wrong" way and then after that it made sense.

[@mileschow5961]

Dimebag looks down upon us today and smiles

[@Waltzhybrid92]

Dimebag is a god.

[@hassanchop7096]

Dime bag was a clown

[@AR1TT]

@@hassanchop7096 Shut up man!

[@wamporeycidulgb]

@@hassanchop7096 No, but you are a troll?

[@YakuzaWu]

@@hassanchop7096 *phil anselmo enters the chat*

[@mr5039]

I feel like I’m getting cheat codes.

[@msslayer6964]

More like a useful tip in the bottom of the loading screen

[@blueghost6288]

I would like your comment but you have 69 likes can’t ruin the magic number

[@davisj789]

All this man gives is cheat codes

[@stevenrwilson181]

ZZ Top is also killer at this. BTW THANK YOU. THIS IS AGAME CHANGER FOR ME!!

[@samouellette5130]

dude's channel is the cheat menu

[@Hadencmiller]

THANK YOU! I have been told by every guitar teacher or online lesson to do the thumb on the edge of the pick thing, and I could never do it, but now I can hit them anywhere on the fretboard, This is the best lesson on pinched harmonics I have ever seen! 👍🤘🎸

[@GageBaker]

I never comment on KZbin because it’s weird, but I feel compelled. My uncle gave me my first guitar and I remember he kept trying to get the harmonics down and never could. He passed away recently and after watching this I’m squealing every note. Wish he was here so I could show him. Thanks for the video man

[@TheArtofGuitar]

This made my day.

[@HannahCope88]

That's awesome to hear you're getting those notes to squeal. I have every confidence that your Uncle can see, I'm sure he's very proud 😊

[@DanteLikesRock]

"I never comment cuz its weird" LMAO.

[@zainpunka1703]

@@DanteLikesRock ..so now you've got no arse dude?

[@DanteLikesRock]

@@zainpunka1703 excuse me?

[@ANNIHILISTIC]

Getting your first pinch is absolutely a lightbulb moment. It's not one of those things you work on slowly, it's one of those things you try and try and one day you get it. Getting a pinch harmonic and bending that note with distortion... OH! It's like the best feeling, you feel ten times bigger.

[@KrishMetalYT]

It's like I tried so hard to become a Super Saiyan but just when I lost all hope to live and I was ready to die... That's when IT CAME to me.

[@Professorjeffsd]

Thanks!

[@GaryHubbs]

Awesome, I’m picking up my guitar in a few minutes. Going to go full Dimebag.

[@BleepingRelics]

Did you well pick up your guitar ? it's been 4 hours now :D

[@GeorgeWockington01]

@@BleepingRelics he dropped it and hat to return it

[@tridentmanproductions3528]

This comment has 69 likes, nice

[@williambaumert7726]

I'm definitely still struggling, but now I understand how pinch harmonics actually work - and simply understanding the mechanisms which drive the sound is helping me already. Now I just need to practice! Thanks for the insight! :)

[@skateup2291]

I watched this video a couple of years ago around a year after i started playing. Man this guy has helped my guitar playing so much.

[@Rizzo91]

It's crazy how poorly pinch harmonics have been explained to me over the years. This is the first video I've seen that makes me "get" it and gives me something to actually practice and improve at.

[@swinaecologist9610]

Same 🤦🤦🤦 I've been doing it wrong this whole time lmao

[@BillyBasd]

Don't feel bad. I *still* can't do it. The video gave me hope when I plucked the string, touched it and *finally* got a sound that wasn't just a mute. Think I need a pedal, cheapo amp has garbage gain

[@creativestudio4873]

Did you master it?

[@jameshetfieldtm8887]

Joe Duplantier is who comes to mind when I think of pinch harmonics. Those Gojira riffs are unbelievable!

[@demianstohr2422]

For me it's Chuck Schuldiner! Many of his Solos and Riffs are chalkfull of them

[@prakharmulmuley7357]

Zakk wylde *cries in corner*

[@leoglasmeyer2853]

Bruh gojira is a more about naturals imo

[@skullcandy5411]

Magmas main riff is literally all pinch harmonics in different places lol it’s crazy

[@venahtmusic]

Between that and their pick slides I've never been particularly good at trying to play their songs :(

[@AaronRuperto]

After a few tries i'm doing it!!!! Now its just practice makes perfect!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!

[@spitzy7965]

I can now actually play pinch harmonics after only 30minutes since watching the vid, don't hit them all the time but I went from like 10% to around 80% consistency

[@Mr63deep]

When you accidentally hit a pinch harmonic ahhh the best feeling. Edit thanks for the likes guys

[@Cthulhu_Awaken]

Not when you want to play clean... 😔

[@raydelrosario2366]

Yes..and during performance you pretend you meant to do it...but your band mates all look at you and they know it was accidental..and they wink at ya.

[@mateoahumada2429]

I remember when I hit my first pinch harmonic and I couldn’t do it again but it was just so cool

[@AI-ke9pp]

First instinct after that is o nod aggressively

[@georgeville9533]

I accidentally hit pinch harmonics all the time for everyone to enjoy😏

[@MusicFan4848]

Thank you for making this video! For weeks I've been trying to play pinch harmonics, and your video taught me in five minutes!

[@thepirhomancer9745]

Another way he didn't talk about is to curl your pinkie or ring finger(picking hand) under so that it lays on the string when pick it, where you place it determines the pitch,same principal just different method.

[@grateshirtironer2972]

I'm a physicist, and in physics, there is the idea of a thing called 'a standing wave". There are two types- one, like sound, where there is an oscillation in pressure (longitudinal), and the other, like a string, bouncing up and down (transverse). Just google the bracketed terms to see diagrams of what I'm talking about, you'll get it when you see it. I had never heard of pinch harmonics before, but based on my understanding of transverse waves, and running my guitar through a spectrum analyser, I could see the fundamental frequency (the note being played), as well as several harmonic frequencies above it. I figured, "well, if the first harmonic has a node at the center of the string, and the fundamental frequency doesn't, then if I place my finger on that node, then the oscillation of the fundamental frequency will cease, and the net displacement of the string at the node is zero, so I should hear the first harmonic only". Of course, the some nodes of the upper harmonics don't align, so you can pick and choose which ones you want based on the location of your finger. And that is how I learnt how to use pinch harmonics. Usually only use it to adjust intonation.

[@theliegeofshadows]

Yeah. What I understood of that made sense. The difference between a "bright" sound and a "dark" sound is how loud those upper frequencies are. With a dark sound, you're limiting the volume of those higher harmonics in the fundamental sound. A bright sound opens up those higher harmonics. So, "bright" kind of just means "more frequencies" in this context. In addition to what you said, a pinch harmonic essentially limits the lower frequencies manually. While I wouldn't consider it "bright" because it's limiting sound, it's taking those higher tones and bringing them to the forefront of what is audible.

[@fuzzfizz]

Back in college I got a classmate who failed at a chapter in physics, about wave, resonance, frequency. I took a guitar and teach him about those frequency, how making the string shorter in half makes the frequency double, how different gauges of string and tension makes different frequency, and how playing a note same with and open string makes the open string resonates. He scored in the chapter afterwards.

[@evanramstad240]

NERD

[@dragulia_venaro]

I hate it when someone ask me to open google lol

[@devchoudhary12]

Damn sheldon

[@Anubiss3301]

I've struggled with this technique for almost a decade, never made it past the stage of discovering where harmonic notes lie (playing notes then lightly touching the strings as shown) or randomly hitting a pinch 1 in every 100 tries without figuring out how it happened. Magazines and tutorial explanations of 'let your thumb touch the strings' weren't much help, so cheers for explaining it in a lot more detail!

[@robleveridge]

Great video! Keep zeroing in on specific topics and what you think will actually be helpful to people. This video is top notch. Good job! I also discovered this harmonic thing by accident after reading a clunky explanation in a guitar magazine. Your video explained it so well.

[@MedalionDS9]

I can do pinch harmonics... not cleanly but I can do them 85% of the time when I want.. even on acoustic. Sweep picking continues to elude me however.

[@brodyskelton5209]

same situation lol, i can do them fast but not slow for some reason. i guess it’s more natural fast.

[@Phil.Anthropy]

Sweeps will forever run from me..

[@slayerx2000]

Me too dude. I want to learn sweep picking SO BAD!

[@chrisholman2289]

Only other guitarists are bothered about sweep picking.... don’t fret about it.

[@b.j.surfdog3724]

Yes, the sweep is waiting! trying that myself.

[@HeyKids98]

Pinch harmonics are really just one of those things that make no sense until you magically get it one day and never go back

[@alicec1533]

I don't blame all those videos that explain it poorly. It's very much something you just 'get' as with a lot of guitar technique. This video is definitely the best video I've seen on this topic.

[@rainbowskelter]

Ya most of us figure it out by accident lol

[@Ottophil]

Tuning is like that too. One day I woke up and I could tune by ear, learn songs by ear, it just happened, And its never gone away

[@sampletext0076]

@@rainbowskelter ok my story is about when I gave up on learning pinch harmonics so one day I got an idea to sort of align or lay my thumb almost flat against the strings mostly on the 5th string aligned with the 6th string then I played it. Tell you what I was the happiest at that time and all is smooth sailing from there. I learned that I held the pick wrong and when I tried it on a single coil didn’t sound that hot. I didn’t know that at the time

[@tannert.2296]

I read this comment about 6 days ago and got the concept of pinch harmonics roughly 30 minutes ago, had to come back here to very much agree with this sentiment. It’s almost like the kickflip of guitar

[@camillewhite6237]

Thank you so much man. I have asked so many people watched so many tutorials on this and not one is as thorough as you are.

[@thebooda]

What's so cool about watching your videos is that you make me feel like it's a private lesson. Like the old days when you had to travel to your teacher learn the material. Then you had to try to remember everything you were taught and demonstrated on your way home only to forget 50% of it it by the time you got home and started to practice. KZbin, pause, re-wind, slow down, what a difference. Oh, let's not forget having a great teacher who wants you to learn! That would be you, Mike! Thank you for all you do!

[@austina369]

1:33 Rage Against the Machine would disapprove this line

[@FailureToBe]

THEN YOU DO WHAT THEY TOLD YA

[@capt_howdy]

LMAO

[@TubbyLumpkins]

Sad this comment didnt get more attention 😂

[@biohazard9503]

😳

[@5kr3aminMunk33]

He tried to put his thumb on the edge

[@wannapostacomment]

I've been doing this exact same thing for 30 years, accidentally. I just twisted my picking hand a little bit, but now it makes total sense why that works. Thank you!!!

[@sherpaderpdingo3405]

Same. Twist the pic almost like turning a key

[@hzaa6810]

I cant do pinch harmonics But when i do, its when i do it by accident 😒

[@guitarwins1896]

Don't worry bro, or did! It's been the same for me too. But I'm on the second part now. Just work on it a little each day. That lightbulb will eventually turn on, in sure!

[@n34z3r]

All the time but work in progress

[@proteusblack8913]

"I don't always do pinch harmonics, but when I do, I do them by accident. Stay thirsty my friends" - Jonathan Goldsmith

[@sabrewolf1030]

@@guitarwins1896 MAKE PRETEND LIKE YOUR REVVING A MOTORCYCLE THROTTLE = FLICK THE WRIST OUT = I USE 2MM GATOR PICKS LIKE KEVEN FRASARD - XCEPT BEING A CONSTRUCTION LABORER HAS PLAGED ME WITH ARTHRTUS - DEXTERITY HAS DWINDLED -=- STAY IN SCHOOL -

[@doom3380]

Don't overthink it. All you're doing is touching the string with your thumb as you pick. Just hold the pick as close to the edge of the point so then your thumb just naturally slides along the string. What made it click for me is that that's literally all there is to it.

[@jimbobur]

I've been trying for ages and I kinda get a harmonic or something when I touch the string very gently and briefly after plucking, but it doesn't sound anything like as high pitched or sqeally as when you do it in the video. EDIT: I'VE CRACKED IT! In case anyone has the same guitar pickup arrangement as me (one humbucker at the neck, one at the bridge), switch your pickup selector to the bridge only. I did it and all of a sudden I started finding the pinch harmonics.

[@ezzie_baby]

oh shit yeah that makes a huge difference, thanks!

[@alexanderarmageddon1467]

Not all heroes wear capes

[@torgo4ever]

It's all in how you pick the note . You want to angle the pick so you are somewhere near a 45 degree angle to the string ( and here's why ...) so that when you hit the fundamental ( the regular note you are fretting that would normally sound without the harmonic ) you push down and towards the body of your guitar enough so that when the pick clears the string , it SNAPS back and hits your thumb as you move your pick away from the string. That little " snap" back is necessary because you need a bit of string vibration after you touch it with the side of your thumb. The other part is , of course , that you want to hit the string with the pick as closely as you can to the location of one of the " nodes " ( the areas between the bridge and the outside of the pickup furthest from the bridge where you can generate harmonics as he's showing by touching a plucked string at a certain spot on the string ) . With a typical two humbucker ( or H-S-H ) configuration , their are 3 significant nodes which are located directly above the center of each pickup ( in an H-S-H configuration ) or above your two humbuckers with the 3rd being almost directly in between them. Happy squealing !

[@danclay8229]

I remember hearing these sounds out of guitars back in the 80s and 90s and couldn't for the life of me figure out how it came out of a guitar. Had no idea they were called "pinch harmonics" until about a year ago thanks to these KZbin videos. Now at least I have a chance!

[@MrKoolaidjam]

lol I actually learned them the EXACT same way.

[@tacticalties]

Yup me too. So entertaining to watch someone explain exactly how I thought myself to do it. Good to know we are not freaks haha.

[@stevenpurtee5062]

Yep. Me too. We probably all did.

[@curtblack686]

I feel like a lot of us did this by the looks of it!

[@lorenzopena75]

Same here.

[@dominikweber4305]

Dont wanna ruin it but my guitar teacher told me how to do it😂

[@MB-ep8zc]

This is the best pinch harmonics lesson online by far. I was having troubles with it (still am). This way makes it much easier to make progress. Thanks

[@attila1746]

I also "discovered" the technique by accident. I got pissed off that I wasn't getting the effect. In my frustration, I dug into the string which naturally brought my thumb closer to it as I picked down. Bam! Pinch Harmonic! After that, it made sense...... Very weird! Now, I mostly just turn my wrist slightly when I want one.

[@Trepidelicious]

I copied you literally as I was reading your comment and I think you just made me break through lol

[@Maggiethegsd]

This is actually the best tutorial BY FAR. I remember myself watching countless videos where the person would explain harmonics and I would be left trying it without success. Even though I eventually managed to learn it, I wish I had this video at that time. Would have been so much easier lol.

[@LuisRodriguez-cf4tf]

Oh man….. soooo many times trying for this drummer aspiring guitarist, countless videos until FINALLY got this one. You ABSOLUTELY explained it perfectly. Not only got my first ever pinch harmonics, but every next one was right on!!! You should be an excellent instructor!! 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻😉😁😁

[@Mr._Digital_DaydreamZ]

That's exactly how I learned pitch harmonics...one of the only guitar techniques I mastered all on my own. I got that same rush feeling when I first heard the harmonic ring out. May sound cliche but it was definitely a " discovered fire" moment. Before the days of KZbin and social media. The days when I would anxiously wait for a bands new album to come out and rush to the mall to get it. Then preceding to burn the cd for my buddies.. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love and in awe of the technology available today...but there was just a different feeling back in the day to learn something on your own without watching a detailed KZbin video. Finding that awesome track on a CD that wasn't a single was like hitting the jackpot. Now I instantly have access to almost every single recorded song out there and can listen to any part of the song in milliseconds without having to listen to an entire album or rewind and fast forward through tracks.

[@alfrednewman4496]

I was with you until you said " burn the cd. " that was pushing into the future times. Still a while ago but not the stone age of formats by any means.

[@rachelstarr6778]

I honestly accidentally did a pinch harmonic and it’s been all down hill since then

[@YaroddYT]

How is it going now?

[@zacm6173]

dude you’re the best always. i’ve been playing for decades but now i’m finally shredding and your videos are beyond helpful.

[@joshdraken1]

It's also important to note that the pick-ups have a huge role in nailing those squeelies. Some are far less responsive to harmonics than others.

[@andrewroby1130]

2:45 "Woah, I just did it sort of!" Man, what a great feel.

[@shock6416]

i've been trying to do learn pinch harmonics for about 6 months now and this helped me like crazy. like damn. they couldn't just told us this? thanks man.

[@DavidBentley23]

I never picked up a guitar until around 1997 when I was at a buddies house. For the first time he offered to show me power chords. He gave me the guitar I played an E power chord...but because I watched the Pantera home videos and Ozzy's 'Live and Loud' concert nearly daily I did what I called "wee and wahz" purely learned from visualization when air guitaring to Dimebag and Zakk Wylde...and after 23 years of playing I can say I suck at everything with guitar except for wee and wahing. I guess I couldn't be naturally gifted with finger picking, perfect pitch, understanding guitar tone...rythem...or the ability to remember how rhythm is actually spelt...or spelled...Sanctus Rules 🤘

[@kobrien6657]

None of us are 'naturally gifted', it is the illusion of not seeing the years of practice, and just seeing the finished product. Take a lesson. I am a drummer for over 30 years self taught. I also have been messing with guitar for about 20 of those years. A lesson every now and again ALWAYS shoots me forward👍🤘. It takes what I know from being an active player and ties together all the loose ends that I'm missing at any given point. KZbin is great but doesn't give the structure that individual lessons provide. I guarantee that just 2 lessons will skyrocket you beyond what you thought possible. Obviously its really about putting the work into practice, but lessons bring guidance on WHAT I SHOULD be practicing. Good luck bro, and never stop playing!

[@dominikweber4305]

@@kobrien6657 yeah totally agree with you. People always think its so cool to learn it all by yourself and there may be some natural talents but most people including me just need lessons

[@Salt-ier]

I do pinch harmonics with my ring finger. Perfect every time. It’s not “correct” but that’s how I learned. My buddy taught me in 3 weeks in middle school while we were learning Crazy Train together.

[@Catywampus.Kerfuffle]

Thank you. I have already figured out pinch harmonics, but your description of your journey to discovery has given me some other techniques to throw into my bag of tricks as well.

[@leocana]

GOD DAMNIT MIKE, WHERE HAS THIS LESSON BEEN FOR THE LAST 20 YEARS!?!?!?

[@PureMagma]

You're explanations are so great.

[@Asdayasman]

You are.

[@austinseymour9780]

THIS IS THE BEST VIDEO ON PINCH HARM IVE SEEN IVE BEEN LOOKING FOR A GOOD VIDEO FOR WEEKS THANK YOU

[@sniperwolf50]

That's exactly how my old guitar teacher taught me. I picked up the basics in a week. Saved me a lot of time

[@MS-fw5js]

Your teaching approach is Top Shelf. That being said the interesting ways you disect techniques help viewer's understand. Most teachers want to impress more than explain. I to struggled to find that touch . I'm a huge Eddie,Zak,Dime fan that had to find that pinch and the Dime trademark squeal. Awesome Lessons

[@Ba_A]

Three year old video, but finally here I found someone who actually explains it in great detail how the pinch harmonic works and performed correctly. Excellent job!!!

[@krapiak]

don't even have my guitar on me right now, but i somehow know this advice is going to super help me out! subscribed!

[@TimurIskhodzhanov]

You've briefly touched on another very important topic about pinch harmonics, which is WHERE to pick it. The for each fret you use with your left hand, there's a series of locations where you can pick a harmonic with your right hand. It's very hard/impossible to pick a harmonic anywhere other than those locations. Each location has an associated pitch. As an interesting exercise, hold one note with your left hand, and try pinching various harmonics up and down the string with your right hand. In practical terms, for each pinch harmonic you have to remember where to pinch it. The pickups on the guitar work well as a reference for positioning the right thumb.

[@RenegadeRebel83]

Bro no joke man you just blew my mind! I've had a lot of trouble trying to figure out how to get the really good squeal. I did the same thing you did. All the other influencers that do guitar tutorials just say what the old book said that you read. They don't explain it and show you hit the knuckle. They said your thumb. Just wanted to say you helped one person at least and Thank you for your videos. It's just the way you explain it. I've posted before on other videos and said the same thing basically. It's just consistency and that's something the others don't have, and probably can't figure it out how to do. Not really knocking the others just an observation really!

[@florentintise]

That was an interesting break-up of the technique. I enjoyed watching. Thanks.

[@Add_Account485]

Lol .I relate when he said ... : " I Got That Rush Inside ... ...LIKE Whoah! I Just Did It ....." ....." SORT OF! "... ... yeah it's the " SORT OF " part that makes you laugh .. I feel the same feeling just now!!!

[@StandTallTx]

I learned mine self-taught as well with only written material to work with when I was around 17 years old (I'm 34 now!). I do mine in a totally different way though where I'm using the part of my thumb that meets the pick and then picking down a short distance at around a 45 degree angle. I thought the reason they called it pinch harmonics is because the motion I was doing literally feels like I'm pinching the string. The craziest part is that I get them VERY reliably on thinner strings to the point it's second nature and find them easier overall, but I never mastered it on thicker strings and it always felt hit or miss. I won't stop the way I do it on the thinner strings, but I'm excited to hybridize this into my technique now. Thank you!

[@wolfsbane123]

I have been playing guitar for 11 years and never could get a consistent pinch harmonic until right now. You are kind of a hero good sir

[@JohnSmith-qy1wm]

All of this makes perfect sense now that I understand what harmonics actually are, etc., but I should as heck would have liked this instruction back in the day. Very nice, clear, scaffolding on how to do it. Excellent guide.

[@djjazzyjeff1232]

I never understood that "finger as close to the edge of the pick as you can" advice. I hold the pick like normal I just really "dig in" so the pick goes deep between the strings and that brings my thumb closer to the guitar. It's the digging in that gets me the harmonics not holding your pick differently. Hold your pick like normal, kids, lol.

[@christiansanabria6260]

great advice, ty

[@leerv.]

That's how I would do it too, I would just dig into ("pinch") the string with my pick and thumb, very aggressively. Combined with gain, the sound just came out. But it is nice to see a method laid out for people so they don't have to fall into it like I did!!

[@gh0stou]

it's actually a really great advice, I learned it quickly thanks to you :)

[@beastlybeast2716]

Exactly. I tried for a long time and couldn’t get it down. Then one day I wasn’t even trying to do a pinch harmonic but I screwed up while playing and a pinch harmonic wailed out from the guitar. Then I was able to do it whenever I wanted. Weirdest thing ever. Now I can pull them off in my sleep. One of the few times with guitar where I had a super satisfying moment where the technique “clicked” and I had it down from that point on. Like leveling up in a video game lol. My advice, therefore, would be not to worry about it too much. I think people overthink it. But “digging in” actually is far better advice than any tutorial I ever saw. Just gotta get a feel for them.

[@Untoldanimations]

I wish I could do harmonica by holding the pick the same way because I do keep having to switch to holding it at the end of my thumb and then back for regular notes so its really hard switching back and forth

[@pashahillyard8763]

"My favorite guitarists were like Steve Vai, ........." Has Steve Vai guitar

[@Heavy_Metal.Nerd-2005]

Right you are.

[@raylewis1355]

Its was just a coincidence. Lol

[@UnknownIdaho]

Good explanation, I am mainly a rhythm and riff guy, but this can make a great addition! Oddly, this came up on a Facebook ad, first time I’ve ever seen and clicked on a GOOD ad, thanks!

[@TTSetters]

I used to do a ton of pinch harmonics, but then Zakk came along and was every other note doing it so I stopped haha.

[@glenncooper3524]

Ya Zakk went and still goes way overboard to the point of ridiculous

[@Johnbartheart]

‘Pinch at the Moon’

[@SketchEtcher]

I love Zack’s squeals.

[@davidtheriot7404]

Yeah, just about every fucking note. I stopped listening to anything he does because of it.

[@HipsterEatinShark]

Wow, you're a rebel! I bet you sell out way more shows than Zakk Wylde, mister!

[@mrnohax5436]

Dimebag Darrell is the master of harmonic squeals

[@vaughnsantiago1]

Zakk wylde

[@jamiekerley4123]

Zakk wylde

[@DaveCaptainMusic]

You are such great teacher! I’ve been trying to do this for years and finally can do it now because of you Mike! ❤

[@bcoyote1122]

Billy Gibbons is a master of this technique.

[@epickett63]

He was the first person I thought of when I saw the title.

[@LunaticTheCat]

He plays with 7's too 😲

[@leocana]

@@LunaticTheCat Just the other day I've read that Gibbons liked heavier strings especially after meeting SRV, and then one day playing with B. B. King he looked at those heavy strings and said "Why you working so hard, boy?". After that, he got to lighter strings. I find this anecdote funny but also very, very humbling. Mine are Ernie Ball Super Slinky (the pink one, 9 gauge), and after I heard this I'm inclined to try 8's next time.

[@drifter8164]

@Auxiliary Stream Services Didn't think anyone would mention him

[@MrBlahdiblahdi]

Billy Gibbons is pretty much a master of EVERY technique....

[@vl2108]

After years of trying to hit a harmonic, I finally did and its all thanks to you. I don't normally comment but you helped me achieve such a huge accomplishment for myself. Your an amazing teacher keep it up 🤘🎸

[@jrenaud22]

Thanks for sharing your struggling experience. I see so many good guitarists who seem like they didn't struggle along the way, even though I know everyone does. Makes me have hope, lol.

[@CheddarGetter]

This is LITERALLY how I learned it too! Accidentally bumped the string, and I was like "oh my God. This is it! I just have to pick and do this at the same time!" It's interesting that you learned it this way too.

[@zubrhero5270]

Before internet, aka, magazines: You "pinch" the pick, adjusting your hold on the pick leaving your thumb to overhang and catch the string causing the squeal. Early internet tutorials: You "pinch" the string by adjusting your hold on the pick leaving your thumb to overhang and catch the string causing the squeal. Dimebags Japanese guitar magazine tutorial: You do all the above... but what _I do_ is some sort of weird hammer-on harmonic with my fretting hand. This tutorial: It's literally _this._ Wouldn't have taken me so long to figure out had this been around when I started learning.

[@ricksmith4894]

Yeah exactly , the Internet , slow down programs , access to endless songs and KZbin lessons back in the day when I actually had a passion of playing would’ve been handy than just trying to learn by ear off a cassette tape....rewind, hum , play , rewind , hum , play . What a waste of time haha

[@kenobi824]

Every video Ive seen about pinch harmonics so far has only explained how to hold the pick. But you actually gave insides how to experiment with this to get to the actual sound and explained it more detailed. I still need to learn it, but you helped a lot. Thank you :D

[@Risket]

Crazy, I've always gotten those squeals by using the pinky of the hand on the frets. For example with your index finger playing on the 3rd fret you can lightly touch your pinky at the 6th fret. Seems to always work if you're touching 3 frets away from the note you're playing. Touch at different points in the space of that fret and get different pitches of the harmonic.

[@jm3280]

Pinch harmonics are only possible in certain spots on the string. So if you’re not getting it move your pick a little towards the bridge or a little towards the neck and try there. What’s worse is the spot you finally get it at will be different depending on what fret you’re holding with your left hand. Keep practicing.

[@Chuck-Steak]

Is there a system to aid in memorizing pinch harmonic nodes for any given note?

[@guitarsguitarsguitars6498]

​@chucksteak6170 you will eventually just do it by feel, just use his practice methods on the frets you use the most and you'll get a good idea of how the frets correlate to the correct spot for the type of pitch harmonic you are trying for.

[@tonygrowmore9172]

Like many others I have been wanting to learn this technique for years and it has eluded me. I’ve had great guitarists try to teach it and I just couldn’t understand it before. This video was a revelation! Thank you

[@LunaticTheCat]

Wasn't even interested in learning how to do this (rarely play with high gain), but I think I'll give it a try after watching this video.

[@michaelbrand1173]

You can do it on acoustic and it sounds great.

[@Alex26108]

3:56 I legit cried a bit

[@Jaylou88]

Bro, I also remember reading that article about the half thumb, half pick action. after 15 years of owning a guitar, I’ve just now learned the proper technique thanks to you. Wow. Thank you 🙏

[@greendude608]

When I was younger I had the hardest time doing them, then I stopped playing electric guitar and only mainly played acoustic for a while, one day I started playing my electric again and I could suddenly do pinch harmonics, I didn't practice them or anything, it was like something finally clicked by itself and I could do them, weird shit

[@GGMattt]

I knew the basic premise of the pinch harmonic, it's to speed up that vibration of a normally plucked string by interfereing with its resonance. I can't do them too well but I usually just kind of 'chop' really sloppily at the string until it happens :') this is the better approach though because my method only woorks like 1 in 5 times.

[@frankrichmond5112]

So thankful for this. This is the clearly I've seen it taught. After a year of trying to figure it out I have nailed it thanks to you

[@chrissmith000]

Killswitch Engage taught me how to do squeals. For anyone that’s a fan of them, and you wanna learn pinch harmonics, watch some of their live performances. They include squeals in songs live that didn’t have any on the albums.

[@toddlerwipes]

I remember you played the cemetery gates riff wrong a couple of streams ago, but now you're playing it the way dimebag would live so that's really cool man.

[@TheArtofGuitar]

I'm evolving slowly. ;)

[@tommilitello198]

Dimebag played it wrong before to

[@allanturmaine5496]

Thank you so much! This is my favourite noise in metal, and I've never known the name of it. I just kept saying "the little squealy bits." This is years of relief.

[@WhatsMyNameAgain93]

This couldn’t be timed any better. This is one thing I’ve been trying and failing to do lately 😂 I want to be able to play Gloryhole by Steel Panther but Satchel gets a nice squeal on the 3rd fret of the main riff

[@logancuda4624]

Have been playing guitar for almost 8 years. Im 16 currently and I was trying to get pinch harmonics for the longest time. My guitar teacher was trying to tell me 'just touch the string with your thumb after picking it' without context or other info. I struggled learning them for a long time. It finally clicked one day and I do it the same way as you with the knuckle of my thumb. I just roll my thumb into the tip of the pick a little and touch the string with the bony part of the side of my thumb. I have a hard time with low and high e string harmonics though (1st and 6th strings). Any advice? I can do harmonics on any other string just fine.

[@crazycatgamer21]

OH. MY. GOD. I've been playing guitar for like 15 years and I always have been doing PA like you mentionned at the beginning of the video and never got them consistent. I picked up your thumb movement instantaneously and it works every time ! Who knew I needed this 5 min video so bad in my life !

[@redram5150]

It’s like learning to whistle. Ironically, my friend can pinch harmonic but can’t whistle. We’d jam and once I said “Intro to GNR “Patience”, GO!” He didn’t find that very funny

[@jeremiahalexander5513]

😂

[@Necropheliac]

Something that helped me, and still does tbh, is where I try to pick the string with my right hand. What I find is that it’s always easier when you pick the harmonic closer to the neck, it’s much harder to get it closer to the bridge, also it’s kind of different depending on which fret you’re hitting the pinched harmonic on. Depending on which harmonic, it’s strongest at different placements with the picking hand. With time you get used to where you need to pick the string to get a certain pinched harmonic to ring out best.

[@maddiemadness0]

I’ve watched countless videos of people showing how to do this but this is the best one thank you

[@Asgertj]

Thx for the great video. I was really motivated after watching so went straight to the guitar and tried what you suggest: Pick a string and try to touch it to get that pinch harmonic scream. YET...when I do that (and as fast as I can) it just deadens out. I do not get the same sound doing that as you do. So I was wondering if there is anything I do wrong? Is there a specific pick up setting? Amp setting or anything like that, that I don´t have? Or what could I do wrong?

[@alexwilley10]

It helps a lot to use the bridge pickup! (and distortion) Experiment to find where to pick the string so it makes harmonic ring out. Also if you get a squeal while fretting say 3rd fret, you will need to pick a bit closer to the bridge for a similar squeal on the 5th fret.

[@ryangreene50]

Odd, I'm having trouble playing them on the thicker strings, (like that part in cemetary gates) but I no problem with the higher strings?

[@zeevgastwirt5892]

Same here

[@MG-cu6ny]

There's also a sweet spot for every note. try moving up and down between the pickups.

[@wamporeycidulgb]

Are the strings old or greasy? If so, it can hamper the frequencies they produce, and that's what these harmonics are.

[@10kmilesy]

Your tip about using the thumb nudge made me realize that I've been holding the pick wrong! I could never play a bright and loud P.H., but now I can and could play them consistently. You are a godsend to me

[@demonblade3018]

I do pinch harmonics with up strokes and I use my middle finger knuckle.

[@mileschow5961]

woah

[@Magma-33]

That is very interesting!

[@diazzsama]

That's a revolution

[@williamlayton1827]

Damn

[@gaugehoughton2403]

i wanna see someone utilize this to do tremolo picked pinch harmonics

[@HBC423]

I don’t know why but being able to do this just came to me naturally

[@lizardking7772]

Same lol its a feeling