natural harmonics on the guitar?

Question

I know what it is, and I can do it sometimes, but not all the time. Is there any special tips anyone can give me? And can it be done without a pick?

Answer 1

Harmonics are tough, but with a bit of practice you should be able to do it (remember how long it took you to perfect bar cords!). And yes, they can certainly be done without a pick.

Start with a light (very light) touch with your left hand on the 12th fret and pull away ever so slightly after you pluck the string letting the string ring. Voila! a natural harmonic. Make sure your finger is directly over the fret bar and not behind the bar as you do when playing a regular fretted note.

There are several places on each string to play a harmonic and I recommend you check out:
http://www.cyberfret.com/techniques/harmonics/natural/index.php

Now, for your next trick, try it with your right hand, using your right index finger to place lightly on the 12th fret and pluck with your right ring finger or little finger, whichever feels more comfortable.

Once you get that down, try something really cool, a fretted or "Artificial Harmonic" (AH). If done correctly, these sound GREAT!!!

Go ahead and fret say a C (on the B string) with your left hand. Then, count 12 frets up the neck from the C and using your right index finger (just as with open harmonics) lightly touch the string at that 12th (now actually the 13th) fret and pluck with your ring or little finger. Of course you can do this anywhere up the neck.

Tuck Andress uses a lot of Natural and Artifical Harmonics.

Good luck.

Answer 2

yes it can be done without a pick. Make a barre with your left hand, put it just over the fret, so its touching, but not pressing, then lightly strum with your right, just moving over the strings. Dont pull on the strings. This takes minimal movement. And Voila! Natural Harmonics!

Answer 3

Bar the strings directly over the 12th, 7th or 5th fret gently just lay your finger across the strings then strum gently.