The summer after high school graduation was a magical one for me. Living in an area of southeast Pennsylvania, close to the home of world famous Clair Brothers Audio, there were occasional sightings of big name acts coming through town to test out various sound systems and audio equipment for upcoming tours.
That particular summer, the progressive rock group "Yes" came to town to work out the kinks on a new in-the-round stage and sound system designed for them by Clair Brothers. They stayed for a week, practicing in an elementary school gym. The rehearsals were open to the public and I was glued to the bleachers every day.
On the final day, as a tribute to those of us who had hung out with them all week, they played "Roundabout". I still get chills remembering Steve Howe hitting that first chime of harmonics, with Rick Wakeman laying down the cascading keys.
Harmonics on the guitar are an interesting anomaly that can be put to good use from time to time. They can loosely be described as playing notes on the guitar by lightly resting the fingers over certain frets to produce a "chime" sound.
The technical aspects of how and why harmonics are produced are better left to the experts, and there are plenty of resources if you're interested (Wikipedia for one). But today we will talk only about execution on the guitar and how you can start playing harmonics right now.
Playing harmonics are fairly easy. You take a finger on your playing hand, and lightly touch the string, then pluck, or pick it with your other hand. When done the right way, at the right spot, it will produce a chiming sound.
The key to getting harmonics to sound right is finger placement on the fret board. Rather than playing the note like a normal fretted note, just behind the fret wire as you press down - you will want to play the harmonic "on top" of the fret wire, while "not" pressing down, using a very light touch.
Although technically harmonics can be played anywhere on the guitar, there are three very specific "sweet spots" where they can easily be found.
These sweet spots are at the 5th fret, the 7th fret and the 12th fret, with the easiest one being on the 12th fret.
Try this one by lightly resting your first finger across the six strings, directly above the fret "wire" on the 12th fret, and picking or plucking the notes. It can be a little tricky to find just the right amount of light finger pressure without muting the strings, but with a little practice you will find the "zone" to produce the sound of the "chime".
Now, using the same technique, try making the chime on the 5th and 7th frets.
Harmonics have been used in numerous songs over the years. One of the more recognizable ones is in the intro to "Roundabout". Try this by putting your finger in position to play the harmonics on the 12th fret. Play just the harmonic note on the 6th string, followed by a strum of the harmonics on the remaining 5 strings in a down stroke.
Sound familiar?
You may also recall the use of harmonics in the opening riffs to songs like "Little Wing" (as done by Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughn), and "Barracuda" by Heart.
Playing harmonics will add a whole new dimension to your playing, so work on the technique and be sure to throw in a few on some of your solos.
