• Registered: 2009-02-26
  • Posts: 4

Topic: Pinch Harmonics

Hi, I've been playin guitar for 9 years now and I've gotten pretty good. I enjoy listening to all kinds of different music and playing them, but right now my focus is on heavy metal and I just can't figure out how to play a pinch harmonic. Can someone help me?

  • From: A black hole in deep space
  • Registered: 2007-10-28
  • Posts: 7,862

Re: Pinch Harmonics

ive heard of false harmonics but never the term "pinch" the artifical harmonics can be created by holding your pick close to the end of your thumb and picking the string and muteing at the same time to get a sustained higher note smile

"Growing old is not for sissies"

Russell_Harding's Website

  • From: Anchorage
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 82

Re: Pinch Harmonics

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5I5O8P-r5Rk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFSgY8Be6Bw

http://www.expertvillage.com/video/1692 … monics.htm

4 Reply by LesPaulGuy (edited by LesPaulGuy 2009-03-04 20:19:54)

  • From: Texas
  • Registered: 2008-08-05
  • Posts: 256

Re: Pinch Harmonics

I've actually hit pinch harmonics before when I've held the the pick in the manner Russ said ... but when I realize I've done it, I go back and try to do it again and I can't ... I must be a natural!  tongue

Also, it's amazing at how many songs contain natural harmonics in it (i.e. Who Are You? by The Who) ... I never noticed it before until I understood what natural harmonics were

"Rhythm drives the Rock-n-Roll train"

Gibson Les Paul/PRS Custom/Ovation Celebrity Koa
Line6 SpiderIII 75
  • Registered: 2007-01-29
  • Posts: 533

Re: Pinch Harmonics

We went to see ZZTop recently and Billy Gibbons is a master of those elusive pinch harmonics. Saw him use the fingernail on his third finger to get those super cool tones while playing. It's also much easier (don't have any idea why) to get them from the bridge pickup than the neck. It's an acquired touch...short grip the pick, or use finger nail...strike the note and very lightly mute with fleshy part of finger or thumb...takes a little practice but it's not all that hard or mysterious once you get the formula down. Bridge pickup with volume cranked up! Good Luck and have fun practicing this!

Middleaged Redneck sorta guy who refuses to grow up...passion for music, especially Southern Rock but like bout everything cept Gangsta/Hip Hop. Collect guitars, mandolins, and love to ride Harleys.
  • From: Pico Rivera, Calif. U.S.A.
  • Registered: 2006-10-26
  • Posts: 785

Re: Pinch Harmonics

LukeCash wrote:

Hi, I've been playin guitar for 9 years now and I've gotten pretty good. I enjoy listening to all kinds of different music and playing them, but right now my focus is on heavy metal and I just can't figure out how to play a pinch harmonic. Can someone help me?

As jaygordon75 mentioned Billy gibbons is king when it comes to pinch harmoniucs and or chirps you may also listen to some Lynard Skynyrd Garry Rossington does them on the beggining of Free Bird and I Never dream.

Bootlegger.

  • Registered: 2009-02-26
  • Posts: 4

Re: Pinch Harmonics

Thanks everyone especially Royce, the videos helped alot and I'm starting to get it.