The Secret to Nailing Pinch Harmonics
Oh man, I keep getting so many questions about pinch harmonics on the guitar, and if this is helpful in any way, make sure you follow.
Pinch harmonics are not something that you’re going to instantly look at a video and go, “got it, boom,” play one perfectly. It takes time, and it takes time specifically on your specific guitar and setup.
It’s Like a Clutch in a Manual Car
I legitimately have like five go-to guitars, and they’re all a little bit different. You could think about it as like the “sweet spot” in a clutch on a manual car; it’s always a little different on each different car.
So, if we perfect the idea and technique and then start to hone it in on our specific instrument, that’s the key.
The Technique is All in the Picking Hand
The entire technique is all in the picking hand.
We’re legitimately picking, but then we’re following through that pick by touching the string in a specific spot with the side of our thumb. We’re not leaving it there, we’re not resting it there. We are just doing “passers-by” with that flesh of our thumb.
How to Practice and Find the Sweet Spot
I recommend doing the technique and then also doing it specific to your guitar. Start going up and down the strings, finding where those harmonics resonate. By moving your picking hand slightly back and forth along the string while performing the technique, you’ll discover those sweet spots where the harmonics jump out and scream.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why can’t I learn pinch harmonics instantly? It’s a technique that takes time to develop and is unique to each player’s specific guitar and setup.
- Is the “sweet spot” for pinch harmonics the same on every guitar? No, every guitar is a little different, much like the clutch on a manual car. You have to find the specific spots on your own instrument.
- Which hand is responsible for the pinch harmonic? The technique is all in the picking hand.
- How exactly does my thumb touch the string? After you pick the string, you immediately follow through so the flesh on the side of your thumb makes very brief contact with the string. You are not resting your thumb on the string, just lightly touching it as you pick.
- What is the best way to practice finding the harmonics? Practice the picking motion while moving your hand up and down the length of the string to find the different spots where the harmonics resonate the best.
