How To Do A Pinch Harmonic

This quick lesson is on pinch harmonics, what they are, and how to do them on your guitar.

What is a pinch harmonic?

A pinch harmonic is a very expressive technique.  This is done by choking off the pick with the thumb of the picking hand, allowing the thumb to cover the string at the exact moment the desired note is picked.  Doing this allows the fundamental frequency to be absorbed by the thumb and a harmonic overtone produced, the ‘pinch’ harmonic.  This effect can be amplified by using distortion on electric guitars and basses.  Pinch harmonics can be combined with other playing techniques (vibrato, bends) to create some very interesting, even vocal qualities.  Rock on.

 

The image below is a pinch harmonic on the A string.  Note the thumb in front, pick in rear, on the same string.

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