A Pinch harmonic (also known as squelch picking, pick harmonic or squealy) is a guitar technique to achieve artificial harmonics in which the player’s thumb or index finger on the picking hand slightly catches the string after it is picked, canceling the fundamental frequency of the string, and letting one of the harmonics dominate.
This results in a high-pitched sound which is particularly discernible on an electrically amplified guitar.
By using string bending, a whammy bar, a wah-wah pedal, or other effects, electric guitarists are able to modulate the pitch, frequency, and timbre of pinch harmonics, resulting in a variety of sounds, the most common being a very high-pitched squeal.
Getting to Grips with Pinch Harmonics
What are Pinch Harmonics?
Pinch harmonics are like a secret handshake between guitarists. It’s a technique that, when mastered, will make you the envy of your fellow shredders. It’s the distorted electric guitar sound that screams, screeches and wails.
How to do it
To pull off the pinch harmonic technique, you’ll need to:
– Position your picking hand above the “sweet spot” on the guitar. This spot is usually near the neck and body intersection, but it varies from guitar to guitar.
– Hold the pick as normal, but keep your thumb close to the edge.
– Pick the string and let it bounce off your thumb.
The Benefits
Once you’ve mastered the pinch harmonic technique, you’ll be able to:
– Impress your friends with your sick licks.
– Play with more expression.
– Add a unique sound to your solos.
Getting Started with Pinched Harmonics on Guitar
Gripping the Pick
The key to playing pinched harmonics is getting a good grip on your pick. You want to make sure it’s comfortable and that your thumb is slightly hanging over the pick, so it’s easier to touch the string when you pick it.
Picking Motion
The motion you use when picking is also important. You may find yourself twisting your wrist slightly to get the desired result.
Where to Pick
Finding the right spot to pick is essential. It’s usually located somewhere between the neck pickup and the bridge pickup. Experimentation is key here!
Where to Fret
The 12th fret is a great spot to start, but you’ll need to experiment to find the sweet spot.
Adding Distortion
Distortion can help amplify the overtones and make your electric guitar really scream. But be careful not to add too much, or you’ll end up with a muddy, buzzy tone.
Distortion can be a great way to get more out of pinch harmonics. It adds extra treble to your tone, making the harmonics sound louder and more intentional. But be careful not to go overboard – too much distortion can make your sound muddy and buzzy.
Using the Bridge Pickup
The bridge pickup is the closest to the bridge, and it has less bass and mid tones, which makes the treble frequencies stand out more. This is great for pinched harmonics, as they’re heard in the treble frequency range.
Understanding Harmonics on Guitar
What are Harmonics?
Harmonics are a special type of sound produced on guitar when you pick a string and then lightly touch it with your finger or thumb. This causes the string to vibrate at a higher frequency, resulting in a higher-pitched sound.
How Do Harmonics Work?
When you pick a string and then quickly catch it with your thumb, you’re cancelling out the fundamental pitch of the note and allowing the overtones to take over. This is the basis for all types of harmonics on guitar. Here’s what you need to know to get started:
– Grip your pick comfortably and make sure your thumb is slightly hanging over the pick.
– Use a downstroke when picking the string and aim to push the pick through the string.
– Aim to catch the string with your thumb as soon as possible after picking it.
– Experiment with different areas of the fretboard to find the sweet spot.
– Add distortion to amplify the overtones and make your guitar scream.
– Use the bridge pickup for more squeal.
Four Types of Harmonics on Guitar
If you want to make your guitar sound like a banshee, you’ll need to master the four types of harmonics. Here’s a quick breakdown:
– Pinched Harmonics: To activate pinched harmonics, lightly pinch the string with your thumb after it’s been picked.
– Natural Harmonics: Natural harmonics are activated by lightly touching the string (instead of using a pick) as you fret a note.
– Artificial Harmonics: This tricky technique requires only one hand (your plucking hand). Strike the harmonics with your index finger while striking the note with your thumb.
– Tapped Harmonics: Fret the note and use your picking hand to tap the harmonics further down the fretboard.
Differences
Pinch Harmonics Vs Natural Harmonics
Pinch harmonics and natural harmonics are two different techniques used by guitarists to create unique sounds. Pinch harmonics are created by lightly touching the string with the thumb or index finger while picking the string with the other hand. Natural harmonics are created by lightly touching the string at certain points while the string is not being picked.
Pinch harmonics are the more popular of the two techniques, and are often used to create a more aggressive sound. They’re great for adding a bit of spice to a solo or riff. Natural harmonics, on the other hand, are more subtle and often used to create a more mellow sound. They’re great for adding a bit of atmosphere to a song. So, if you’re looking to add some extra flavor to your playing, go for pinch harmonics. If you want to add a bit of atmosphere, go for natural harmonics.
FAQ
Can You Do Pinch Harmonics On Any Fret?
Yes, you can do pinch harmonics on any fret! All you need to do is place your fretting finger on the string and lightly touch the string with your picking hand. This will create a harmonic sound that is unique to each fret. It’s a great way to add some flavor to your playing and make your riffs stand out. Plus, it’s a lot of fun to experiment with different frets and see what kind of sounds you can come up with. So why not give it a try? You might be surprised at the results!
Who Invented Pinch Harmonics?
The idea of pinch harmonics might sound like a pig being ripped apart, but it was actually Jeff ‘Skunk’ Baxter of Steely Dan who first used them in 1973. He used them in the song ‘My Old School’, creating a tasty blend of harmonic riffs and jabs that countered Fagan’s Fats Domino-style piano and horn stabs. From there, the technique spread like wildfire and became a staple of rock and metal guitarists.
So the next time you hear a guitarist playing a pinch harmonic, you can thank Jeff ‘Skunk’ Baxter for being the first to use them. He showed the world that a little pinch of harmonics can go a long way!
What Frets Are Best For Pinch Harmonics?
Pinch harmonics are a great way to add some extra zing to your lead guitar playing. But where do you start? Well, the best frets to hit for pinch harmonics are the 4th, 5th, 7th and 12th. Just touch an open string over one of these frets, pick the string, and you’ll get a sweet harmonic ringing out. It’s that easy! So next time you’re feeling adventurous, give pinch harmonics a go – you won’t regret it!
Why Do Pinch Harmonics Work?
Pinch harmonics are a great way to add some extra flavor to your playing. They work by picking a string and allowing the note to vibrate. Instead of pressing the string down against the fingerboard, you catch it with your thumb. This cancels out the fundamental pitch of the note, but the overtones still ring on. It’s like a magical trick that turns a single note into a whole symphony!
The result is a high-pitched tone that sounds like a whistle or flute. It’s created by isolating the overtones of the string and combining them to create a unique sound. The nodes of natural harmonics are located at specific points along the string, and when you hit them, you can create a beautiful, complex sound. So go ahead and give it a try – you’ll be amazed at what you can do!
Where Do You Hit Pinch Harmonics?
Hitting pinch harmonics on the guitar is a great way to take your playing to the next level. But where do you hit them? It’s all about finding the sweet spot. You want to find the spot on the string where you can get the most harmonic feedback. It’s usually located between the 12th and 15th frets, but it can vary depending on the guitar and the string. To find the sweet spot, you’ll need to experiment with different positions and angles. Once you find it, you’ll be able to create those amazing metal-style squeals that will make your playing stand out!
Are Pinch Harmonics Hard?
Are pinch harmonics hard? Well, it depends on how you look at it. If you think of them as a mountain to climb, then yeah, they can be pretty tough. But if you look at them as an opportunity to improve your sound and play faster, then they’re definitely worth the effort. Sure, mastering them takes practice and know-how, but with a little bit of dedication and patience, you’ll be playing killer pinch harmonics in no time. So don’t be intimidated – just get out there and give it a go!
Important Relations
Scale
Pinch harmonics are a unique guitar technique that allow guitarists to create a unique sound. They are created by using the thumb and index finger to pluck the string while lightly touching it with the thumb at the same time. This creates a harmonic sound that is often referred to as a “squeal” or “screech”.
The scale of a pinch harmonic is determined by the note that is being plucked. For example, if the note is an A, then the pinch harmonic will be an A. This means that the pitch of the pinch harmonic will be the same as the note being plucked.
The technique of pinch harmonics is often used in metal and rock music. It is a great way to add a bit of excitement and energy to a song. It can also be used to create a unique sound that stands out from the rest of the song.
The scale of a pinch harmonic is determined by the note that is being plucked. This means that the pitch of the pinch harmonic will be the same as the note being plucked. However, it is important to note that the pitch of the pinch harmonic can be slightly higher than the note being plucked. This is because the harmonic is created by the vibration of the string.
Pinch harmonics can be used to create a wide range of sounds. They can be used to create a high-pitched screech or a low-pitched squeal. They can also be used to create a unique sound that stands out from the rest of the song.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to add some extra flavor to your guitar playing, pinch harmonics are a great way to do it! It’s a technique that can take some practice to master, but once you do, you’ll be able to create some truly SCREAMING sounds. Just remember to find the sweet spot on your guitar, use a downstroke with your pick, and lightly catch the string with your thumb.
I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Neaera and a content marketer, dad, and love trying out new equipment with guitar at the heart of my passion, and together with my team, I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2020 to help loyal readers with recording and guitar tips.
