Picking low string harmonics techniques

verderacer

Active member
This is actually a request ;)

I sort of get it from time to time myself, but there has to be a method to get those bottom 3 strings fretted harmonics picked to work regularly.
 
War Admiral":gdz5mqsy said:
Don't be scared to really dig in with a lot of thumb...works all the time.

When I usually get it to work its with just a little of the pick in between my thumb and fore-finger. But its not a consistent thing, I know there has to be something I am just missing ! :confused:
 
Two obvious things that get overlooked...
one is where, the other is how.
Where...obviously the first few harmonics like octave, fifth, third will pop more than 9th...
WHich gors to the how...it's not just a matter of thumb flesh and pick, but when you add the surface of the idea nail the point of contact becomes bigger so hitting them consistently becomes much easier. So much so that you can actually get them on up and down strokes.
 
degenaro":2ppnzouv said:
Two obvious things that get overlooked...
one is where, the other is how.
Where...obviously the first few harmonics like octave, fifth, third will pop more than 9th...
WHich gors to the how...it's not just a matter of thumb flesh and pick, but when you add the surface of the idea nail the point of contact becomes bigger so hitting them consistently becomes much easier. So much so that you can actually get them on up and down strokes.

I think I may not have been as clear as I thought. I am ok with getting harmonies picked from any open string: ie: 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th and so on. Its picking a note on the bottom 3 strings and getting that picked harmonic or squeal; ie: Zakk Wylde style and etc. Does this make more sense?
 
I understood u perfectly well...
The same thing that happens with natural harmonics on the 12th, 7th, 5th, 3rd fret happens with fretted notes. There are node points...when the strings length is halved, thirds, quarters, etc...
now refer back to my earlier post.
 
The way it works for me is you're basically hitting a harmonic on the string a nanosecond before you fret the note with your finger and bend. It's not the same as the higher strings, where executing the harmonic is so much in the picking hand.
 
degenaro is correct - certain points on the fretboard will resonate easier as a harmonic due to their location.

that being said, you should also try to experiment with moving your picking hand forward and backward where you attack the string. you'll find certain notes will work better being picked at different areas.

also, all harmonics for me, both natural and artificial, ring out way better with my tone knob(s) up and my bridge pickup selected.
 
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