How to Create a Pinch Harmonic

Hey guys,

Most of the guitarists I’ve come across over the years happen to be players who prefer the rock genre. So today’s lesson is for those rock guitarists and also for the metal guitarists out there. I’m going to teach you how to create a pinch harmonic.

What is a pinch harmonic?

You must not have heard the name ‘pinch harmonics’ (also called squealies) but you surely would have heard one. They are the sharp screeching sounds you get from a guitar, which are artificial harmonics. Now natural harmonics don’t occur everywhere, but these artificial harmonics or pinch harmonics can be created pretty much at any fret of any string (but the pinch harmonics on the 1^st and 2^nd string are slightly harder to get). These are like natural harmonics but much more powerful and give a quintessentially rock/metal screeching sound (in a good way). It is a technique used by so many famous guitarists like Dimebag Darrell, Mark Tremonti, John Petrucci etc.

Dimebag Darrell

Pinch harmonics sound good with heavy vibrato.

Now that you know what it is, surely you must want to try it out. It might take a while to get down properly, but trust me; it’s worth the effort. Also note that pinch harmonics are easier to obtain from the 3^rd and 4^th strings from the frets where natural harmonics are already present. Also it is easier while using the bridge pickup.

HOW TO GET A PINCH HARMONIC

Hold down the 7^th fret of the 3^rd or 4^th string (it’s a good spot to start from, as it is easier to get the pinch harmonic due to the presence of a natural harmonic too).

Keep your thumb lower on the pick (slightly) than usual. The reason for this is that you don’t pick the note to get the pinch harmonic. You have to perform a kind of digging motion on the string to get it. The reason for using a digging motion is because for a pinch harmonic to be created, your thumb must SLIGHTLY touch the string quickly after you pick it. But if you touch the string with your thumb too hard, you might mute it completely.

The amount of pressure you need when touching the string with you thumb varies with the string. More pressure is needed for the 6^th string and the pressure needed lessens as you move to the thinner strings.

Also, the place on the string where you do the digging motion is important. In some places the pinch harmonic cannot be created. And also the pitch and sound of the pinch harmonic varies with the place on the string you do the motion. Thus you can add different sounds to your music through different harmonics. Also the word ‘digging motion’ is slightly exaggerated. A SMALL digging like motion is sufficient.

AN EASY WAY TO PRACTICE GETTING PINCH HARMONICS

It’s almost impossible to get the pinch harmonic technique mastered on the first few days of learning it. The biggest problem for learners is the amount of pressure needed when touching the string with your thumb. The reason is that it varies with string. So an easy way to learn the amount of pressure needed is to pick a note (start with the seventh fret of 3^rd or 4^th string) and while it rings, touch it with your thumb with different pressures. So if you get a small pinch harmonic, you can tell the exact amount of pressure needed. Since you take time between the pick and the touch, the pinch won’t sound too good or loud. So after you learn the amount of pressure needed, try to do it in one proper motion. Also remember, when doing the earlier mentioned exercise, do the digging motion at different places, as pinch harmonics don’t occur everywhere. It might take a while to master. Patience is key here.

Hope you liked the lesson, Cheers guys,

Visal.