How Do You Play Harmonics on Guitar?

You hear guitarists play harmonics.

These shimmering bell-like notes are enchanting!

But when you try to play them, confusion ensues.

How do you overcome this?

Here are three tips that will help you play harmonics like a pro:

1. Clarify Frets and Notes

The most often used harmonics are at the 12^th fret, 7^th fret, and 5^th fret.

Learn the interval above the open string for each harmonic.

Let’s use the 6^th string as an example.

The open 6^th string is this E:

The 12^th fret harmonic is an octave above the open string.

On the 6^th string, the 12^th fret harmonic is this E:

The 7^th fret harmonic is an octave and a fifth above the open string.

On the 6^th string, the 7^th fret harmonic is this B:

The 5^th fret harmonic is two octaves above the open string.

On the 6^th string, the 5^th fret harmonic is this E:

2. Like Touching a Hot Stove

To play a harmonic, the left hand will touch the string lightly over the fret wire. Just after the right hand plucks, the left hand will release.

Think of touching a hot stove and realizing after a split second that it’s hot. You quickly pull your hand away. That’s how the left-hand finger releases after a harmonic.

Experiment with lifting the left-hand finger slightly earlier and later until you get a clear harmonic.

3. Right Hand Near the Bridge

If the right hand is over the sound hole or the fretboard, you might accidentally mute the harmonic.

When playing harmonics, it’s best to pluck between the sound hole and the bridge.

As you improve your skill in playing harmonics, they add a delightful tone color to your playing.

Keep making music!

Before you work on harmonics, start your practice session with a simple Warmup Routine.

If you would like to get a PDF of my Warmup Routine for free, click here.