Tapped harmonics, also known as artificial or tapped harmonics, are a guitar technique that produces high-pitched, bell-like tones by lightly touching and “tapping” the strings at specific harmonic nodes while simultaneously plucking or strumming the strings. This technique adds a unique and ethereal quality to your guitar playing. Here’s how to learn and master tapped harmonics:
1. Understand Harmonics:
- Harmonics are produced when you divide a vibrating string into fractions of its length, creating nodes where the string remains still. These nodes correspond to specific pitches, and when you lightly touch them, they produce harmonic tones.
2. Locate Harmonic Nodes:
- The most common tapped harmonic node locations are over the 12th, 7th, and 5th frets, but harmonics can be found all over the fretboard.
- To locate harmonics, lightly touch the string directly over the desired fret without pressing it down, and then pluck the string with your picking hand.
3. Tapping Technique:
- Choose the desired harmonic node (e.g., 12th fret) and lightly touch the string directly above it with your fretting hand’s index finger. Your fingertip should barely graze the string, creating a harmonic node.
- Simultaneously, use your picking hand to tap the string lightly above the fret where you applied the harmonic touch. The tapping finger (usually the middle finger or index finger) should make contact with the string and then pull away quickly to allow the harmonic to ring.
4. Right Hand Position:
- Position your picking hand slightly above the strings and tap vertically down onto the string at the harmonic node.
- Use your fingertip to tap the string, not the nail, to achieve a clean and crisp harmonic sound.
5. Practice Control:
- Start by practicing tapped harmonics over the 12th fret, as these are the easiest to produce. Focus on control and precision, ensuring that you tap directly above the fret wire.
- Experiment with different amounts of pressure and tapping force to find the sweet spot that produces the clearest harmonics.
6. Explore Harmonic Patterns:
- Once you’re comfortable with the 12th fret harmonics, experiment with tapping harmonics at other locations on the fretboard, such as the 7th and 5th frets. Each location will produce different harmonics.
- Create harmonic patterns by tapping and releasing in succession to produce melodies or arpeggios.
7. Use with Other Techniques:
- Tapped harmonics can be integrated into your playing alongside other techniques like fingerpicking, slides, and bends to create complex and expressive passages.
8. Experiment with Amplification:
- Tapped harmonics are more pronounced when amplified, so consider using an amplifier or effects pedal to enhance the harmonic tones.
9. Incorporate into Songs:
- Many guitarists use tapped harmonics in their compositions and solos to add a unique and dazzling element to their music.
Tapped harmonics are a versatile technique that can add a touch of magic to your guitar playing. With practice, you can incorporate them into your repertoire and use them to create captivating and expressive melodies and solos.
