Discover the Art of Squeals and Artificial Harmonics

Pinched harmonics unleash a world of unique and expressive sounds for guitarists. By manipulating string vibrations to create artificial harmonics, guitarists can access a wide range of squealing harmonics, adding a distinctive flair to their solos, riffs, and compositions.

From the blistering solos in rock music to the intricate melodies in jazz, pinched harmonics have found their way into a diverse array of musical genres. The ability to add squeals and harmonics to their playing has made this technique indispensable for guitarists seeking to expand their sonic palette. This article will delve into the world of pinched harmonics, providing a comprehensive guide to their techniques and applications.

Unleashing the power of pinched harmonics involves understanding the techniques behind this method. This article will provide step-by-step instructions on the fundamental techniques, including hand positioning, picking, and string selection. Furthermore, the exploration of advanced techniques for controlled squeals and artificial harmonics will equip guitarists with a comprehensive understanding of this expressive tool.

1. Introduction to Pinched Harmonics: The Art of Squealing and Artificiality

Pinched harmonics are a unique and expressive guitar technique that allows guitarists to create a wide range of high-pitched, squealing sounds. These harmonics are created by lightly touching the string at a specific point while picking it, which creates an artificial node that divides the string into two vibrating segments. The resulting sound is a harmonic, which is a note that is higher in pitch than the fundamental note of the string.

The pitch of the pinched harmonic depends on the location of the artificial node. The closer the node is to the bridge, the higher the pitch of the harmonic. Conversely, the closer the node is to the nut, the lower the pitch of the harmonic. By moving their picking hand along the string, guitarists can create a variety of different harmonics.

Pinched harmonics are often used to add a touch of flair to solos and riffs. They can also be used to create soundscapes and textures that would be difficult to achieve with other techniques. Pinched harmonics are a versatile technique that can be used in a variety of musical genres, from rock to jazz to metal.

Here are some of the distinct sounds that can be produced with pinched harmonics:

• Squeals: These are the most common type of pinched harmonic. They are created by lightly touching the string at a point near the bridge and then quickly picking it. Squeals are characterized by their high pitch and piercing sound.
• Artificial harmonics: These are created by lightly touching the string at a point that is not a node. This creates an artificial node that divides the string into two vibrating segments. Artificial harmonics are typically lower in pitch than squeals and have a more mellow sound.
• Tapped harmonics: These are created by tapping the string with the picking hand instead of picking it. Tapped harmonics are similar to natural harmonics, but they can be played on any string and at any fret.

2. Physics Behind Pinched Harmonics: Unraveling the Science of Squeals

The physics behind pinched harmonics is relatively simple. When a string is plucked, it vibrates at its fundamental frequency. This frequency is determined by the length, tension, and mass of the string. However, the string can also vibrate at higher frequencies, called harmonics. These harmonics are multiples of the fundamental frequency.

Pinched harmonics are created by lightly touching the string at a specific point while picking it. This creates an artificial node that divides the string into two vibrating segments. The length of these segments determines the pitch of the harmonic. The closer the node is to the bridge, the higher the pitch of the harmonic. Conversely, the closer the node is to the nut, the lower the pitch of the harmonic.

The following diagram shows the relationship between the node location and the harmonic frequency:

[Image of a diagram showing the relationship between the node location and the harmonic frequency]

The diagram shows that the harmonic frequency is inversely proportional to the length of the vibrating segment. This means that the shorter the vibrating segment, the higher the harmonic frequency.

Pinched harmonics can be used to create a wide range of sounds, from high-pitched squeals to mellow artificial harmonics. The type of sound that is produced depends on the location of the node and the picking technique.

Here is a video that demonstrates the physics of pinched harmonics:

[Link to a video demonstrating the physics of pinched harmonics]

3. Basic Techniques for Pinched Harmonics: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hand Position

The first step to executing pinched harmonics is to position your hand correctly. Your picking hand should be positioned close to the bridge, with your thumb resting on the pickup or the body of the guitar. Your index finger should be positioned over the string that you want to pick.

Picking Motion

The picking motion for pinched harmonics is slightly different than the picking motion for regular notes. Instead of picking the string straight down, you need to pick it at an angle. This will help to create the artificial node that is necessary for pinched harmonics.

String Selection

The type of string that you use can also affect the sound of your pinched harmonics. Thicker strings will produce lower pitched harmonics, while thinner strings will produce higher pitched harmonics.

Step-by-Step Guide

Here are the steps on how to execute a pinched harmonic:

1. Position your picking hand close to the bridge, with your thumb resting on the pickup or the body of the guitar.
2. Position your index finger over the string that you want to pick.
3. Pick the string at an angle, using a light touch.
4. As you pick the string, lightly touch it with your picking hand at a point that is about 1/3 of the way from the bridge to the nut.
5. Experiment with different picking angles and touch points to find the sound that you want.

Here is a video that demonstrates the basic techniques for executing pinched harmonics:

[Link to a video demonstrating the basic techniques for executing pinched harmonics]

4. Advanced Techniques for Pinched Harmonics: Squeals, Artificial Harmonics, and Beyond

Controlled Squeals

Controlled squeals are a type of pinched harmonic that is characterized by a long, sustained squeal. To execute a controlled squeal, you need to lightly touch the string with your picking hand at a point that is about 1/4 of the way from the bridge to the nut. You then need to pick the string at an angle, using a light touch. Once you have started the squeal, you can control its pitch by moving your picking hand up and down the string.

Artificial Harmonics

Artificial harmonics are a type of pinched harmonic that is created by touching the string at a point that is not a node. This creates an artificial node that divides the string into two vibrating segments. The pitch of the artificial harmonic depends on the location of the artificial node.

To execute an artificial harmonic, you need to lightly touch the string with your picking hand at a point that is not a node. You then need to pick the string at an angle, using a light touch. The closer the artificial node is to the bridge, the higher the pitch of the harmonic. Conversely, the closer the artificial node is to the nut, the lower the pitch of the harmonic.

Variations for Different Guitar Types

The techniques for executing pinched harmonics can vary depending on the type of guitar that you are using. For example, on an electric guitar, you can use the pickup selector switch to change the sound of your pinched harmonics. On an acoustic guitar, you can use the soundhole to create a more resonant sound.

Here is a video that demonstrates some advanced techniques for pinched harmonics:

[Link to a video demonstrating advanced techniques for pinched harmonics]

5. Applications of Pinched Harmonics in Music: From Rock to Jazz

Pinched harmonics are a versatile technique that can be used in a variety of musical genres. They are commonly used in rock and metal music to create screaming solos and add texture to riffs. However, pinched harmonics can also be used in other genres, such as jazz and blues, to create unique and expressive sounds.

Rock and Metal

In rock and metal music, pinched harmonics are often used to create screaming solos and add texture to riffs. Some of the most famous guitarists who use pinched harmonics include Eddie Van Halen, Steve Vai, and Yngwie Malmsteen.

Jazz

In jazz music, pinched harmonics are often used to create unique and expressive sounds. Some of the most famous jazz guitarists who use pinched harmonics include Pat Metheny, John Scofield, and Bill Frisell.

Blues

In blues music, pinched harmonics are often used to add a touch of flair to solos and riffs. Some of the most famous blues guitarists who use pinched harmonics include B.B. King, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Here are some examples of how pinched harmonics are used in music:

• Eddie Van Halen’s solo in the song

Quiz

1. True or False: Pinched harmonics are created by touching the string at a specific point while picking it.

2. Multiple Choice: What is the effect of moving the picking hand closer to the bridge?

(a) The pitch of the harmonic increases. (b) The pitch of the harmonic decreases. (c) The harmonic becomes louder. (d) The harmonic becomes quieter.

3. True or False: Pinched harmonics can only be used on electric guitars.

4. Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a type of pinched harmonic?

(a) Squeal (b) Artificial harmonic (c) Natural harmonic (d) Controlled squeal

5. True or False: Pinched harmonics are only used in rock and metal music.

Answer Key

1. True
2. (a) The pitch of the harmonic increases.
3. False
4. (c) Natural harmonic
5. False

Answer Key

1. True
2. (a) The pitch of the harmonic increases.
3. False
4. (c) Natural harmonic
5. False