Harmonics
Harmonics are chime-like notes which are created by touching the string at various fractions of the string length called nodes as opposed to depressing the string against the fretboard. Harmonics are members of the Overtone Series which is an ongoing series of notes faintly accompanying every natural note you can play or sing (this is why lower pitches tend to sound richer than higher pitches - they have more notes of the Overtone Series within the range of our hearing).
To isolate the harmonics, you must calculate fractions of the vibrating length of the string (between the nut and the bridge saddle). Fortunately, we can use frets to help us find these locations. We will discuss the first three harmonics because they are the most accessible (as you go farther up the Overtone Series, the harmonics become increasingly difficult to play) and the second and third harmonics can help you tune the guitar (see Tuning With Harmonics).
The first harmonic appears at the 1/2 length of the string (the 12th fret). The pitch of this harmonic is one octave higher than the open string.
The second harmonic appears at the 1/3 length of the string (the 7th fret). The same harmonic can be found at the 1/3 length of the string measured from the bridgesaddle, although there is no fret to mark it. This harmonic is played at this location, but not nearly as much as the same harmonic at the 7th fret. The pitch of this harmonic is one octave higher than the natural note which is played at the 7th fret. For example, the 1/3 length harmonic on the high E string is a B because the note on the high E string at the 7th fret is a B. The harmonic is one octave higher than that note.
The third harmonic appears at the 1/4 length of the string (the 5th fret). Again, the same harmonic can be found at the 1/4 length of the string measured from the bridgesaddle. The pitch of this harmonic is TWO octaves higher than the open string.
You may have noticed that whenever we cut the string in half (the first harmonic and the third harmonic) we get an octave higher. This is a universal principle of music. Halve the length, get an octave higher. Double the length, get an octave lower. This is true for all instruments, as well as harmonics.
To isolate the harmonics, you must calculate fractions of the vibrating length of the string (between the nut and the bridge saddle). Fortunately, we can use frets to help us find these locations. We will discuss the first three harmonics because they are the most accessible (as you go farther up the Overtone Series, the harmonics become increasingly difficult to play) and the second and third harmonics can help you tune the guitar (see Tuning With Harmonics).
The first harmonic appears at the 1/2 length of the string (the 12th fret). The pitch of this harmonic is one octave higher than the open string.
The second harmonic appears at the 1/3 length of the string (the 7th fret). The same harmonic can be found at the 1/3 length of the string measured from the bridgesaddle, although there is no fret to mark it. This harmonic is played at this location, but not nearly as much as the same harmonic at the 7th fret. The pitch of this harmonic is one octave higher than the natural note which is played at the 7th fret. For example, the 1/3 length harmonic on the high E string is a B because the note on the high E string at the 7th fret is a B. The harmonic is one octave higher than that note.
The third harmonic appears at the 1/4 length of the string (the 5th fret). Again, the same harmonic can be found at the 1/4 length of the string measured from the bridgesaddle. The pitch of this harmonic is TWO octaves higher than the open string.
You may have noticed that whenever we cut the string in half (the first harmonic and the third harmonic) we get an octave higher. This is a universal principle of music. Halve the length, get an octave higher. Double the length, get an octave lower. This is true for all instruments, as well as harmonics.
For more information regarding harmonics, see Better Harmonics and Tuning With Harmonics
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