What Is an Artificial Harmonic?

Harmonics are one way to play stringed instruments. For example, each string on a guitar, violin, or bass can be divided in half or smaller segments to find notes that are two octaves higher than normal. These notes can be lightly struck with the playing hand’s finger. An artificial harmonic differs from a natural harmonic in that one hand plays a note at a specific location while the other plucks the strings at a specific fret. The pinch harmonic, in which a player touches the harmonic note with one thumb while plucking the string with the other, is a common technique for playing this way.

It takes a lot of practice to play the artificial harmonic on an instrument. It’s usually difficult to teach guitarists because there are so many different ways to hold a pick while playing. Harmonics’ notes are typically higher in pitch than other notes that can be played on the guitar. Violinists can also play artificial harmonics. The index finger is usually placed on one note, while the pinky finger is placed on a note that is a fourth higher.

A cello and double bass can also be used to play artificial harmonics. Because the strings are longer than those on most other stringed instruments, a player’s thumb and ring finger are typically used. Harmonics are written in a variety of ways on sheet music. In the early twentieth century, classical musicians began to write them down. However, there are various ways to notate this musical technique, and orchestras sometimes struggle to know which notes to play when certain methods are used.

An artificial harmonic can produce a wide range of high-pitched notes and even sound effects. Such sounds are sometimes used in classical music solos, and guitarists can practice their own techniques while soloing. Listening to an artificial harmonic can be relaxing, but mastering the technique usually takes a lot of practice. The placement of the hand and fingers on most instruments varies depending on the position, and often differs from where the notes and chords near the harmonic note are played.

It can be a creative process to write out artificial harmonic notes. Most musicians have limitations in terms of what they can actually play. Experimenting with the notes while practicing is a common way to learn how to play a stringed instrument in this manner. When playing quickly, the hand movement required to get into the proper position can make the sound difficult to achieve.