Today I want to share a video with you about a unique technique to stringed instruments like guitar and bass. Natural harmonics, also known as open-string harmonics, are created by placing your finger very lightly and directly over the fretwire without pressing down and then plucking the string. Watch the video below to hear what these sound like, see how to play them well and learn some examples from famous songs.

Tips for Great Harmonics

• Very light touch on string (do not push down).
• Place finger over fretwire (not in between frets like with regular notes).
• Lift finger after playing harmonic for maximum sustain.
• Sweet spot harmonics on 12th, 7th and 5th frets. There are others that work like the 4th, 3rd, 24th and more, but start with the easy ones.

Below are a variety of songs in various styles that play harmonics on electric, acoustic and bass guitars. If you’re interested in learning any of these songs let me know in the comments and maybe I’ll make some more videos (I briefly demonstrate several of these in the video above). Thanks for watching this lesson and have fun with harmonics!

Electric Guitar Songs w/Harmonics

Acoustic Guitar Songs w/Harmonics

Guitar & Bass Harmonics Together

Bass Guitar Songs w/Harmonics