How do you apply harmonics to a solo or a line? I never really understood them much. Is it based on key? Is it just using your ear?

As an example lets say I'm making a solo around c minor, what harmonics would sound right in this key, and/or over what chords?

Thanks

I use them based on the key, but loosely. I generally use double or triple stops between phrases. The stacking of fourths is sort of like how a jazz pianist voices chords. Sometimes it's hard to think through what will actually work, but fool around in a given key until you find something you like.

Harmonic have pitch like playing any note, if you search there are articles and books that have the pitches and locations. There are also artificial harmonics and a formula for creating those. To understand how to use harmonics best to listen to how others have used them. Jaco was the one who took harmonics from a cool effect to making music with them. These days Victor Wooten and especially Steve Bailey have mastered using harmonics. I would say most bass player use harmonics, but most are doing double-stops to throw a chord in now and then.

Listen to a lot of old Van Halen..."Women in Love" and "Dance the Night Away" are good ones. I've found I've learned much more about harmonics on bass from Van Halen than I ever have from bass players.

You might want to consider getting a book on orchestration (there is usually a detailed section on harmonics in most editions) and trying to understand the overtone series. I have found this to be the most constructive way to learn how harmonics work, albeit not the fastest.

:bassist:

I recommend drawing a diagram of your fretboard and working out the pitches of the harmonics at the 12th, 9th, 7th, 5th, 4th, 3rd frets. There are also some great harmonics at 2.5 frets.

Once you've done that, see what chords you can make out of these harmonics, and using them in combination with bass notes. Get hold of a transcription of 'Portrait of Tracy' by Jaco and 'Amazing Grace' by Victor Wooten and see what chords they managed to come up with - tons of great stuff there.

Try adding harmonics into bass grooves - ballads are great for this. Finally, check out 'Bass Harmonics' by Dean Peer - really good book containing all the theory you need as well as some great exercises.

Hope that helps,

Cheers
Stu