of tapping and harmonics..

pandaman37 · #1 10-17-2010, 11:35 PM

ok so im trying to learn how to effectively tap, and i noticed something strange: a tapped harmonic played with the right hand will change according to the note being fretted by the left hand. ex. on the E string, if you were to leave it open and tap a harmonic at the 12th fret, the harmonic would be an E; however if you were to fret the E string at G and then tap at the 12th fret again, it would be a C (i think..), and so on.
well anyway i was hoping to know if this was like a well known fact and im just behind the times, and if so could you point me towards some videos or songs where the technique is used? thanks.

champbassist · #2 10-17-2010, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pandaman37

however if you were to fret the E string at G and then tap at the 12th fret again, it would be a C (i think..), and so on.

Actually, that's not right. If you fret the n^th fret and tap (or play a usual harmonic) on the (n+9)^th fret, the harmonic that you get is a major third above the on the n^th fret. For example, if you play a harmonic on the 9th fret of the open E, you'll get a G#.

The same holds for tapping. If you're fretting the G (3rd fret) and tapping on the 12th fret, the harmonic that you get should be a major third above G, i.e. B.

arcanebass · #3 10-17-2010, 11:58 PM

from my basic understanding ... Harmonics work based on their position from the nut and obviously some work better such as 4th 5th 7th 9th and 12th frets among others ... So basically by fretting with the left hand your effectively moving the nut ... Try fretting the G and hitting a harmonic on the 15th fret and you will notice it is a G also ... There are called artificial harmonics ... Unfortunately i cannot point you in a good direction however by memory stephen bailey uses alot in a chick from corea and jacos portrait of tracey has them appear occasionally (by fretting the third and pulling the harmonic on the 6th fret :-) ... Hope this helps a little

Stick_Player · #4 10-18-2010, 12:03 AM

Quote:

i was hoping to know if this was like a well known fact and im just behind the times

As old as the first string instrument. They are called 'artificial harmonics'.

pandaman37 · #5 10-18-2010, 12:13 AM

oh ok... lol it just blew my mind cos id never seen anyone fret a note and thus change the harmonic, ive known about harmonics for a while its only recently i started really exploring them..

Lulz · #6 10-18-2010, 12:17 AM

It's one of those special moments in your life, isn't it

NateS · #7 10-18-2010, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pandaman37

oh ok... lol it just blew my mind cos id never seen anyone fret a note and thus change the harmonic, ive known about harmonics for a while its only recently i started really exploring them..

lots of deathy/thrashy metal riffs use them. when the guitars are playing a low crunchy riff then in the middle of it is a bent little squeel, that's an artificial harmonic. very popular in heavy rock an metal.

it's useful to use some distortion, because that amplifies harmonics and makes them much louder an clearer.

champbassist · #8 10-18-2010, 01:30 AM

To everyone who's talking about artificial harmonics here: tapped harmonics work just like normal artificial harmonics (as in the start of Birdland by Weather Report, the quintessential example). Just that their execution and produced sound is somewhat different from the normal (thumbed/pinched) AHs.

Edit:

In 'Spanish Fly' by Van Halen, you can hear tapped harmonics on the acoustic guitar.

Quote:

Originally Posted by arcanebass

from my basic understanding ... Harmonics work based on their position from the nut and obviously some work better such as 4th 5th 7th 9th and 12th frets among others ... So basically by fretting with the left hand your effectively moving the nut ... Try fretting the G and hitting a harmonic on the 15th fret and you will notice it is a G also ...

+1

Mr wiggl3s · #9 10-18-2010, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by champbassist

Actually, that's not right. If you fret the n^th fret and tap (or play a usual harmonic) on the (n+9)^th fret, the harmonic that you get is a major third above the on the n^th fret. For example, if you play a harmonic on the 9th fret of the open E, you'll get a G#.

The same holds for tapping. If you're fretting the G (3rd fret) and tapping on the 12th fret, the harmonic that you get should be a major third above G, i.e. B.

I've learned more in this one post then i have in a year of attempting to locate information.

Thank you sir.

champbassist · #10 10-18-2010, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr wiggl3s

I've learned more in this one post then i have in a year of attempting to locate information.

Thank you sir.

If so, this pic will help you out immensely.

BTW, you're welcome