Unable to get a natural harmonic on the 9th fret

busta_bird · #1 07-26-2010, 04:18 PM

I've searched around and read posts about the many factors that contribute to a natural harmonic. I have a Yamaha TRB1004 (35'' scale 4 string) and can't seem to get the harmonic on the 9th fret. I have no issues getting them on 3/5/12. Any idea what my problem might be?

Gawd · #2 07-26-2010, 05:03 PM

Are you placing your finger right over the actual fret between the frets?

busta_bird · #3 07-26-2010, 05:33 PM

Right over the 9th fret closest to the bridge. Same way as the other frets. Do you think it has anything to do with the scale?

JTE · #4 07-26-2010, 05:43 PM

It's a tough one to get. On my basses I have to stop the node just shy of the 9th fret, not right on the fret.

John

Marco A. Mayer · #5 07-26-2010, 05:47 PM

^ You've got intonation issues.

To the OP: I can get that harmonic on my 35" fiver; scale has got nothing to do with that. The problem could be either your strings and/or the intonation.

deaf pea · #6 07-26-2010, 06:58 PM

busta_bird, you need to put your finger a bit BEFORE the fret, about the width of MY finger . . .

. . .

Also the strings should be new, or almost so. Roundwound strings are the easiest to produce natural harmonics with.

SteveC · #7 07-26-2010, 07:37 PM

I'd check your intonation. Could be a hair off.