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Getting those harmonics

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Daniel Baskin

Sep 1, 2004
496
11
38
Maple Valley, WA
#1
This is for Michael:

I've been a double bass player for almost 8 years, and an electric bassist for almost 5. Over the years I've practiced and performed pieces on double bass that use long sections of exclusively harmonics. I've played around with these same harmonics on my bass guitar, but unlike the double bass, it is difficult to amplify/radiate the really high partials harmonics in the spaces between the strong harmonics.

My question is, is there any way to get my harmonics to really ring out cleanly/clearly by way of what I can do with my pre-EQ or EQ or amp whatever? I mean, I know about nodes an anti-nodes and how turning up the bridge pick-up helps, but I'm clueless as to what else I can do.

Thanks!
 
#5
i think alot of it has to do with paying attention to the STRING and forgetting about the FRETS, if that makes any sense. alot of the best harmonics aren't achieved directly over a fret, but somewhere in between. also, where you pluck with your right hand has alot to do with how powerfully a given harmonic will ring (ie, a little closer to the bridge, usually.)

bottom line is that the string has certain "sweet spots" that help harmonics really ring.

does this make any sense? :confused:
 
#7
well, you've played the harmonics on the DB, as someone learning DB, i found out that the harmonics are in pretty much the same spots :) its more of a dividing of the string on its nodes than anything, so you've already got that down, now it seems its more of a plucking hand issue :)
practice makes perfect :)
 
#9
I've found that I get the clearest harmonics when I pick them with my finger nails. I'm using flat wounds on my six string basses, most of the time in passive mode, and get very clear harmonics. with those higher partials, you have to be very accurate, and make sure you don't lift your left hand finger off to soon. It's just a practice and experimentation thing...

Steve
www.stevelawson.net
Invalid Link Removed - order new album here now!
 
#11
In my experience, getting juicy harmonics, like so many aspects of bass playing, is a combination of technique and gear. Technique-wise it’s important to develop a real sensitivity to nodal vibration so you know not only exactly where to apply pressure but the amount and duration to use as well. With the right hand, you’ll want to attack the string in a way that maximizes the fractional vibration you’re looking for. It’s a bit hard to describe these things, but having an image in your mind of how the string is vibrating is helpful. I agree that new strings are a plus, and in the past I’ve suggested round wounds, but hearing what Steve does with flats I think it’s safe to say it’s a moot point!

Sadly, some basses are just more amenable to harmonics than others. I’ve had instruments that really just didn’t have much going on when I played in a way that would really make the harmonics sing on another bass. It doesn’t necessarily mean that’s a bad instrument -- it’s just a matter of what you’re looking for.
 

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