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Question about harmonics
- Thread starter Raudsarw
- Start date
Unfortunately haven't heard the album or track... But most likely he is using his DR signature strings which are round core. Round core strings speak harmonics better.
This is Marcus we're talking about so that harmonic, while not difficult, is the result of his understanding of natural & artificial harmonics, good technique & feel, good equipment (including strings), and good recording/production techniques.
That said I don't know your level of understanding of natural & artificial harmonics so forgive me if you're already familiar with the concept, but check out this introduction and see if it benefits you:
The concept is very simple ... you have a bunch of naturals harmonics on the bass and once you fret a note, you just move those naturals harmonics since your finger act like a movable nut. Why ? Because you cut the length of the string. Harmonics are always at the same length ratio so if you fret the A on the G string your natural harmonic on the 5th fret will move up two frets.
If you want ... you could use a cappo , put it anywhere ... like, let say ... on the 4th fret. Now try to play the harmonics where you are used to know them with open strings. Notice they aren't there anymore, they have moved.
On the topic ... emphasis the bridge pickup, a nice set of roundwound string, pucking closer to the bridge, help a lot in bringing those harmonics.
If you want ... you could use a cappo , put it anywhere ... like, let say ... on the 4th fret. Now try to play the harmonics where you are used to know them with open strings. Notice they aren't there anymore, they have moved.
On the topic ... emphasis the bridge pickup, a nice set of roundwound string, pucking closer to the bridge, help a lot in bringing those harmonics.
Ding dang dong....
Ding = finger 7th fret G string and with the right hand tap the 14th fret.
Dang = 10th fret D string tap 15th fret
Dong = 8th fret D string tap 15th fret
--or--
The Jaco technique; Fret a note with the left hand and with the right hand you need to strategically place your thumb lightly on a string and pluck with your index fingernail. You want the 'ball' of your first thumb joint to touch the string. As you pluck you need to lift your thumb. Where you place your thumb will determine what kind of harmonic you get.
Ding = 7th fret G string right thumb just in front of the neck pup (on a Jazz bass)
Dang = 10th fret D string thumb over the front edge of neck pup
Dong = 8th fret D string thumb a little closer to the neck than the last note
It's tricky but once you get the hang of it it will open up a whole new gamut of stuff to play.
Good luck!
Ding = finger 7th fret G string and with the right hand tap the 14th fret.
Dang = 10th fret D string tap 15th fret
Dong = 8th fret D string tap 15th fret
--or--
The Jaco technique; Fret a note with the left hand and with the right hand you need to strategically place your thumb lightly on a string and pluck with your index fingernail. You want the 'ball' of your first thumb joint to touch the string. As you pluck you need to lift your thumb. Where you place your thumb will determine what kind of harmonic you get.
Ding = 7th fret G string right thumb just in front of the neck pup (on a Jazz bass)
Dang = 10th fret D string thumb over the front edge of neck pup
Dong = 8th fret D string thumb a little closer to the neck than the last note
It's tricky but once you get the hang of it it will open up a whole new gamut of stuff to play.
Good luck!
