How to Play Harmonics on Acoustic Guitar in 3 Steps

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  • Опубліковано 30 чер 2024
  • Learn the three frets where harmonics work plus the correct fretting hand technique. This guitar lesson is full of acoustic guitar tips for getting great harmonics!
    5 Day Acoustic Guitar Challenge ▶tonypolecastro.com/5-day-guita...
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 604

  • @LuciferAether
    @LuciferAether 5 років тому +1755

    You made a whole video just to ask for the name of a song haven't you ?

  • @keltyercanbrack960
    @keltyercanbrack960 4 роки тому +323

    I’ve struggled with harmonics my whole life! I watched this video and got it in 10 seconds! Bless you sir! 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

    • @yolandacasarez1196
      @yolandacasarez1196 3 роки тому +1

      ditto

    • @pharmdiddy5120
      @pharmdiddy5120 2 роки тому +1

      Truth!

    • @Yaunie13
      @Yaunie13 Рік тому

      agreed

    • @PercussiveStrings1
      @PercussiveStrings1 Рік тому +1

      You liar, I couldn't get it in 45 minutes!

    • @skursreacts8814
      @skursreacts8814 10 місяців тому +1

      right.. I could just never figure it out what the muted picking sound was and I didn't know they it was called a harmonic either.. I'm glad the answer was more complicated than i thought.

  • @AhDollar
    @AhDollar 6 років тому +849

    I've actually found that the 19th fret has natural harmonics as well.

    • @TheMick26
      @TheMick26 5 років тому +180

      Hey @Ah Dollar . You're exactly right. I love the math in music and I noticed the pattern in that. Starting from the 5th fret, then going to the 7th, will show you the next fret with natural harmonics. 5 + 7 = 12. Knowing this, the next is the 19th. 7 + 12 = 19. If there were actual frets far enough down, harmonics would be found at the 31st fret, since 12 + 19 = 31. On the acoustic guitar, those sounds can be found somewhere over the hole. For some reason, the 7th and 19th sound the same.🤔 Oh well... Have a great weekend.

    • @thatonemailbox
      @thatonemailbox 5 років тому +16

      On heavy distortion, so does the 21st fret

    • @georgewalker3702
      @georgewalker3702 4 роки тому +19

      @@TheMick26 the reason has something to do with the division. A 5th fret harmonic has a quarter division (as is the 24th fret). A 7th and 19th fret harmonic has a thirds division.

    • @tejasram5412
      @tejasram5412 4 роки тому

      So did i

    • @Digdarshann
      @Digdarshann 4 роки тому

      Oh yeah

  • @mrmasrawy92
    @mrmasrawy92 5 років тому +392

    a really famous song with harmonics is actually nothing else matters...

    • @eldenboi8354
      @eldenboi8354 4 роки тому +14

      Yeah im actually learning this song and using this video to learn natural harmonics for nothing else matters.

    • @TheMightycfc
      @TheMightycfc 4 роки тому +1

      Come and go blues Greg allman

    • @saulwilliams1899
      @saulwilliams1899 4 роки тому +2

      Yeah but I think he's taking about dazed and confused buddy

    • @HollowGolem
      @HollowGolem 3 роки тому +1

      The intro to "And You and I" by Yes has some harmonic work. Nancy Wilson throws a few into the intro for "Crazy on You" as well.

    • @theimperfectguitarist974
      @theimperfectguitarist974 3 роки тому +1

      Sadness and sorrow from Naruto is also sounds good with harmonics

  • @kenlandriault3602
    @kenlandriault3602 6 років тому +176

    great lesson... simple, clear and you get right to the point and don't give any unnecessary info.. which is great.. thank you!

  • @DarthDungus
    @DarthDungus 3 роки тому +39

    Just found out about harmonics today, and you helped me learn it in no time flat! Your tip about sliding you finger along the string to find the sweet spot was perfect. I also recommend to practice to slowly lift off the harmonic when strumming, and find that lightest touch that still gives the harmonic vs an open string. Seems to sound the best when you barely touch it

  • @lovelycayao6226
    @lovelycayao6226 5 років тому +18

    Amazing! This tutorial is really great and effective!! I watched this video for 8 mins and then I practiced it for only less than 20 mins, and now I can do it effortlessly. Thank you for this wonderful video tutorial man!😉👏

  • @agustin1204
    @agustin1204 4 роки тому +15

    There is a reason why it's on fret 12, 7, and 5.
    If you measure the whole length of the string, the 12th fret is exactly in the middle: one half (1/2 the length then x2 the frequency... of course... that's why it's an octave), fret 7 = 1/3, fret 5 is 1/4, and so on. Those are the nodes of a vibrating string.
    L: open (fundamental)
    L/2: fret 12 (2nd harmonic). In music this is an "octave"
    L/3: fret 7 (3rd harmonic)... the same is valid also for L 2/3. This is "just perfect fifth"
    L/4: fret 5 (4th harmonic)... also 2/4 and 3/4
    ...

  • @TheMick26
    @TheMick26 5 років тому +9

    Great video, Tony! You're an inspiration and fantastic teacher. Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge and obvious love of music. Cheers, brother!

  • @atocox166
    @atocox166 6 років тому +9

    Thanks for that new method of tuning guitar (using harmonics).The overall lesson was great.

  • @TMillsMusic
    @TMillsMusic 5 років тому +5

    Absolutely love it! Got it instantly, I always wondered what people were doing when I heard these sounds, and now I can do it too!

  • @AndrewKimmey
    @AndrewKimmey 5 років тому +6

    You explain things really well, it's so easy to follow along. Sweet and simple with no nonsense :)

  • @webworm13
    @webworm13 4 роки тому +1

    The best part of your video is when you reminded me it requires practice. Finding the sweet spot directly over the fret and gauging the right amount of pressure to use on the string is easier said than done. It reminds me of the time I learned to drive a stick shift. I THANK YOU for the thorough explanation as I'm enchanted by the sound of natural harmonics. Good Lesson

  • @yelyel2620
    @yelyel2620 3 роки тому +2

    I've wanted to learn about harmonics and this video gave me exactly what i needed. Thank you, and God bless 💗

  • @sigurdbergsrud6198
    @sigurdbergsrud6198 3 роки тому +4

    I’m impressed, both by your ability to teach how to play guitar, and by the fact that I was able to play natural harmonics on the fifth fret after only watching 2 minutes of your video, so thank you so much. I have literally been wondering what natural harmonics where( or what they were called, I couldn’t find any tutorials on how to do it Because of it) for literally more than a year, and I’m so happy that I finally found the freaking name of it, cause now I can use it, so again, thank you so much for making this video, it really helps, and you are awesome😁😁👍👍

  • @lliason8497
    @lliason8497 3 роки тому

    This was so helpful! I’m a beginner and came across natural harmonics in one of the songs I’m trying to learn. Thank you for the great video!

  • @ToniLeirvikLarsen
    @ToniLeirvikLarsen 3 роки тому +1

    This was SO helpful!! Thank you so much for creating this! I've always wanted to learn harmonics, without knowing where to start.

  • @travelingaquaguitar6125
    @travelingaquaguitar6125 4 роки тому

    I have been struggling with getting perfect natural harmonics for a while but once I watched this tutorial, I got it right away! Thanks!

  • @r3mii619
    @r3mii619 3 роки тому +1

    I watched a lot of harmonic videos, but yours was the only one that actually helped to understand how to do it. After I heard I did it, I felt accomplished

  • @roycotton5277
    @roycotton5277 Рік тому

    Thanks for all these great quick "how to" coverage tips on harmonics! I am working on two Christmas songs from Roberto Dalla Vecchia and needed a review while watching how seamlessly and nicely he plays them in harmonic phrases on his Christmas tunes (Silent Night and First Noel in Drop D tuning).

  • @roadrunner1277
    @roadrunner1277 3 роки тому

    That was a great video! I've been struggling with this for a couple of days now and you just showed me how to do it perfectly in less than 10 minutes. :)

  • @gm5605
    @gm5605 3 роки тому +1

    I got it down on my first try! And then it just sounded better and better! The light touch isn't a joke, it's like your finger hovers over the fret, just barely touching it. I love how harmonics sound and really want to thank you for making it so easy!

  • @alfiandaniel1790
    @alfiandaniel1790 4 роки тому

    Thank you so much. I've been practising doing harmonics so many times before and finally just right after watching this video. I can play the harmonics just by a little try.

  • @c.schellmusic9732
    @c.schellmusic9732 4 роки тому

    Thanks for this! I saw someone do it at a show and I wanted to learn. I appreciate your teaching style.

  • @stvgth
    @stvgth Рік тому +1

    Bron-Y-Aur Stomp has them in the beginning! These is exactly the instruction I was looking for. Thanks so much! Also Nancy Wilson loves some good harmonics when she plays Crazy On You.

  • @therealsparkman
    @therealsparkman 6 років тому

    More great tidbits of acoustic knowledge for my ongoing learning. Thanks TP! Cheers!

  • @ig_gambit
    @ig_gambit 5 років тому +1

    THANK YOU!!! I’m super excited to have learned this. Subscribed!

  • @Yarin4ever
    @Yarin4ever 5 років тому +2

    Thanks for the video ! Beautiful technique.

  • @antoinettavogels8550
    @antoinettavogels8550 4 роки тому

    I love your explanation and examples and the teaching pace. Thank you

  • @scotchbudmeister9018
    @scotchbudmeister9018 Рік тому +2

    Nice teaching of harmonics! Nancy Wilson's acoustic intro to 'Crazy on You' has some nice harmonics blended in.

  • @mophead3078
    @mophead3078 5 років тому

    Thank you for the advice kind sir! A little under a year of practicing the guitar and enjoying everyday of it.

  • @unajardinera
    @unajardinera 4 роки тому +1

    nice!!! just love that erie sound of the harmonics! great tutorial! again loove the harmonics they make the song come to life!!!!!

  • @benjaminperez4570
    @benjaminperez4570 6 років тому

    You sir, are amazing. Before I watched this video, I had no clue what harmonics on a guitar was. But by the end of it I was able to play with fret harmonics with (I would say) 95% accuracy. Thank you for existing.

  • @believetour5076
    @believetour5076 3 роки тому +1

    Your channel is so underrated! Thanks tony!

  • @beallglory
    @beallglory 2 роки тому

    Learning harmonics for the first time, great instruction, thanks!

  • @Pepperyeen
    @Pepperyeen 4 роки тому

    New to guitar and this has helped me so much, thanks man

  • @vasilis_tsop4984
    @vasilis_tsop4984 Рік тому +16

    6:00 Notice that the tattoo in his right hand blends almost perfectly with the curve on the guitar...
    Amazing !! Idk if it was intentional, but it looks clean.
    Awesome video btw. It really helped me figure out more information about harmonics.

  • @dennisssnider
    @dennisssnider Рік тому +1

    Thank you I am coming back to the guitar after a long hiatus. This was an invaluable reminder.

  • @cheryllakin3077
    @cheryllakin3077 6 років тому +5

    It's Bron-Yr-Aur Stomp, and there's a great live version from '75 (Earl's Court) on UA-cam!

  • @shantytownbrown
    @shantytownbrown 3 роки тому

    Roundabout by Yes is what immediately came to mind. That is for the instruction. First time I learned what these were called and first time trying them on the guitar!

  • @JeeveDaniel
    @JeeveDaniel 5 років тому

    Such a great tutorial Tony, thank you!

  • @amanarora5239
    @amanarora5239 4 роки тому

    This tuning tip is exceptionally useful!

  • @lostpenguin3682
    @lostpenguin3682 2 роки тому

    Can never do a harmonic before. However i manage to play harmonic after learning from your video. Thanks a lot! nice teach!

  • @SEGAClownboss
    @SEGAClownboss 3 роки тому

    You've answered sooo so many questions I had. Thank you so much.

  • @cheryllakin3077
    @cheryllakin3077 6 років тому +7

    Love the glasses Tony!! You're like a hip Clark Kent!!

  • @nev4696
    @nev4696 6 років тому +2

    Thank you so much. Best tutorial out there. And yes i dug this lesson lol

  • @AngelB2112
    @AngelB2112 Рік тому +2

    Well it's been five years, I hope you've remember the name of the Zeppelin song, but just in case, it's Bron-yr-aur Stomp, it's one of my favourites Zeppelin tunes and I'm happy you acknowledged it. Anyway, have a wonderful day! Thank you for the content!

  • @Aaron-bb9rt
    @Aaron-bb9rt 5 років тому +1

    Very useful. I always thought this technique was harder than it looks. Still, the timing and speed takes practice while doing so mid song but still neat to explore. I think I saw somewhere where someone played the opening of, "Wake me up" by Evenscence using harmonics, you can do a lot with them.

  • @romain7852
    @romain7852 Рік тому

    Very clear, thanks a lot from France !

  • @rubinsahu2170
    @rubinsahu2170 2 роки тому

    Thanks Tony for making this useful lesson

  • @iconsworld9
    @iconsworld9 3 роки тому

    I just found the harmonic at the 9th fret, and it sounds amazing you guys.

  • @satyasharma2560
    @satyasharma2560 6 років тому +3

    Awesome lesson

  • @robertwelker1681
    @robertwelker1681 4 місяці тому

    Excellent lesson!

  • @anyonescover9540
    @anyonescover9540 3 роки тому +1

    Thank you so much...I am looking only for harmonic and now I learn

  • @jimdoner3443
    @jimdoner3443 4 роки тому

    12 string harmonics are awesome I added 3 descending in a pause in the song Amanda (Boston) get a lot of compliments on it the band uses a single bell chime in concert.

  • @Arthur-fc5em
    @Arthur-fc5em Рік тому

    Great lesson, thank you.

  • @MartyZaluski
    @MartyZaluski 4 роки тому

    Awesome concise, and clear lesson. Thanks!!!

  • @wcfinlay
    @wcfinlay 3 роки тому

    This exactly what I was looking for. Ever since I heard Heart use harmonics in the start of Crazy on You, I’ve wanted to learn how to do this.

  • @masterbaiter5461
    @masterbaiter5461 6 років тому +3

    Bro this is really helpful thanks

  • @jimweaver1101
    @jimweaver1101 6 років тому +1

    Tony, you can also play harmonics for chords. For example, if you are playing the E chord with the 2nd frets of the 4th and 5th string pressed, barely touch the same strings at the 14th fret (up 2) with your right finger while picking with your right thumb. You can now play chords.

  • @boom_its_rory
    @boom_its_rory Рік тому

    i've known what natural harmonics were, and "how" to do them, for so long but i've never actually been able to ... within three minutes of this video I played one for the first time. thank you so much !!

  • @ppinkevich
    @ppinkevich Рік тому

    Such a good educational video. Thank you sir

  • @cungtin7
    @cungtin7 4 роки тому

    OMG !!!! This is life-changing!!!! HAHAHA Thanks man!! you made it so easy to understand that I got it even before your video ends. I just subscribed!

  • @salm0n_148
    @salm0n_148 6 років тому

    Awesome lesson! Thank you so much!

  • @tick_magnetedschaper5611
    @tick_magnetedschaper5611 Рік тому

    That is pretty cool! I had no idea. Like magic! Thanks Tony

  • @James-nr9gm
    @James-nr9gm 4 роки тому

    Came here to learn harmonics for tuning by ear! Was very happy. You can also use harmonics to make tuning your high E off an A440 easier.

  • @royburrows7148
    @royburrows7148 3 роки тому +1

    Thank you so much for the lesson. I didn't know that I didn't know that.

  • @MekaGhost
    @MekaGhost 2 роки тому

    it's been a few seconds and already am playing some thanks man

  • @blendi3825
    @blendi3825 3 роки тому

    Awesome lesson. Thanks for sharing

  • @David-vs9ci
    @David-vs9ci 3 роки тому +1

    You can also do harmonics on the 3rd fret, the 9th fret, the 19th and 2 more beyond the frets. One is close to the last fret of the guitar and the other is around the middle where you would typically strum the guitar.

  • @rohitdouglas7053
    @rohitdouglas7053 5 років тому +1

    Great video...thank you very much for this..

  • @DavidJ-gh3fw
    @DavidJ-gh3fw 3 роки тому +1

    Thank you!!! I was getting really frustrated not having played harmonics before. Learning the song For what it's worth, Buffalo Springfield. I thought someone said to lightly touch the string onto the fret bar instead of just directly above the bar without even touching it. What a difference!!! I was also trying to do it on other frets not knowing it only worked on 12, 7 and 5! I kept thinking, "WHY CAN'T I DO THIS!" Really appreciate this lesson!

  • @reubencoutinho757
    @reubencoutinho757 5 років тому

    Great lesson, thank you!

  • @polyky
    @polyky 2 роки тому

    this was so helpful!

  • @maureengrant9077
    @maureengrant9077 Рік тому

    Great lesson thankyou.

  • @doublebarrel6502
    @doublebarrel6502 2 місяці тому

    Great job keep up the good work

  • @marvincampit2129
    @marvincampit2129 3 роки тому

    Thanks and it works easy when I try it

  • @harshpunjmusicofficial6008
    @harshpunjmusicofficial6008 5 років тому

    The Best Harmonics Lesson Ever!!!

  • @paolomartini143
    @paolomartini143 4 роки тому

    Thanks Tony. In order to avoid error propagation it is actually better to keep the low E and A strings as reference for tuning high E and B strings. Seventh fret armonic on low E string should match open B string and seventh fret harmonic on A string should match open high E string

  • @mo3athalawadhi989
    @mo3athalawadhi989 5 років тому +1

    Thank you for the lesson vid

  • @yourssrikanta4682
    @yourssrikanta4682 6 років тому

    Nice & pretty cool. Thanx for the lesson and tips.

  • @AZoe-mb6nl
    @AZoe-mb6nl 3 роки тому +4

    Mind blown! I didn't know you could do this on a guitar

  • @rvjhonrivera2186
    @rvjhonrivera2186 2 роки тому

    This was verry helpful man, Thank you

  • @m0rgoz
    @m0rgoz 3 роки тому

    That video teached me how to play harmonics, thanks a lot.

  • @jonathanholcomb5793
    @jonathanholcomb5793 4 роки тому

    You are very good at teaching and easy to understand 👍👍👌

  • @j.marievisualartanddesign273
    @j.marievisualartanddesign273 4 роки тому

    Excellent video I picked it up immediately

  • @cecedille4174
    @cecedille4174 5 років тому

    Very helpful, thank you!

  • @sunavila
    @sunavila 4 роки тому

    Sweet vid. Thank you Tony.

  • @esmewarmuth8780
    @esmewarmuth8780 2 роки тому

    Super helpful! Thank you SO much!

  • @ayushhh_.
    @ayushhh_. Рік тому

    Thank you so much sir for this lesson 🛐

  • @aryana3944
    @aryana3944 2 роки тому

    Great lesson

  • @cardiobumper
    @cardiobumper 6 років тому

    I love it. Makes great sense.

  • @F5Tornado44
    @F5Tornado44 5 років тому +18

    "Red Barchetta" by RUSH is another good harmonics song.

  • @nicolen.9642
    @nicolen.9642 5 років тому +5

    Thanks Tony for this harmonics lesson I was curious about!

  • @KevansDied
    @KevansDied Рік тому

    thank you so much for the help! this video was so helpful!

  • @aln-
    @aln- 6 років тому

    thank you. it's very helpful

  • @RomeoRamirez523
    @RomeoRamirez523 3 роки тому

    This made my day 👍🏻 keep it up brother

  • @wheezyjefferson9136
    @wheezyjefferson9136 6 років тому +11

    I was just trying to figure this out!

    • @janpaulmartin2632
      @janpaulmartin2632 6 років тому

      you have cleared a lot of things i was doing wrong. Thank you for the great lesson. Is your guitar a D41 ?

  • @nursemichelecheng
    @nursemichelecheng 6 років тому

    Thank you Tony!

  • @sameenakausar1020
    @sameenakausar1020 6 років тому +6

    I like your technique of achieving the harmonics by touching the string right over the fret.Thanks !