Technically speaking, ‘Harmonics’ is a very high tech word used by Electrical Engineers who use this term in the design of various electronics products ranging from Cell Phones to Musical Instruments. Harmonics is defined as integer multiples of a frequency(note). When a note is sounded we only hear the fundamental note of that particular note. In reality there are various components attached to this basic note, i.e., when a note is sounded on the guitar, there are other notes also which accompany this note (usually integer multiples of the base note frequency), but are much less in amplitude (volume) . Hence we only hear the fundamental note. Guitar players have been able to subdue the basic note and enhance the amplitude of the components of the note. And as a result what we hear is the beautiful sound of a bell. It’s magical and it sounds very melodious. This technique is best suited for electric guitars. Acoustic guitar harmonics is even more melodious but harder to play.
Natural Harmonics:
This technique is easy to play but limited in scope. The beginner should have no problem in learning this technique. Place your index finger over the 12th fret (right above the metal strip). Do not press the string towards the fret board. Your finger should just rest on the string. Now pluck the string and immediately release your index finger from the string. Try it as many times as possible. And what you hear will be very pleasing to the ears. Try this on all the strings on the 12 fret. This is also possible on fret numbers 4,5 and 8. When you play open chords try adding this affect. It can really enhance your abilities as a good guitar player with variety.Artificial Harmonics:
Now what if you want to play this technique on all notes? Well, this is a hard technique to master and it’s also hard to explain. It will come naturally when you have had some experience on the guitar. Playing it on an Acoustic guitar is very hard, unless you have it amplified. If you are using an Electric Guitar try this:Have a distortion affect on. Hold a note somewhere on the middle of the fret board, preferably the 2nd or 3rd string around frets 4 through 12. This is a technique in which you use your picking finger. Notice how the pick lies between your index and thumb? Now try squeezing the string between the pick and the tip of your index finger and pluck the string. Try this as many times as possible. It won’t come the first time. Keep at it and soon you will discover something really fantastic. Best affect: when used through distortion and then bending the harmonic note with your tremolo arm. Warning: Makes you feel like a real Ace guitar player. Enjoy!
You can also use this technique to play harmonic chords. If you can play one artificial harmonic note, then use the same technique to pick through all the strings of a chord. It will sound really nice. Takes a lot of practice though!