How to Play Right-Hand and Artificial Harmonics on Classical Guitar

Harmonics, in all forms, are one of the guitar’s great “magic tricks”.

Their otherworldly sound adds mystique and marvel to any piece.

We play the “natural” guitar harmonics at the 12th fret, 7th fret, and 5th fret. But using the techniques below, any pitch can become a harmonic. Using these techniques, we can unleash a whole new range of musical colors.

How to Play Right-Hand Harmonics

In order to start playing natural harmonics, first, we touch one of the open strings with the left hand at the appropriate place. Then we pluck the string with the right hand.

For natural harmonics, the left-hand touches the string above the fret on an open string, and the right-hand plays the string.

But we can also move both these responsibilities to the right hand alone.

To play right-hand harmonics:

1. Touch the open string with the index (I) finger.
2. Next, pluck that same string with either the ring (A) finger or the thumb.

The index finger touches the string above a fret on an open string, and the right ring finger (A) plays the string.

The index finger touches the string above a fret on an open string, and the right-hand thumb plays the string.

Create Distance Between the Touch and Pluck

To get the most sound from the harmonic, keep as much distance as possible between the tip of the index finger and the pluck.

If we pluck the string too close to the “touch-point”, the string will vibrate less. This causes a quieter or more muted sound.

Artificial Harmonics on the Classical Guitar

Using the right-hand harmonic technique, our left hand is free to do other things (such as hold-down fretted notes).

As said above, we can play a natural harmonic on the 12th fret.

Likewise, we can play a harmonic 12 frets above any fretted note (exactly one octave higher), provided we hold down the string at that fret.  We call this an “artificial harmonic”.

For example, the left hand can hold down the first fret. Then, the right hand can play a harmonic 12 frets up from there, at the 13th fret.

Using this technique, we can play any pitch as an artificial harmonic. We can play melodies or counter-melodies. We can create new musical effects and bring our music to life.

Practice the Choreography

Using the right hand in this new way, we may need to practice the choreography.

To practice, play the note just before the harmonic note. As the right-hand plays the previous note, immediately jump to the artificial harmonic, and freeze there.

Don’t actually play the artificial harmonic, just snap into position and stop.

This practice trains our muscle-memory to move our arm into position. And it lets us create space for an intentional and precise harmonic.

Have fun!

Related: 3 Tips for Better Harmonics on Classical Guitar