Level 1 Chords

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What Are Harmonics?

Harmonics are formed by dividing the strings into equal sections - halves, quarters, etc. by touching lightly on the string at the fividing point. When done properly this will create a specific tone.

This video explains how harmonics work and how they are played.

Natural harmonics

Natural harmonics are played on the open strings.

The first harmonic is the normal open string.

The second harmonic is played by lightly touching the mid point of the open string - the 12th fret. This splits the string into 2 halves.

The third harmonic is played by splitting the string into vibrating thirds - by touching the string at the 7th or 19th fret.

The fourth harmonic is played by touching lightly at the fret that splits the string into quarters - at the 5th fret.

Artificial harmonics

When you play harmonics on fretted strings you apply the same principles as outlined above. These are called "artificial harmonics". For example, if you fret a string at fret 3, the 2nd harmonic will be at fret 15, and so on.

Technique

It is important to press on the string at the precise point, and with just the right amount of pressure. You do not press the string right down to the fretboard surface. Learning the correct techique will take some practice.

With the 2 handed technique you pluck the string with your normal playing hand, and fret the string with your fretting hand.

With the 1 handed technique you use your playing hand to both press on and pluck the string. This is usually used for playing artificial harmonics (where you are fretting the string with your other hand).

Tap Harmonics

Here are two different descriptions of the tap harmonics method

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