Bass Lesson 30 - Harmonics

Bass harmonics are common in solo bass styles and can open up a new world of playing. Harmonic can create a dramatic and emotional aura of sound with a bass. They are often played with regularly fretted bass notes together. Many players have used chromatics to create this emotional feeling in their music. There are a few types of harmonics, but this article will focus on natural harmonics.

To create natural harmonics, place your finger over the string at the 12th fret. The 12th fret is the easiest harmonic to make because it is the midpoint of the string. Just setting your finger on the string doesn't cut it. You should not be fretting the note, but instead resting your finger on the string directly over the 12th fret. When you pluck the string, the half you are plucking will vibrate, and the half between your finger and the nut will vibrate as well. Since they are both the same length, they create equal frequencies and tone, which should generate a pleasant sound.

Other natural harmonics are found at the 9th, 7th, 5th, 4th, and 3rd frets. In truth, there are harmonics all over the fretboard, but these are the easiest and most useful to play. Try finding some of the harmonics and get comfortable with them. After you figure out how to play them, give the following example a shot.

Harmonics are noted in music as shown above. Anything under the dotted line after “Harm.” is played as a harmonic. Harmonics will sound really high-pitched and will be strange to play together. When you play harmonics ascending up the neck, the pitch doesn't consistently go up; it will move around and sound different than what you are expecting. For the first measure, pluck the B and then use your index and middle fingers at the same time to pluck the two harmonic notes. Be sure to let B ring out below; this will make a great sound. For the next measure, pluck the low A, fretted with your middle finger. Play the first set of harmonics with your ring and pinky fingers, and pluck with your index and middle fingers. The second harmonic on the 4th fret should be “fretted” with your index finger, and the next harmonic, on the 5th fret, should be fretted with your index. You might want to look at the video for a visual explanation. Let’s take a look at another example on the fretboard.

This example has an underlying rhythm with a melody/solo of harmonics on top. The rhythm of the underlying theme stays the same, but in every measure the harmonics are quick and punchy. Let them ring out to get the best effect. During the first three harmonics of each set, rake your finger up the strings or your thumb down the strings, and then be prepared to pluck the following note. Instead of fretting the notes individually, lay your finger across the 3 strings parallel to the fret. Make sure you are not muting the string (or actually pushing it down to the fret), but hold your finger directly above the fret just enough to produce the harmonic.

Be sure to look through the video a few times for examples, and also check out the forums if you have any further questions. Rock on!