How to Play Harmonics on the Bass Guitar

Last Updated: February 24, 2021

Bass guitar, just like an electric guitar, has the ability to produce bell like notes- or with a little distortion high pitched squeals. There are multiple techniques to produce the harmonics, and this article will explain two of the more common ways, with one having multiple ways to achieve the same goal.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:
Natural Harmonics

1
Finding the harmonic! The frets seven and twelve tend to be the frets most easily used with this technique, so we will start there. Choose either.
2
Lightly place your finger overtop the fret, just enough to make contact with the string. Note that you are in fact over the fret itself and note placing your finger where you would hold the string down as if normally fretting it.
3
Pluck the string with your picking hand, using your thumb or plectrum/pick. Adjust your fret hands pressure and placement until you have a satisfying harmonic note.
4
Practice a quick release. Now that you have found the placement that gives you the strongest and clearest harmonic over the fret, practice releasing your finger from the string as quickly as possible after picking it to let the harmonic ring out. You're done!

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:
Pinch Harmonics Using Your Thumb

1
Hold down the first fret. This method involves holding down the strings in the usual manner and focus is on the picking hand. For ease of learning holding down the first fret of whichever string you choose will be the starting point.
2
Find the thirteenth fret. Previously the twelfth fret would produce the desired harmonic but due to the first fret being held down, it will now reside at the thirteenth. Place your picking hands thumb overtop the fret using the same basic rules from the previous method.
3
Using either your picking hand's first, second, or third finger, pluck the string while your thumb stays stationary. Adjust your thumbs placement if needed.
4
Practice the release. As in the previous method, once the desired harmonic is found practice releasing your finger after the string is plucked to allow it to ring out.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:
Pinch Harmonics with a Pick

1
Place your pick in your hand so as to have only a small portion of it sticking out between your fingers.
2
Hold down the first fret of whichever string you choose.
3
Pick the string by the thirteenth fret and immediately mute the string with the side of your thumb.