Make it scream

How do you make the guitar scream?... Sorry, i can't really describe it any other way.

I believe you are referring to what is known as pinch harmonics. You have to choke up on the pick and right after the pick hits the string, the string should come in contact with your thumb for a split second. This will give you that squeal you desire. You will have to practice 'cause it isn't easy to do the first time you try. I thought it was damn near impossible until I started doing them the other night. :cool:

Originally Posted by: bigbudaI believe you are referring to what is known as pinch harmonics. You have to choke up on the pick and right after the pick hits the string, the string should come in contact with your thumb for a split second. This will give you that squeal you desire. You will have to practice 'cause it isn't easy to do the first time you try. I thought it was damn near impossible until I started doing them the other night. :cool:

try this. crank your gain, and switch onto the bridge pup. do a monster bend, and when you pick the bend, do what bigbuda said. that should give you a nice scream


also, cameron.... where you from? just wondering.

yeh, thats right, although i use my index finger instead.

its the same thing, but i find it more comfortable...

I CANT DO ITTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
am i doing it wrong????i managed to get a slight scream from the amp...like a distant howl...is that a sign of it coming??? GEEZ!!!!

it's not hard. just put the edge of the pick close to the edge of your thumb and then pick with the pick then your thumb should hit it as well. But u gotta get it right it's more of like a pinch motion hence the name. BTW there is a video or two of it on the net somewhere. I no because i watched it but i can't remember what site it woz :p

I can understand where this Kid is comin from...........I tohught it was damn near impossible first time I ever tried it. Heck I still have trouble doing it.......LMAO!
But like all things,it just takes time to master. I have found that if you hold the pick as close to your thumb as you can,and instead of hitting the string with the side of your thumb, instead try picking it with your thumbnail afterwards it gives off a pretty unique squeal. Hope it works for you!

1st thing you need to do is crank the distortion up to the max and get a nice tone that is neither too bassy or middy.
As the guys above said, hold the pick with about 1 to 2 mm protruding. As you pick the note your thumb should roll away from the plecturm exposing another mm or so, then just as the plectrum passes over the string, your thumb returns to its original position and brushes over the string (creating the harmonic effect).
It helps to sustain the scream sound by adding vibrato. You also get a completely different type of scream depending on where your pick the note (distance from the neck to the bridge).
An exercise to help nail it would be to concentrate on each string at a time and try screaming each fret with 5 different picking positions (eg 1 cm from trem, 3 inches, 5 inches etc). You will very quickly work out the easiest position for you and then it's just a matter of getting the "penny to drop " on the technique for the rest of the fretboard. Like everyhting else on the guitar, its tough to grasp when starting but very easy once you get the idea. Best of luck!