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Harmonics -- is it the same for all guitars?


goldenarmsx
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Joined: 08/28/08
Posts: 21
goldenarmsx
Registered User
Joined: 08/28/08
Posts: 21
08/24/2009 8:28 am
I was learning how to play natural harmonics on the guitar. However, I've noticed that on my axe, a Peavey Predator, it only has five places were I get a good harmonic -- 5th, 7th, 12th, 19th frets and one just over the magnetic parts of the neck pick up. Is this unusual? I was under the impression that you could generally get harmonics from a number of different places on the guitar. Or are all guitars different, either individually, or by company and model?
# 1
Neal Walter
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Joined: 02/11/09
Posts: 2,280
Neal Walter
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Joined: 02/11/09
Posts: 2,280
08/24/2009 9:09 am
I've noticed some guitars pick them up better than others. Make sure you're using a humbucker in the bridge position with a good amount of gain for the best results. The quality+output of the pickup makes a difference too.
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# 2
guitarfinger
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Joined: 08/30/09
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guitarfinger
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Joined: 08/30/09
Posts: 1
08/30/2009 2:18 am
Yes i agree, also depending if playing acoustic for instance, i find that old aged acoustic guitars are often warped, mainly in the neck, and harmonics are usually found in slightly different places. Also happens on some electric guitars as well.
# 3
2gross4u
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Joined: 08/23/08
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2gross4u
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Joined: 08/23/08
Posts: 52
09/08/2009 1:24 pm
As you stated there are a number of positions on the fretboard where you can get natural harmonics. I'm sure that everyone will agree the most natural harmonic is at the 12th fret. You can get harmonics at any fret anywhere on the fretboard if you do it right-for instance if you want to get harmonics for a B note, depress your left hand finger (if you're a rh player) on the 2nd fret on the "A" string then lay your index finger of your right hand lightly on the 14th fret of the same string and strike it with your right hand thumb (towards the pickup side of the 14th fret) you are simply moving that 12th fret harmonic around the fingerboard as you need it.
# 4

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