Pinch Harmonics


david_martin20025
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david_martin20025
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07/17/2011 5:05 pm
I watched the video on here. I have done what it says. And when I twist my thumb I can hear the harmonic, however when I get the harmonic it is faint and does not give me the SQUEAL, I am looking for. You can hear the harmonic but its almost like its barely there. Any pointers on how to get the SQUEL, and get the harmonic to really sound?
# 1
Ben Lindholm
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Ben Lindholm
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07/17/2011 5:43 pm
How much distortion/gain are you using? You will need LOTS of it to get the squeals. Also, adding a wide vibrato will make your pinch harmonics squeal much more.
# 2
david_martin20025
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david_martin20025
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07/17/2011 7:04 pm
I have a cheap 15G Starcaster AMP, with a distortion button. So the distortion I am using is coming from the amp, I am not sure how much it gives me. So your saying that I may just need a better AMP, or add a distoration pedal to get the louder squeal, and not a real low harmonic??
# 3
Ben Lindholm
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Ben Lindholm
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07/17/2011 7:10 pm
Well, I don't know exactly how much gain the Starcaster has, but you can try using a distortion pedal in combination with the amp gain.

The best way would be to take your guitar to a music store and try a couple of amps and see if there is a difference in how your squeals sound.

With humbucker pickups (like on a Les Paul) the squeals will also be louder than on a guitar with single coil pickups (like a standard Fender Strat).

Vibrato helps a lot with the squeal effect though.
# 4
david_martin20025
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david_martin20025
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07/18/2011 6:03 am
Ok Ill try it. Thanks for the help
# 5
JoaquinCastillo
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JoaquinCastillo
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07/18/2011 2:41 pm
Originally Posted by: david_martin20025IAny pointers on how to get the SQUEL, and get the harmonic to really sound?

Try on different parts of the string. Move all along the way from the saddles to the neck pick up (to where it ends). Some areas are easier to get a pinched harmonic, and also you can get different sounding harmonics.
# 6
Joe Pinnavaia
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Joe Pinnavaia
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07/22/2011 3:17 am
+1 Experiment not only with the areas on the strings but also the right amount of thumb flesh and pick.

Also you not only should have the right amount of distortion but usually the bridge pickup is a better option for this technique. it takes alot of experimentation.

Good luck!

Joe
http://www.joepinnavaia.com
# 7

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