you see - when the string vibrates, it is not only one up and down movement of the whole string, but it is full of overtones.

If you have a string that is fixed between two points (on a guitar for example) and you strum it it might look like this:



As you can see it is always a mirrorimage - therefore you can create the same overtones below the 12th fret as you can above the 12th fret!

The method you use to create them, is either Natural Harmonic or Artificial (Pinch) Harmonic. Putting the finger on the string above the respective knotpoint is refered to as "natural harmonics"

Doing it with the pickinghand by slightly touching the string with the thumb when picking is called Artificial Harmonic.

Of course those harmonics are pretty high pitched, for its a pretty high vibration-ratio. thats what makes the screaming sound.





[Edited by Azrael on 04-01-2003 at 02:58 AM]