Page 1 of 1

how to do harmonics fast?

Posted: 19 Nov 2007 9:42 am
by Dave Zielinski
Having trouble doing harmonics fast. I can do them with my palm of my right hand and thumbpick- just quickly hitting the strings.

Can anyone let me in on how to do this better???
to cite an example, "Lookin' for better days" on Wayne Hancocks "wild free and reckless CD" Jeremy Wakefield does three harmonics in the intro. How do I get that sound?


Thanks!

Posted: 19 Nov 2007 2:40 pm
by John Billings
There was a good discussion on this very topic last week(?) in one of the pedal steel sections.
http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=120386
My explanation wasn't very good, but you can be very quick doing it that way. Anyway, check it out!

Posted: 19 Nov 2007 3:42 pm
by seldomfed
Scotty said of palm harmonics, "just don't think about it" - it's true, if I try and get it perfect I mess up, if I just grab one on the fly - it's usually just fine - strange.

Just start slow, and build speed gradually. You'll get it.

I also think a good guitar, in tune with good strings help.

I restrung a frypan lap steel recently with new strings and the harmonics died! It took a few days for the strings to settle in before it started singing again. I changed guages too - so not sure what variables I introduced. It just has a lot to do with how well your body 'learns' your instrument I think.

chris