How to Do a Pinch Harmonic (false Harmonic or Squeal)

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Learning to recreate sounds on your guitar that you hear in songs, can be difficult. The "squeals" guitars sometimes make is call a "pinch harmonic." Here's wikihow to do a pinch harmonic (false harmonic or squeal).

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Electric Guitar

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  2. In standard tuning a really simple one of these is on the 12th fret, any string.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Acoustic Guitar

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  • Question
    When do I use the tremolo handle to do a pinch harmonic?
    Community Answer
    You typically hold it, and then give it a nice vibrato after you do the pinch harmonic. Or you can bend the string right after the harmonic, and it will give it a similar effect
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      Tips

      • More distortion tends to create a more full-sounding squeal. A squeal done with minimal distortion will not have any sustain, and will die very quickly, whereas a squeal done with ample distortion will allow you to manipulate and hold the note out longer.
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      • Whatever you do, don't give up because it doesn't work at first. Try moving around with your picking hand to find a better spot.
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      • A great example of a guitarist that used pinched harmonics is Dimebag Darrell Abbot.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Electric guitar
      • Good amp with distortion turned up, as well as the treble up
      • Patience
      • Maybe an overdrive pedal
      • Pick

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