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

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

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

PDF download Download Article
  2. In standard tuning a really simple one of these is on the 12th fret, any string.
    Advertisement
    6. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Acoustic Guitar

PDF download Download Article
    6. Advertisement


Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • 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
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 8 Helpful 1
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      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.
        Thanks
        Helpful 36 Not Helpful 8
      • 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.
        Thanks
        Helpful 35 Not Helpful 11
      • A great example of a guitarist that used pinched harmonics is Dimebag Darrell Abbot.
        Thanks
        Helpful 37 Not Helpful 14
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

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

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Rapidly Learn to Play the Acoustic Guitar Yourself
      How to
      Read Guitar Tabs
      How to
      Learn All the Notes on the Guitar
      How to
      Position Your Fingers on Guitar Strings
      How to
      Read Guitar Music
      How to
      Learn to Play Electric Guitar
      How to
      Teach Yourself to Play Bass Guitar
      How to
      Set Up a Guitar
      How to
      Hold a Guitar Properly for Beginners (Sitting & Standing)
      How to
      Learn Guitar Scales
      How to
      Start Learning Guitar
      How to
      Palm Mute
      How to
      Set Up Guitar Pedals
      How to
      Ease Finger Soreness when Learning to Play Guitar
      Advertisement

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 181,971 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement