Guitar & Harmonics: Learning Fundamentals & Techniques

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    Guitar Harmonics
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Guitar strings produce a consistent pitch primarily due to the fundamental frequency, but harmonics are present and can be influenced by playing techniques. The placement of fingers at specific points on the string creates artificial nodes, allowing the string to vibrate at higher harmonics. The ratio of harmonics to the fundamental tone can be affected by where the string is picked or strummed, with different locations yielding varying harmonic presence. While harmonics do exist, they tend to die out quickly because they oscillate at higher frequencies, contributing to the characteristic 'twang' sound when a string is plucked. Understanding these fundamentals enhances guitar playing and the appreciation of sound.
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I am learning to play guitar now, I am wondering why guitar strings always give the same sound (pitch). In my opinion, it is because it is always the fundamental, but why there is never presence of harmonics during playing?

Also there is a technique in guitar playing called HARM. You just put your finger loose at approximately 1/2, or 1/3 of the string and leave it when it is working. Then you can play harmonics. Then how is it working?
 
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Also there is a technique in guitar playing called HARM. You just put your finger loose at approximately 1/2, or 1/3 of the string and leave it when it is working. Then you can play harmonics. Then how is it working?
Maybe by placing the finger at specified places you are creating artificial nodes that forces the string to vibrate with that particular harmonic.
 
aim1732 said:
Maybe by placing the finger at specified places you are creating artificial nodes that forces the string to vibrate with that particular harmonic.

Makes sense, thank you
 
There are harmonics when you play a guitar. You can affect the ratio of harmonics to fundamental tone by where you pick or strum the string, near the middle of the string (less harmonics) or near the end (more harmonics). As mentioned, placing your finger on the string at key spots (1/2, 1/3) prevents the normal fundamental tone, resulting in a higher tone.
 
ZealScience said:
I am learning to play guitar now, I am wondering why guitar strings always give the same sound (pitch). In my opinion, it is because it is always the fundamental, but why there is never presence of harmonics during playing?
There are harmonics, but they die out rapidly because they oscillate faster.
You can hear them die out. That is why you hear 'twang' if you pluck a string.
The 'tw' is the sound of the higher frequencies. The 'ng' is the lower frequency fundamental.
 
clem said:
There are harmonics, but they die out rapidly because they oscillate faster.
You can hear them die out. That is why you hear 'twang' if you pluck a string.
The 'tw' is the sound of the higher frequencies. The 'ng' is the lower frequency fundamental.

Yes, that is true. I've heard that, thank you for explanation.
 
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