Pinch Harmonic:
A pinch harmonic is an electric, acoustic or bass guitar technique that produces a sharp, squealing, or even screaming sound.
This effect happens when your picking hand lightly grazes the string with the thumb immediately after striking it with a pick.
Pinch harmonics are commonly used in rock and metal music to add flair, intensity, and emotion to riffs and solos.
How Does a Pinch Harmonic Work?
Pinch harmonics occur because the slight touch of your thumb divides the string into sections, amplifying a specific overtone while muting the main note. The sound depends on:
Hand Position: Moving your picking hand along the string changes the pitch of the harmonic.
Pickup Choice: Bridge pickups work best for this technique because they enhance treble tones.
Distortion: Adding gain or overdrive makes pinch harmonics more pronounced.
Who Uses Pinch Harmonics?
Pinch harmonics are a signature move of many legendary guitarists. Players like Zakk Wylde, Dimebag Darrell, and Eddie Van Halen have used them to create jaw-dropping riffs and solos.
In modern metal and rock, they’re a must-have tool for expressive and energetic playing.
How to Master Pinch Harmonics
Hold the Pick Properly: Grip your pick close to the tip, so your thumb naturally brushes the string.
Find Sweet Spots: The harmonic tone changes depending on where you pick the string; experiment near the pickups to locate the best spots.
Practice with Distortion: High gain settings make it easier to hear and perfect the sound.
This is how pinch harmony is represented in standard notation and TABs:
Summary
A pinch harmonic is a flashy, squealing note created by brushing the string with your thumb immediately after picking.
It’s a step beyond natural harmonics and requires precise hand positioning and technique. Don’t confuse pinch harmonics with natural harmonics—they’re two different techniques! Adding pinch harmonics to your playing can make your riffs and solos stand out in rock and metal music.