Week 1 · 12 min
Natural harmonics
By the end, you can sound the nodes at XII, VII and V cleanly.
Lesson steps
1 Half the string
Touch string 4 lightly directly over the twelfth fret.
3 min · 40 bpm · 1 note per click
Check for · 2 bars at 44 BPM — The fret wire is beneath the fingertip and the string stays above the fingerboard.
More detail
Pluck with the right thumb. The number marks the fret to touch lightly.
2 Lifting off
Lift the left finger just after the thumb attacks.
3 min · 40 bpm · 1 note per click
Revisit the tablature · Step 1
Check for · 2 bars at 44 BPM — The sound in bar 1 lasts until the next click.
More detail
If you hear only a thud, move the touch closer to the crown of the fret.
3 VII and V
Play both touch points in bar 2 on the same string.
3 min · 40 bpm · 1 note per click
Revisit the tablature · Step 1
Check for · 2 bars at 48 BPM — The harmonic at fret V sounds higher than the one at VII.
More detail
Use a light touch over the metal each time. Moving the touch point changes the pitch.
4 The final resonance
Play all four bars, then let the final harmonic ring for four beats.
3 min · 44 bpm · 1 note per click
Revisit the tablature · Step 1
Check for · 4 bars at 48 BPM — the harmonics at XII, VII and V sound distinct, and the final note rings for four beats from one attack.
More detail
Move both hands clear of the string after the attack to hear it die away naturally.
You can move on when…
You pass when you sound XII, VII and V over 4 bars at 48 BPM and sustain the last harmonic for four beats.
If a movement feels difficult
The string makes a dull thud.
Touch lightly directly over the fret wire and lift the finger just after plucking.
The harmonic cuts off at the next attack.
Move your finger clear of the ringing string before preparing the next one.