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

Last Updated: June 29, 2021

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

1
Set your guitar to the bridge pickup.
2
Hold down any fret, on any string, this works best on natural harmonic notes. In standard tuning a really simple one of these is on the 12th fret, any string.

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3
Choke up on your pick so there is only about a half or quarter centimeter showing.
4
Pick the note, but barely brush your thumb across the string as you pick it (should be one motion).
5
Put a nice vibrato on the note (optional).

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Acoustic Guitar

1
Place your hand on the strings.
2
Hold down the desired fret.
3
With your thumb, barely place the knuckle on the top of the string.
4
With the finger that is picking it, pluck the note fast.
5
Remove thumb quickly and enjoy.

Community Q&A

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