# Harmonics

Natural nodes and pinch/artificial harmonics for lead color on bass.

## Natural

Touch above 5, 7, 12 (also 4, 9, 3); pluck; lift. Map every string.

## Node map

A harmonic does not sound at the pitch of the fret you touch. The node makes the
string vibrate in equal parts, and the pitch is that many times the open string:

| Touch fret | Parts | Above the open string | On the E string |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 2 | octave | E2 |
| 7 | 3 | octave + fifth | B2 |
| 5 | 4 | two octaves | E3 |
| 4 | 5 | two octaves + major third | G♯3 |
| 9 | 5 | same as fret 4 | G♯3 |
| 3 | 6 | two octaves + fifth | B3 |

So fret 5 rings *higher* than fret 7, and 4 and 9 are two nodes of the same
vibration — the same pitch, so use whichever is out of your hand's way.

12 easiest; 7/5 common; 4/9 melodic; 3 delicate. Touch above the wire.

## Chime chain

D and G at fret 12, then both at fret 7: D3 · G3 · A3 · D4 — four chimes rising
in open fifths. The page plays it at your tempo.

## Pinch / artificial

Fret + thumb pluck with index edge touch. Start on G-string mid frets.

## In lead lines

Chain chimes into motifs; wah optional; light left hand.

## Common faults

Pressing through, wrong location, not lifting, weak pluck.

## TAB seeds

Original harmonic chains and fretted answers.

## Practice ladder

12ths → 7/5 → cross-string → fretted answer → optional pinch.

## What good sounds like

Bell onset, clear pitch, key-centered answers.

## Harmonic over drone
Independence drill fretted + chime.

## OD / wah intent
Bloom with mute discipline; sweep on sustain only.

## Melody chain
4-note node melody + fretted answer.

## Pinch ladder
Natural reference → fretted pinch → accent-only use.

## Quick fault table
Dud=lighter touch; wrong pitch=find node; dies=lift after attack.