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

Author Info

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

Download Article

In standard tuning a really simple one of these is on the 12th fret, any string.

Advertisement

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Acoustic Guitar

Download Article

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

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

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 8 Helpful 1

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

More distortion tends to create a more full-sounding squeal. A squeal done with minimal distortion will not have any sustain, and will die very quickly, whereas a squeal done with ample distortion will allow you to manipulate and hold the note out longer.

Thanks
Helpful 36 Not Helpful 8
Whatever you do, don't give up because it doesn't work at first. Try moving around with your picking hand to find a better spot.

Thanks
Helpful 35 Not Helpful 11
A great example of a guitarist that used pinched harmonics is Dimebag Darrell Abbot.

Thanks
Helpful 37 Not Helpful 14