#36 Pinch / Squeal Harmonics, Dime/Zakk Style Pinch Harmonics on the fly Options

[Todd Simpson]

INTRO
In this QUICK LICKS we are going to work on "PINCH HARMONICS" also known as "PINCH SQUEALS". Some folks like ZAKK WYLDE and DIME have used this technique to great effect and are well known for it. We are not talking here about using the bell like harmonics where you don't fret a note but glance off the string while striking. The ones we are talking about here are fretted and there is some vibrato as well. The vibrato makes the the entire thing stand out more and ring out better. If you don't use any vibrato or bending, the "Pinch" will not sustain very long. You can use your Whammy/Trem with this technique if desired, however, we are not going to cover that today. This is about doing the actual Pinch itself and sticking the landing, as it were. Nothing sounds worse than going for a Pinch Harmonic and missing it completely. It draws attention to itself in a very bad way and it's easy to tell that one just missed ones intended lick. To wit, we are going to put the Pinch in the context of a simple riff and repeat the pinch as we move down the neck and alternate with an open string. This will give you practice in "Sticking the landing". E.G. Hitting your pinch "On the Fly" as God intended. You should not have to stop what you are doing and prepare for doing this technique. It should flow seamlessly.

Also, feel free to Bend anywhere Vibrato is notated. Either is fine. However, try NOT to use tepid/shallow, "back and forth" wagging vibrato. Use forcefull, intentional, up and down vibrato. The better your vibrato, the better your pinch will sound. Let's take a look at the video. It contains the lick itself and wads of tips/close up shots of how to get the most out of this techique. It's the longest Quick Lick vid in quite a while but worth the watch. This is a basic Rock/Metal technique. It should be in one's bag of tricks

*Make sure to watch the vid!. It Contains the "Secret Sauce"

*NOTE: Pay Special attention to letting your thumb graze by the string after the strike, this is what creates the harmonic squeal.

BACKGROUND / COMMENTS : Don't beat yourself up if you struggle with this. Most players struggle with this at some point. I did as well. I've yet to find someone who could pull this off without trying. But it is possible, with a bit of practice, to get it to where you can pull it off anytime you want and not miss it.

 36.gp5 ( 2.25K ) Number of downloads: 140

BTW:
Please let me know if you have any questions about this lick, send me a PM if you like or post here. I'm happy to help!

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This post has been edited by Todd Simpson: Jul 14 2018, 08:58 PM

[Adam]

The drill itself reminded me of that one song...


And the QL itself:

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[Todd Simpson]

This is well played Soldier and it's directly influenced by Eagles Dare so good ear!! The goal of this one is to do a pinch harmonic on every single fretted note. I hear one on the first note, but not the ones following. The idea is to make the hand land in to a pinch. This is to get you used to sticking the landing and doing a pinch at the same time. It's very tricky and double tricky on a wound string. Focus on doing a pinch at each fretted spot and skip the open string until you can get the pinch. The trick to the pinch is to use a bit of thumb to hit the string just after you strike it. This is what creates a pinch harmonic.

Let me know if you are having trouble with pinch harmonics. They can be a bit tricky.

Todd

The drill itself reminded me of that one song...


And the QL itself:

You are at GuitarMasterClass.net

Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

[Adam]

This is well played Soldier and it's directly influenced by Eagles Dare so good ear!! The goal of this one is to do a pinch harmonic on every single fretted note. I hear one on the first note, but not the ones following. The idea is to make the hand land in to a pinch. This is to get you used to sticking the landing and doing a pinch at the same time. It's very tricky and double tricky on a wound string. Focus on doing a pinch at each fretted spot and skip the open string until you can get the pinch. The trick to the pinch is to use a bit of thumb to hit the string just after you strike it. This is what creates a pinch harmonic.

Let me know if you are having trouble with pinch harmonics. They can be a bit tricky.

Todd

Is this one okay?

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[Todd Simpson]

Much better. Your doing a pinch on each one. Keep working on your pinch to get it to ring out a bit more with a more solid harmonic tone. Great progress!! You just..

LEVELED UP!!

Todd

Is this one okay?

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Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

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