Pinched harmonic tech.

[Metalliska]

Okay, pinched harmonics are cool, and just add a tonne of class in the right place. But I was wondering how does everyone play them, I know you catch your thumb on the string as u pick it but, do you use the tip of your thumb or do you use the edge beside your nail, or the edge beside your knuckle. I playing with them at the moment trying to get the best sound with the least effort, so I can drop them easily into my licks.

[Wolfgang]

I play them with the side of my thumb, then shake the string with energy... to really get the 'zakkwylde' kind of sound... =)
The exercise to get good at then I always suggest is: play chromatic scales usin all downstrokes, and playin' every single not of the scale as a pinch harmonic... it works! =)

[Dj Empty]

I seem to do them great all the time but accidently. When i try to do them I just can't, How am i suppose to grip the pick?

[Koala]

I actually play pinch harmonics with my index instead of my thumb, no one ever really taught me how to do it so long ago I just figured it out and still do it , it actually sounds mind boggling and pretty uncomfortable to play them with your thumbs if ya ask me :)

[Wolfgang]

I am completely self taught, so no one ever showed me how to play pinch harmonics too... i don't change my grip when i play them, i keep holdin it the way i hold it when i alternate pick or sweep pick... one size fits all =)
When i'm pickin and i want to pick a PH i just use a 'dry' and fast motion of my wrist to execute it... not very well explained i know, i should show you how i do to make myself clear... =(

[Tiger Lily]

Im having a lot of trouble with pinch harmonics. Do you just lightly hold your thumb, or move it after you tap the string. I seem to being hitting it too hard or something, cuz th esound just stops. i know, practice is th eonly way to get it, but wut am i supposed to practice?

[roel]

I usually pinch harmonic with the edge of my thumb, and trying to avoid extraneous noise. All it needs is a good light touch at the right moment.