Need Help w/Harmonics!!!

kirk · #1 05-24-2007, 10:49 PM

I've got a Gibson LP. At the seventh fret haronics are terrific, they sustain fantastically and sound great. However, at the fifth fret they are completely dead - muted.

Any ideas?????

buddroyce · #2 05-24-2007, 10:58 PM

Check your intonation

jb4674 · #3 05-24-2007, 11:03 PM

How old are the strings?

Jimmy

**elcid** · #4 05-24-2007, 11:12 PM

Practice more

kirk · #5 05-24-2007, 11:22 PM

I'll tighten up on the intonation, the strings ar relatively new - only about 2 wks. Keep suggestions coming please...

neptoess · #6 05-25-2007, 08:39 AM

like elcid said, it's probably your technique.

kirk · #7 05-27-2007, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elcid

Practice more

Quote:

Originally Posted by neptoess

like elcid said, it's probably your technique.

oh, ok because it is so difficult to execute right?

**GilkyBear** · #8 05-27-2007, 08:59 AM

When you hit the harmonic, have you tried moving your finger a little back and forth over the spot a little each way and see if you can find it or is it just totally dead in the whole area? Also, are you cranking the distortion, that would definitely help find the spot.

JJEMMER777 · #9 05-27-2007, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kirk

oh, ok because it is so difficult to execute right?

Lol.....thanks for the morning laugh

I take it this LP is a NEW aquisition for you??

Since we've ruled out proper execution, lol:

Fret problem maybe? Raise up the action a tad (tweak the truss if need be) and see if you can't hit the harmonic

Dee · #10 05-27-2007, 09:10 AM

I can't see it being a fret problem! Harmonics have nothing to do with frets, so nay.

I've never seen anyone complain about not being unable to hit a harmonic at that point on the fretboard. Most strange!

sugizo_esp · #11 05-27-2007, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dee

I can't see it being a fret problem! Harmonics have nothing to do with frets, so nay.

I've never seen anyone complain about not being unable to hit a harmonic at that point on the fretboard. Most strange!

well, harmonics got relation to perfect intonation..if your guitar is out of intonation, then some harmonics will sound muted.

and intonation relates to the frets if they are at correct measurements within the neck scales and so on

a properly set up guitar should get u perfect natural harmonics at ease

neptoess · #12 05-27-2007, 02:04 PM

sugizo is right, if your guitars intonation is out the harmonic will no longer be right above the fret. check that

**elcid** · #13 05-27-2007, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kirk

oh, ok because it is so difficult to execute right?

I dont know, I have 4 Les Paul and have no problems playing harmonics on them

Dee · #14 05-27-2007, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sugizo_esp

well, harmonics got relation to perfect intonation..if your guitar is out of intonation, then some harmonics will sound muted.

and intonation relates to the frets if they are at correct measurements within the neck scales and so on

a properly set up guitar should get u perfect natural harmonics at ease

Of course, but 5th fret harmonics should be easy to hit, even on a badly set up guitar.

timi_h · #15 05-27-2007, 10:03 PM

yeah its the 4th simplest mode of oscillation!
have you tried just picking rapidly and sliding your finger about an inch either side of where the harmonic *should* be so that you can find the right point? cos i can get that harmonic to ring out clear as day on a cheap as hell MANDOLIN!!!!

i suspect that you may just be putting your finger a little bit off from being dead over the 5th fret
(sorry i didnt mean my post to sound quite as patronising as it came out and i am trying to be genuinely helpful!!!)