Uploaded June 2011 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
Harmonics sound awesome on Bali Hai. Don't miss out like I did for so long by not using them. I'm learning them now. While starting to learn steel, I avoided harmonics because I thought they were impossible.
But do you know what I've learned about playing harmonics? It's not difficult at all if you're taught the correct techniques how to play them. 3 things that will help you play great harmonics is:
1. DON'T TRY TOO HARD. I mess up ever time I'm trying too hard. You're trying too hard because you're afraid you're going to miss it, and then it becomes a self-fulfilling pophecy.
2. YOU MUST CHIME EXACTLY ON POSITION. The first thing you do is practice your harmonics by slowly chime a note. It should sound great, loud and clear. If you're having problems getting good harmonics at this point, then either you're guitar has a lousy pickup or you need to work at getting your right palm EXACTLY on the fret, or perhaps you are pressing too hard. Harmonics require a gentle touch to be most effective.
3. YOU MUST KNOW THE MUSICIAL PIECE YOU ARE PLAYING. Even if you can play great harmonics from a single, non-moving, position; it won't do you any good if you're grasping for straws, guessing where to place your palm. just learn these 3 tips on technique....
1) KNOW YOUR SONG and what you intend to play using harmonics.
2) Make sure that you watch the fretboard, anticipaying where to place your palm to chime, and place your hand EXACTLY on the fret. If you cannot do this, then you need a slower rhythm track or band until you can master your skills and become faster.
I have a page teaching proper harmonics and techniques on the SteelC6th.com website for free: steelc6th.com/harmonics.htm
Harmonics sound awesome on Bali Hai. Don't miss out like I did for so long by not using them. I'm learning them now. While starting to learn steel, I avoided harmonics because I thought they were impossible.
But do you know what I've learned about playing harmonics? It's not difficult at all if you're taught the correct techniques how to play them. 3 things that will help you play great harmonics is:
1. DON'T TRY TOO HARD. I mess up ever time I'm trying too hard. You're trying too hard because you're afraid you're going to miss it, and then it becomes a self-fulfilling pophecy.
2. YOU MUST CHIME EXACTLY ON POSITION. The first thing you do is practice your harmonics by slowly chime a note. It should sound great, loud and clear. If you're having problems getting good harmonics at this point, then either you're guitar has a lousy pickup or you need to work at getting your right palm EXACTLY on the fret, or perhaps you are pressing too hard. Harmonics require a gentle touch to be most effective.
3. YOU MUST KNOW THE MUSICIAL PIECE YOU ARE PLAYING. Even if you can play great harmonics from a single, non-moving, position; it won't do you any good if you're grasping for straws, guessing where to place your palm. just learn these 3 tips on technique....
1) KNOW YOUR SONG and what you intend to play using harmonics.
2) Make sure that you watch the fretboard, anticipaying where to place your palm to chime, and place your hand EXACTLY on the fret. If you cannot do this, then you need a slower rhythm track or band until you can master your skills and become faster.
I have a page teaching proper harmonics and techniques on the SteelC6th.com website for free: steelc6th.com/harmonics.htm
