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#1499 - 02/03/10 10:54 AM False Harmonics
MattG Offline
member

Registered: 11/27/09
Posts: 143
Loc: Nashville, TN
Can someone explain how false harmonics work on the bass? I've seen it done but can someone expand? Did Jaco "invent" them?

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#1502 - 02/03/10 01:37 PM Re: False Harmonics [Re: MattG]
Laklander Offline
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Registered: 11/25/09
Posts: 343
Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
I doubt that Jaco invented them, but he was probably the first high-profile player to use them so effectively. I use them infrequently and I don't know if my technique is correct, but it's the same as illustrated in the second picture on this site: http://www.rustyspringfield.net/flshrmncs.html

Basically, you fret a note and hold your thumb lightly on the string being fretted where you noirmally pluck, then pluck it with your finger. Slide your thumb up and down the string till you find the spot. There are several places on the string that will produce different harmonics.

Check out this video of Jaco playing "Birdland" and you'll see what I'm talking about. He gets the first harnonic, then slides his right hand back toward the bridge to a get a higher one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQDfMqLlFPU
_________________________
"Bass is the foundation of the band." -- William Murderface, Dethklok bassist
-----------------------
Lakland 55-94; Lakland Skyline Joe Osborn 5; Hofner Icon; OLP Tony Levin Signature 5 String; Stagg EUB; Genz-Genz Shuttle 6.0; Line 6 Lowdown Studio 110; Radial Bassbone

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#1505 - 02/03/10 02:11 PM Re: False Harmonics [Re: Laklander]
MattG Offline
member

Registered: 11/27/09
Posts: 143
Loc: Nashville, TN
I use a variation of them on the guitar. If I fret say a C chord in open position, I use my finger twelve frets above each fretted in open position and lightly touch over the fret and use my thumb to pick. I only use it for harmonics I cant get with no fingering.

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#1508 - 02/03/10 02:32 PM Re: False Harmonics [Re: MattG]
ShackMan Offline
enthusiast

Registered: 03/14/09
Posts: 335
Loc: Pittsburgh Area
That's exactly the point. Of course, Jaco also had really large hands, so he could stretch his left hand for false harmonics as well. Just watch him play "Portrait of Tracy" sometime.
_________________________
I love science, and it pains me to think that so many are terrified of the subject or feel that choosing it means you cannot also choose compassion, or the arts, or be awed by nature. Science is not meant to cure us of mystery, but to reinvent and reinvigorate it. -R. Sapolsky

Upton Bass Custom 3/4 Upright, BSX Custom Allegro EUB, '80s Peavey T-40, MIM Active Jazz Bass, Godin BG-5 (for sale!), Fender Bassman 100 , `68 Fender Bassman 50 head, SWR Goliath 4x10, Markbass 2x10 cab

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#1570 - 02/11/10 09:42 AM Re: False Harmonics [Re: ShackMan]
MattG Offline
member

Registered: 11/27/09
Posts: 143
Loc: Nashville, TN
Awesome suggestions guys. Those are some killer videos. I have never thought to plug something into youtube, I had only heard recordings. Its fun to watch him play. I know I'm not a Bass player, but I think I still prefer Victor Wooten though...

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