5th fret harmonics ?

[mtmikey]

Originally Posted by Jim Tozier

I seem to remember hearing that harmonics are a function of dividing the string length into certain ratios... something like this:

12th fret = divides string in half = 1:1
7th fret = divides string in thirds = 1:2
5th fret = divides string in fourths = 1:3

Anyone know if that's right? And how other harmonics mentioned would fit that theory?

oddly enough, i was thinking exactly same yesterday and nearly posted, but was too shy.

but, yep. right stuff. it's on the internet, so it must be true:
http://www.guitarists.net/lessons/view.php?id=246

i'm guessing a string vibrating in fourths (5th fret) just isn't going to behave like one vibrating in longer sections (like at the 12th fret - in half).

or something.

ours goes to eleven.

[zenpicker]

Anyone like to use that 27th-fret harmonic?
It's the bomb. Hard to reach, though.

[~j~]

Originally Posted by zenpicker

Anyone like to use that 27th-fret harmonic?
It's the bomb. Hard to reach, though.

yo, it's gotta be equivalent to a spot on the left of the 12th fret as well that matches up with that ratio of the string length.

[rick-slo]

Late to the party I guess but I will add that what really works to bring out volume on the harmonics is to move your right hand close to the bridge when you pluck the string. That is not really needed much on the twelfth and seventh fret, but on fifth fret harmonics (and closer to the nut the fourth and third fret harmonics are quite usable for that matter) it works like a charm.
Rick

[Jwill36]

I was having issues getting the 5th fret to ring, so I turned my truss rod a 1/4 rotation left to raise the strings just a hair and bingo, got it to sing to me. Just needed to give it more breathing room. That may help if you haven’t done that already.

[RilesMcGiles]

Originally Posted by rick-slo

Late to the party I guess but I will add that what really works to bring out volume on the harmonics is to move your right hand close to the bridge when you pluck the string. That is not really needed much on the twelfth and seventh fret, but on fifth fret harmonics (and closer to the nut the fourth and third fret harmonics are quite usable for that matter) it works like a charm.
Rick

Just going to second this. As long as you are fairly accurate with your left hand placement, I find more success at that point from moving my right hand as Rick said. Also, I try and use my nail for 5th fret harmonics, while 7/12 I can do with the flesh of my finger.

[Brent Hahn]

Try using the knuckle of your thumb to "fret" with, and upstroking with your middle finger. You can get enough muscle into it to coax a harmonic out of just about anywhere.