Players using harmonics

FPanda · #1 04-23-2011, 03:02 AM

I'm researching the use of harmonics on acoustic guitar, and so far I've discovered the likes of Andy McKee, Don Ross, Michael Hedges, Chet Atkins and Lenny Breau.

I'm required for my VCE assessment to play a recital, and so I need some good acoustic guitar pieces using harmonics (doesn't have to be entirely harmonics - in fact, that's very unlikely. But more than one or two harmonics in a piece would be appreciated).

Anyone have any songs suggestions? Any players I should check out?

Thanks in advance.

ocarolan · #2 04-23-2011, 03:10 AM

Phil Keaggy.

Keith

paul84 · #3 04-23-2011, 04:55 AM

Thomas Leeb. A real master of all sorts of harmonics. Check out the intro of 'Nai Nai'. I can't find a video of Thomas playing it live (its in an odd tuning, and he doesn't have other songs in tunings very close to it, so doesn't play it live often).
Here's a link to a friend of mine doing it some justice. (I play it, but not this well - its tough!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXDijxfrtCM

Thomas has a piece called Asha (named after his daughter) that is completely harmonics. I think its on his new album (out shortly, I believe).

Paul

D. Churchland · #4 04-23-2011, 05:09 AM

Tommy Emmanuel plays some wonderful harmonics, definitely listen to "The Finger Lakes", awesome piece

Taylorplayer · #5 04-23-2011, 05:45 AM

Doyle Dykes!

Kerbie · #6 04-23-2011, 05:47 AM

Janis Ian also uses harmonics quite often, particularly in live concerts.

WhistlingFish · #7 04-23-2011, 06:18 AM

This springs to mind immediately: Tony McManus playing "Hector the Hero".

http://youtu.be/A1i97Tvy2yc

The tab is available with one of his DVDs.

Rick Jones · #8 04-23-2011, 06:18 AM

Ermmm.....this is mine, if you wanted I could break the piece down for you and send you a CD...hope that doesn't seem like I'm spamming you!
Youtube does the sound no favours.

Eden

mesa · #9 04-23-2011, 07:35 AM

Hi FPanda

Welcome to the forum!

cotten · #10 04-23-2011, 08:22 AM

I echo that warm AGF welcome, FPanda. Glad to have you among us. Good luck with both your research and your recital.

cotten

Tele1111 · #11 04-23-2011, 09:32 AM

Richard Gilewitz has a nice piece called "Echoing Wilderness". Leo Kottke recorded it in a shorter form, and called it "Echoing Gilewitz".

ljguitar · #12 04-23-2011, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FPanda

I'm researching the use of harmonics on acoustic guitar, and so far I've discovered the likes of Andy McKee, Don Ross, Michael Hedges, Chet Atkins and Lenny Breau.

Hi FPanda…

Hello and welcome to the forum! We are glad you joined…

murrmac123 · #13 04-23-2011, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhistlingFish

This springs to mind immediately: Tony McManus playing "Hector the Hero".

http://youtu.be/A1i97Tvy2yc

The tab is available with one of his DVDs.

Definitely the tune to go for if you want to do something impressive for your assessment.

Not that difficult to learn, and it always sounds good (if you get it right !)

Doyle Dykes is unquestionably the master of harmonics, but you might as well practise walking on water as try to learn how he does his stuff ...

bishopdm · #14 04-23-2011, 11:47 AM

Add Ted Greene and Jody Fisher to the list!

Glennwillow · #15 04-23-2011, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Will Kirk

Tommy Emmanuel plays some wonderful harmonics, definitely listen to "The Finger Lakes", awesome piece

I think TE is a great example of how to use harmonics tastefully and I agree with Will that TE's "Fingerlakes" song is a good example. Also, TE's version of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" is pretty stunning: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIHpJh9nDkg

- Glenn