Palm harmonics on lower note

Chuck Trombley · Post by **Chuck Trombley** » 15 Mar 2001 3:32 pm

Harmonics are beautiful but two note harmonics are outstanding. They sound like thirds with the lower note played with the harmonic tone and the higher one with the normal tone. Although they are played as thirds the sixths are produced. Jerry Byrd, the greatest steel player of all time, and I've heard a few in my 73 years, is a master of this sound, but how is it played?
I've worked on it for years and still can't master it, so I'm appealing to the many masters in the forum. Somehow the lower note must be a harmonic which is produced by the palm contacting the string, but how is the upper note produced?
For those who answered my previous question on the difference between the Nashville sounding steel and Hawaiian, I thank you. 'twas good.
Chuck

Rick Aiello · Post by **Rick Aiello** » 15 Mar 2001 7:23 pm

Try using finger-tip harmonics instead of palm harmonics. The thumb pick and the ring finger (bent towards the palm) produce the lower note harmonic while the index or middle finger picks the regular note.

The positioning of the ring finger (5,7,12 frets etc. up from the bar) dictates the harmonic heard.
[This message was edited by Rick Aiello on 15 March 2001 at 07:26 PM.][This message was edited by Rick Aiello on 15 March 2001 at 08:21 PM.]

Bob Kagy · Post by **Bob Kagy** » 16 Mar 2001 11:13 am

Chuck, I'm not a master, but I'll jump in on this anyway.

I use palm, or more accurately, heel of palm on those lower string harmonics.

Try this. With palm in usual harmonic position, try rotating your knuckles up just a little bit - enough to lift the palm off the upper string(s), but leaving the rounded heel of the palm on the lower string(s). This is the basic position.

Then of course, you have to get the part still in contact with the strings on the lower string you want to harmonic, and the part not in contact just off the upper string you want to pick. Moving the right hand slightly forward, and being aware of the rounded part of the heel touching the lower string is a key for me.

You'll have to experiment with this to get the right position. It could help a lot to watch your right hand trying this out by doing open string harmonics for awhile. Put your head right down near the nut and look down the fretboard at the angles and positions of your right hand while trying it.

It also works a little easier if you're picking sixths, not thirds, because the strings are not adjacent on the sixths and it gives you a little more room to get the feel of it. The sixths played with the lower string harmonic'ed come out sounding like thirds.

(Sure takes a lot of words to try to explain something like this

)

Hope this is some help, and hope it's clear.

Good luck, Bob[This message was edited by Bob Kagy on 16 March 2001 at 01:22 PM.]

Bob Kagy · Post by **Bob Kagy** » 18 Mar 2001 10:25 am

Chuck, did any of us come close to answering your question, or are you still waiting?

Chuck Trombley · Post by **Chuck Trombley** » 22 Mar 2001 6:11 pm

Thanks gentlemen. I tried them all. Using the fip of my finger is so different, but lowering the heel of my palm and raising my knuckles and picking will work. Discovered the 6th is easier than the 3rd, but JB still intrigues me with his flawless technique. I'm going to the Hawaiian Convention the last of April and first week of May. Lord willing, one of the master's can show this old timer how it works. Thanks. Chuck

Bob Kagy · Post by **Bob Kagy** » 23 Mar 2001 3:00 pm

Sounds like a great trip; I hope it's enjoyable and fruitful.

String spacing on your lap steel may be a factor, but if you're willing, I'd be interested to hear what advice you get there. Maybe you could put up a post after you get back.

Have a great time, Bob