New Irish Tune - What is Segovia doing here? [Archive]

NGiorgio

01-05-2004, 08:32 AM

The example shown indicates the top note of the chord, marked with the x, is to be played as a harmonic, which will be played an octave higher than the written note. These are harmonics which are usually played with the right hand fingers, "i" and "a". The "i" finger touches the string 12 frets higher than the original note and the "a" finger sounds the note in free stroke. The "i" finger just touches the string without pressing it to the fret.
The left hand fingers operate in their normal manner in fretting the notes.

In the case of the open note you execute the harmonic at the 12th fret with the "i" at 12th fret and strike the string with "a". These are known as artificial harmonics and require a bit of practice to execute properly.

The easiest way to attempt artificial harmonics is to practice the open strings first. High e, b and g will be the best. Hold the right hand "i" finger at the 12th fret, just touch the string lightly and pluck with the "a" finger. It should be a very fluid motion, and thats what takes some effort.

The other two notes of the chord will be played with "p" and "m"

This technique is much easier to demonstrate. If you have an instructor or someone who can show you how it is done, it will be much easier to learn.