Learn classical guitar with my online course! 🎸 Classicalguitar-pro.com -Your first pieces -6 hours, 53 HD videos -PDFs, Downloads, and Quizzes -Simulated recital -Access to Brandon's feedback in an exclusive Facebook group
What I find the most amazing about this video is your warmth and openness when teaching. Your skill and musicianship are excellent, but I've never felt such an earnest connection with a pre-recorded lesson. You are the kind of teacher I aspire to be, even after ten years of teaching music. Please keep up your incredible work, you definitely have a new fan.
I love his no judgment attitude to teaching and how he always approaches lessons without assumptions. He explains things as if you've picked the guitar up for the first time but without being condescending or patronising. I've been an electric player for 15 years but only just decided to give classical playing a try and I feel like a total beginner again so these videos are invaluable to me as a self-taught player
I think it's that wonderful smile. He has the opposite of resting bitch face. I like to think it is because he loves to have a guitar in his hands so much that he just can't help smiling, but it's probably just a really well chosen default face.
2:25 - The mere way how you seemingly effortlessly *show* each overtone, LIVE, is simply outstanding, Brandon. Absolutely jaw-dropping show of preparation and skill.
Stuff like this is what makes guitar so much more interesting and expressive than a piano. I roll my eyes every time someone calls a piano a complete and/or superior instrument.
Wow, after many years, I learnt something new, and suddenly realised that most TH-camrs have become entertainers rather than helpful. YOU on the other hand have taught me something concretely. Subscribed!
I simply love this video. Not only was I able to play harmonics immediately which made me super excited and happy, cause it sounds so cool, but this guy’s smile made it even better. I love how he smiles so warmly, this really made my day.
This is the best video I've ever seen regarding harmonics, you just helped me very greatly kind sir. You didn't try to dumb down the fundamentals of how they work because you actually understand them well enough to explain it simply without cutting corners.
No exagerating, you just changed my life. I ahve never learned this tecnique, and you just made me able to in 20 minutes. You have a gift. Thank you very much.
Popping this out from a subthread. The octave is the one place where the harmonic and the fretted pitch are the same: 12th fret harmonic = 12th fret note. If you do a harmonic on the 7th fret, you get a note an octave and a fifth higher. If you do a harmonic on the 5th fret, you get a note two octaves higher.* If you do a harmonic just behind the 4th fret (or over the 9th fret), you get a note two octaves and a major third up.** So, just on the low E string: Open E = root. E 12th-fret harmonic = E an octave higher = E 12th fret note. E 7th-fret harmonic = B above E + one octave = open B string. E 5th-fret harmonic = E two octaves higher = open high E string. E 4th-fret harmonic = G# above E + two octaves = (slightly flatter than) open E string, 4th fret. You can do the same things with all of the strings. Look at the above and make the following replacements: With E, the notes are already listed as E, B, and G#. With A, replace those notes with A, E, and C#. With D, replace those notes with D, A, and F#. With G, replace those notes with G, D, and B. With B, replace those notes with B, F#, and D#. You'll observe that these are the notes that make up a major triad. E major = E, G#, B; A major = A, C#, E; etc. * Physics sidebar: You've divided the string into four equal parts, so the vibrating length is 1/4th as long, so the frequency is 4x as high. Multiplying by 2 gets you to one octave, and multiplying by 2 again gets you an octave higher than that. ** Sidebar 2: It's actually slightly flatter than your major third -- but that's actually good, because it's more in-tune than the fretted note would be. If anyone cares, I'll explain why. The real thing to know is that it would slightly clash with the equivalent fretted note.
A testament to how good of a teacher you are is the fact that I already know everything you taught in this lesson and still watched it all the way through. So engaging and helpful. I loved learning this technique and messing with some folks minds by throwing them in a few "campfire" song sessions when least expected.
Playing with such prowess is impressive enough on its own. But being able to casually talk while doing so? I'm floored. My utmost respect on all fronts, Brandon ❤️
I "discovered" these armonics by fooling around. Despite practicing sometimes I was too clumsy to try anything with them and now I m blown away. Thanks Brandon
Wow, thank you so much. I've tried to learn harmonics on the guitar so many times, but have never managed it even slightly. After watching your video, I went straight to my guitar and was able to do it almost immediately! It's actually quite easy when you know how. The key for me was the lightness of touch, barely touching the string. On previous attempts I'd been applying way to much pressure. 😁
This absolutely blew my mind!!! Never has it occurred to me in my 10+ years of guitar playing that this was possible! Even after lightly learning about the science behind harmonics! Thank you so much for sharing!
Honestly I just don't know what to say now. For many years I have been struggling to create something similar to harmonics to no avail. One of your video was enough to make it happen. Thank you so much!
This was a great lesson. I've understood how to play natural harmonics and pinch harmonics for years now, but I've never really understood how natural harmonics work. Your explanation made so much sense, and it made understanding how to do artificial harmonics much easier.
Just wanted to say hello and thank you! Something as simple as moving the actual octave up 12 frets to make the harmonic never resonated with me trying one hand harmonics. Your presentation was exactly what I needed. Not just informative but inspiring as well. Thank you!!!
I’m not sure who I appreciate more, Brandon or his fans. Nothing but warmth and kindness in the comments and it gives me hope for humanity and made me smile after being super depressed for the past couple of days ❤
Just watched the Steve Morse interview on Rick Beato's channel and had to find out how to do it. Just like Steve, you make it look so easy but also make it an accessible technique with your presentation. Thank you!
Congratulations. Extraordinarily clear and comprehensive treatment of the subject. Should become reference material in the world of online guitar teaching.
Maaaaann, you helped me so much! I've searched for this explainations for so long! I was seeing this as one of the most difficult things to play at guitar and you made this clear and easy to understand. My playing is going to improve for sure now! You're a hero :D Shout out to your work, count me as one of your patrons ;)
Liked the video, thanks. Many years ago I was messing around on lead guitar with harmonics and discovered an additional component that you can introduce for those who might like to try it. Holding a note on fret with left finger, then playing the 12th note harmonic as you demonstrated, you can then change the harmonic pitch with the left finger on the fret board either by bending the string up or starting higher bending down, plus you can also slide the finger up or down the fret board giving a smooth pitch shift. It takes a little practice to get the desired effect but can work really well with heavy rock lead or even mellow lead riffs.
11:54 My mind was blown when he started playing the scale. I genuinely only thought you could only play those notes on open strings. So cool , learned something new about these harmonics, great vid 🙌
Brilliant!! I am playing guitar for years but I never understood the way to make harmonic. Your explanation are so crystal clear that now I can play it quite easily. Many thanks, you have a new subscriber now ;)
Absolute gem of a video. I've played the guitar for years now but never actually fully grasped the concept of harmonics played with fingers only. Off to practice...
Thank you so much for this lesson. I usually take a while to pick up new techniques but I learnt this in 3 minutes. A credit too your amazing teaching.
I really like how you challenge anyone to compose a song at each stage of learning. Your lesson has made me realized that a guitar is not just an instrument that makes sound but it is a tool for us to explore and interact with sound and emotions. There are a lot of things to explore out there. Thank you 🙏
Your videos are so helpful & you're such a good teacher. You have a way of explaining things so that a beginner, intermediate or expert player is sure to learn something all in each sentence. Keep it up!
I have been wanting to learn harmonics ever since I first heard them performed. I’m a beginner/intermediate player and this is the first video that explained harmonics in a way I could understand and actually achieve right on the spot! Thank you! I’m subscribing to your channel now😉
This was an excellent explanation of artificial harmonics. I picked these up by watching other players use them, but this clear explanation of the physical process helps a great deal. Thanks!
Thank you for uploading this. Been playing a long time but other than the 'normal' harmonics I've never really experimented with them, especially playing them using the right hand only. You are a fab teacher and your manner is infectious, keep it up :)
Just very complex and best lesson on harmonics I have seen. You are outstanding teacher and play incredibly well too! How can somebody be so perfect :)? Yesterday the harmonics seemed like black magic, today I can do it !!!!!
Using the soft tip of the fingertip changes everything!! I really didnt know that, I thought all that matters is how precisely you find the spot and how quickly you get the finger away from the string after the harmonic starts ringing, I knew there was something missing I could not quite put my finger on it ,but THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING!!! Also, I think steelstring players use the thumb, because it is the same position, which you would use if you are using a pick, which makes the sound stronger and more pronounced easier(just like nails). I also wanted to say that that position is less awkward when you are holding a pick, but I just tried that and realised that using the ring finger is way better(for me), but most steelestring players dont use their ring finger at all (if they are not REALLY into some advanced fingerstyle)+ why would you not use a pick if you already have one in hand..
I still am struggling on the artificial harmonics of El testament d' Amelia. Thanks for this video, it encouraged me to be more thoughtful while exercising. It looks so easy to you.
A friend of mine showed me how to do this years ago but I never caught the name of the technique! This video had a lot of useful information and I've used harmonics and artificial harmonics in my own composition. This is also the first video I've seen by you so I'm definitely going to sub for more. Thank you :)
Insightful and amazingly therapeutic. Was just thinking how you turned the guitar into an almost harp then you mentioned it. Might check out the patreon.
Brother, you thought very well,loved it. Funfact: i've figured this thing myself just by experimenting without watching any of the video relating to harmonics and all.
Learn classical guitar with my online course! 🎸 Classicalguitar-pro.com
-Your first pieces
-6 hours, 53 HD videos
-PDFs, Downloads, and Quizzes
-Simulated recital
-Access to Brandon's feedback in an exclusive Facebook group
What I find the most amazing about this video is your warmth and openness when teaching. Your skill and musicianship are excellent, but I've never felt such an earnest connection with a pre-recorded lesson. You are the kind of teacher I aspire to be, even after ten years of teaching music. Please keep up your incredible work, you definitely have a new fan.
Just to say, how much I concur. Brandon's exceptional.
I feel my whole body relax when I start watching a Brandon Acker video 😂 so peaceful and soothing.
A wonderful gentle manner and a great teacher. Thank you for your lucid explanations and beautiful playing. So much talent!
I love his no judgment attitude to teaching and how he always approaches lessons without assumptions. He explains things as if you've picked the guitar up for the first time but without being condescending or patronising. I've been an electric player for 15 years but only just decided to give classical playing a try and I feel like a total beginner again so these videos are invaluable to me as a self-taught player
I think it's that wonderful smile. He has the opposite of resting bitch face. I like to think it is because he loves to have a guitar in his hands so much that he just can't help smiling, but it's probably just a really well chosen default face.
I always wanted this.
Nice
Same
Me too
me too
And so easy to do 😂
I dont even own a guitar but i still love how informative these videos are
Same i love how passionate and happy he looks when talking about guitars
Imagine how much more you would love it if you get yourself a guitar and actually learn this
Time to get a racket box. It's very therapeutic tackling compositions on guitar.
@@eduamendola i did and its very cool
same
2:25 - The mere way how you seemingly effortlessly *show* each overtone, LIVE, is simply outstanding, Brandon. Absolutely jaw-dropping show of preparation and skill.
I dont think thats really the impressive part, he probably needed at least two tries to be able to talk while playing the gymnopedie doh
SAME REACTION, I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW THEY EXISTED
@@dtanman do you play guitar?
Stuff like this is what makes guitar so much more interesting and expressive than a piano. I roll my eyes every time someone calls a piano a complete and/or superior instrument.
Wow, after many years, I learnt something new, and suddenly realised that most TH-camrs have become entertainers rather than helpful. YOU on the other hand have taught me something concretely. Subscribed!
I simply love this video. Not only was I able to play harmonics immediately which made me super excited and happy, cause it sounds so cool, but this guy’s smile made it even better. I love how he smiles so warmly, this really made my day.
This is the best video I've ever seen regarding harmonics, you just helped me very greatly kind sir. You didn't try to dumb down the fundamentals of how they work because you actually understand them well enough to explain it simply without cutting corners.
Well said
Easy to understand, soft-spoken, warm and very informative! Thank you, Brandon. I wish I had a teacher like you.
The most interesting thing I found in this video is that, this person is a loving person he teaches with love. appreciate you Mr.
Even complete beginner like me could get this. You're an amazing teacher Brandon
No exagerating, you just changed my life. I ahve never learned this tecnique, and you just made me able to in 20 minutes. You have a gift. Thank you very much.
I've played guitar all my life and have never done these advanced harmonics. Thanks for explaining so clearly.
Popping this out from a subthread. The octave is the one place where the harmonic and the fretted pitch are the same: 12th fret harmonic = 12th fret note. If you do a harmonic on the 7th fret, you get a note an octave and a fifth higher. If you do a harmonic on the 5th fret, you get a note two octaves higher.* If you do a harmonic just behind the 4th fret (or over the 9th fret), you get a note two octaves and a major third up.**
So, just on the low E string:
Open E = root.
E 12th-fret harmonic = E an octave higher = E 12th fret note.
E 7th-fret harmonic = B above E + one octave = open B string.
E 5th-fret harmonic = E two octaves higher = open high E string.
E 4th-fret harmonic = G# above E + two octaves = (slightly flatter than) open E string, 4th fret.
You can do the same things with all of the strings. Look at the above and make the following replacements:
With E, the notes are already listed as E, B, and G#.
With A, replace those notes with A, E, and C#.
With D, replace those notes with D, A, and F#.
With G, replace those notes with G, D, and B.
With B, replace those notes with B, F#, and D#.
You'll observe that these are the notes that make up a major triad. E major = E, G#, B; A major = A, C#, E; etc.
* Physics sidebar: You've divided the string into four equal parts, so the vibrating length is 1/4th as long, so the frequency is 4x as high. Multiplying by 2 gets you to one octave, and multiplying by 2 again gets you an octave higher than that.
** Sidebar 2: It's actually slightly flatter than your major third -- but that's actually good, because it's more in-tune than the fretted note would be. If anyone cares, I'll explain why. The real thing to know is that it would slightly clash with the equivalent fretted note.
I had never tackled artificial harmonics before, but now I feel more confident to use the technique. Thank you very much for this lesson.
A testament to how good of a teacher you are is the fact that I already know everything you taught in this lesson and still watched it all the way through. So engaging and helpful. I loved learning this technique and messing with some folks minds by throwing them in a few "campfire" song sessions when least expected.
Playing with such prowess is impressive enough on its own. But being able to casually talk while doing so? I'm floored. My utmost respect on all fronts, Brandon ❤️
I "discovered" these armonics by fooling around. Despite practicing sometimes I was too clumsy to try anything with them and now I m blown away. Thanks Brandon
OMG... I had no idea about all those additional harmonic notes.... this was definitely worth the twenty minutes of watching...
Wow wow.. legit an hour ago I wanted to learn harmonic guitar tips from your videos :D
So this is how universe work
I watched too many Alif ba ta guitar cover today,, and the best of them I think is 'ding dong - hide and seek'
This is how the algorithm works.
Wow, thank you so much. I've tried to learn harmonics on the guitar so many times, but have never managed it even slightly. After watching your video, I went straight to my guitar and was able to do it almost immediately! It's actually quite easy when you know how. The key for me was the lightness of touch, barely touching the string. On previous attempts I'd been applying way to much pressure. 😁
i have watched so many videos about harmonic but i didn't achieve that until your videos popped up... :)
Thank you so much ❤️
The way he beams at the end of instructions shows how much love and passion he had for his art
I never knew the name for this sound, let alone how to play it. This one video taught me both. I am so grateful! Thank you, Brandon!
When you talk is like you are so peaceful, that I can watch your videos just to relax myself
This absolutely blew my mind!!! Never has it occurred to me in my 10+ years of guitar playing that this was possible! Even after lightly learning about the science behind harmonics! Thank you so much for sharing!
Honestly I just don't know what to say now. For many years I have been struggling to create something similar to harmonics to no avail. One of your video was enough to make it happen. Thank you so much!
This was a great lesson. I've understood how to play natural harmonics and pinch harmonics for years now, but I've never really understood how natural harmonics work. Your explanation made so much sense, and it made understanding how to do artificial harmonics much easier.
This man seems genuinely humble! Goodness I love him!
Just wanted to say hello and thank you! Something as simple as moving the actual octave up 12 frets to make the harmonic never resonated with me trying one hand harmonics. Your presentation was exactly what I needed. Not just informative but inspiring as well. Thank you!!!
This was absolute gold: informative, illuminating, stimulating! Thanks a lot, Brandon!
I’m not sure who I appreciate more, Brandon or his fans. Nothing but warmth and kindness in the comments and it gives me hope for humanity and made me smile after being super depressed for the past couple of days ❤
Just watched the Steve Morse interview on Rick Beato's channel and had to find out how to do it.
Just like Steve, you make it look so easy but also make it an accessible technique with your presentation.
Thank you!
I am in awe . Just discovered your channel starting with this video . This was brilliant.
Everyone LOVED it when you played Gymnopedie No.1 on Scallon's expensive guitars video!
Congratulations. Extraordinarily clear and comprehensive treatment of the subject. Should become reference material in the world of online guitar teaching.
I played harmonics for years and I didn't know about artificial harmonics. It's such a magical sound! Thank you!
Heard the first 2 notes in the intro and clicked the LIKE Thank you for sharing your talents.
A very clear explanation of EXACTLY how it’s done!
Done. Subscribed to this LOVE! All it took is for him to teach me even more about this wonderful, fascinating phenomenon that I'm obsessed with
Maaaaann, you helped me so much! I've searched for this explainations for so long! I was seeing this as one of the most difficult things to play at guitar and you made this clear and easy to understand. My playing is going to improve for sure now!
You're a hero :D
Shout out to your work, count me as one of your patrons ;)
Liked the video, thanks. Many years ago I was messing around on lead guitar with harmonics and discovered an additional component that you can introduce for those who might like to try it. Holding a note on fret with left finger, then playing the 12th note harmonic as you demonstrated, you can then change the harmonic pitch with the left finger on the fret board either by bending the string up or starting higher bending down, plus you can also slide the finger up or down the fret board giving a smooth pitch shift. It takes a little practice to get the desired effect but can work really well with heavy rock lead or even mellow lead riffs.
11:54 My mind was blown when he started playing the scale. I genuinely only thought you could only play those notes on open strings. So cool , learned something new about these harmonics, great vid 🙌
Killer tutorial, my man!
Brilliant!! I am playing guitar for years but I never understood the way to make harmonic. Your explanation are so crystal clear that now I can play it quite easily. Many thanks, you have a new subscriber now ;)
Absolute gem of a video. I've played the guitar for years now but never actually fully grasped the concept of harmonics played with fingers only. Off to practice...
OMG and you just used Gymnopedie as a cover! That's one of my favorites! You are awesooome!
My world just got a wholle lot wider. The technic no one tells you about that you figure out by yourself but changes everything
Thankyou so much. Yes, your kindness shines through ... no ego, just a pure love of music
Thank you so much for this lesson. I usually take a while to pick up new techniques but I learnt this in 3 minutes. A credit too your amazing teaching.
I really like how you challenge anyone to compose a song at each stage of learning. Your lesson has made me realized that a guitar is not just an instrument that makes sound but it is a tool for us to explore and interact with sound and emotions. There are a lot of things to explore out there. Thank you 🙏
YOU have SAVED my Life by sharing this knowledge 🙏
Thanks!
Your videos are so helpful & you're such a good teacher. You have a way of explaining things so that a beginner, intermediate or expert player is sure to learn something all in each sentence. Keep it up!
i love how you are talking while playing that's very impressive not to mention your wonderful skills
This is a really interesting guitar lesson and cozy asmr at the same time. Your voice is like a melted gold.
I was just struggling with this yesterday! You have impeccable timing
ooooooh, that's nice!
the joy of discovering something new in music... i just catch myself smiling away every time.
Thanks Brandon
You're so goddamn good at this
I actually learned about harmonics only because of your gymnopedie 1 video
Your style of teaching and videos is simply marvellous.
You are awesome and I wanna really thank you for the video which is the best out there.Keep rollin!
tysm for this!! the vibes of the video are so calming :)
I couldnt find a guitar book that explain harmonics in such clear n practical ways as brandon has done here. thanks
TRULY BEAUTIFUL! The Delicate touch is just phenomenal. You indeed are amazing.
Love your videos, so much knowledge shared, and perfectly explained. And on top of that you seem so kind and down to earth. Thanks for great content
I have been wanting to learn harmonics ever since I first heard them performed. I’m a beginner/intermediate player and this is the first video that explained harmonics in a way I could understand and actually achieve right on the spot! Thank you! I’m subscribing to your channel now😉
Omg. Finally someone that actually taught harmonics that I understood and applied. Wow. Thank you sooooooo much
I can already do this but this video is very calming so I’ll stay
I just wanne say,,,,you are just the moust calm and relaxed teacher in this universe❤️
I love the smug smile when you nail it. Great lesson. Thank you :)
Oh dear Lord, help me. Your videos are so fascinating that I could watch them all day long.
Im a simple person, I see Brandon, I press like button.
this is the most helpful video I have seen in term of learning technique thank you
The quality, amen.... More videos please Brandon
Thanks for explaining the technique very clearly, where others failed to explain.
Ooh, so THIS is how you play the Roundabout (To be continued song) intro... Great tutorial as always, thank you Brandon!
Wow, thank you. 20 minutes and I was invested the whole way through
This was an excellent explanation of artificial harmonics. I picked these up by watching other players use them, but this clear explanation of the physical process helps a great deal. Thanks!
Brilliant and clear instructions on harmonics. Many thanks!
Wow! A truly beautiful lesson on a skill I’ve always admired, but didn’t fully understand. Thank you!
Thank you for uploading this. Been playing a long time but other than the 'normal' harmonics I've never really experimented with them, especially playing them using the right hand only. You are a fab teacher and your manner is infectious, keep it up :)
Best video about Harmonics on TH-cam.
Cool tips for harmonics I have not seen before anyone teaching. Thanks Brandon
I truly enjoy the way you instruct these techniques. You have reignited my passion to learn guitar. Thank you and continue to bring the gift of music.
Just very complex and best lesson on harmonics I have seen. You are outstanding teacher and play incredibly well too! How can somebody be so perfect :)? Yesterday the harmonics seemed like black magic, today I can do it !!!!!
everyone's talking about how cool harmonics is, but me...
thinking about a peaceful and soothing his voice's
Best lesson on harmonics I have ever seen. Great job!
Using the soft tip of the fingertip changes everything!! I really didnt know that, I thought all that matters is how precisely you find the spot and how quickly you get the finger away from the string after the harmonic starts ringing, I knew there was something missing I could not quite put my finger on it ,but THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING!!!
Also, I think steelstring players use the thumb, because it is the same position, which you would use if you are using a pick, which makes the sound stronger and more pronounced easier(just like nails). I also wanted to say that that position is less awkward when you are holding a pick, but I just tried that and realised that using the ring finger is way better(for me), but most steelestring players dont use their ring finger at all (if they are not REALLY into some advanced fingerstyle)+ why would you not use a pick if you already have one in hand..
This is such a cool technique. I've used basic harmonics in some of my compositions but this takes it to another level. Thanks Brandon.
I still am struggling on the artificial harmonics of El testament d' Amelia. Thanks for this video, it encouraged me to be more thoughtful while exercising. It looks so easy to you.
Great tips. I've been playing harmonics for maybe half a year, and discovered by accident that playing near the bridge for them sounds different.
You're such a cool instructor. Congrats.
after a year, i finally got the hang of it. thank you very much. it took me a year but this is so freaking cool!!!!!
A friend of mine showed me how to do this years ago but I never caught the name of the technique! This video had a lot of useful information and I've used harmonics and artificial harmonics in my own composition. This is also the first video I've seen by you so I'm definitely going to sub for more. Thank you :)
Not me having no stringed instruments only a flute but still enjoying this whole video and feeling like I'm learning
The center of the 3rd fret on lower strings give an excellent harmonic on distorted guitar
Insightful and amazingly therapeutic. Was just thinking how you turned the guitar into an almost harp then you mentioned it. Might check out the patreon.
I am learning Tango en Skai and harmonics was a lot in my mind. Thank you for bringing this up!
Brother, you thought very well,loved it.
Funfact: i've figured this thing myself just by experimenting without watching any of the video relating to harmonics and all.