On the guitar, pinch harmonics is the act of lightly touching a string with the edge of your thumb/palm (picking hand) after plucking it. Similar to natural harmonics except you're not playing off a fret. If you use a lot of distortion and gain it produces a squealing effect.
A lot of guitarists use pinch harmonics, most notably Zakk Wylde, but also players like ZZ Top, Dimebag Darrell, and even Steve Vai.
by bryan18 July 25, 2005
AKA "artificial harmonics"
An electric guitar technique in which the player slightly touches the string AFTER picking a note. The fundamental sound of the note will be effectively cancelled, producing a high-pitched, chimelike harmonic squeal in any position on the fretboard.
Often used to "spice up" rock and heavy metal songs, when overused they are a great way to disguise terrible playing and/or writing.
An electric guitar technique in which the player slightly touches the string AFTER picking a note. The fundamental sound of the note will be effectively cancelled, producing a high-pitched, chimelike harmonic squeal in any position on the fretboard.
Often used to "spice up" rock and heavy metal songs, when overused they are a great way to disguise terrible playing and/or writing.
Zakk Wylde is a fucking dipshit and horrible guitarist who covers up his shitty playing/songwriting with excessive pinch harmonics.
by Chris Lamb, "El Gringo" August 21, 2007
by Jordan Yaun April 18, 2007