3 Tips on “Squeak Free” Harmonics

As I mentioned in my last note to you, I’ve been spending a lot of time playing stratospherically high artificial harmonics of late courtesy of Michael Giacchino.

So I thought I’d say a word or two about the technique.

First of all, harmonics must be practiced regularly if you want to develop real skill with them. I think a lot of violinists make the mistake of thinking that, because we understand how to create them, we should be able to just DO them.

Uh uh. They require time.

For starters, excellent bow control is a must.

Due to the effectively shortened string length, the bow has a tendency to squirrel around as it is drawn. The ONLY way to avoid the awful squeaks and squawks arising from this is through absolutely pure mechanics –the right arm is relaxed, and the hand drawn in an absolutely straight line, parallel to the bridge, through the full extent of the bow.

Number two, the interval between the base note and stopped note, whether a fourth or a fifth, must be spot on – a matter of excellent left hand form and control.

Number three is bow speed and pressure. These too must be kept uniform and balanced – there is little room for error.

One thing I’ve noticed over the days of recording Giacchino’s Planet of the Apes score: the violin section has grown more confident and consistent in the execution of these awkward effects as time has passed.

Just goes to show what attention and practice will do!

All the Best, Clayton