Standard Music Notation (SMN) is a notation that primarily represents the evolution of pitch in time. In its present forms, pitches are repre- sented as locations on a five-line staff. This is meant to be a fragment of the complete set of SMN notation symbols.

Notating Harmonics

1. For natural harmonics you place a diamond note on the node and specify the string with a roman numeral or “Sul [string name]” (unless it is only possible on one string).
2. You will often see the sounding note written above the fingered notes in parentheses.

Natural harmonics are indicated in two ways: by a small “o” written above the note to be lightly touched, and by a small diamond shape at a specific point on the string where the finger should be lightly placed. The most commonly used natural harmonics are described below, with notated examples on the D string.

Harmonics are represented by diamond-shaped notes in the standard notation and a small dot next to the tablature numbers. Natural harmonics are indicated with the text “Harmonics” or “Harm.” above the tablature.

To produce an artificial harmonic, hold down a note on the neck with one finger of the non-dominant hand and use another finger to lightly touch a point on the string that is an integer divisor of its vibrational length. Then pluck the side of the string that’s closer to the bridge.

Standard notation is written on five horizontal lines called a staff. Each line and space between the lines represents a note. The spaces represent the notes F, A, C, E. This is easy for most guitarists to remember because is spells the word face.

Harmonics are represented by diamond-shaped notes in the standard notation and a small dot next to the tablature numbers. Natural harmonics are indicated with the text “Harmonics” or “Harm.” above the tablature. Harmonics articulated with the right hand (often called artificial harmonics) include the text “R.H.

To play a harmonic place your finger directly above the 12th fret on the 6th String (thickest string). Now lightly press the string with your finger, do not fret the string or push hard, just barely touch it. Use the picture on the right as an example. Now with your right hand, pluck the 6th string.

The first system notates the open string on which the harmonic will be played with a number indicating which fret to touch. Take note that in this system, the notation does not tell you what pitch is coming out of the guitar. Simple enough, huh? No. Variations abound:

STANDARD NOTATION Standard notation is written on a five-line staff. Notes are written in alphabetical order from A to G. The duration of a note is determined by three things: the note head, stem, and flag. A whole note (see below) equals four beats. A half note is half of that: two beats.

Playing a Natural Harmonic on the Guitar. Go to the 6th string and touch the tip of any finger to the string right above the 12th fret bar. Normally when you play a note at the 12th fret, you are pressing down just to the left of the 12th fret bar.

At the 19th fret the harmonics sound the same pitch as the written pitch (Ex. #20): Some composer/arrangers who use this system of natural harmonic notation differentiate between harmonics that sound the same pitches as the written notes and those that produce different pitches from the written notes.