Natural harmonics

As Printed on a Score

Shown by a small circle (o) over the note, or by a diamond notehead at the point where an open string is touched; the words natural harmonics may head the passage. Normal notation resumes when the circles or diamonds stop.

How Composers Use It

Natural harmonics are the easiest harmonics on strings and harp: the player lightly touches an open string at a node, so they speak readily and carry a clear, cool tone. Only each string’s own overtones are available, so check which pitches exist before writing them. On harp the octave harmonic is the norm, notated an octave below its sound.

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