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Tonal Effects (cont.)

Artificial Harmonics

To fill in all the other notes that can’t be performed as natural harmonics, we use artificial harmonics. An artificial harmonic sounds two octaves higher than the note being fingered. But to create this effect, the player needs to add an additional note, a perfect 4th above that note.

In other words, let’s say we want to hear the C, three octaves above middle C as an artificial harmonic.

The player performs the C found one octave above Middle C. But his other finger also lightly presses the perfect 4th above that note, the F. The composer inserts a small diamond one perfect 4th above the note head to indicate that the note is to be performed as an artificial harmonic:

As you can see, we notate the added 4th note as a diamond. Let's listen to that artificial harmonic:

As you can hear, the harmonic has a pure, whistle-like tone.

This effect is most often used to create a unique, almost surreal atmosphere. Because the sound is delicate, we use string harmonics within equally delicate orchestral surroundings. Let's listen to a common usage of this effect:

Notice how this simple woodwind part gains a sense of mystery by the addition of string harmonics.