How to Squeal on a Guitar

You’ve probably heard that high-pitched, ear-piercing sound that seems to make listeners sit up and take notice during a metal riff or solo. That’s the mighty guitar squeal, also known as a pinch harmonic. It’s a technique that can add flair and intensity to your playing, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you ever played without it. Here, we’re going to break down the art of the guitar squeal, covering everything from the basic mechanics to advanced techniques and tips to refine your sound.

Finding the Sweet Spot

The first step to mastering guitar squeals is understanding that it all starts with finding the sweet spot on your string. When you strike the string with your pick, you need to follow it up with a gentle touch of your thumb or another finger. The goal is to create a harmonic overtone that screams out above the regular pitch of the note.

Here’s how to start:

• Hold Your Pick Correctly: Pinch the pick between your thumb and index finger, allowing just enough of the pick to protrude beyond your thumb. This positioning is crucial as it allows your thumb to make contact with the string immediately after the pick strikes it.
• Experiment with Pick Angles: The angle at which you attack the string can greatly affect the sound. Try different angles to see which produces the most consistent squeal.
• Move Along the String: Harmonics occur at different points along the string. By changing your pick attack’s position, you will find various sweet spots where the harmonics ring louder and clearer.

It might take some time to consistently hit the sweet spot, but persistence is key. Each guitar and setup might react slightly differently, so feel free to experiment until you find what works best for you.

Understanding the Role of Your Gear

Your gear can significantly influence the ease and quality of your pinch harmonics. While it’s possible to achieve squeals on any setup, certain equipment can make the task much easier.

• Pick Choice: A thicker pick can provide better control and a more forceful attack, which helps create a sharper, more pronounced harmonic.
• Strings: Fresh strings tend to produce harmonics more easily. Consider using lighter gauge strings if you’re struggling, as they require less force to produce a harmonic.
• Amplifier Settings: Dialing in your amp settings can help. Increase the gain and treble to make those squeals cut through the mix. A slight boost in mids can also enhance the harmonic overtones.

Don’t overlook effects pedals either. A touch of distortion or overdrive can push those harmonics to the forefront, making them sing out even more.

Getting the Right Hand Technique

While your left hand is busy fretting the notes, your right hand (or picking hand) is where the magic of the squeal happens. Let’s break down the motion:

• Stance: Keep your picking hand relaxed but firm. Too much tension can make it difficult to hit the sweet spot consistently.
• Speed and Force: A quick, firm attack is usually more effective than a slow, gentle one. The string needs enough energy to vibrate and produce the harmonic.
• Follow-through: After striking the string, let your thumb glide over it briefly to create the harmonic. It’s almost like a quick brush rather than a hard press.

Practice this motion slowly at first. Focus on consistency and precision rather than speed. Once you can hit the harmonic consistently, you can start incorporating it into faster phrases and more complex riffs.

Incorporating Squeals into Your Playing

Now that you’ve got the technique down, it’s time to add squeals to your playing. They can be used to spice up riffs, solos, and even breakdowns. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Accent Notes: Use squeals to accentuate certain notes in a riff. This can add drama and intensity to your playing.
• End of Phrases: Finish a solo phrase with a squeal to leave a lasting impression.
• During Bends: Combine a squeal with a bend for a wild, almost vocal-sounding effect.

Remember, less is often more. Overusing squeals can diminish their impact, so use them sparingly to maintain their effect.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even experienced guitarists can struggle with squeals. Here are some common pitfalls and how to overcome them:

• Muted Squeals: If your squeals are too quiet or muted, check your thumb position. It might be too heavy on the string, dampening the harmonic.
• Inconsistent Harmonics: If you’re hitting the harmonic only occasionally, practice moving your pick attack along different parts of the string. Each guitar has unique sweet spots.
• Unwanted Noise: Squeals can sometimes produce unwanted noise. Focus on clean fretting and muting unused strings with your left hand to minimize this.

If you’re looking for more in-depth help, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the best metal guitarists who can help you refine your technique and troubleshoot common issues.

Advanced Techniques for Killer Squeals

Once you have the basics down, there are several advanced techniques you can explore to take your squeals to the next level:

• Vibrato on Squeals: Apply vibrato to your squeals for a dynamic, expressive sound. This requires a steady, controlled hand and can add a unique flair to your playing.
• Whammy Bar Squeals: If your guitar has a whammy bar, try using it to bend squeals up or down in pitch for a wild, unpredictable sound.
• Slide into Squeals: Slide into a note and then hit the squeal. This can create a dramatic build-up and add excitement to your solos.

These techniques require practice and experimentation to master, but they can significantly expand your sonic palette.

Practicing Squeals Effectively

As with any technique, regular practice is essential for improvement. Here are some tips to make your practice sessions more productive:

• Use a Metronome: Practice with a metronome to ensure your timing is consistent. This will help you incorporate squeals into songs more easily.
• Record Yourself: Recording your practice sessions can help you identify areas for improvement and track your progress over time.
• Focus on Specific Riffs: Choose riffs from your favorite songs that include squeals and practice them until you can nail them consistently.

Riffhard offers a custom metronome designed specifically for guitar practice. Check it out for a more tailored practice experience.

Learning from the Pros

There’s no better way to learn than by studying the greats. Many legendary guitarists are known for their exceptional use of squeals. Listen to tracks by Dimebag Darrell, Zakk Wylde, and Eddie Van Halen to hear how they incorporate this technique into their playing.

Analyzing their techniques can provide insights into your own playing. Try to mimic their style and see what works for you. At Riffhard, we have lessons from some of the world’s best metal guitarists, including Zakk Wylde himself, that can offer you insider tips and tricks for mastering squeals.

Final Thoughts

Mastering the guitar squeal is a journey that involves experimentation, practice, and a bit of patience. But once you nail it, you’ll have a powerful tool to add excitement and flair to your playing. And if you’re looking to refine your skills further, Riffhard offers lessons from top metal guitarists who can guide you through the nuances of this technique. Dive into your practice sessions with enthusiasm, and most importantly, have fun while you’re at it!