Topmusicanswers
Artificial harmonics are produced by stopping the string with the first or second finger, and thus making an artificial 'nut,' and then slightly pressing the node with the fourth finger. By this means harmonics in perfect intonation can be produced in all scales.
How do violin harmonics work?
When a violinist plays a natural harmonic, they lightly touch the string ½, ⅓, ¼ etc. of the way along the string. This creates a node at that position and isolates a specific harmonic. Only harmonics with a node at that position form, and other harmonics are silenced.
How do I get artificial harmonics?
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.
