Struggle with pinch harmonics

[Dominik Gräber]

So I got an ESP LTD EC 401, it has EMGs in it and I use the bridge pickup. A dream configuration for pinch harmonics. I have the gain up to 10 and for the most parts I can make these harmonics really sing. But for some songs I have to do them on one of the first three frets on the lowest strings (I play in Drop C btw).
I know there is a sweet spot for pinch harmonics but I feel it is right above the bridge pickup, which is bad because the pickup is placed is so close to the strings that I can’t move my pick there to get the harmonic.
Has anybody similar problems? Is it just a problem with my specific guitar or more of a training problem?

 

[Calvin Phillips]

Maybe it’s your string tension? That could effect where your sweet spot is.

 

[idssdi]

Calvin is right. What kind of string gauge are you using? I usely use 10s for standard and heavy bottom skinny top for drop d because that allows me to find pinch harmonics at similar places. Also you can find pinch harmonics at different positions. So if close to the bridge doesn’t work for you maybe try to find them somewhere else.

 

[Dominik Gräber]

I use the heavy bottom skinny top as well.

 

[idssdi]

You play drop c right? I use 10-52 for drop d. Maybe you can use one of these for drop c. They will have roughly the same tension I think but not sure(you don’t have to nescecarily get these, if you can find 11-56 or 12-60 sets for cheaper it may be better to try those first)
https://m.thomann.de/nl/daddario_nyxl1156.htm?o=0&search=1546012098
https://m.thomann.de/nl/daddario_nyxl1260.htm?o=1&search=1546012156

 

[Dominik Gräber]

Interesting. Thanks Ids!

 

[Kevin Kwasneski]

Adding lots of gain helps. For me 2nd fret D string is an easy one to grab. Some of the other ones are 5, ,7 , 12 fret. Also If you have 2 humbuckers in your guitar do the pick pinch right in the space in middle of the 2 pickups

 

[Dominik Gräber]

@kevin I do have 2 humbucker but right between Them on the 2nd it barely works at all

 

[Kevin Kwasneski]

I meant use ur pick to pick in the space physically in between the pickups not the selector switch

 

[Dominik Gräber]

I know, but that does Not really Work Well

 

[Dominik Gräber]

Okay, a little Update. I fooled around more in the Spot right in between the humbuckers and with some luck i get a really clear pinch harmonic. It feels pretty awkward to do though…

 

[Dan Shipway]

I can pretty much hit them 99% of the time after realising one thing, slanting your pick works wonders. Not a huge slant like 70 degrees but slightl more than what you would usually do, it helps dig into the string and create more of a vibration which will resonate easier when it hits flesh

 

[Dominik Gräber]

@dan I do that

 

[Ian Stuart]

Is your string action too low? I find them much harder to catch when I’ve got the action super low

 

[Dominik Gräber]

Not at all @ian. Actually it is Higher than I am used to.

 

[Ian Stuart]

Is it an active EMG? If so could it need a new battery?

 

[Dominik Gräber]

It is but I guess Not. Because there are still many Spots on the guitar where I can Pull Them Off easily