Ever heard of pinched harmonics? That’s the guitar technique when you lightly tap/softly touch the strings, usually above the fret wire, with the fret hand whilst plucking with the other. This creates a higher wavelength, called a harmonic, which is a clear, pure, ringing tone.

Alan Gogoll has taken this technique and flipped it on its head, adopting the term ‘bell harmonics.’ One of his original songs, ‘Bell’s Harmonics’ demonstrates the technique (embedded below).

The man has some serious chops when it comes to guitar. A mostly self-taught musician since the tender age of 5, the Tasmanian native has developed his own intricate style that combines melody, rhythm, bass and harmonics into beautifully arranged, original compositions.

Seeing an incredible rise in popularity in 2016, Gogoll has become one of the most listened to acoustic guitarists in the world (Check out his website to get the full details). An original song of his has even hit the lofty, social media, heights of 5 million views on Facebook.

The song, entitled ‘Mulberry Mouse,’ is lightening quick in technique but sounds (and looks) simply effortless. ‘Understated elegance’ as Gogoll himself would describe it. For those not particularly taken by purely instrumental music, the song is not only exciting to watch, it is a joy to listen to.

Listening to the rest of Gogoll’s catalogue, every one is full of that aforementioned ‘understated elegance’. While not of all his songs rely as heavily on his (patent pending) bell’s harmonics technique, there is certainly a common ground of sweet melodies and acoustic tunes that positively warm the heart.

Please, please, do yourself a favour and listen to Alan Gogoll. This phenomenally talented acoustic guitarist is one to look out for in 2017.