Purpose <p>A paradigm for node enforcement at a desired location on the beam using base excitation and support stiffness tuning is proposed. The present work attempts to generate nodes without any vibration absorbers attached to the beam.</p> Method <p>Here, simple harmonic excitation at different frequencies is imparted to the supports. In addition, the support stiffness is tuned suitably for node generation at a desired location on the beam. The method of Harmonic Balance is used to compute the required support excitation frequencies for node generation. This analytical model is validated using FEM.</p> Results <p>Multiple pairs of excitation frequencies are observed to create node at a given location. The contribution of the individual normal modes in the creation of a node at a particular location is observed for a set of excitation frequencies, providing an insight to the proposed node generation scheme. Practically, it is difficult to excite the supports at the obtained frequencies with a high fidelity. Therefore, the sensitivity of node generation with respect to such frequency detuning is studied. Furthermore, the proposed node generation scheme is observed to be independent of the differences in excitation amplitudes and phases at the supports.</p> Conclusion <p>The paradigm could be useful for situations that do not permit the attachment of actuators or vibration absorbers to the beam.</p>