Difference between revisions of "Harmonics"
m |
m |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | Harmonics are vibrations at frequencies that are multiples of the fundamental. They are characterized as even-order and odd-order harmonics. For instance, the "second-order harmonic" is the fundamental [[frequency]] multiplied by two, and is an even-order harmonic. Each even-order harmonic is one octave or x octaves higher than the fundamental; they are therefore musically equivalent to the fundamental. Odd-order harmonics create a series of notes that are musically related to the fundamental [[frequency]]—unparallel but resonant with the fundamental, they inform musical scales and give rise to Chords. | + | Harmonics are vibrations at frequencies that are multiples of the fundamental. They are characterized as even-order and odd-order harmonics. For instance, the "second-order harmonic" is the fundamental [[frequency]] multiplied by two, and is an even-order harmonic. Each even-order harmonic is one octave or x octaves higher than the fundamental; they are therefore musically equivalent to the fundamental frequency. Odd-order harmonics create a series of notes that are musically related to the fundamental [[frequency]]—unparallel but resonant with the fundamental, they inform musical scales and give rise to Chords. Non-integer harmonics are also called "overtones" or "partials". Overtones and partials give rise to the timbre ''(tone quality)'' of a particular instrument. |
Revision as of 04:02, 21 August 2005
Harmonics are vibrations at frequencies that are multiples of the fundamental. They are characterized as even-order and odd-order harmonics. For instance, the "second-order harmonic" is the fundamental frequency multiplied by two, and is an even-order harmonic. Each even-order harmonic is one octave or x octaves higher than the fundamental; they are therefore musically equivalent to the fundamental frequency. Odd-order harmonics create a series of notes that are musically related to the fundamental frequency—unparallel but resonant with the fundamental, they inform musical scales and give rise to Chords. Non-integer harmonics are also called "overtones" or "partials". Overtones and partials give rise to the timbre (tone quality) of a particular instrument.
