Fundamental and harmonics

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Properties of sound

Harmonics are components at integer multiples of a fundamental frequency: 100 Hz leads to 200, 300 and 400 Hz. Real instruments can also have components that are not exact integer multiples, especially in some percussion sounds.

A musical note is not necessarily a single sine wave. Its components contribute to timbre while listeners identify a pitch. Distinguish a harmonic in acoustics from harmony in composition; they describe different relationships, even though their names are closely related.

Example

For a 120 Hz fundamental, the third harmonic is 360 Hz; overtone numbering differs.

Try it

Find the fourth harmonic of 80 Hz.

Related topics

References

Frequency and Pitch of Sound

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