Harmonic timbre: Difference between revisions
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{{Wikipedia|Harmonic spectrum}} | |||
A [[timbre]] is '''harmonic''' when all [[overtone]]s are integer multiples of the lowest frequency. | |||
All periodic waves are harmonic. | |||
The [[fundamental]], which is (usually) the lowest overtone in the spectrum, determines the [[pitch]] of a musical tone. | |||
When considered as intervals, the sequence of harmonic overtones is called the [[harmonic series]] and is the basis of [[just intonation]]. | |||
Examples of harmonic timbres include those of most instruments, the human voice, and most synthesized tones (like saw, square, and triangle waves). | |||
A timbre can be said to be '''nearly harmonic''' if its overtones are approximately equal to integer multiples of the fundamental frequency. Examples include most plucked and hammered string instruments (like violin-family played ''pizzicato'', guitars, harpsichords, and pianos). | |||
A timbre is '''inharmonic''' if its overtones deviate significantly from integer multiples of the fundamental. Examples include membranophones (drums) and idiophones (like xylophones, glockenspiels, and many of the instruments used in [[gamelan]]). | |||
[[Category:Timbre]] | |||
Latest revision as of 21:40, 5 June 2026
A timbre is harmonic when all overtones are integer multiples of the lowest frequency. All periodic waves are harmonic. The fundamental, which is (usually) the lowest overtone in the spectrum, determines the pitch of a musical tone. When considered as intervals, the sequence of harmonic overtones is called the harmonic series and is the basis of just intonation.
Examples of harmonic timbres include those of most instruments, the human voice, and most synthesized tones (like saw, square, and triangle waves).
A timbre can be said to be nearly harmonic if its overtones are approximately equal to integer multiples of the fundamental frequency. Examples include most plucked and hammered string instruments (like violin-family played pizzicato, guitars, harpsichords, and pianos).
A timbre is inharmonic if its overtones deviate significantly from integer multiples of the fundamental. Examples include membranophones (drums) and idiophones (like xylophones, glockenspiels, and many of the instruments used in gamelan).