Harmonic timbre: Difference between revisions

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~~A [[timbre]] is '''harmonic''' when its [[frequency]]~~ spectrum has the property that all overtones are exact multiples of the lowest frequency (as is the case with most methods of sound production, including the human voice, most instruments, and square, saw, and triangle waves). This causes the sound wave to be periodic (where the frequency of the sound wave is the frequency of the lowest note in the spectrum) and causes just intervals to be concordant.

A timbre ~~can be said to be~~ '''~~nearly~~ harmonic''' ~~if its overtones~~ are ~~approximately equal to~~ integer multiples of the ~~fundamental~~ frequency. The ~~frequency spectra of pianos~~, ~~harpsichords~~, ~~and any string instrument with plucked strings such~~ as the ~~guitar, as well as~~ the ~~violin, viola, cello,~~ and ~~upright bass when played ''pizzicato'' are examples~~.

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]].

A timbre is '''inharmonic''' if its overtones deviate significantly from integer multiples of the fundamental. Examples include ~~bells~~, ~~gamelans~~, and ~~drums~~.

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]]

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-A [[timbre]] is '''harmonic''' when its [[frequency]] spectrum has the property that all overtones are exact multiples of the lowest frequency (as is the case with most methods of sound production, including the human voice, most instruments, and square, saw, and triangle waves). This causes the sound wave to be periodic (where the frequency of the sound wave is the frequency of the lowest note in the spectrum) and causes just intervals to be concordant.
+{{Wikipedia|Harmonic spectrum}}
-A timbre can be said to be '''nearly harmonic''' if its overtones are approximately equal to integer multiples of the fundamental frequency. The frequency spectra of pianos, harpsichords, and any string instrument with plucked strings such as the guitar, as well as the violin, viola, cello, and upright bass when played ''pizzicato'' are examples.
+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]].
-A timbre is '''inharmonic''' if its overtones deviate significantly from integer multiples of the fundamental. Examples include bells, gamelans, and drums.
+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]]