Harmonic series: Difference between revisions

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====Musical Instruments====

Many musicians are already familiar with the harmonic series, even if they may not realize it. For example: the natural harmonics of a string instrument (bowed or strummed) and the open notes on a French horn are two manifestations of the harmonic series. Using the cello as an example, the low, open C string acts as the fundamental of its harmonic series. In this case, the first available natural harmonic is C one octave up, then G, C, E, G etc. To play these harmonics, one effectively shortens the length of the string, at ratios that match those in the harmonic series.[[File:(a) (e) (i) (o) (u) Video.mov|Vocalist sings on alternating vowels as harmonic partials are gradually reintroduced|alt=|thumb|left|link=https://en.xen.wiki/w/File:(a)_(e)_(i)_(o)_(u)_Video.mov]]

====Timbre====

The harmonic series is also responsible for timbre: one can easily identify the sound of a trumpet, violin, or electric guitar, even if they play the same pitch. This is because while the same set of frequencies is (mostly) present in all these sounds, some partials will be more prominent than others depending on the sound source. This also applies to speech and singing, as different vowel [[formants]] are distinguished by their unique harmonic identity.

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 ====Musical Instruments====
 Many musicians are already familiar with the harmonic series, even if they may not realize it. For example: the natural harmonics of a string instrument (bowed or strummed) and the open notes on a French horn are two manifestations of the harmonic series. Using the cello as an example, the low, open C string acts as the fundamental of its harmonic series. In this case, the first available natural harmonic is C one octave up, then G, C, E, G etc. To play these harmonics, one effectively shortens the length of the string, at ratios that match those in the harmonic series.[[File:(a) (e) (i) (o) (u) Video.mov|Vocalist sings on alternating vowels as harmonic partials are gradually reintroduced|alt=|thumb|left|link=https://en.xen.wiki/w/File:(a)_(e)_(i)_(o)_(u)_Video.mov]]
 ====Timbre====
 The harmonic series is also responsible for timbre: one can easily identify the sound of a trumpet, violin, or electric guitar, even if they play the same pitch. This is because while the same set of frequencies is (mostly) present in all these sounds, some partials will be more prominent than others depending on the sound source. This also applies to speech and singing, as different vowel [[formants]] are distinguished by their unique harmonic identity.