Harmonic timbre: Difference between revisions
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{{Wikipedia|Harmonic Spectrum}} | {{Wikipedia|Harmonic Spectrum}} | ||
A [[timbre]] is '''harmonic''' when its [[frequency]] spectrum has the property that all overtones are exact multiples of the lowest frequency | A [[timbre]] is '''harmonic''' when its [[frequency]] spectrum has the property that all overtones are exact multiples of the lowest frequency. 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. 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. | 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 string instruments (like cellos played ''pizzicato'', guitars, and pianos). | ||
A timbre is '''inharmonic''' if its overtones deviate significantly from integer multiples of the fundamental. Examples include bells, gamelans, and drums. | A timbre is '''inharmonic''' if its overtones deviate significantly from integer multiples of the fundamental. Examples include bells, gamelans, and drums. | ||
[[Category:Timbre]] | [[Category:Timbre]] | ||
Revision as of 17:47, 14 March 2025
A timbre is harmonic when its frequency spectrum has the property that all overtones are exact multiples of the lowest frequency. 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. 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 string instruments (like cellos played pizzicato, guitars, and pianos).
A timbre is inharmonic if its overtones deviate significantly from integer multiples of the fundamental. Examples include bells, gamelans, and drums.