Overtones and harmonics Piano tuning



schematic of vibrating string, fixed @ both ends, showing first 6 normal modes or harmonics


a stretched string vibrates in different modes, or harmonics. when piano string vibrates, harmonic modes excited simultaneously. first harmonic (or fundamental frequency) loudest, , determines pitch perceived. theoretically higher harmonics (also called overtones or partials) vibrate @ integer multiples of fundamental frequency. (e.g. string fundamental frequency of 100 hz have overtones @ 200 hz, 300 hz, 400 hz, etc.) in reality, frequencies of overtones shifted slightly, due inharmonicity caused stiffness of strings.


the relationship between 2 pitches, called interval, ratio of absolute frequencies. easiest intervals identify , tune note frequencies have simple whole-number ratio (e.g. octave 2:1 ratio, perfect fifth 3:2, etc.) because harmonics of these intervals coincide , beat when out of tune. (for perfect fifth, 3rd harmonic of lower note coincides 2nd harmonic of top note.)








Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Ancient Laconophilia Laconophilia

Ballysillan and Upper Crumlin Road Crumlin Road

Benefits Al-Anon/Alateen