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.)
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