Day 32 of 365

February 1

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Music

The Overtone Series

When you play a note on any instrument, you're actually hearing multiple frequencies simultaneously called the overtone series. The fundamental frequency determines the pitch, but overtones above it create the instrument's unique timbre. This natural acoustic phenomenon explains why a guitar and piano playing the same note sound different and forms the mathematical foundation of musical harmony.

💡 Did you know?

The overtone series is why perfect fifths sound so consonant - the fifth is naturally the second overtone of any note!

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