Harmonics/Partials/Overtones Overview

Question 1

What is the Fundamental Frequency?

Answer 1

Fundamental Frequency - (labelled) F0/H1

Question 2

What are the other Harmonics?

Answer 2

Other Harmonics - H (2,3,4, etc.)

- are all Multiples of Fundamental Frequency.

Question 3

What are Partials?

Answer 3

Partials are all of the sine waves that make up a complex tone (harmonic and inharmonic).

Question 4

What are the Overtones?

Answer 4

Overtones are all of the sine waves except the fundamental (harmonic and inharmonic)

Question 5

What is the harmonic Series?

Answer 5

Harmonic Series - Know up to 12 Harmonics in the series.

Harmonic Frequency note Comments
1 131 C3 Fundamental
2 262 C4 1 Octave higher
3 393 G4 1 Octave & a fifth higher
4 524 C5 2 Octaves Higher
5 655 E5 2 Octaves & a Third Higher
6 786 G5 2 Octaves and a Fifth Higher
7 917 Almost Bb5 - 2 Octaves and a Minor 7th Higher.
8 1048 C6 3 Octaves
9 1179 D6 3 Octaves and a Second Higher
10 1310 E6 3 Octaves and a Third Higher
11 1441 F#6 3 Octaves and a Sharp Fourth Higher
12 1572 G6 3 Octaves and a Fifth Higher