The Sound of Harmonics

Why instruments sound different

An interactive lesson with 6 steps, about 5 minutes: you predict, drag and solve, with instant feedback on every answer. It runs in your browser and needs JavaScript.

What you’ll learn

• Timbre is the mix of harmonics: the spectrum.
• The fundamental sets the pitch. The harmonics set the character.
• The ear separates sound into frequencies, a natural Fourier analyser.

Steps

1. Same note, different sound
2. Mix a timbre
3. A clarinet’s harmonics
4. A violin’s overtone
5. A pure-sounding flute
6. Seeing sound