Science glossary film: Harmonics

When a musical note is played, we hear the note intended - the fundamental - but also other tones called harmonics that are whole number multiples of the fundamental. For example twice, three times, or four times the fundamental frequency. The strength and distribution of different harmonics is what gives a musical sound its distinctive character. A clarinet, for example, is shaped to suppress even harmonics and favour odd harmonics.

For example twice, three times, or four times the fundamental frequency. The strength and distribution of different harmonics is what gives a musical sound its distinctive character. A clarinet, for example, is shaped to suppress even harmonics and favour odd harmonics.