Berlioz Posted January 28, 2007 Share Posted January 28, 2007 Ok, this is going to sound pretty stupid, but... What exactly are, harmonics? I mean, I've never seen an exact definition of what they are, and maybe I might alreaady know but not know the name, or whatever... I'd simply like a simple explanation of what they are. If anyone is willing to, of course. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will Kirk Posted January 28, 2007 Share Posted January 28, 2007 Ah wonderful Wiki :) Harmonic - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia hope it helps :P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zephyrclaw Posted January 28, 2007 Share Posted January 28, 2007 As a summarised definition, a harmonic is an overtone produced when a stringed instrument is plucked at a "node point". In plain English, it means that on a guitar, for example, the player can use the fretting hand to lightly touch a string at a certain point, which will produce a clear, bell-like sound. This is a harmonic. Here is a link to a quick instructional recording for your (un)enjoyment, thrown together with the help of my electric guitar.( I apologise for the poor sound; harmonics have a very different sound when subjected to distortion.) The first note is an ordinary fretted one, but this is followed by a series of random harmonics. After that, there's a tune you might recognise, first played solely with harmonics and next without. Maybe I should have tuned my guitar before I recorded. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
montpellier Posted January 28, 2007 Share Posted January 28, 2007 It's worth mentioning that brass instruments ('cept the sax) depend entirely on using the "harmonic series". The basic tube gives a set of notes corresponding to the series, then by adding extra lengths of tube (using the valves) the fundamental can progressively be lowered, bringing a new set of notes into play. Woodwinds rely on harmonics to 'overblow' their octaves (and higher) - in the case of the clarinet, at the 12th. (Being a cylindrical bore, the clarinet sounds no even-numbered harmonics for practical purposes). Some oboe pieces have notes with the 'harmonics' sign noted above them (little circle like a degree sign), applying from f#-c at the top of the treble clef - these notes are normally played on the 2nd harmonic (octave) but they can also be played at the third (a 12th) - like G would be fingered as a low C but vented at the 12th. Timbre is different. The oboe is a complex acoustic system, the harmonic richness is why multiphonics are fairly easy. The clarinet can produce a few chords too. (Not sure about flute and bassoon). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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