Harmonics

The video explains how musical notes consist of a fundamental tone and harmonics, which are whole number multiples of the fundamental. These harmonics contribute to the distinctive character of musical sounds. For instance, a clarinet is designed to suppress even harmonics and emphasize odd ones, affecting its unique sound.

What do we hear when a musical note is played?

• Only the fundamental note

• The fundamental note and harmonics

• Silence

• Only the harmonics

Harmonics are described as being what in relation to the fundamental frequency?

• Fractional multiples

• Whole number multiples

• Random frequencies

• Unrelated to the fundamental

Which of the following is an example of a harmonic frequency?

• Half the fundamental frequency

• None of the above

• Twice the fundamental frequency

• A quarter of the fundamental frequency

What aspect of a musical sound is influenced by the fundamental frequency and harmonics?

• Its pitch

• Its volume

• Its distinctive character

• Its duration

How does a clarinet shape its sound in terms of harmonics?

• It does not affect harmonics

• It suppresses odd harmonics

• It favors even harmonics

• It suppresses even harmonics and favors odd harmonics