Harmonic to have an amplitude higher than the fundamental

In summary, a harmonic with an amplitude higher than the fundamental is a sound wave that occurs when the frequency is a multiple of the fundamental frequency. It can greatly affect the sound quality by adding complexity and richness, but too many can result in a harsh or distorted sound. This phenomenon is caused by the way sound waves propagate and can also be artificially created through audio effects and synthesizers. The amplitude of a harmonic with an amplitude higher than the fundamental is typically higher than the fundamental frequency due to the combination of multiple waves at different frequencies.
  • #1
p.tryon
51
0
Is it possible for a harmonic (produced by a stringed instrument) to have an amplitude higher than the fundamental. If so how?
 
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  • #2


For instance, if you restrain the sting in the middle, the second harmonic can be larger than the fundamental. Also, by bowing or plucking at particular locations you can have a harmonic larger than the fundamental.
 
  • #3

Yes, it is possible for a harmonic produced by a stringed instrument to have an amplitude higher than the fundamental. This phenomenon is known as harmonic distortion and it occurs when the string is not perfectly elastic and the harmonics are not perfectly integer multiples of the fundamental frequency. This can happen due to imperfections in the string, such as uneven thickness or tension, or due to external factors such as the placement of the instrument or the force with which it is played. In these cases, some harmonics may have higher amplitudes than the fundamental frequency, resulting in a distorted sound. Additionally, the use of amplifiers and effects pedals can also contribute to an increase in the amplitude of harmonics. Overall, harmonic distortion is a natural and common occurrence in stringed instruments and can contribute to the unique and varied sounds produced by different musicians.
 

FAQ: Harmonic to have an amplitude higher than the fundamental

1. What is a harmonic with an amplitude higher than the fundamental?

A harmonic with an amplitude higher than the fundamental is a type of sound wave that occurs when the frequency of the wave is a multiple of the fundamental frequency. This results in a higher amplitude, or intensity, of the wave compared to the fundamental frequency.

2. How does a harmonic with an amplitude higher than the fundamental affect sound quality?

A harmonic with an amplitude higher than the fundamental can have a significant impact on the sound quality of a wave. It can add complexity and richness to the sound, making it more pleasant to listen to. However, too many higher harmonics can also result in a harsh or distorted sound.

3. What causes a harmonic with an amplitude higher than the fundamental?

A harmonic with an amplitude higher than the fundamental is caused by the way sound waves propagate. When a sound wave travels through a medium, it can reflect, refract, or diffract off of objects, resulting in multiple waves at different frequencies. If these frequencies are multiples of the fundamental frequency, they will combine and create a wave with a higher amplitude.

4. Can a harmonic with an amplitude higher than the fundamental be artificially created?

Yes, a harmonic with an amplitude higher than the fundamental can be artificially created through the use of audio effects and synthesizers. These tools can manipulate the frequency and amplitude of a sound wave to create various harmonics and alter the overall sound quality.

5. How does the amplitude of a harmonic with an amplitude higher than the fundamental compare to the fundamental frequency?

The amplitude of a harmonic with an amplitude higher than the fundamental is usually higher than the fundamental frequency. This is because the higher harmonics are created by combining multiple waves at different frequencies, resulting in a more intense wave with a higher amplitude.

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