harmonic series

noun

Mathematics.

harmonic series

maths a series whose terms are in harmonic progression, as in 1 + 1 2 + 1 3 + …
acoustics the series of tones with frequencies strictly related to one another and to the fundamental tone, as obtained by touching lightly the node points of a string while playing it. Its most important application is in the playing of brass instruments

harmonic series

A series whose terms are in harmonic progression, especially the series 1 + 1 2 + 1 3 + 1 4 + …. and so on.

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First recorded in 1865–70

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Examples have not been reviewed.

To find out more about harmonics and how they affect a musical sound, see Harmonic Series.

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And every musical note you hear is not a single pure frequency, but is actually a blend of the pitches of a particular harmonic series.

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Pure intervals are the ones found in the harmonic series, with very simple frequency ratios.

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Figure 6.3: Both the 9:8 ratio and the 10:9 ratio in the harmonic series are written as whole notes.

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All chords will tend towards pure fifths and thirds, as well as seconds, fourths, sixths, and sevenths that reflect the harmonic series.

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