Synthesis 101: The Shape of Sound | Part 2

The Frequency Spectrum & Harmonics

This part of the course explains the physical properties of sound and how musical theory applies to it. By the end of this section you will discover how the audible spectrum is grouped into octaves and how they relate with each other. You’ll also learn about musical notes and how to create beautiful harmonic tones through certain combinations.

In this tutorial
1. The four waveforms
2. The frequency spectrum & harmonics
3. Attack, decay, sustain, release
4. Phase & modulation
5. Filtering & resonance
6. Stereo, width, depth & height

Part 2.1

Frequency, Octaves & Notes

Music is a form of art. It is expressed as sound rather than light, but just as painters are limited by the visible chromatic spectrum, musicians are limited by the audible frequency spectrum. Just as a painting can be made beautiful by the application of complementary colours, music can be made beautiful by blending harmonically beautiful sounds. So, let’s start with the audible frequency spectrum…

Audible Sound

Humans can detect rapid fluctuations in atmospheric pressure (a.k.a. sound waves). Most of us are able to hear fluctuations from 20 to 16,000 times per second. This is the audible frequency spectrum (20Hz-16KHz).

Octaves

In music, the audible spectrum is divided into octaves. Each one is double the frequency of the one before.

Notes

Part 2.2

Play Time!

Since you’ve been doing so well so far, we think you deserve a treat, so here’s a miniature keyboard for you to have a play with. Well done! 🌟

Part 2.3

Harmonics

When played together, certain notes or frequencies create interesting repetitive patterns, which are often perceived as more pleasing to the ear than other combinations. An octave harmonic features a note that is double the frequency of the deeper note. A third harmonic features a note that is three semitones higher than the deeper note. Other popular harmonics include the fifth, seventh and ninth, in which the higher note is five, seven and nine semitones higher respectively than the deeper note.

Octave Harmonic

Third Harmonic

Enjoying this?

Join our mailing list to be first in line for every new course as we build our online music academy.

We will never share your email address with third parties, your data is stored securely, we respect your inbox by communicating clearly, concisely and only when necessary.