INHARMONIC

When the FREQUENCY of an OVERTONE is not an integer multiple of the FUNDAMENTAL, the overtone is said to be inharmonic and is called a PARTIAL; its WAVEFORM is aperiodic.

Instruments of the percussion group, bells, and gongs in particular, have overtones which are largely inharmonic. As a result, such sounds may have indefinite or multiple PITCHes associated with them.

Compare: HARMONIC, PERIODIC, SUBHARMONIC. See: SPECTRUM, TIMBRE.

Sound Example: Bronze gamelan instrument.

Sound Example: Chinese tam-tam.

Sound Example: Large cathedral bell, Salzburg, Austria.


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