The
spectrum of a sound can be reduced to
a collection of simple or sinusoidal frequencies.
If these simple frequencies are integer multiples of the fundamental
frequency they are said to be in a harmonic relationship and are known
as harmonics.
All of the signals above the fundamental
of the non-sine wave form, includes the harmonics and the inharmonic
signals. |
Some acousticians reserve the term partial for inharmonic
frequency components of the spectrum. These are frequencies
which are not integer multiples of the fundamental.
Overtone
is another term used to refer to both partials and harmonics.
If the simple frequencies pictured in the diagram above are summed together
a complex waveform and spectrum will result in the diagram below: |