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Musical instruments do not vibrate at a single frequency: a given note involves vibrations at many different frequencies, often called harmonics, partials, or overtones. The relative pitch and loudness of these overtones gives the note a characteristic sound we call the timbre of the instrument.
A series of higher pitches will also sound as a result of the fundamental pitch that is played. This series of pitches is called the Overtone Series. Every pitched sound that is made is always identified by the name of the fundamental, but each note is actually a complex series of notes all happening at the same time. Different instruments naturally will emphasize certain pitches in the overtone series giving them a unique tone that is different from every other instrument.
A series of higher pitches will also sound as a result of the fundamental pitch that is played. This series of pitches is called the Overtone Series. Every pitched sound that is made is always identified by the name of the fundamental, but each note is actually a complex series of notes all happening at the same time. Different instruments naturally will emphasize certain pitches in the overtone series giving them a unique tone that is different from every other instrument.