Harmonics are the natural frequencies produced by an instrument. They are caused by the
vibrations of the instruments. The image below shows the harmonics of each of the different
air column types of woodwind instruments. The harmonic of an instrument is determined by
its length and the wavelengths it produces with its sound.
L = (n/2)*λ
L is the length of the air column of the instrument, n is the harmonic, in whole numbers, and lambda
is the wavelength of the vibrations that go through the air columns.
Pitch
The pitch of an instrument is determined by its frequency. A higher frequency creates a
higher pitch while a lower frequency creates a lower pitch. The pitch is dependent on the
air column and the keys of the instrument. A longer air column gives lower pitches due to
its frequency decreasing; it takes longer for the air to flow through the instrument. The way
woodwind instruments are made nowadays, the keys restrict the flow through the instrument
when they are not pushed. Therefore, holding a key allow the air to flow further, decreasing
the frequency of the air traveling through the instrument.
Components
Index
