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EnglandMusic TechnologyQuick questions
The principles of sound
Quick questions on Harmonics and timbre: why instruments sound different - Edexcel A-Level Music Technology
5short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is the harmonic series?Show answer
The harmonic series is why notes an octave apart blend so well: the harmonics of the higher note line up exactly with the even harmonics of the lower one. It also explains why a missing fundamental can still be heard as the right pitch, because the spacing of the upper harmonics implies it.
What are the basic waveform shapes?Show answer
These shapes are the raw material of subtractive synthesis: you pick a harmonically rich waveform such as a sawtooth, then carve away harmonics with a filter to shape the tone. Knowing which waveform carries which harmonics lets you predict and explain a synth sound by ear.
What is q1?Show answer
What sets the perceived pitch of a periodic sound? [1 mark]
What is q2?Show answer
List the harmonics present in a square wave. [2 marks]
What is q3?Show answer
Explain in one sentence why a flute and a violin playing the same note sound different. [2 marks]
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