Spectrogram illustrating combination of harmonics in trumpet tone for single note. Variations in brightness in these harmonic bands correspond to variations in loudness of sound from the harmonics: brighter parts of bands corresponding to louder parts of sound from the harmonics. The ascending series of pure tone harmonics have frequencies, and pitches, as shown at the top of the figure below. From 12.0 seconds onward, these 8 harmonics combine to create one tone, the tone of a trumpet. At the bottom of the figure below, we have the notes on a treble staff for the first six harmonics, which is part of the harmonic series for the note C4.
First six notes in the harmonic series for C4.
In Chapter 1, and throughout the rest of our book, we show how harmonics of musical tones provide the foundation for classical Western harmony. If you don't have our book, you can read Chapter 1 for free by clicking on the PREVIEW BOOK button after you click here.