The fundamental frequency of a guitar string is 264 Hz when unaltered. When the string is pressed at 1/4 of its length, the frequency produced is 528 Hz, which corresponds to the first overtone. This distinction arises because pressing the string effectively shortens its vibrating length, thus altering its fundamental frequency. The discussion emphasizes the difference between the fundamental frequency of the entire string and the frequency of the note played when the string is pressed.
PREREQUISITESMusicians, particularly guitarists, physics students, and educators interested in the acoustics of string instruments and the principles of sound production.
olivermsun said:Now that I think about it, the formation of "harmonic" notes may have been discussed when I took high school physics. It can make a great audio-visual demonstration that the vibrating string contains a mixture of modes; by "choosing" nodes at certain parts of the string you essentially select "compatible" sets of modes and therefore the overtone series which is heard.
rude man said:Please read the last sentence in Simon's post # 25. Whatever you may or may not have done in your high school physics class has no bearing on this problem.