Harmonics Question: How Can Harmonics Be Present?

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the concept of harmonics in relation to the fundamental frequency of a musical note played on a string. It establishes that while the fundamental frequency, such as 261.6 Hz for middle C, is the primary note perceived, real instruments produce additional harmonics due to non-ideal string behavior. The presence of these harmonics arises from the excitation of multiple modes, which include higher frequency components. This understanding is crucial for comprehending the complexity of sound production in musical instruments.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fundamental frequency and harmonics
  • Basic knowledge of string vibration and wave mechanics
  • Familiarity with Fourier analysis concepts
  • Awareness of musical note frequencies and their relationships
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  • Explore the principles of Fourier analysis in sound waves
  • Study the physics of string instruments and their harmonic series
  • Investigate the effects of non-ideal conditions on sound production
  • Learn about the role of overtones in musical acoustics
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Musicians, acoustics students, physics educators, and anyone interested in the science of sound and music theory.

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Homework Statement



I have a question about the following text:
upload_2015-3-1_9-41-20.png

In the red section, if I understand correctly, they're saying that if on a string, there is a musical note being played, the frequency that the note is being played at is called the fundamental frequency. But, if it's at its fundamental frequency, how can there be other harmonics present?
 
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I think two elements play a role: the string is not ideal, you are not able to excite ONLY the fundamental mode (when you apply a force to the string, that force has Fourier components also at higher harmonics).
 
ThatDude said:
1
In the red section, if I understand correctly, they're saying that if on a string, there is a musical note being played, the frequency that the note is being played at is called the fundamental frequency. But, if it's at its fundamental frequency, how can there be other harmonics present?
No, they say that the note being played is considered to be the one corresponding to the fundamental frequency. If you have a combination of 261.6 Hz and 523.2 Hz, you consider it to be middle C.

As matteo137 said, a pure note is never played on a real instrument.
 

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