B LED light and guitar string (strobe light effect)

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the interaction between LED lights and the oscillation of guitar strings, specifically the low E string tuned to B at approximately 62 Hz. It is noted that LED lights flicker at around 120 Hz, which contributes to the visual effect of the string appearing in two positions rather than stationary. The phenomenon occurs because the flicker rate of the LED light is higher than the frequency of the string's oscillation. Participants agree that this flickering could potentially assist in tuning the guitar string. Understanding this relationship between light frequency and string motion can enhance tuning techniques.
nmsurobert
Messages
288
Reaction score
36
I've trying to explain this to myself but I know I'm missing something.
I tuned the low E string to B. The frequency of that note is about 62 Hz. When I play that note under the led lights in my backyard I can see the string oscillate back and forth.
After doing some reading, the LED light flickers about twice that of what the house is putting out. So the led light is flickering at 120 Hz. Is that why I see the string in two opposing positions and not in a stationary position? If the string oscillated at 120 Hz would it appear stationary?
Here is a video of what I'm talking about...
https://1drv.ms/v/s!AgZi6Wn97aMQg235QWqKNXhVGwwy
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You are correct. You might be able to tune your guitar using the LED, at least one string.
 
kuruman said:
You are correct. You might be able to tune your guitar using the LED, at least one string.
Awesome! Thank you.
 
Thread 'Gauss' law seems to imply instantaneous electric field'

Thread 'Gauss' law seems to imply instantaneous electric field'

Imagine a charged sphere at the origin connected through an open switch to a vertical grounded wire. We wish to find an expression for the horizontal component of the electric field at a distance ##\mathbf{r}## from the sphere as it discharges. By using the Lorenz gauge condition: $$\nabla \cdot \mathbf{A} + \frac{1}{c^2}\frac{\partial \phi}{\partial t}=0\tag{1}$$ we find the following retarded solutions to the Maxwell equations If we assume that...
View full post »

Thread 'Off resonance driving of a MW/RF cavity'

Hello! Let's say I have a cavity resonant at 10 GHz with a Q factor of 1000. Given the Lorentzian shape of the cavity, I can also drive the cavity at, say 100 MHz. Of course the response will be very very weak, but non-zero given that the Loretzian shape never really reaches zero. I am trying to understand how are the magnetic and electric field distributions of the field at 100 MHz relative to the ones at 10 GHz? In particular, if inside the cavity I have some structure, such as 2 plates...
View full post »

Similar threads

Why do I think (guitar) G-strings sound out-of-tune?
Replies
26
Views
4K
Debunking the Myth: Do LED Lights Flicker? Get the Definitive Answer Here!
Replies
32
Views
8K
I Is This....Right? Splitting LED colors is not working for me
Replies
40
Views
3K
Deciding batteries for my circuit
Replies
3
Views
1K
Connect: Coupling Light from 2 LEDs into a Single Fiber
Replies
2
Views
3K
Understanding AC Circuits: Questions About Light Bulbs and Complex Impedance
Replies
6
Views
2K
I Focusing UV light from a 275nm LED down to a small spot
Replies
10
Views
3K
That annoying Christmas LED light string question.
Replies
9
Views
10K
To find the modulus of elasticity of a light elastic string
Replies
7
Views
2K
How harmonics are produced in a guitar string?
Replies
11
Views
4K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top