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 ''splain this hydrostatic paradox in tiny words'

Thread ''splain this hydrostatic paradox in tiny words'

This is (ostensibly) not a trick shot or video*. The scale was balanced before any blue water was added. 550mL of blue water was added to the left side. only 60mL of water needed to be added to the right side to re-balance the scale. Apparently, the scale will balance when the height of the two columns is equal. The left side of the scale only feels the weight of the column above the lower "tail" of the funnel (i.e. 60mL). So where does the weight of the remaining (550-60=) 490mL go...
View full post »

Thread 'The Effect of Linear and Rotational Motion on Measured Weight'

Consider an extremely long and perfectly calibrated scale. A car with a mass of 1000 kg is placed on it, and the scale registers this weight accurately. Now, suppose the car begins to move, reaching very high speeds. Neglecting air resistance and rolling friction, if the car attains, for example, a velocity of 500 km/h, will the scale still indicate a weight corresponding to 1000 kg, or will the measured value decrease as a result of the motion? In a second scenario, imagine a person with a...
View full post »

Thread 'Coulomb gauge implies instantaneous radial electric field?'

Scalar and vector potentials in Coulomb gauge Assume Coulomb gauge so that $$\nabla \cdot \mathbf{A}=0.\tag{1}$$ The scalar potential ##\phi## is described by Poisson's equation $$\nabla^2 \phi = -\frac{\rho}{\varepsilon_0}\tag{2}$$ which has the instantaneous general solution given by $$\phi(\mathbf{r},t)=\frac{1}{4\pi\varepsilon_0}\int \frac{\rho(\mathbf{r}',t)}{|\mathbf{r}-\mathbf{r}'|}d^3r'.\tag{3}$$ In Coulomb gauge the vector potential ##\mathbf{A}## is given by...
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
2K
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