overtone series

The overtone series refers to the natural pattern of pitches that a vibrating object, like a musical instrument or voice, produces beyond its fundamental note. When a note is played, it’s not just a single pitch but a combination of the main note and higher, harmonious pitches called overtones or harmonics. These overtones follow a specific sequence based on simple mathematical ratios, shaping the overall sound’s character. The series explains why different instruments sound unique even when playing the same note, as they emphasize certain overtones more than others.