The Karplus-Strong Algorithm

The Karplus-Strong algorithm is a digital method for creating realistic string instrument sounds. It simulates a plucked string by starting with a short, random noise burst, then repeatedly averaging neighboring sound samples and slightly decreasing their amplitude over time. This process mimics the vibration and decay of a real string. By looping this calculation, the algorithm produces a warm, natural tone with rich harmonics, making it effective for generating realistic plucked string sounds in digital audio synthesis.