Computer Music (Musc 216)
3-D SPECTRUM of a note played on a BANJO

Listen to the sound: BANJO

Here is the SPECTRUM of the note G3 (190 Hz) played on a banjo sounding for approx. 2 seconds.. The HORIZONTAL represents FREQUENCY. The VERTICAL represents AMPLITUDE. Note:

- the white spikes at the front represents the ATTACK (when the string is picked).

- the FUNDAMENTAL is the loudest harmonic initially.

- the individual harmonics follow the natural HARMONIC SERIES.

- the amplitudes of the individual harmonics vary independently.

- the diminishing amplitudes of the individual harmonics over time represent the DECAY as the string gradually quits vibrating.


Here's a snapshot of one cycle (period) of the SPECTRUM of a note played on a BANJO

Listen to the sound: BANJO

The HORIZONTAL represents FREQUENCY. The VERTICAL represents AMPLITUDE. Note:

- the FUNDAMENTAL is the loudest harmonic

- the individual harmonics follow the natural HARMONIC SERIES.

- this 'snapshot' represents just one INSTANT (one CYCLE) of the overall sound.

Main Page