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

Listen to the sound: GUITAR

Here is the SPECTRUM of the note G3 (190 Hz) played on a guitar 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 the same note on the guitar with the ATTACK eliminated and the
individual harmonics amplified so you can see them better.

Listen to the sound: GUITAR

 

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

Listen to the sound: GUITAR

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.

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