123ArticleOnline Logo
Welcome to 123ArticleOnline.com!
ALL >> Entertainment >> View Article

Demystifying Harmonics Of Stringed Instruments

Profile Picture
By Author: Nathan Weiss
Total Articles: 134
Comment this article
Facebook ShareTwitter ShareGoogle+ ShareTwitter Share

Students of stringed instruments who also have an affinity for physics are likely delighted with the subject of harmonics. They not only understand how vibrations are at the core of producing sounds, but that all things are related – including the strings of a violin, cello, bass, harp or guitar that are not directly involved in the principle note being played in any particular instance.

Indeed, when the E-string is being played, the G-, D- and A- strings vibrate as well, producing what are known as overtones. The effect on human ears is that a warmer, well-rounded sound is perceived. An overtone is a full octave higher than the played note. Interestingly, the listener doesn’t explicitly perceive the overtones.

There two types of harmonics, with decidedly different effects and requirements of the player:

1. Naturally-produced (“open string”) harmonics. This is the harmonic that just happens, due to the physics of vibrations of the played (“fundamental”) string, causing a sympathetic vibration among the other strings. One need not be a physics major nor even a music theoretician to create ...
... or understand it. Natural harmonics happen…naturally.

2. Artificial (intentional or “string”) harmonics. This requires training, practice and skill on the part of the musician – all useful, as some musical scores specifically have harmonics written in. It involves the soft placement of a second finger on a second string as the violin bow plays the primary string.

The harmonic created by the artificial method is done so by (lightly placing the third or fourth finger on the string where the harmonic node would be found (nodes are the ½, ¼, or 1/8th place on the string, where the natural overtone is otherwise produced). By placing the finger at these points, the violinist interrupts all the other overtones except this one.

This is science and math applied to music. But there remains a fine art and human physicality in producing an artificial harmonic as well: just the right amount of pressure – not too little and not too much – has to be applied.

The sheet music calling for string harmonics is identifiable by tiny diamonds shapes over a note or notes (in some cases a circle above the note, along with the finger number, is the notation). In most cases, the composer is driving for a bell-like quality to the tone, which can create a better blend of tonality with flutes and piccolos (instruments that also have a bell-like sound). Because violins and violas have a shorter neck, the players of these instruments have to think with a bit more mathematical precision to produce the harmonic. Cellists and bassists have a bit more freedom because of the longer necks of those instruments.

What is the most likely instance of a stringed instrument harmonic? A sound that is two octaves and a major third above the fundamental tone – tones that are otherwise inaccessible on the instrument. Harmonics are more easily achieved on

Total Views: 306Word Count: 512See All articles From Author

Add Comment

Entertainment Articles

1. How To Monetize Youtube With Copyright-free Music
Author: Hoopr

2. Conference Planning Services: The Best Recourse To Execute An Event Smoothly
Author: Matimba Brilliance

3. The Ultimate Guide To Optoma Home Cinema Projectors
Author: Optoma India

4. Discover Exceptional Dance Opportunities At Loren James Dance Company
Author: Sophie Smith

5. Discover Top Mp3 And Mp4 Downloaders From Youtube
Author: y2mate

6. How To Earn Real Money By Playing Games: Your Ultimate Guide To Gaming Profits
Author: Arav

7. Elevate My Mind Fresh Uplifting New Single "lucky Thing" - A Global Celebration Of Fortune And Fun
Author: Media Manager

8. Optoma Best 4k Projector In India
Author: Optoma India

9. Make Your Event Extraordinary With A Top Singapore Magician
Author: Ryan Goh Magician

10. Bring Your Home Theatres To Life!
Author: Nano Theatre

11. Best Christmas Party Places In Pune
Author: PUNO Advance

12. Fanizm: The Quiz App That's Changing The Game For Movie Lovers In India
Author: Arav

13. “pushpa 2: The Rule” — Everything We Know So Far (and Why Tollywood Is Losing Its Mind!)
Author: Arav

14. Chhaava Release Date Shifted: Get Ready For The Epic Journey Next Year!
Author: Arav

15. Real Money Games In India: Turn Your Movie Knowledge Into Cash With Fanizm
Author: Arav

Login To Account
Login Email:
Password:
Forgot Password?
New User?
Sign Up Newsletter
Email Address: