Definition: A harmonic frequency is a multiple of a fundamental frequency. A fundamental frequency of 500Hz has a first harmonic frequency of 1000Hz, double the fundamental frequency. Its second harmonic is 1500Hz, the third harmonic is 2000Hz and so on. A musical instrument produces both fundamental and harmonic frequencies, which allows the human ear to discern the differences between instruments even if they are playing the same note.
Pronunciation: har•mon•ic
Also Known As: Overtones
Examples: The first harmonic of 750Hz is 1500Hz
