The Harmonic Series

The harmonic series is the sequence of all multiples of a base frequency called the fundamental. During the harmonic series a string or a column of air divides itself endlessly and the frequency gets higher. Frequency and wave lengths are inverses. For example, when the waves length divides itself in half, the frequency multiplies itself by two. Many instruments use the harmonic series either directly or indirectly. A brass instrument uses the harmonic series directly and produces the different harmonics in order.