In a harmonic series, harmonics are which of the following?

• A. Integral multiples of the fundamental
• B. Equal to the fundamental
• C. Independent of the fundamental
• D. Lower than the fundamental

Answer: (A)

Harmonics are integer multiples of the fundamental frequency. The fundamental is the first harmonic, at frequency f. The next ones occur at 2f, 3f, 4f, and so on, so each harmonic is a whole-number multiple of the base pitch. This relationship explains why the harmonic series shapes timbre—the higher harmonics ride on the same fundamental pitch. If a frequency were equal to the fundamental, it would just be the same pitch, not an overtone; anything lower would be a subharmonic, not part of the standard harmonic series. For example, if the fundamental is 100 Hz, the harmonic series includes 200 Hz, 300 Hz, 400 Hz, etc.