Music & Sound

3 breaks

Vibrations, harmony and why some sounds feel right.

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Why sand on a vibrating plate draws pictures: Chladni figures Sprinkle sand on a thin metal plate, draw a violin bow along its edge, and the sand leaps into sharp, symmetrical lines. Change the pitch and the picture… Music & Sound4 min read Why some notes sound sweet together and others seem to fight Play C and E together and they sound sweet. Play C and C sharp and they buzz. The notes aren't the problem: the clash only happens when they meet. Every… Music & Sound5 min read Why two almost-in-tune notes throb, and how tuners use the wobble Play two notes that are almost in tune and you hear one note that swells and fades: wah-wah-wah. Neither string is wobbling. The throb, called a beat, appears… Music & Sound5 min read