Simple Explanation

Extra tones that sit above the main note and help shape the character of a sound.

Concise Technical Definition

A sound wave whose frequency is an integer multiple of a fundamental frequency; harmonics define the tonal complexity of a signal.

Layman-Friendly Analogy

Like adding shades of color to a base paint—harmonics add richness and texture to a sound.

Industry Usage Summary

Key in defining the timbre of instruments and voices, and analyzed in both musical acoustics and audio engineering; distortion is often measured by harmonic content.

Engineering Shortcut

Integer multiples of fundamental; shape tone and timbre.

Full Technical Explanation

A harmonic is a frequency component of a sound that is an integer multiple of the fundamental frequency (the lowest frequency in a sound). Harmonics are also known as overtones, and together with the fundamental, they form a complex waveform that gives each sound source its unique timbre. For example, if the fundamental is 25 Hz, harmonics include 50 Hz (2nd), 75 Hz (3rd), 100 Hz (4th), and so on. Harmonics can extend beyond the audible range but still influence the sound’s shape. In music and audio analysis, understanding harmonics is crucial for designing instruments, evaluating distortion, and processing audio signals.