Simple Explanation

The perception of how high or low a sound is, which is determined by its frequency.

Concise Technical Definition

Pitch is a perceptual property of sound that allows us to classify it as high or low, and it is directly related to the frequency of the sound wave. Higher frequencies correspond to higher pitches, while lower frequencies correspond to lower pitches.

Layman-Friendly Analogy

Think of pitch like the difference between a whistle (high pitch) and a drum (low pitch). The higher the frequency of the sound wave, the higher the pitch you perceive.

Industry Usage Summary

Pitch is fundamental to music, speech, and sound design. It is used to tune musical instruments, adjust vocal tones in speech, and create sound effects. In audio production, pitch is crucial for ensuring that elements of a sound mix are harmonically aligned and that the desired tonal qualities are achieved.

Engineering Shortcut

The perceived highness or lowness of a sound, determined by its frequency.

Full Technical Explanation

Pitch is a psychoacoustic phenomenon that refers to the perceived frequency of a sound, where higher frequencies are heard as higher pitches and lower frequencies as lower pitches. It is a function of frequency, with frequency being the physical attribute of sound waves that is measured in Hertz (Hz). Although pitch is related to frequency, our perception of pitch can be influenced by factors such as sound intensity and the harmonics of a complex sound. In music, pitch is a critical element for tuning and creating harmony.