Fundamental
The lowest frequency in a harmonic series, perceived as the main pitch of a note.
Category
pitch
Pronunciation
/fʌndəˈmɛntəl/
Origin
Latin (fundamentum)
Length
175 words · 1 min read
About Fundamental
The fundamental is the primary vibration that gives a musical note its perceived pitch. When a guitar string is plucked, it vibrates along its entire length to produce the fundamental, whilst simultaneously vibrating in halves, thirds, and smaller fractions to create overtones.
More pitch terms
Transposing Instrument
View all pitchterms →An instrument whose notated pitch differs from the actual sounding pitch it produces.
IntervalThe distance in pitch between two notes.
RegisterA particular range or portion of the pitch spectrum available to a voice or instrument.
SharpAn accidental that raises the pitch of a note by one semitone.
ScaleAn ordered series of pitches ascending or descending by step.
Synonyms
Antonyms
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v1 · 10/04/2026Browse all terms →