A cool explanation of harmonics

[Algernon]

This demonstrates why pick up position and height have so much effect on tone.

string harmonics

string harmonics as related to the guitar

harmonics demonstration video using a slinky - scroll down to view

[mgade]

Wow.. Another bookmark for the collection. Still hunting for a string length AND tension formula. But I haven't been everywhere in there yet!

[Algernon]

For enquiring minds, here is more on the science of sound:

click on any balloon for more info

Each balloon has more granularity and increasingly detailed explanations. You can drill down pretty deep, way past where my understanding leaves off anyway.

[chuckocaster]

i learned that stuff in my theory class. very interesting. to read something cool, look up how this ties into brass instruments like trumpet and french horn, very cool stuff.

[Wilko]

Wow.. Another bookmark for the collection. Still hunting for a string length AND tension formula. But I haven't been everywhere in there yet!

that formula is there on the same page if you scroll up a bit.

Also in the one below there is a chart.

Another thing not covered is why when you hold your guitar string at certain places (12th fret, etc.) you get certain dominant harmonics.

Easy to picture with that slinky video. Because you are holding the string in the middle, it can still move in that first harmonic shape. Your finger stops the middle of the string from moving so that lowest note is gone.

Fun with science!

[Old Tele man]

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[Algernon]

Here is some more about resonance and how it applies to speaker enclosure design. It really does matter the size and shape of your speaker cabs. Here's why:

types of enclosures

bass reflex enclosure

cavity resonance

calculate your speaker cabs resonant frequency

back to front cancellation

[ronworld]

Ah! The sonometer experement. while the other kids were farting around with bits of paper, I had it written up, and was playing 'Dust my Broom' with a test tube on my finger.