3-3 Pitch
What is pitch?
In music, pitch is used to describe how high or low the sound is compared to other notes in the musical scale. In physics, pitch can be described as the sensation associated with different frequencies and loudness.
What part of a wave directly affects the sound's pitch?
- Frequency: Changing the frequency of a sound wave will change the pitch that is heard.
As frequency increases, the pitch will also increase.
Does smaller instruments have smaller or bigger frequencies?
Think of a tuba and flute, which instrument would have sound waves with a bigger frequency. Hint...which instrument produces the higher pitch?
We know that a flute produces a higher pitch than a tuba. Since an increased pitch equals an increase in frequency we know that the flute would have sound waves with a higher frequency. Therefore, smaller instruments have a smaller frequency.
Can humans perceive all pitches?
No, humans can only perceive frequencies between 20 Hz- 20,000 Hz. Therefore, only pitches produced from these frequencies are heard by the human ear. This does not mean these pitches don't exist- we just can't hear them!
Practice Problems:
1. Which instrument has sound waves with the biggest frequency?
(a) saxophone or bass guitar
(b) euphonium or oboe
(c) piccolo or French horn
Continue: #REDIRECT 3-4 Loudness Level
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