Harmonic

A harmonic is a frequency component of a sound that is a whole-number multiple of the fundamental frequency. For example, if the fundamental is 100 Hz, the harmonics are 200 Hz (2nd harmonic), 300 Hz (3rd harmonic), and so on. Harmonics shape the timbre of a sound and give it its character. A sound rich in harmonics, like a sawtooth wave, is bright and complex. A sound with few or no added harmonics, like a sine wave, is pure and smooth. Controlling harmonics lets you sculpt tones and textures with precision.