Inharmonic

Inharmonic partials are frequency components of a sound that are not whole-number multiples of the fundamental frequency. Unlike harmonics, which line up neatly with the fundamental, inharmonic partials create more complex, dissonant, or metallic timbres. They define instruments like bells, gongs, and cymbals, where the frequency relationships between partials depart from the harmonic series. In synthesis, inharmonic partials are often used for unique textures, percussive elements, and experimental tones.