What are 'harmonic overtones'?

Harmonic overtones refer to the additional frequencies that occur above the fundamental frequency of a sound. These overtones are integral multiples of the fundamental frequency, meaning if the fundamental frequency is F, the overtones will be 2F, 3F, 4F, and so on. This relationship is essential in understanding the rich texture of sound produced by musical instruments and human voices, as they contribute to the timbre or color of the sound.

For instance, when a string instrument is played, its fundamental pitch is the lowest frequency it produces, while the overtones add complexity and depth to that sound. This is why music can have different qualities even when playing the same note; it is the presence and balance of these overtones that creates the characteristic sound of each instrument.

Other options do not accurately describe harmonic overtones; random noise frequencies do not follow specific patterns related to harmonic relationships, equalized sound waves refer to the balance of different frequencies but do not specifically indicate harmonic structure, and the notion of percussion sounds does not encompass the broader concept of harmonic overtones found in various sound-producing sources.