What primarily influences the richness of a musical tone?

The richness of a musical tone is primarily influenced by the harmonic overtones present. This is because the fundamental frequency—the lowest frequency of a sound wave—produces a basic pitch, but it is the additional frequencies, known as overtones or harmonics, that contribute to the timbre or color of the sound. Each musical instrument has a distinct set of overtones that resonate in different ratios to the fundamental frequency, shaping the overall sound quality.

When a musician plays an instrument, they do not simply create a single tone; rather, they generate a complex wave consisting of various frequencies. These harmonic overtones blend with the fundamental frequency, enriching the sound. For example, a violin and a flute playing the same pitch will sound different because of the unique set of overtones produced by each instrument.

While the method of producing the tone can affect sound quality, it is the presence and proportions of harmonic overtones that define the character of the tone more significantly. The amplitude of the wave influences loudness but does not inherently change the pitch or the richness of the sound itself. Therefore, harmonic overtones are the key factor in determining the richness of a musical tone.