The Relationship of
the Fundamental to
its Fifth and Fourth

Assuming we start with a frequency of the note "A" at 110Hz (110 cycles per second).

The first harmonic is 2X the original frequency. Doubling the frequency results in the same note, but an octave higher, ie. "A" 220.

The next harmonic is 3 times the original fundamental. This results in "E" 330. IOW the fifth.

The next is four times the fundamental.which equals "A" 440.

Due to the fact that an "E" is an even multiple of an "A" (whichever "A" you care to choose - 110, 220, 440, 880, etc) these two notes are clearly consonant with each other ("consonant" means "sounds good together").

Now, also notice that the relationship between "E" 330 and "A" 440 is the interval of a fourth.

Consequently, it is obvious that intervals of both a fourth and a fifth (either above or below a given fundamental note) are completely consonant with the said fundamental.

Examples:

"A" 220 is consonant with "E" 330 (this interval is known as a perfect fifth).

"E" 330 is also consonant with "A" 440 (this interval is known as a perfect fourth).

The origins of the minor pentatonic and the major scale are simply extensions of these basic laws of physics.

If you've found the information above to be useful,
Please drop a tip in the Tip Jar by clicking in the "Click to Give" box below!
Thanks!



Guitar-Lessons-Riverside-CA.com
copyright © 2007 Jeff Brent