Overtone Series

[Spiritfingaz]

I understand pretty much what it is mechanically with a piano, with sounds and the strings and everything, but I heard you can use it to form better chords. Does anyone know of any examples or any kind of methodolgy behind applying the overtone series to playing chords, etc.?

[musicmandan]

Here is a link that explains the overtone series in relation to consonance and dissonance, the harmonic function of chords, and why we hear (and feel) the music the way we do.

http://www.smu.edu/totw/overtone.htm

[PianoWizard]

I took a look at the link "musicmandan".....and I must admit that I really learned something.

Thanks

PianoWiz...

[musicmandan]

You're welcome Wiz. I have learned so much from the musicians on this site that I consider it an honor to post something that can help someone else.

[PianoWizard]

You're welcome Wiz. I have learned so much from the musicians on this site that I consider it an honor to post something that can help someone else.

I know what you mean, when I get some feedback from a memeber I have helped, its great to know that you can be a blessing to someone, with the talent God gave you....

PianoWiz...

[slburks]

I haven't seen it formally applied to music making in a practical way, but the basic aural principle to which the series refers more precisely, is that the lower the notes, the farther they have to be apart intervallically for it to sound right (i.e., not dissonant).

Play a C major triad in root position, built on middle C, then play the same chord two octaves lower, and you'll hear what I mean. Once you get lower than around the second A below middle C, anything smaller than a perfect fourth sounds yucky.

[Spiritfingaz]

Thanks for the replies this does help