Frequency of musical notes
The frequency of musical notes is a fundamental aspect of music, as it determines the pitch of each sound. Music is a universal language that connects us through melodies, rhythms, and harmonies. But what really defines a musical note? The answer lies in frequency.
What is the Frequency of a Musical Note?
The frequency of a musical note is the number of vibrations per second, measured in Hertz (Hz), that determines the pitch of a sound.
In music, each note has a specific frequency that allows for the creation of harmony and melody. Understanding these frequencies is essential for musicians, producers, and sound enthusiasts.
Did you know… the brain interprets sound frequency in a unique way?
It not only hears sounds but also interprets them subjectively. Even if two people hear the same frequency, their perception may differ due to factors such as age, auditory sensitivity, and musical experience.
Discover the frequency of your sound!
For example, the note A4 (La4) has a frequency of 440 Hz, which is the standard used for tuning musical instruments.
The Science Behind Musical Frequency
In scientific terms, the frequency of a musical note is measured in Hertz (Hz), which represents the number of vibrations per second. The higher the frequency, the sharper the sound; conversely, the lower the frequency, the deeper the sound.
Octaves and Their Relationship with Frequency
Music is organized into a system of notes that repeat at different pitches, forming what we know as octaves. The frequency of a note doubles when moving up one octave, creating a mathematically harmonic structure in sound.
In Western music, the octave is divided into 12 notes in the equal temperament tuning system, which are:
- Natural notes: C, D, E, F, G, A, B
- Accidental notes: C#, D#, F#, G#, A# (or their flat equivalents: Db, Eb, Gb, Ab, Bb)
Frequencies in Different Octaves
| Note | Octave 0 | Octave 1 | Octave 2 | Octave 3 | Octave 4 | Octave 5 | Octave 6 | Octave 7 | Octave 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C (Do) | 16.35 | 32.70 | 65.41 | 130.81 | 261.63 | 523.25 | 1046.50 | 2093.00 | 4186.01 |
| C# (Do#) | 17.32 | 34.65 | 69.30 | 138.59 | 277.18 | 554.37 | 1108.73 | 2217.46 | 4434.92 |
| D (Re) | 18.35 | 36.71 | 73.42 | 146.83 | 293.66 | 587.33 | 1174.66 | 2349.32 | 4698.63 |
| D# (Re#) | 19.45 | 38.89 | 77.78 | 155.56 | 311.13 | 622.25 | 1244.51 | 2489.02 | 4978.03 |
| E (Mi) | 20.60 | 41.20 | 82.41 | 164.81 | 329.63 | 659.25 | 1318.51 | 2637.02 | 5274.04 |
| F (Fa) | 21.83 | 43.65 | 87.31 | 174.61 | 349.23 | 698.46 | 1396.91 | 2793.83 | 5587.65 |
| F# (Fa#) | 23.12 | 46.25 | 92.50 | 185.00 | 369.99 | 739.99 | 1479.98 | 2959.96 | 5919.91 |
| G (Sol) | 24.50 | 49.00 | 98.00 | 196.00 | 392.00 | 783.99 | 1567.98 | 3135.96 | 6271.93 |
| G# (Sol#) | 25.96 | 51.91 | 103.83 | 207.65 | 415.30 | 830.61 | 1661.22 | 3322.44 | 6644.88 |
| A (La) | 27.50 | 55.00 | 110.00 | 220.00 | 440.00 | 880.00 | 1760.00 | 3520.00 | 7040.00 |
| A# (La#) | 29.14 | 58.27 | 116.54 | 233.08 | 466.16 | 932.33 | 1864.66 | 3729.31 | 7458.62 |
| B (Si) | 30.87 | 61.74 | 123.47 | 246.94 | 493.88 | 987.77 | 1975.53 | 3951.07 | 7902.13 |