What are overtones

[Monty Christo]

Originally Posted by fazool

or you could give a legitimate answer instead of insulting people who actually understand the topic

I thought perhaps the "wink" emoji would indicate my post was intended as a bit of harmless ribbing.

Sorry I touched a nerve.

[TheGITM]

Originally Posted by Monty Christo

I thought perhaps the "wink" emoji would indicate my post was intended as a bit of harmless ribbing.

Sorry I touched a nerve.

How dare you insult the people that actually understand the topic!

For shame Monty Christo... For shame!

[TheGITM]

Overtones, also sometimes called harmonics, are essentially hidden sounds that contribute to the richness and character of the tone you hear when you play an acoustic guitar.

Here's a breakdown:

Scientifically: When a string vibrates on an acoustic guitar, it doesn't just vibrate at a single frequency (which creates the fundamental pitch you hear). It also vibrates in smaller sections at the same time, creating higher-pitched tones. These higher-pitched tones are the overtones.

Musically: Overtones are related to the fundamental pitch by a specific pattern called the harmonic series. This series dictates that overtones will be certain intervals above the fundamental, like octaves, fifths, and thirds.
Perceptually: Our ears don't necessarily pick up overtones individually, but they do influence how we perceive the overall sound of the guitar. The presence and balance of overtones affect the fullness, warmth, and brightness of the tone.

Here are some additional points about overtones in acoustic guitars:

Body woods play a role in shaping the overtones. Different woods resonate at different frequencies, emphasizing or dampening certain overtones and influencing the overall tonal character.

Playing techniques can also affect overtones. For example, picking closer to the bridge emphasizes brighter overtones, while picking near the neck brings out warmer ones.

Overall, overtones are an essential part of what makes an acoustic guitar sound the way it does. They add complexity and richness to the sound, and understanding them can help you shape your own unique guitar tone.

[Moldstar]

Originally Posted by Chipotle

Because you're on a forum where people obsess about the gear and the tone. In the real world, most couldn't care less about fundamental vs overtones vs tonewood vs bracing (ad nauseum) as long as it doesn't sound like ice picks.

So very true.

[Bowie]

Originally Posted by Monty Christo

I think a lot of people are preoccupied with minutiae and abstractions, and enjoy lengthy discussions on subjective topics and insoluble theories.

If you only talk about songs and music instead of flexing your expertise on all things "tone," how will people know what a badass you are?

I find that people who can't participate in discussions, sometimes choose to be disruptive and insulting. As if the people with a deeper understanding are somehow the ones with the shortcomings.

[Italuke]

Wow. With your eyes closed, can you tell the difference between a flute and a clarinet both playing the same exact note?

Sure, I knew you could.

[redir]

Originally Posted by TBman

and why are they discussed instead of the melody and music being played?

Here since 2005 with 35,905 posts.

As Spock would say, "Fascinating."

[TBman]

Originally Posted by redir

Here since 2005 with 35,905 posts.

As Spock would say, "Fascinating."

And you've been here since 2011 and never posted one sound clip of you playing the guitar. For all we know you play the banjo.

Seriously, I never paid much attention to "overtones" discussions here. Curiosity got the better of me. I apologize for daring to ask. After being here so many years I thought I was among friends to an extent. My mistake.

[Bowie]

Originally Posted by Monty Christo

Kind of revealing that you and Fazool both saw yourselves in my post

My apologies for underestimating the utter seriousness with which you take this very, very important topic. And yourself.

Again, can't contribute so they become disruptive and insulting. It's typically indicative of some insecurity but that's for them to live with. I'll keep taking about instruments.

[Monty Christo]

Originally Posted by Bowie

I'll keep taking about instruments.

Starting when?

[islandguitar]

Ok, we're off the rails here, the thread is closed.