Sound is something of an ephemeral phenomenon, existing in the moment that vibrations travel through the air. Those vibrations also exhibit distinct ...

For example, notes at frequencies of 200, 300, and 400 hertz are all multiples of 100. Beating occurs when two sounds are close but not identical in frequency.

When two musical notes are an octave apart, one has double the frequency of the other yet we hear them as the “same” note – a “C” for example. Why is this? (continued) James Whalley ...

Dr Vicky Williamson is a lecturer in Music Psychology at Goldsmiths University. You can read her previous post in the Science Of Music series here Most of the time, when all else is held constant ...

“Da, duh.” Two simple notes – E and F – have become synonymous with tension, fear and sharks, representing the primal dread of being stalked by a predator. And they largely have “Jaws ...

The intervals between the notes is the key to understanding why we typically use just 12 notes in Western music. Certain intervals typically sound more harmonious to the human ear than others.

The net result of this process is a progression which sounds smoother, calmer and more musical, through a progression that doesn’t jump around.

When two musical notes are an octave apart, one has double the frequency of the other yet we hear them as the “same” note – a “C” for example. Why is this? (continued) Sara Goldsmith ...