Fundamentals in Music and Life
- Apr 27
- 2 min read
Fundamentally Lacking
There’s a mysterious phenomenon in music that we call “the replacement of the missing fundamental.” As described in the Compose Yourself section above, every note we play has a series of quieter pitches sounding simultaneously above it (the “overtone series”). The original note, and primary frequency we hear, is called the fundamental. The notes naturally appearing above it are called overtones, partials, or harmonics. The amplitude (how loud something is) and fluctuation (how something changes over time) of these overtones is one of the things that give instruments their unique color, or timbre.
Over the years, composers and theorists discovered that they could surgically remove the fundamental tone, leaving only the overtone series of that note. What do you think happened next? Did the overtones become more pronounced? Was it easier to hear all of the overtones more clearly?
The reality is that even without the physical waves of the fundamental, listeners could still hear the fundamental note. They perceived a pitch where it didn’t exist because of its harmonics.
For years, I’ve found this phenomenon fascinating. It only recently occurred to me that it has implications for so many things in our day to day lives. Primarily, I like to think of it in the realm of well-being.
Enjoying this reflection?
Sign up for our newsletter and get access to additional reflections, music tips, theory explanations, listening suggestions, and much more.
What are the things that make us “well?” What makes us healthy, whole, and happy? Many might be quick to call on Maslow’s “Hierarchy of Needs.” For those unfamiliar, Maslow proposed that our well-being builds up from physiological needs to safety, then belonging and love, esteem, and finally self-actualization. I hardly plan to use a musical metaphor to tell you that you shouldn’t worry about food and shelter. What I’m suggesting is that there are many things on any given rung of Maslow’s pyramid that give only the illusion of well-being; overtones that give the illusion of a fundamental pitch where none exists.
Every now and again, we ought to pause and contemplate whether our lives’ overtones are arising from a real, solid fundamental (wellbeing arising from inner peace) or if we’re skating by on the illusion created by the things we distract ourselves with. It’s best to make sure you’re creating your own overtones—your own harmony—rather than convincing yourself that your overtones prove your fundamental. Just music for thought.
Happy contemplation!
Luke
Songhorse Founder
Want to learn an instrument?
Sign up for lessons with us, in-person or virtual, and being your journey!
Comments