Same note, different instrument

The idea

Timbre is the quality that makes instruments playing the same note at the same loudness sound different; it comes from their shape, material and construction, which set the pattern and intensity of overtones.

Flute, ektara, tabla

A flute, an ektara and a tabla all play the same note at the same loudness. You close your eyes.

Could you still tell which instrument is playing?

• Yes, each sounds unique
• No, they would sound alike
• Yes, if one of them is louder

Press Next step

Press Next step.

Timbre

Two instruments can play the same note at the same loudness and still sound different. The difference is the timbre. It comes from the overtones, and the overtones depend on how the instrument is built.

Timbre is the quality that makes instruments playing the same note at the same loudness sound different. It comes from their shape, material and construction, which determine the pattern and intensity of the overtones.

Notes

Timbre makes instruments playing the same note at the same loudness sound different. It comes from their shape, material and construction, which set the overtones.

Check yourself

What is timbre?

A flute and a tabla play the same note at the same loudness. Which property still differs?

What decides the pattern and intensity of the overtones of an instrument?

What do the shape, material and construction of an instrument determine?

• The loudness of a note. Loudness is how we perceive amplitude. Timbre is the quality that makes instruments differ when loudness and note are the same.
• The frequency of the note. Instruments can play the same note and still differ in timbre.
• The quality that makes instruments playing the same note at the same loudness sound different — correct. Yes!
• Their timbre — correct. Yes!
• Their loudness. The loudness is the same in this case.
• The note they play. The note is the same in this case.
• The person listening. The overtones come from the instrument: its shape, material and construction.
• Its shape, material and construction — correct. Yes!
• The distance of the listener. Distance changes the loudness. The pattern of overtones comes from the instrument's shape, material and construction.
• The speed of sound in air. The speed of sound depends on the medium, not on the instrument.
• The audible range of people. The audible range belongs to the listener, not to the instrument.
• The pattern and intensity of the overtones — correct. Yes!