Question

The perceived pitch of a steady note played by a clarinet corresponds to its?

1) overtone
2) decay phase
3) attack phase
4) characteristic frequency
5) fundamental frequency

Answer 1

The perceived pitch of a note played by a clarinet corresponds to its fundamental frequency, while overtones contribute to the unique timbre of the instrument.

Step-by-step explanation:

The perceived pitch of a steady note played by a clarinet corresponds to its fundamental frequency. This is the most intense and lowest frequency of the note, which forms the basis of the tone that is heard. The overtones, or higher frequencies that occur as multiples of the fundamental frequency, add timbre and richness to the sound, but it's the fundamental frequency that is recognized as the pitch of the note. Instruments like clarinets and trumpets may produce the same fundamental frequency but have different overtones due to their different shapes and construction, which gives them their distinctive sounds.

Regarding musical perception, most people can discern changes in frequency through what is known as relative pitch. Our ability to recognize pitch is not greatly affected by other qualities of the sound like intensity or the attack and decay phases of the note.