Final answer:
The fundamental tone, or fundamental frequency, is the lowest-frequency resonance in a sound. It determines the overall characteristics of a musical sound and is accompanied by higher resonant frequencies called overtones or harmonics. Different instruments and voices have distinctively different overtones, giving them their unique characteristics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fundamental tone, also known as the fundamental frequency, is the lowest-frequency resonance in a sound. It is the main pitch that is heard and determines the overall characteristics of a musical sound. It is present in all musical instruments and human voices and is accompanied by higher resonant frequencies called overtones or harmonics.
For example, middle C on a trumpet may have a different mix of intensities for the overtones compared to middle C on a clarinet, resulting in distinctively different sounds. The musician can influence the shading of the overtones, giving each instrument its distinctive characteristics.
Understanding the fundamental tone and its relationship with overtones is important in music theory and composition as it helps create different timbres and textures in music.