The lowest-frequency sine wave in a harmonic series; all other harmonics are multiples of the fundamental.With most musical instruments, the frequency of the fundamental is what determines the pitch of the note played.(Among the instruments which produce a definite pitch when played, the major exceptions to this rule are the bells and chimes; the mix of non-harmonic overtones these instruments produce usually results in a perceived pitch that is lower than the fundamental. See missing fundamental.)
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