The sine wave and music

Adapted from Illuminations: Seeing Music

Musical notes are determined by their frequency, which is measured in vibrations per second, or Hertz (Hz). These
notes on a piano form a chromatic scale which is divided into octaves. Each octave has 12 tones (notes).

The frequencies of the notes that make up a chromatic scale form a geometric sequence where each term has the
1
form 𝑎𝑟 𝑛 . The ratio that generates the chromatic scale is 𝑟 = 212 . The A note below middle C on a keyboard has a
frequency of 220Hz. Using this value, calculate the frequencies of the terms that generate a two-octave scale.

Lower Octave Frequency (Hz) Higher Octave Frequency (Hz)

A 220 Hz A
A# of Bb 1 1 A# of Bb
220 (212 ) = 233
B 1 2 B
220 (212 ) =
C
C
C# of Db
C# of Db
D
D
D# of Eb
D# of Eb
E
E
F
F
F# or Gb
F# or Gb
G
G
G# or Ab
G# or Ab

How do the frequencies of the lower octave compare to the higher octave? (Hint: Consider how lower A compares
to higher A)

The sine wave related to a musical pitch has the following form, where A is the amplitude of the sound (volume)
and B is the frequency of the note.
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝐵𝑥)

Based on the frequencies in the table you completed, write the sine functions to represent both the low and high
octaves for the C notes. Let A = 2 for the remainder of the activity.

Lower: y =

Higher: y =
What is the period for each function?

Now graph the two functions above using the graphing calculator. Follow the instructions from your teacher to
obtain the viewing window. Sketch the graphs below. Use blue for the lower C and red for the higher C.

Repeat the process for lower A and higher A.

Lower: y =

Higher: y =

What is the period for each function?

Now lets look at chords in a scale. The 8 notes in the A major scale are A, B, C#, D, E, F#, G#, and A. A major
chord of any scale consists of the first, third, and fifth notes of the scale. Therefore, a major chord in the A major
scale is A C# E. Complete the table below.

Note Frequency (B) Sine Function Period

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝐵𝑥)
A (first)

C# (third)

E (fifth)
Graph the three functions. Use blue for A, red for C#, and green for E.

Where do all 3 graphs intersect? How many cycles does each

function complete before the intersection point?

The C-major scale has the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, B, and C. Complete the table below for the major chord in the C-
major scale.

Note Frequency (B) Sine Function Period

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝐵𝑥)
(first)

(third)

(fifth)

Graph the three functions. Use blue for the first note, red for the second note, and green for the third note.

Where do all 3 graphs intersect? How many cycles does each function complete before the intersection point?
Now try the chord C E G#.
Note Frequency (B) Sine Function Period
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝐵𝑥)
(first)

(third)

(fifth)

Where do all 3 graphs intersect? Explain your answer.

Listen to the chords we have discussed. Describe if the chord sounds harmonious or not.
Chord Harmonious of not?

Write a summary of your findings today.