Chapter 2
The octave is the most important interval in music as it is the same note at double the frequency.
The octave is the most important interval in music as it is the same note at double the frequency.
When any note and its octaves are played together, the note sounds deeper and more robust.
To recap - the fundamental frequency of any note is the first harmonic.
The frequency ratio of the second harmonic with the fundamental is: 2X/1X = 2:1.
The frequency ratio of 2:1 is the octave ratio.
The octave interval covers eight white notes of the C major scale.
Twelve semitones span the notes of an octave.
Chords formed at the tonic (first note in the scale) and octave intervals of a music key are known as tonic chords. They are the most harmonious chord in any major key.
For major keys, the tonic chord is a major chord and is classified as the home position and the position of completion and rest for a composition (we will go into this further). The octave is a geometric progression: 1X, 2X, 4X, 8X, 16X, 32X...
Key Takeaway