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Frequency is the number of vibrations per second in a sound wave. It determines the pitch of a sound: higher frequencies produce higher notes, while lower frequencies produce lower notes.
What is frequency?
Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz), with one Hertz representing one vibration per second. The average human hearing range extends from approximately 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. In modern music, the standard concert pitch sets A4 to 440 Hz.
Understanding frequency is essential in acoustics, music production and instrument tuning.
How is frequency used in piano playing?
Piano players encounter frequency when tuning acoustic pianos and when using equalizers (EQ) or sound design tools with digital pianos and keyboards. Adjusting different frequency ranges can make a piano sound brighter, warmer or clearer in a musical mix.
A basic understanding of frequency also helps pianists communicate more effectively with recording and live sound engineers.