Theory

This page shows the resultant pitches from all natural harmonics (up to the fourth harmonic) for orchestral strings. Note that for the third and fourth harmonic, there are two options for where to touch the string — the higher position, which is indicated using a harmonic circle, and the lower position, indicated using a touch-notation (diamond notehead).


Open strings

stringtuning

 


Second harmonics

Sounding a octave above the open strings

strings2ndharmonics

 


Third harmonics

Sounding an octave and a fifth above the open strings

strings3rdharmonics

 


Fourth harmonics

Sounding two octaves above the open strings

strings4thharmonics