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Multiple Choice

In the overtone series, the second pair of intervals is which?

In the overtone (harmonic) series, each successive partial is a simple integer multiple of the fundamental, and the intervals between consecutive partials follow a clear pattern: the first jump is an octave (2:1), the next is a perfect fifth (3:2), then a perfect fourth (4:3), and then a major third (5:4). So after the initial octave and fifth, the next two consecutive intervals you hear are a perfect fourth and a major third. This is why the second pair of intervals in the series is P4 and M3.

In the overtone (harmonic) series, each successive partial is a simple integer multiple of the fundamental, and the intervals between consecutive partials follow a clear pattern: the first jump is an octave (2:1), the next is a perfect fifth (3:2), then a perfect fourth (4:3), and then a major third (5:4). So after the initial octave and fifth, the next two consecutive intervals you hear are a perfect fourth and a major third. This is why the second pair of intervals in the series is P4 and M3.