Timbre

In music, timbre (), also known as tone color or tone quality (from psychoacoustics), is the perceived sound of a musical note, sound or tone. Timbre distinguishes sounds according to their source, such as choir voices and musical instruments. It also enables listeners to distinguish instruments in the same category (e.g., an oboe and a clarinet, both woodwind instruments). In simple terms, timbre is what makes a particular musical instrument or human voice have a different sound from another, even when they play or sing the same note. For instance, it is the difference in sound between a guitar and a piano playing the same note at the same volume. Both instruments can sound equally tuned in relation to each other as they play the same note, and while playing at the same amplitude level each instrument will still sound distinctive with its own unique tone color. Musicians distinguish instruments based on their varied timbres, even instruments playing notes at the same pitch and volume. The physical characteristics that govern timbre include frequency spectrum and envelope. Musicians can change timbre by modifying their singing or playing techniques. For example, a violinist can use different bowing styles or bow on different parts of the string. E.g., playing sul tasto produces a light, airy timbre, whereas sul ponticello produces a harsh, even, aggressive timbre. On electric guitar and electric piano, performers can change timbre using effects units and graphic equalizers.