- Thread Starter
- #161
The decay of a note can be described as a magnitude envelope (decrease of level with time), and not one of frequency - so with a decaying note what changes is its loudness from beginning to end, but the fundamental frequency is relatively unchanged (until the note volume becomes so low in volume that it disappears). So if a speakers plays 40Hz with reasonable volume, you will have no issue hearing the entire decay of a low E on bass.
But some music still has content under 40Hz, so it can be pretty satisfying to be able to reproduce that
EDIT: I say the frequency is 'relatively unchanged' as string instruments such as bass guitar typically don't have all that stable pitch throughout the note duration - but this variation is relatively small and insignificant for this example.
I play piano and guitar - or did for many years. I tune by ear, I can confirm this. The reason to re 'pluck' a string for tuning was volume decay, not frequency change - sorry if my terminology is off but hopefully my point gets accross.