Gyökérhang

Gyökérhang is a Hungarian term that translates to "root sound" or "fundamental sound." In music theory, it refers to the lowest pitch of a chord or a harmonic series. This fundamental pitch is crucial as it defines the perceived identity of the chord or sound.

The concept of gyökérhang is closely related to the idea of a fundamental frequency in acoustics. When a musical instrument produces a sound, it generates not only the fundamental frequency but also a series of overtones or harmonics, which are integer multiples of the fundamental. The gyökérhang is the lowest of these frequencies, and it is typically the pitch that the listener perceives as the "note" being played.

In chord construction, the gyökérhang is the lowest note of the chord when it is in its root position. For example, in a C major chord (C-E-G), C is the gyökérhang. If the chord is inverted, with E or G as the lowest note, it is no longer in root position, but C still remains the gyökérhang, defining the chord's harmonic identity. Understanding the gyökérhang is essential for analyzing harmony, composing music, and comprehending acoustic phenomena.