Britannica AI Icon

Quick Summary

Pitch refers to the perceived highness or lowness of a sound, determined by the frequency of sound waves. The human ear can distinguish pitch by analyzing these frequencies, typically measured in hertz (Hz). A higher frequency corresponds to a higher pitch, while a lower frequency results in a lower pitch. In music, pitch is a fundamental element used to create melodies and harmonies, with standardized pitches like A=440 Hz used for tuning. The range of human hearing for pitch extends from approximately 20 to 20,000 Hz.1234

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.