Whether you’re a singer, instrumentalist, or developer, knowing the language of pitch helps you make sense of what your Pitch Detector is showing.
This glossary defines essential audio and tuning terms in simple, practical language — connecting each concept to how it appears in real-world pitch detection, accuracy testing, and vocal training.
Each definition links to in-depth guides from our Knowledge Hub.
📖 Pitch & Frequency Fundamentals
Pitch
The perceived “highness” or “lowness” of a sound. Determined by the fundamental frequency (F₀) and measured in Hertz (Hz).
→ Learn more: Science of Pitch Perception
Frequency (Hz)
The number of waveform vibrations per second.
Example: A4 = 440 Hz means 440 cycles each second.
→ Frequency-to-Note Converter
Fundamental Frequency (F₀)
The lowest frequency of a sound wave — defines its pitch. Higher multiples are harmonics.
→ How FFT Works in Pitch Detection
Harmonics
Multiples of the fundamental frequency that shape a sound’s tone color (timbre).
Example: If F₀ = 200 Hz, harmonics occur at 400 Hz, 600 Hz, 800 Hz.
→ Why Tuners Show Multiple Notes — Harmonics Explained
Octave
An interval where one pitch’s frequency is double or half another’s (ratio 2:1).
Example: 220 Hz → 440 Hz.
→ Frequency vs Note vs Octave — Simple Breakdown
🧠 Measurement & Accuracy Terms
Cents
A unit that measures pitch deviation within a semitone.
1 semitone = 100 cents. Your Pitch Detector shows deviation in ± cents.
→ What Are Cents in Music Tuning Explained
Semitone
The smallest interval in Western equal-tempered scales — frequency ratio ≈ 1.05946.
→ Intonation & Temperament Explained
Equal Temperament
A tuning system dividing an octave into 12 equal semitones, enabling all keys to sound balanced.
→ A440 Tuning Standard Explained
Intonation
Accuracy of a performer’s pitch relative to the target note.
→ Vocal Pitch Accuracy Exercises
Calibration
Adjustment of the reference pitch (e.g., A = 440 Hz) for tuning accuracy.
→ Accuracy Calibration Guide
⚙️ Detection & Algorithmic Terms
Pitch Detection
Process of determining the fundamental frequency (F₀) in an audio signal.
→ Pitch Tracking vs Pitch Detection
Pitch Tracking
Following how pitch changes over time to create a continuous contour.
→ Voice Pitch Analyzer
FFT (Fast Fourier Transform)
Algorithm converting time-domain audio into its frequency spectrum for pitch detection.
→ How FFT Works in Pitch Detection
Autocorrelation
Algorithm comparing a waveform with delayed copies of itself to find repeating cycles (pitch).
→ Autocorrelation vs YIN Algorithm
YIN Algorithm
Improved autocorrelation method reducing octave errors and noise sensitivity.
→ Autocorrelation vs YIN Algorithm
Machine Learning Pitch Detection
Neural-network-based approach that learns pitch patterns from large datasets (e.g., CREPE, SPICE).
→ Machine Learning in Pitch Detection
🎧 Sound & Performance Terms
Timbre
The tone color of a sound determined by its harmonic content and envelope.
→ Science of Pitch Perception
Vibrato
Small, regular pitch variation used for musical expression (± cents).
→ Vibrato Pitch Stability Guide
Formant
Resonant frequency band in the human voice shaping vowel quality.
→ Voice Pitch Analyzer — Singing Practice
Overtones
Higher frequencies naturally produced alongside a note’s fundamental; same as harmonics but broader in meaning.
Noise Floor
The level of background sound in an audio system; excessive noise can reduce pitch detection accuracy.
→ Noise & Background Interference Fixes
🧩 Digital Audio & File Terms
Sample Rate
Number of audio samples captured per second (Hz). Higher = greater accuracy (e.g., 44.1 kHz).
→ Audio File Pitch Detection
Bit Depth
Amount of data per audio sample; affects dynamic range and precision.
Latency
Delay between sound input and detection output.
→ Reduce Latency in Online Pitch Detectors
Web Audio API
Browser interface enabling real-time audio capture and analysis without plugins.
→ Real-Time Browser Pitch Detection Explained
🧠 Tuning Systems & Temperament Terms
Just Intonation
Tuning system using pure whole-number frequency ratios; sounds smooth but key-dependent.
→ Intonation & Temperament Explained
Meantone Temperament
Renaissance system adjusting fifths to create pure thirds — warmer but limited keys.
Well Temperament
Pre-equal-temperament system allowing all keys, each with its own color (used by Bach).
→ Historical Pitch Standards
A440 Standard
Modern reference pitch defining A4 = 440 Hz — global concert pitch.
→ A440 Tuning Standard Explained