Waveforms
Sine, triangle, saw and square: the basic colors of sound.
Lesson 1 of 2
The oscillator’s wave shape decides which harmonics, quieter higher tones above the note, are in the sound. More harmonics means a brighter, buzzier sound. Switch between the four waves while the riff plays.
Four waves
The filter is fully open, so you hear each wave as it is.
The sine is the purest wave: just the note, no harmonics. It sounds soft and round, like a flute or a whistle, and is often used for sub bass.
The triangle adds a few weak harmonics and sounds a little hollow. The saw has every harmonic and is the brightest and buzziest, the classic sound for leads, basses and brass. The rectangle (square) has only every other harmonic and sounds hollow and woody, like a clarinet.
Pulse width
A rectangle wave doesn’t have to be square. Shape changes how long the wave stays up compared to down, its pulse width. Narrow pulses sound thin and nasal. Move it slowly and listen to the color change.
Pulse width
A rectangle wave; move Shape.