Definition & Meaning of "timbre"

What is "timbre"?

Timbre, often referred to as the "color" or "tone quality" of a sound, describes the unique characteristics that differentiate one sound from another, even if they have the same pitch and loudness. It is what makes a piano sound different from a guitar, or a violin sound different from a flute, even when they play the same note. Timbre is influenced by the sound's harmonics, overtones, and the way an instrument or voice produces sound. It helps to give each musical sound its distinctive character and richness.