When notes are grouped together, the result can sound resolved and pleasant, tense and harsh, or anywhere between. But what exactly makes tones played in unison consonant or dissonant, or sound distinct from one another in the first place? If you have a basic understanding of music, you might think that the maths behind this is elegant and simple – the harmonious sounds of third and fifth intervals a gift from the rules of physics that govern our universe. However, as this animation from MinutePhysics explores, the rules of consonance and dissonance aren’t quite so straightforward. Infused with nifty audiovisual examples, the video makes for a riveting deep dive into the science of sound.
A riveting audiovisual dive into what makes sounds harmonious, or not
Video by MinutePhysics
28 July 2025
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