Perfect Pitch and the Identification of Very High and Low Frequencies

In the realm of music, having perfect pitch, also known as absolute pitch, is a remarkable ability that allows individuals to identify and name musical notes without any external reference. Despite common misconceptions, people with perfect pitch typically have no trouble recognizing notes across a wide range of frequencies, including very high and low frequencies. However, the accuracy of this ability can vary, especially as the notes move further from the standard musical range.

Common Range and Variability in Accuracy

Generally, perfect pitch is most commonly associated with the frequency range of Western music, which spans from about 20 Hz (the lowest note on a piano) to around 4000 Hz (the higher end of most musical instruments). While many individuals with perfect pitch can accurately identify notes beyond this range, their accuracy often decreases as the frequencies move towards the extreme high or low registers.

Impact of Age and Hearing Loss

The accuracy of perfect pitch can also be influenced by factors such as age and hearing loss. As we age, our ability to perceive higher pitches may diminish. This is evident in the experiences of individuals like the author mentioned, who now require more volume to hear high pitches clearly. For instance, at the top end of the piano (around 4300 Hz), older individuals might struggle to hear these notes accurately.

Additionally, hearing loss can significantly impact an individual's ability to perceive certain frequencies. The author highlights that some ringtones, especially those popular among younger generations, are too high-pitched for them to hear adequately. Similarly, extremely low frequencies (such as those in the ‘military secret weapon’ range of 5 CPS) can be challenging even for those with perfect pitch. These frequencies often make the listener feel their guts vibrate rather than hearing them as distinct notes and can even cause discomfort in some individuals.

Physical Limitations of Musical Instruments

While individuals with perfect pitch can generally recognize very high and low frequencies, the design of musical instruments can sometimes present challenges. At the low end of a piano, especially in smaller grands and uprights, the physical limitations and compromises can cause the bass strings to behave more like a solid rod than a vibrating string. This can lead to more overtones becoming dominant, making it difficult to distinguish the underlying fundamental tone.

Piano tuners often adjust the tuning, stretching it in the bass to make overtones better match those of the other octaves. This stretching can vary based on the scale of the piano design, leading to confusion in the ear when comparing different instruments. Furthermore, the human ear is not naturally set up to perceive noises in certain frequency ranges as distinct musical notes.

Understanding these limitations and variations in perception is crucial for individuals with perfect pitch, as well as for musicians and music enthusiasts. While the ability to recognize notes across a wide frequency range is remarkable, the accuracy of this recognition can be influenced by age, hearing loss, and the physical properties of musical instruments.