Instrument Frequency Guide

Why Instrument Frequency Knowledge Matters

Every instrument occupies specific regions of the frequency spectrum. Understanding where each instrument's fundamental frequencies and harmonics sit allows you to make informed EQ decisions, set appropriate high-pass filters, and create mixes where every element has its own space.

The frequency range of an instrument includes both its fundamental frequencies (the actual notes being played) and its harmonics (overtones that give the instrument its unique tone). A bass guitar might have fundamentals only up to 400Hz, but its harmonics extend to 5kHz or higher—which is why bass can still be heard on small speakers that can't reproduce low frequencies.

Drums and Percussion

Kick Drum (30-8000Hz)

The kick drum spans an enormous range. Sub-bass (30-60Hz) provides chest-thumping weight. The "punch" lives around 60-100Hz. Boxiness accumulates at 200-400Hz. The beater "click" that cuts through the mix sits at 2-5kHz. Modern rock and electronic music often emphasizes both the sub and the click while scooping the mids.

Snare Drum (100-12000Hz)

Snare body and "fatness" come from 150-250Hz. The "crack" and attack live at 2-4kHz. Snare wire sizzle extends up to 8-12kHz. The 400-600Hz range often sounds boxy and benefits from cutting. For a snare that cuts through, focus on the 2-4kHz range.

Toms (60-10000Hz)

Floor tom fundamentals sit around 60-80Hz, rack toms higher at 100-200Hz. Body and tone come from 200-400Hz (but watch for boxiness). Attack and stick definition live at 3-5kHz. Each tom needs different treatment—don't apply the same EQ to all.

Hi-Hat and Cymbals (300-16000Hz)

Cymbals produce very little useful energy below 300Hz—high-pass aggressively. Presence and "stick" sound sits at 3-6kHz. Shimmer and air come from 8-12kHz. Harshness often occurs around 6-8kHz. In dense mixes, hi-hats often need less 3-5kHz to avoid competing with vocals.

Bass Instruments

Electric Bass (40-5000Hz)

Lowest note (low E) fundamental is 41Hz; 5-string basses go to 31Hz. Weight and foundation live at 60-100Hz. Warmth and body at 100-250Hz. "Mud" accumulates at 200-400Hz—cut carefully. Growl and presence come from 700Hz-1.5kHz. String noise and attack extend to 3-5kHz.

Synth Bass (30-8000Hz)

Synthesizers can produce lower frequencies than acoustic instruments. 808-style bass often has fundamentals at 30-50Hz. The sub-bass range (30-80Hz) is critical for electronic music. Upper harmonics providing "character" extend to 3-5kHz depending on the synthesis method.

Guitars

Electric Guitar (80-12000Hz)

Lowest note (low E) fundamental is 82Hz, but useful content rarely exists below 80Hz—high-pass freely. Body and warmth at 100-250Hz. Mud and boxiness at 200-400Hz. "Honk" at 500-800Hz. Presence and bite at 2-4kHz. Brightness and pick attack at 4-8kHz.

Acoustic Guitar (80-15000Hz)

Similar low end to electric, but often recorded with more low-frequency content from body resonance. Boominess at 200-300Hz is common, especially with close miking. String clarity and "air" extend higher than electric, up to 12-15kHz.

Keyboards and Piano

Piano (27-15000Hz)

The piano has the widest frequency range of any common instrument. Lowest A is 27Hz; highest C is 4186Hz, with harmonics extending much higher. Low piano notes need careful management to avoid muddying the mix. Presence and clarity come from 2-5kHz. Brilliance at 8-12kHz.

Organ (50-10000Hz)

Pipe and electronic organs have massive low-end capability. Foundation at 50-200Hz. Body and warmth at 200-500Hz. "Cut through" at 1-2kHz. Hammond-style organs have distinctive harmonics from the tonewheel generators. Leslie speaker adds movement and presence in the upper frequencies.

Vocals

Male Vocals (80-12000Hz)

Fundamentals typically range from 80-500Hz. Chest resonance at 100-250Hz. Nasal/honky quality at 500-1kHz. Presence and clarity at 2-4kHz. Sibilance at 5-8kHz. Air and breathiness at 8-12kHz. Most male vocals benefit from high-pass at 80-100Hz.

Female Vocals (150-15000Hz)

Fundamentals sit higher than male vocals, typically 150-800Hz. Chest resonance less prominent, but can boost 150-250Hz for warmth. Presence range extends higher, 3-5kHz. Sibilance often more prominent, 6-9kHz. Air extends higher, up to 15kHz for breathy styles.

Strings and Orchestra

Violin (200-15000Hz)

Lowest note is G3 (196Hz). Rich harmonics extend very high. Body at 200-500Hz. "Scratchy" quality to cut at 2-4kHz. Brilliance at 6-10kHz. Very little useful content below 200Hz.

Cello (65-10000Hz)

Much lower range than violin, with lowest note at C2 (65Hz). Warmth at 100-250Hz. Body at 200-500Hz. Definition at 2-3kHz. Can conflict with bass guitar—carve space between them.

Using This Knowledge

This frequency knowledge should inform your decisions, not dictate them. Every recording is different—a bright acoustic guitar might need different treatment than a dark one. Use these ranges as starting points for exploration, not rigid rules. Trust your ears over any chart.