n music, timbre (/ˈtæmbər/ TAM-bər, also known as tone color or tone quality from

psychoacoustics) is the perceived sound quality of a musical note, sound or tone. Timbre
distinguishes different types of sound production, such as choir voices and musical instruments,
such as string instruments, wind instruments, and percussion instruments. It also enables listeners
to distinguish different instruments in the same category (e.g. an oboe and a clarinet).

The physical characteristics of sound that determine the perception of timbre include spectrum
and envelope. Singers and instrumental musicians can change the timbre of the music they are
singing/playing by using different singing or playing techniques. For example, a violinist can use
different bowing styles or play on different parts of the string to obtain different timbres (e.g.,
playing sul tasto produces a light, airy timbre, whereas playing sul ponticello produces a harsh,
even and aggressive tone). On electric guitar and electric piano, performers can change the
timbre using effects units and graphic equalizers.

In simple terms, timbre is what makes a particular musical sound have a different sound from
another, even when they have the same pitch and loudness. For instance, it is the difference in
sound between a guitar and a piano playing the same note at the same volume. Both instruments
can sound equally tuned in relation to each other as they play the same note, and while playing at
the same amplitude level each instrument will still sound distinctively with its own unique tone
color. Experienced musicians are able to distinguish between different instruments of the same
type based on their varied timbres, even if those instruments are playing notes at the same pitch
and loudness.

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Timbre - Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timbre

Jump to In music history - In simple terms, timbre is what makes a particular musical sound
have a different sound from another, even when they have the same pitch and loudness. For
instance, it is the difference in sound between a guitar and a piano playing the same note at the
same volume.