Teaching Fourier Analysis and Wave Physics with the Bass Guitar

This article describes a laboratory or demonstration technique employing the bass guitar and a Vernier LabPro (or a PC soundcard) for teaching wave physics and introducing Fourier analysis. The Fourier transform of an open string provides a demonstration of oscillatory modes out to the 20th harmonic consistent with expectations containing a fundamental frequency and harmonics. The playing of "harmonics" (suppressing resonant modes by lightly touching the string to enforce nodes at desired locations) demonstrates oscillations made up (mostly) of individual modes. Students see that the complete set of Fourier components (fundamental and harmonics) present on the open string can be explicitly connected with individual resonant frequencies as described in typical textbook discussions of natural frequencies of waves on a string. The use of a bass guitar rather than the six string electric guitar allows higher harmonics to be individually excited, and it is also easier for students to play the harmonics themselves.