What frequency range do most music frequencies span?

The frequency range that most music frequencies span is typically considered to be from around 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz (20 kHz), which encompasses the full range of human hearing. However, for practical purposes in terms of musical application, many instruments and vocal sounds are often primarily within the lower range of that spectrum.

While the choice stating 20 Hz to 5,000 Hz accurately captures a significant portion of vocal ranges and foundational musical tones, it does not reflect the broader range of frequencies utilized in most music, which would indeed go up to about 20 kHz. However, focusing on the fundamental frequencies where most musical sounds occur, particularly in terms of rhythm and basic melodies, often falls well within this lower spectrum.

In this case, the frequencies from 20 Hz to 5,000 Hz include lower bass instruments as well as mid-range sounds, linking to the fundamental production of music that we generally perceive. This range facilitates the basic harmonic and melodic structures found in a wide variety of musical genres. Therefore, it is a useful representation of the essential frequencies involved in typical music.