What do narrowband spectrograms primarily display?

Narrowband spectrograms primarily display individual harmonics of a sound signal. This type of spectrogram is characterized by its time resolution, which allows it to capture the frequency content of a signal in detail over a short duration. The narrowband analysis results in clearer definitions of the harmonic structure, making it particularly effective for visualizing the periodic nature of voiced sounds, where individual harmonics can be distinguished distinctly.

In speech science, narrowband spectrograms are useful for examining the frequency components of voiced phonemes, as they provide a detailed view of the fundamental frequency as well as its harmonics. This attribute is especially relevant in analyzing voice quality and pitch variations in speech. By focusing on the harmonic structure, practitioners can assess features of voice production and understand how different vocal qualities are produced.

In contrast, broad-band spectrograms would not emphasize individual harmonics as effectively, making them more suitable for analyzing spectral changes over time rather than the precise harmonic content.