One definition of consonant intervals are those that share many overtones/partials in common [1]. This reduces the phenomenon of "beating" which is readily per

One definition of consonant intervals are those that share many overtones/partials in common [1]. This reduces the phenomenon of "beating" which is readily perceived as unpleasant dissonance. (Though small degrees of "beating" can be pleasant.) [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consonance_and_dissonance#Acoustics_and_psychoacoustics https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consonance_and_dissonance#Acou...