A sawtooth wave is a type of non-sinusoidal waveform that rises steadily and then sharply drops, resembling the teeth of a saw. It is characterized by its linear ascent and sudden descent, creating a distinctive shape. Sawtooth waves are commonly used in electronic music and signal processing due to their rich harmonic content. In terms of frequency, sawtooth waves can be generated by various electronic instruments, such as synthesizers. They are often utilized in audio synthesis and modulation techniques, making them essential in creating unique sounds and effects in music production.