Abstract: A technique for obtaining an intermediate set of frequency dependant features from a speech signal for use in speech processing and in obtaining estimates of speech pitch. The technique utilizes multiple tapers derived from Slepian sequences to obtain a product of the speech signal and the Slepian functions. Multiple tapered Fourier transforms are then obtained from the product, from which the set of frequency dependent features are calculated. In a preferred embodiment, a derivative of the cepstrum of the speech signal is used as an estimate of speech signal pitch. In another preferred embodiment, the F-spectrum is calculated from the product and the F-cepstrum is obtained therefrom by calculating the Fourier transform of the smoothed derivative of the log of the F-spectrum. The maximum of the F-cepstrum also provides a pitch estimation.