A signal processing arrangement generates electrical stimulation signals to electrode contacts in an implanted cochlear implant array. An input sound signal is analyzed to determine characteristic frequency components. One or more stimulation events are requested based on the timing and amplitude of the frequency component. A frequency-specific stimulation sequence (FSSS) is generated for stimulation of a plurality of adjacent electrode contacts. The FSSS starts with a stimulation pulse to the highest-frequency, most-basal electrode contact of the adjacent electrode contacts, ends with a stimulation pulse to the lowest-frequency, most-apical electrode contact of the adjacent electrode contacts, and reaches a maximum stimulation amplitude at a frequency-specific location within the cochlea corresponding to a natural traveling wave maximum. The electrode stimulation signals are then generated from the FSSS for delivery by the electrode contacts to adjacent auditory neural tissue.
