I prefer using the standard pitch, which is 440hz, as most of the songs are played in it. But, I experimented a bit with 432hz, which is the most popular alternative reference pitch, and that was definitely fun. I don’t really believe the New Age things about 432hz (which I will also explore in this article), but I did use this pitch to play around.
If you are wondering how to tune a guitar to 432hz, this guide will be helpful. I will also explore the pitch a bit in terms of its historical relevance and will show some popular songs using 432hz.
Tuning Your Guitar to 432hz — The Detailed Explanation
To tune your guitar to 432Hz using an electronic tuner or a reference pitch, you’ll follow a similar process to standard tuning, but you’ll adjust the frequency to match 432Hz instead of the usual 440Hz. Here’s how to do it with a tuner.
If you’re using an electronic tuner, make sure it’s set to chromatic mode, as you’ll need to adjust the pitch manually. If you’re using a reference pitch, ensure that it’s calibrated to 432Hz. This is available for most chromatic tuners, and once the reference pitch is set, you just need to proceed with the same process for tuning your guitar.
What’s different is that if you, say, hit the open A string, it will show that it is slightly above the perfect pitch, because it was tuned to the 440hz. The point is just to tune down all other strings a bit until your tuner shows you are in tune.
Tuning 432hz by Ear
I generally don’t recommend experimenting with reference pitches without a tuner. If you are going to tune your guitar using just your ears, you will still need a reference pitch tuned to 432hz. This could either be another instrument, or a simple reference you could find online.
The video below plays all six strings in 432hz, so you can use them to tune down your guitar just by listening.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQF9hQ7Bk9E
Finally, strum through some chords or play a few scales to test the tuning and ensure everything sounds harmonious.
What is 432hz and How Is It Different from 440hz?
When it comes to tuning your guitar, you might stumble upon the term “432hz tuning.” This alternative tuning standard deviates from the widely used “concert pitch” of 440hz, sparking curiosity and sometimes even controversy. So, what’s the deal with these numbers, and how do they affect your guitar’s sound?
- 432hz: Represents the frequency of the A4 note, which forms the basis for tuning other notes on your guitar.
- 440hz: The current international standard for A4, adopted in 1953.
The key difference lies in the perceived pitch:
- 432hz: Sounds slightly flat compared to 440hz. It’s often described as warmer, smoother, and more resonant.
- 440hz: Considered the brighter, sharper standard tuning.
Is 432hz Bad or Good?
If you are on this page, you’ve probably heard some theories that 432Hz is the right reference pitch, as it is in tune with our bodies, universe, or whatnot. Since I am just a musician, I cannot make any deductions except the subjective ones. But to me, playing in 432hz or listening to it makes no difference.
I found a scientific paper that claims 432hz can lower blood pressure and heart rate. However, further research needs to be done to confirm this, as the sample was too small.
In other words, try and see what makes you feel good. In my case, it doesn’t make too much difference.
The History of 432hz Pitch
Historically, there was no universal standard for pitch. Various ancient civilizations, such as the Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans, had their own systems of tuning, often based on the human voice or natural phenomena.
Everything was pretty much chaotic before the 19th century. Pitch varied widely across regions, instruments, and even over time within the same location. Organs, tuned by physically adjusting their pipes, could drift higher as their metal fatigued.
The year 1834 marked a turning point. German physicist Johann Heinrich Scheibler proposed A440 Hz as a standard based on his scientific measurements. Although initially adopted in Germany, it wasn’t until the 20th century that global agreement solidified. In 1936, an international conference recommended A440, further cemented by standardization bodies like the International Organization for Standardization.
While A440 reigns supreme, whispers of a “natural” tuning at 432 Hz persist. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the New Age movement popularized the idea of A=432 Hz as a more natural and spiritually resonant tuning. Proponents claim it harmonizes better with nature and human physiology, though these claims, as I already mentioned, lack proper scientific backing.
With the advent of the internet, the popularity of A=432 Hz surged even further. Online communities, social media platforms, and YouTube channels promoted its supposed benefits, leading to widespread interest and experimentation among musicians and listeners.
Today, A440 remains the dominant concert pitch, ensuring consistency across orchestras and recordings. However, some ensembles and individual musicians explore alternative tunings, including 432 Hz, for artistic or philosophical reasons.
Popular Bands Using 432hz
I was quite sure that bands such as Tool and several others experimented with 432hz, but after I started researching this for the article, it seems I was under a wrong impression.
It turns out that the claim that popular bands actively use 432 Hz for their music is largely inaccurate. While there may be individual songs or recordings available in 432 Hz versions, this is typically done by fans or independent third parties after the original release, not by the bands themselves.
The vast majority of commercially released music by popular bands adheres to the standard concert pitch of A440 Hz. This is due to several factors:
- Standardization: A440 Hz is the internationally recognized standard tuning pitch across instruments and recordings, ensuring compatibility and consistency. Deviating from this standard creates logistical and technical challenges.
- Distribution: The music industry infrastructure, from recording studios to streaming platforms, is built around A440 Hz. Using a different pitch would require costly adjustments and potential compatibility issues.
- Minimal perceived difference: The difference between A440 Hz and A432 Hz is very small, typically undetectable by the average listener. The claimed benefits of 432 Hz lack scientific validation and are largely subjective.
While there might be individual artists or niche groups experimenting with 432 Hz, it’s not a trend within mainstream popular music. Attributing widespread use of 432 Hz to popular bands often stems from misinformation or misinterpretations of online content.
Conclusion: Should You Play in 432Hz?
Hopefully, I helped you learn how to tune a guitar in 432 hz.
Ultimately, choosing between 432hz and 440hz is a matter of personal preference. Some musical styles, like ambient or meditative music, might find resonance in the perceived warmth and smoothness of 432hz. However, remember that playing with instruments tuned to 440hz can lead to compatibility issues, as notes won’t perfectly align.