All musical instruments and music created are tuned to and resonate with a range of frequencies. Frequency which is measured in hertz (Hz) is the number of vibrations per second. Vibration can have a tangible effect on the human mind and the human body as well as our energy. Research has shown how listening to music tuned to different frequencies in turn tunes the human mind to the frequency which affects a specific state of consciousness (this is known as brainwave entrainment)
Recently some controversial conversation has been sparked surrounding the comparison of two specific frequencies 440Hz and 432Hz; The observations and comparisons are concerning how the tuning of musical instruments became standardized and the possible intent of the standardization as well as the different effects that each of these frequencies can have on listeners. Within this article, we will learn more about the history of how tuning became standardized as well as an impartial research-based view on the effects of each of these sound frequencies.
What is standardized tuning?
Throughout time the tuning of instruments varied from place to place and maybe even person to person. Around the 1930s which was a time of technological advancement, industrialization and an increase in the broadcast of music: standardized tuning became a consideration. Standardized tuning is an agreement to standardize the tuning of instruments so that music has a consistent sound on a global scale. The standard that was decided for tuning was an “A” which is tuned to 440Hz, this was decided by the international organization for standardization and is agreed to in most western music for the tuning of instruments and music.
Why the comparison between 440Hz and 432Hz?
The conspiracy and comparison between the tuning of “A” to 440Hz or 432Hz comes about because there is various contradictory information on this topic. It is quite tricky to separate fact from fiction and really many of the claims made are subjective and personal so it’s difficult to draw a conclusion that one tone is better than the other – there are people and musicians that claim that 432Hz simply sounds much better, there are also claims that 432Hz can have sound healing benefits. Some listeners and musicians feel that the higher tone 440Hz has a brighter quality and some feel that 440Hz has a mentally stimulating effect that creates underlying discomfort and vibrational disharmony for some listeners; some people claim part of the reason this pitch was standardized to subtly affect listeners in a negative way by overstimulating the mind. People are quite suspicious of this tone as some believe that authorities such as the Rockefeller and Nazi rule pushed for this tone to be standardized as it would create a subtle yet pervasive psychological effect that would make people, in general, more controllable. There are many cases for and against this conspiracy and ultimately it is up to each musician to decide what tuning they prefer to use and up to listeners to decide the music we prefer to listen to. Within the next section in this article, we learn more about each of these frequencies so that you can decide for yourself how you prefer your tuning.
The effects of 432Hz and 440Hz
432Hz: this tone is harmonious and there are many claims and report that it has healing and relaxation effects. 432Hz is sometimes also known as Verdi’s “A” as he was a composer that preferred using this tuning. Even though hertz was not yet a measuring unit yet there are some claims and findings of ancient instruments tuned to a lower “A” frequency. Many listeners and musicians believe that 432Hz can entrain our brainwaves into a state that is beneficial - a state of deeper relaxation and meditation. The frequency of 432Hz has also been felt to have spiritual or energetic effects that are linked to the heart chakra and sacred geometry within all of nature.
440Hz: as mentioned this is the pitch standard frequency accepted as “A” as per international regulations. 440Hz is also known as Stuttgart pitch and it is said to have an effect on the mind. Studies and listeners have noticed that listening to 440Hz tuned music can have a negative impact on mood. Some also feel that 440Hz can cause added stress, tension and increase anxiety. 440Hz is a higher pitch that can be harder on the ears but even though the internet is full of reports on the effects of 440Hz some musicians and listeners disagree and feel there is not much effect or difference and that 440Hz is functional and clear.
There is so much information on this topic and recently there are more studies being conducted with findings that both support and disagree with this conspiracy. It is up to each individual to decide what to do with this information, an interesting personal experiment that can help you to decide which pitch you prefer is a simple listening exercise; choose a composition tuned to 440Hz and a composition tuned to 432Hz, meditate or be fully present to the music and simply and honestly as possible observe how you feel while listening to each composition as well as how you feel after listening to each frequency. You can repeat this experiment over time to draw an intuitive and personal conclusion on which tone you prefer to use when tuning your music or listening to music.
Royalty-Free 432Hz Compositions
Music of Wisdom offers a variety of intentionally tuned 432Hz Royalty-free and high-quality music, this frequency is often preferred for entering into a state of meditation because of the gentler and more harmonious pitch that it offers. You can learn more about432Hz music in-depth, utilizing 432Hz music for meditation and healing as well a list of 432Hz royalty-free tracks within our blog post article: Royalty-free 432Hz music.
__Written by Music Of Wisdom team
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