13th Oct 2023

​FREQUENCY IN MUSIC, 432hz, 440hz and more.

The 432 Hz frequency is a specific value used in tuning musical instruments and is an alternative to the standard 440 Hz tuning. The 432 Hz frequency is considered a more "natural" or "harmonic" tuning by some people, and has gained some popularity in music and esoteric culture.

The standard 440 Hz tuning is used in most Western music and is supported by music standards organizations such as the ISO. However, proponents of tuning at 432 Hz argue that this frequency has properties that make it more harmonious and connected to nature.

It is important to note that the choice between 432 Hz and 440 Hz is largely subjective and cultural. There is no solid scientific consensus that conclusively supports the superiority of one over the other in terms of musical quality. The preference for one tuning or another depends on the personal taste and individual beliefs of the musicians and listeners.

In addition to the 432 Hz and 440 Hz frequencies, there are other frequencies used in music, and these can vary depending on musical context, culture, and genre. Here are some notable frequencies used in music:

Concert A440: The standard tuning of 440 Hz is the value used to tune the note A4 (A4) on the equal temperament scale. This frequency acts as a reference point for tuning other instruments and orchestras around the world.

Alternate Tunings: In addition to 432 Hz and 440 Hz, some musicians and composers experiment with alternative tunings to achieve specific sounds and effects. For example, musician David Bowie used to tune his guitar half a step lower, at approximately 415 Hz, to achieve a unique sound in some of his songs.

Specific frequencies for musical genres: In some musical genres, such as electronic music, specific frequencies are used to create characteristic sounds and effects. Synthesizers and samplers can manipulate frequencies to generate different tones and textures.

Microtones: In microtonal music, frequencies that are not found in the standard equal temperament scale are used. This allows exploration of intermediate sounds that cannot be reproduced on a 12-tone scale. Microtonal frequencies can vary widely depending on the musical composition.

Harmonic frequencies: Some musicians experiment with the relationship of frequencies to create particular harmonies. Harmonic frequencies are based on multiples of a fundamental frequency and are used in music to create interesting chords and harmonic progressions.

Ultimately, choosing a tuning frequency or using specific frequencies in music depends on the style, creative intent, and preferences of the musician or composer. Music is a very versatile art, and frequencies play a crucial role in creating sounds and emotions that resonate with listeners around the world.