A=432?

A4 = 432 Hz is a tuning standard that is promoted by a small but vocal minority in the music industry. This standard suggests that the frequency of A4, a musical pitch, should be tuned to 432 Hz instead of the standard 440 Hz. However, there is little scientific evidence to support the claims made by proponents of this tuning standard.

One of the main arguments made by proponents of A = 432 Hz is that “ancient” societies tuned their instruments to this frequency. However, there is little evidence to support this claim, and it would have been impossible for ancient civilizations to tune specifically to 432 Hz due to the lack of technology at the time. Additionally, ancient societies had different tuning systems and it's not possible to conclude that they used A4 = 432 Hz universally.

 Another argument made by proponents of this tuning standard is that classical composers such as Mozart and Verdi preferred it. However, tuning standards varied widely during the Baroque and Classical periods, and there is no evidence that these composers believed in any of the claims made about A4 = 432 Hz.

Some proponents also reference the Schumann resonance, a scientifically-sound phenomenon caused by electromagnetic waves from storm activity, and claim that 432 Hz is in tune with it. However, this argument is based on a round-off of the fundamental frequency of the Schumann resonance, which is 7.83 Hz, and there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that 432 Hz is in tune with it.

Despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting the claims that 432 Hz is a superior tuning frequency, it is important to note that personal preference plays a huge role in music. People's preferences for different tuning frequencies can vary, and one person's preference may not be the same as another persons.

Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide which tuning frequency they prefer. It's important to note that it is not incorrect to choose 432 Hz as a tuning frequency for music, if that is what the person prefers, it's just less supported by scientific evidence.

 It's also important to understand that tuning frequencies have evolved throughout history, and there is no one "correct" tuning frequency. Different cultures and historical periods have used different tuning frequencies, and each has its own unique sound and aesthetic. For example, the standard tuning frequency of 440 Hz is used in modern Western music, while other cultures have used different tuning frequencies.

In conclusion, while there is little scientific evidence to support the claims that 432 Hz is a superior tuning frequency for music, personal preference plays a huge role in music, and it is ultimately up to the individual to decide which tuning frequency they prefer. It's important to be informed about the facts behind the claims and to be cautious and discerning when it comes to fads, claims and sales pitches from new-age ‘snake-oil’ ventures, but at the same time, it's fine to choose whatever tuning one wishes and enjoy the music as they prefer, without feeling that one is less natural or less correct than the other.

This is just scratching the surface of a topic we are asked about a lot. If you would like a little more analysis and criticism on the history and context of this fad of A=432 these two videos by Adam Neely are our favourites: