432 Hz vs. 440 Hz: What's the Difference and Why Does It Matter in Music?

If you've been exploring the world of sound healing, meditation music, or even just tuning your own instruments, you've probably come across a bit of a frequency debate: 432 Hz vs. 440 Hz. But what’s the difference, and why do some musicians and sound practitioners feel so strongly about tuning to 432 Hz instead of the modern industry standard of 440 Hz?

At Son of Drum, we’re all about conscious sound and the subtle (and not-so-subtle) shifts that music can create in the body, mind, and soul. Let's dive into this frequency story.

What Is Hz in Music?

First, a quick refresher:
Hz (Hertz) refers to the number of vibrations per second of a sound wave. In music, it determines the pitch of a note. When we say a note is "tuned to 440 Hz," it means that the note A4 (or A above middle C on a standard piano or 88-note keyboard) vibrates at 440 times per second.

The Industry Standard: 440 Hz

Since the mid-20th century, 440 Hz has been the accepted standard for tuning musical instruments worldwide — a decision agreed upon by international bodies for the sake of consistency in orchestras, recordings, and manufacturing.

But that wasn’t always the case.

Before that, tuning varied from region to region. Some orchestras tuned lower, closer to 432 Hz, and some even higher. The shift to 440 Hz was a practical move, but it didn’t take long for musicians and theorists to start questioning whether this modern tuning was truly the most “natural” or “harmonious” frequency.

The 432 Hz Alternative

432 Hz has gained attention as an alternative tuning believed by some to be more in tune with the natural world. It’s sometimes called "Verdi’s A", after composer Giuseppe Verdi, who preferred this frequency for its gentler, warmer tone.

Supporters of 432 Hz tuning argue that it:

• Resonates more naturally with the Earth's frequencies (like the Schumann Resonance at 7.83 Hz)
• Is more harmonious with the body’s energy systems
• Produces music that feels more grounding, meditative, and emotionally balanced

When you compare the same piece of music played in both 432 Hz and 440 Hz, many people say that the 432 version feels softer, more calming, and even more emotionally moving — though this is subjective.

Why This Matters in Sound Healing

In sound healing and wellness practices, the frequency of sound matters.
Just like different instruments can evoke different feelings, different tunings can shift how we experience music on a deeper level.

432 Hz is often preferred in sound healing for its perceived connection to the natural world and its subtle but powerful effect on the nervous system. It's used in:

• Handpans
• Crystal singing bowls
• Chimes and tuning forks
• Ambient music for meditation or yoga

While there's limited scientific evidence proving that 432 Hz is superior, countless practitioners and listeners report feeling a deeper sense of calm and inner alignment when immersed in this tuning.

432 Hz vs. 440 Hz: A Summary

Choosing Your Tuning at Son of Drum

Whether you're choosing a Ethereal pan, chime, or another Sound Healing instruments, it’s important to trust your own resonance.

At Son of Drum, we offer instruments in both 432 Hz and 440 Hz — and we’re always happy to let you listen and feel the difference yourself. Some people feel instantly drawn to one tuning over the other, while others might prefer different tunings for different purposes (performance vs. sound baths, for example).

🌟 Final Thoughts

Sound is more than something we hear — it’s something we feel. The difference between 432 Hz and 440 Hz might seem subtle on paper, but the impact on your body and emotional state can be powerful.

So whether you’re a musician, a sound healer, or just someone curious about the deeper dimensions of sound, give both tunings a listen. See what resonates. In the end, your body always knows.

Want to experience the difference for yourself?
Visit us at Son of Drum and try our 432 Hz and 440 Hz instruments — feel what tuning truly speaks to your soul. 🎵