432 Hz vs. 440 Hz: Is the ‘Forbidden Frequency’ Fact or Fiction?

By Travis Perry — Teacher of the G-Chord, Student of the Word, Spreader of Hope and Truth
Published on June 25, 2025

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🎧 So... What’s All the Hype About 432 Hz?

If you’ve spent any time in spiritual, musical, or even conspiracy-minded circles, you’ve probably seen claims that 432 Hz is the “forbidden frequency” — the one that aligns you with the universe, brings peace to your body, and was supposedly suppressed by the powers that be.

But what’s the truth behind that claim? And why is this conversation important to musicians — especially beginners?

Let’s break it down in plain, southern-fried English. 🪕

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🎼 What Does “440 Hz” Even Mean?

Let’s start with the basics:
The note A above middle C — often called A4 — is tuned to 440 Hz, which means it vibrates 440 times per second.

This standard was adopted internationally in 1955 and is used by nearly every guitar tuner, piano, and instrument on the market today.

So when we say “440 Hz tuning,” we mean that the whole instrument is tuned with that note A as the anchor.

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🌀 What Is 432 Hz Then?

432 Hz is simply a slightly lower tuning, where the note A vibrates 432 times per second instead of 440.

That’s just 8 Hz lower, but in musical terms, it shifts every note on the guitar slightly flatter — by about 32 cents (a third of a semitone). It’s subtle, but some musicians say it makes a difference in how the music feels.

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🧠 Why Do People Care So Much?

Supporters of 432 Hz tuning believe it’s:

• More in tune with the natural world

• Resonant with ancient mathematics

• Easier on the ears and the nervous system

• Aligned with cosmic patterns and geometry

Some even say it was intentionally replaced by 440 Hz to make modern music harsher, more chaotic, and less spiritually grounding. (Hey, I didn’t say it — but I’ve read it.)

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🧮 The “Cosmic Math” They Love to Quote:

Is that amazing? Yes.
Is it proof of divine tuning? Not exactly — but it sure gets people thinking.

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🎸 What I Think — As a Music Teacher and Inventor

“If tuning your guitar down to 432 Hz brings you peace, creativity, or connection — then do it.
But don’t expect it to magically turn your dog into a Buddha.
Music is already a miracle. The numbers are just part of the fun.”

At ChordBuddy, we’re about anything that helps people play more and enjoy more. If 432 Hz does that for you — tune it down and jam on.

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💬 Want to Try It Yourself?

There are free tuner apps that let you switch to 432 Hz tuning mode. Give it a try and tell me if it feels different to you.

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📌 In Closing

432 Hz isn’t “forbidden” — it’s just different.
Try it out. Feel it for yourself. Then let your ears — and your heart — decide.