Guitar Tuning in 432 Hz
In the standard tuning system for musical instruments, the frequency of the note A (A4) is set at 440 Hz. However, some musicians believe that the correct reference frequency of A (A4) should be 432 Hz, and accordingly, the frequencies of all other notes should also be adjusted.
We have created tuners for tuning guitars and any other instruments both at the reference frequency of 440 Hz (classic guitar tuner) and at 432 Hz (432 Hz tuner, available below on this page).
We do not give recommendations on which reference frequency is better. You can try tuning your guitar first to 440 Hz and then to 432 Hz, and choose which sound you prefer. Keep in mind that you need to retune all strings of your instrument, since changing the reference frequency changes the pitch of all notes.
If you play a single instrument, switching from 440 Hz to 432 Hz should not cause any difficulties in performing songs. But if you play in a band with several instruments, all instruments must be tuned to the same frequency!
The differences in sound between 440 Hz and 432 Hz are subjective: some people prefer 440, others prefer 432. But there is an objective difference in string tension: when tuned to 432 Hz, the pitch is lower, and the string tension is also lower. This means that old, fragile, or damaged instruments are preferably tuned to 432 Hz, as they will be less likely to break.
Standard tuning notes for a six-string guitar
- 1 string - E4 (thinnest)
- 2 string - B3
- 3 string - G3
- 4 string - D3
- 5 string - A2
- 6 string - E2
If this is your first time tuning a guitar with a tuner and you are not sure you will do everything correctly, you may find the instructions helpful. The tuning process in 432 Hz is no different from tuning in 440 Hz; the instructions are available on the classic 440 Hz guitar tuner page.