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432 Hz vs 440 Hz

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ezbzbfcg2
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31 Dec 2020, 6:57 pm

Anyone know anything about this? I know you can do sound recording at different rates. But apparently, instruments themselves can be tuned to different frequencies. Does a whole band need to tune their instruments to the same frequency? I wonder if there are any pianos tuned at 432 Hz and guitars to 440 Hz they played on the same recording.



funeralxempire
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31 Dec 2020, 7:13 pm

Yes, to sound in tune all of the instruments would need to be tuned to the same reference. If A = 432 on the piano the guitar needs to be similarly downtuned to match.

It's actually the notes that are tuned to different frequencies. When A = something other than 440 it raises or lowers all of the notes relative to that. A = 440 is what's called concert pitch but historically A hasn't always = 440.


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ezbzbfcg2
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31 Dec 2020, 7:21 pm

Thanks for the reply. If I understand correctly, the different frequency rates are essentially variant turnings, where the notes sound simliarish (not a full or half step down) but not fully aligned (as in 432 Hz vs 440 Hz tuning). If the instruments are tuned to different frequencies, it won't sound harmonious playing together.

I never thought about it much because most modern keyboards and guitar tuners have apparently naturally been tuned to A = 440.



funeralxempire
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31 Dec 2020, 7:29 pm

ezbzbfcg2 wrote:
Thanks for the reply. If I understand correctly, the different frequency rates are essentially variant turnings, where the notes sound simliarish (not a full or half step down) but not fully aligned (as in 432 Hz vs 440 Hz tuning). If the instruments are tuned to different frequencies, it won't sound harmonious playing together.

I never thought about it much because most modern keyboards and guitar tuners have apparently naturally been tuned to A = 440.



Basically it shifts all of the notes up or down together. They wouldn't line-up perfectly with the notes as defined when A = 440, but as long as they have the same relative relationships they will sound relatively in tune to each other.


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If you're not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed, and loving the people who are doing the oppressing. —Malcolm X
Just a reminder: under international law, an occupying power has no right of self-defense, and those who are occupied have the right and duty to liberate themselves by any means possible.