Should You Tune to A440 or A442?

A common question...

You’ll often hear things like: “This piano is tuned to A442” or “Do you tune to A440?”

But what do these numbers actually mean? And is one frequency better than the other?

These numbers — 440, 442, etc. — refer to the frequency, in Hertz (Hz), of the reference A (specifically A4, located just above middle C). This note serves as the foundation for tuning all the others.

Without going into too much detail, here’s what you need to know:

• The higher the number, the higher the pitch;

• 440 Hz means the A vibrates 440 times per second;

• 442 Hz is slightly higher — and sounds slightly brighter.

Encyclopedic Dictionary excerpt: In 1859, the reference pitch was set to 435 Hz

A440: The Official Standard

Today, the internationally recognized pitch standard is A440 Hz. It was adopted by convention to allow musicians around the world to tune their instruments to a shared reference point.

But this number isn’t “natural” in any way — it’s the result of long debates, compromises… and ultimately, an arbitrary decision.

Why Tune to A442 Hz?

In concert settings, instruments are often tuned slightly higher — typically to A442 Hz. This gives the sound more brilliance, tension, and presence — especially for high-pitched instruments like strings and winds.

Some musicians go even further, tuning to A443 or even A444 Hz, particularly in the string world.

That’s why stage pianos and those used with orchestras are frequently tuned to 442 Hz.

What About Historical Performance?

When playing early music, musicians often try to match the original pitch standard used at the time of composition. Before modern standardization, reference pitch varied widely — from one region to another, even from one theater to the next!

Here are some real examples:

• 435 Hz in Ghent (1834)

• 444 Hz at the Paris Opera (1856)

• 392 Hz in Rome for Baroque Italian music

• 460 Hz in Venice — at the same period!

For Baroque music, the most commonly used pitch today is A415 Hz, but it still varies depending on the ensemble or venue.

And What About the Famous A432 Hz?

You may have heard that A432 Hz is better for your health, more in harmony with the universe, the Great Pyramid of Giza, or the frequency of water…

But there’s no serious scientific evidence to support any of these claims.

Most of it is pseudo-scientific speculation, with no real acoustic basis. And even if the A is tuned to 432 Hz, the rest of the piano’s notes follow a complex tuning system — with no mystical alignment to the “magic numbers” being promoted.

Excerpt from the Official Journal. In 1970, the French government had still not officially adopted A440.

What About the “Nazi Pitch” Myth?

You may have come across the claim that A440 Hz was invented by the Nazis. In reality, this is false.

The 440 Hz pitch standard was already in use in several European countries well before WWII. France didn’t even adopt it officially until... 1971!

This urban legend is just one of many that surround music and tuning.

🎯 In Short

• A440 Hz is the official global standard, used to unify pitch across instruments.

• A442 Hz is common in concert settings: slightly brighter and more vibrant.

• Historical pitch varies widely in early music and is adapted accordingly.

• A432 Hz has no solid scientific foundation.

  
  

  The most important thing:

  ➤ All instruments in an ensemble must be tuned to the same reference frequency!

  
  

📩 Get in Touch

Not sure what pitch your piano is tuned to? Preparing for a concert or playing with other musicians?

I can tune your piano to the frequency that best suits your needs.

👉 Feel free to reach out via the Contact page for advice or an appointment.