This post contains an alternate way to select pitch. I do prefer 440hz over 432hz but the number magic is interesting with in 432hz. Obviously we all know the benefits from strobe tuning and like our Peterson models. I always had a pretty good ear when it came to sound listening. Early on I experimented with self tuning by ear until an aha magic moment occurred. At these moments, I captured the offset by writing down the frequency in hertz of the tuning. This magic is specific to instruments, amplifiers, strings, intonation, picks etc. So please take a look and try my numbers to see if it might work for you as well.
First I will post the notes of my favorite tunings and then I will post the adjustments specifically for the E tuning. Obviously I lean more towards the up than the down. Despite this, I love listening to down tuned instruments.
EADGBE(Classic Tuning)
F#BEAC#F#(Unique sound)
GCFA#DG(This is one of my favorites. Unfortunately it’s right at the tension line of busting. Using .11 strings I’ve never felt a more punchy, and tighter sound.)
EADGBE, now if you look at the numbers of the adjustments, it’s more like close to E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4. I find it hard to replicate my favorite tunings consistently and easily. I wish there was a device that let’s you set the frequency instead of the note. Chromatic gets close, and then I just fine tune by ear. The reasoning why is later covered below, described as a floating ideal number instead of a fixed one.
| 82.3hz | 82.3hz | 77.5hz | 72.3hz |
| 110.4hz | 110.3hz | 103.5hz | 97.3hz |
| 147.3hz | 147.3hz | 138.5hz | 129.3hz |
| 197.5hz | 197.3hz | 184.5hz | 173.3hz |
| 248.3hz | 249.3hz | 232.5hz | 219.3hz |
| 333.3hz | 333.3hz | 310.5hz | 293.3hz |
I believe each individual wants to be in a thought, place or mindset when they listen to audio. Whether your feeling grounded to Earth, or blasting through the solar system, there is a specific frequency that you resonate with.
I like the idea of always changing, environments are always changing, strings don’t stay in tune through big environment changes. You need to be flexible and follow the sweet spot of listened sound as your environment changes, it will yield you the best results. Studios are different because their controlled environments. We use baffling, soundproofing, purposeful placement, temperature and humidity control. In these places, choosing a pitch that works best for the control area is idea.
… if you want to read more about “pitch“
Here is what I put together, based a story that standard pitch was raised from 432hz to 440hz because concert halls gained warmer temperature controls over the past 100 years.
Explanation:
2.6F for every 1hz +/-
This is the offset adjustment from 440hz at 72F.
Procedure:
Take air temperature
Subtract from 72
Divide by 2.6
Sum is +/- new pitch standard set in hertz
Set into tuner and adjust guitar strings to EADGBE
I thought this abstract found online to be a good read as well.
I would discuss air density in the equation but it’s not a practical measurement.