All instruments, are tuned to a reference note (for example A = 440 Hertz). Today there are two main tuning references for Native American flutes: 440Hz and 432Hz. Both of these tunings give unique characteristics to your flute, so it's important to choose the right one.
440Hz vs 432Hz: Key differences
Let's begin with 440Hz. This tuning reference is the international standard (ISO 16:1975) used all over the world. So if someone in, let's say China makes an instrument and wants to play it together with an instrument from Africa, all they need to do is use the same tuning reference (and for wind instruments also temperature reference), to be able to play together. For this reason an international standard reference was agreed on:Â The muscial note of A, vibrating at a frequency of exactly 440 times per second. Hence A=440Hz.
So if you want your flute to be capable of playing together with most of the other instruments in the world, or even in a classical orchestra, standard 440Hz tuning is your go-to.
Next there is the alternative tuning of A=432Hz, a little lower than 440Hz. This tuning is regaining popularity because it's known to be more in balance with the earth and the human body.
Therefore, 432Hz tuning is widely used in shamanism, music healing, meditation and yogic practices. So if any of these spiritual practices is what you're using your Native american flute for, 432Hz is your preferred frequency.
Can't decide? Flutes in 440Hz AND 432Hz
So what if you're playing at sjamanic ceremonies (in 432Hz), but you also you love to jam with your friend who plays the piano (at 440Hz). Or, you already have flutes in 440hz and now you're attracted to a 432Hz flute, but also want to play it together with your older 440Hz flutes?
Some flutemakers, offer the possibility for a flute tuned to both frequencies. What you get is a flute with two different totems: one totem plays 440Hz, the other totem is tuned to 432Hz.
The option for 2 totem flutes is available for my custom Elite and Essential flutes. There is an extra cost involved but if you're looking to use both tunings, it's really like having two different flutes to play with.
Can you change the tuning of a Native flute?
Unlike a guitar or piano, it's usually not possible to change the tuning of a native flute. Hence the importance of making the right choice to begin with.
I say usually because sometimes, adjustments can be made if the flutemaker knows what he/she is doing. What might be possible is changing a simple chromatic flute within the same key from 432Hz to 440hz, or from 440hz to the next key (up) to 432hz.
However none of these adjustments are recommended because they involve adjusting the physical shape and holes of the instrument which can be difficult and costly, and you will probably lose the chromatic accuracy of your flute (if it had chromatic tuning to begin with).
Checking the tuning reference of your flute
If you're unsure about the tuning reference of your flute, there are several ways to find out. First and easiest is searching for any markings that say 440 or 432 on the flute.
If there's none such markings maybe the flute is tuned to 440hz, or the maker is using a different marking system. The flutes I make have nothing but the key letter (F, G, A...) marked when they're tuned to 440hz. But when my flutes are tuned to 432hz they will also have a subtle dot underneath the key letter.
If you still cannot find out what the tuning reference for your flute is, the best way is to use a tuning app. A great Android app I recommend for this purpose is named "Datuner" because it's free and has an option for tuning reference (not all have).
How to use this app? Open Datuner and set it to 440hz tuning reference (standard setting). Play the bottom note on your flute, with medium breath pressure, at room temperature 72°F or 22°C. If the note reads correct, your flute is tuned to 440hz. If it reads approx. 20 cents low, your flute is probably tuned to 432Hz. You can check by changing the tuning reference to 432Hz and test again. The flute should now correct for 432Hz.
