174 Hz: Meaning, Benefits & How to Listen
174 Hz is the lowest of the solfeggio frequencies. Deep and soft, it is often described as the foundation tone and is popular for body relaxation, grounding and sleep. Here is what 174 Hz is, what it is traditionally associated with, what research does and doesn’t say, and how to listen.
What is 174 Hz?
A frequency of 174 hertz (Hz) is a sound wave that vibrates 174 times per second. That is a low, warm tone, close to the note F3 on a piano (about 175 Hz).
174 Hz is one of the nine solfeggio frequencies: 174, 285, 396, 417, 528, 639, 741, 852 and 963 Hz. The modern list became popular in the 1990s through the authors Joseph Puleo and Leonard Horowitz, who linked six of the tones to a medieval Latin hymn to St John the Baptist. The first syllables of that hymn (ut, re, mi, fa, sol, la) gave us the do-re-mi scale. 174, 285 and 963 Hz were added to the set later.
What is 174 Hz associated with?
In sound-healing circles, 174 Hz is linked to safety, security and a sense of being grounded in the body. It is often used at the start of a solfeggio session as a gentle base before higher tones. Some teachers connect it with the root chakra, though chakra mappings vary.
What does the research say?
You may see 174 Hz described as a “natural anaesthetic” that removes pain. That claim is not supported by reliable evidence.
There is no reliable scientific research on 174 Hz specifically. The meanings above come from spiritual and sound-healing traditions, not from clinical studies. What research on relaxing music in general does suggest is that calm, steady sound can help many people feel more relaxed and wind down. That is the honest way to think about 174 Hz: a pleasant tone that many people enjoy for meditation and rest.
What people use 174 Hz for
Body relaxation: a low tone to help you notice and release tension.
Falling asleep: a soft, deep sound at low volume at bedtime.
Grounding: a steady base for breathing or a body scan.
Meditation: a quiet starting point before higher frequencies.
Yoga and stretching: slow background sound for gentle movement.
How to listen to 174 Hz
Choose a pure 174 Hz tone, or music layered with 174 Hz if you prefer something softer.
Keep the volume low. It should sit in the background, not fill the room.
Use speakers or headphones. Unlike binaural beats, a single tone does not need headphones.
Start with 10 to 20 minutes. For sleep, play a longer track through the night.
Try a body scan: move your attention slowly from your feet to your head while the tone plays.
174 Hz vs 285 Hz
174 Hz and 285 Hz are the two lowest solfeggio tones and are often played together. 174 Hz is deeper and more often used for grounding and sleep, while 285 Hz is a little brighter and is linked to renewal and a sense of safety.
Listen to 174 Hz
Long 174 Hz sleep and meditation videos are coming to our Healing Sounds YouTube channel. Subscribe to get them when they go live.
Try 174 Hz in the Healing Sounds app
Healing Sounds is a free app with 500+ sounds, including solfeggio frequencies from 174 Hz to 963 Hz, binaural beats, Tibetan singing bowls, nature sounds and white, brown and pink noise. You can layer 174 Hz with rain or ocean sounds to make your own mix for sleep or meditation.
Frequently asked questions
Is 174 Hz good for sleep?
Many people find its deep, soft sound relaxing at bedtime. There is no strong evidence it helps sleep more than other relaxing sounds, so treat it as one option to try.
Does 174 Hz relieve pain?
There is no reliable evidence that 174 Hz relieves pain. If you are in pain, please talk to a doctor.
Do I need headphones for 174 Hz?
No. A single 174 Hz tone works the same through speakers or headphones. Headphones are only needed for binaural beats, which play a different frequency in each ear.
How long should I listen to 174 Hz?
Start with 10 to 20 minutes during meditation or a break. For sleep, many people play a longer track at a low volume through the night.
Is listening to 174 Hz safe?
For most people, listening to soft tones at a low volume is fine. Keep the volume low, and if you have tinnitus or another hearing concern, check with your doctor first.
Explore other frequencies
This article is for general information about relaxation and sound. It is not medical advice. If you have a health or mental health concern, please talk to your doctor.
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