Solfeggio Frequencies: The Complete Guide to All 9 Tones (+ 432 Hz)
Solfeggio frequencies are a set of nine tones used for relaxation, sleep and meditation: 174, 285, 396, 417, 528, 639, 741, 852 and 963 Hz. This guide explains where they come from, what each one is traditionally associated with, what research does and doesn’t say, and how to choose one. Each frequency links to its own detailed guide.
All solfeggio frequencies at a glance
Tap a frequency to read its full guide. Chakra links and meanings come from sound-healing traditions and vary between teachers. 432 Hz is included because it is so often compared with the solfeggio tones, although it is a tuning rather than part of the scale.
Frequency | Chakra (traditional) | Traditional meaning | Often used for |
Root (varies) | Foundation, safety, grounding | Body relaxation, sleep | |
Sacral or root (varies) | Renewal, restoration | Relaxation, rest | |
Root | Letting go of fear and guilt | Grounding, sleep | |
Sacral | Change, fresh starts | Creativity, reflection | |
None (a tuning) | Warmer-sounding music | Sleep, relaxing music | |
Heart (varies) | Love, transformation | Sleep, meditation | |
Heart | Connection, relationships | Loving-kindness meditation | |
Throat | Expression, clarity | Focus, creative work | |
Third eye | Intuition, inner awareness | Deep meditation | |
Crown | Oneness, spiritual connection | Spiritual meditation |
Where do solfeggio frequencies come from?
The modern solfeggio list became popular in the 1990s through the authors Joseph Puleo and Leonard Horowitz. They linked six tones (396, 417, 528, 639, 741 and 852 Hz) to a medieval Latin hymn to St John the Baptist, whose first syllables (ut, re, mi, fa, sol, la) gave us the do-re-mi scale. Three more tones, 174, 285 and 963 Hz, were added to the set later.
What does the research say?
Scientific research on solfeggio frequencies is very limited. A few small studies have looked at 528 Hz and at 432 Hz tuning, but they are too small to draw firm conclusions. Popular claims that these tones heal illness, repair DNA or detox the body are not supported by reliable evidence.
What research on relaxing music in general does suggest is that calm, steady sound can help many people feel more relaxed and wind down before sleep. That is the honest way to think about solfeggio frequencies: pleasant tones that many people enjoy for rest and meditation.
How to choose a frequency
For sleep: 174 Hz, 396 Hz or 528 Hz, or 432 Hz music.
For grounding and letting go: 396 Hz.
For change and fresh starts: 417 Hz.
For connection and relationships: 639 Hz.
For focus and creative work: 741 Hz.
For a full chakra session: play 396, 417, 528, 639, 741, 852 and 963 Hz in order, from root to crown.
Solfeggio vs 432 Hz vs binaural beats
Solfeggio frequencies are single tones, such as 528 Hz. They work through speakers or headphones.
432 Hz is a tuning: whole pieces of music with the note A set to 432 Hz instead of 440 Hz.
Binaural beats play a slightly different tone in each ear, so your brain perceives a slow beat between them. They need headphones.
How to listen
Keep the volume low. The tone should sit in the background.
Start with 10 to 20 minutes during meditation or a break.
For sleep, play a longer track through the night.
Breathe slowly and let the sound give your attention somewhere to rest.
Try a few frequencies and notice which ones you find most relaxing.
Listen 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. Mix any frequency with rain or ocean sounds to make your own blend for sleep or meditation.
Long frequency videos for sleep and meditation are also on our Healing Sounds YouTube channel.
Frequently asked questions
What are solfeggio frequencies?
They are a set of tones (174, 285, 396, 417, 528, 639, 741, 852 and 963 Hz) used in sound healing and meditation. The modern list was popularised in the 1990s and is linked to an old Latin hymn behind the do-re-mi scale.
Which solfeggio frequency is best for sleep?
Many people choose the lower tones, such as 174 Hz or 396 Hz, or 528 Hz. 432 Hz music is also popular at bedtime. Try a few at low volume and keep the one you find most relaxing.
Do solfeggio frequencies actually work?
There is little scientific research on them, and claims that they heal illness or repair DNA are not supported. Many people still enjoy them as calm, steady sounds for relaxation and meditation.
Do I need headphones?
Not for solfeggio tones: a single tone works through speakers. You only need headphones for binaural beats, which play a different frequency in each ear.
What is the difference between 432 Hz and 528 Hz?
432 Hz is a way of tuning whole pieces of music (A = 432 Hz instead of 440 Hz). 528 Hz is a single tone from the solfeggio scale.
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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