Your brain constantly produces rhythmic electrical activity that can be measured at the surface of the skull. These rhythms, called brain waves, are classified into five main families according to their frequency in hertz. Understanding them helps explain why certain frequencies, such as the 7.83 Hz Schumann frequency, fascinate meditation practitioners so much.
How are brain waves measured?
Brain waves are recorded using an electroencephalogram (EEG), developed by the German psychiatrist Hans Berger in the 1920s. Electrodes placed on the scalp pick up the electrical activity of millions of neurons firing together. The result is a curve whose frequency, meaning the number of oscillations per second, is then analyzed.
The 5 types of brain waves
Delta waves (0.5 to 4 Hz)
These are the slowest waves. They dominate during deep, dreamless sleep. In awake adults, they are barely present.
Theta waves (4 to 8 Hz)
Theta waves appear during drowsiness, falling asleep, daydreaming and certain states of deep meditation. They are often associated with imagination and introspection.
Alpha waves (8 to 12 Hz)
Alpha waves characterize a state of relaxed wakefulness: eyes closed, mind calm, no effort to concentrate. It is the state found at the start of a meditation or in a moment of letting go.
Beta waves (12 to 30 Hz)
These are the waves of everyday activity: thinking, talking, working, solving problems. When they are very prominent, they can go along with tension or mental restlessness.
Gamma waves (above 30 Hz)
Gamma waves, the fastest, are linked to intense information processing and perception. Research has observed pronounced gamma activity in some very experienced meditators, a subject still being studied.
The link with the Schumann resonance
The Schumann resonance, around 7.83 Hz, sits right on the boundary between theta and alpha waves. This coincidence is often highlighted in wellness circles: the Earth’s natural rhythm is said to be close to our states of calm and meditation.
Some caution is needed: the closeness of the numbers does not prove that one directly influences the other. But it makes for a beautiful symbol, and many people like to use 7.83 Hz as a reference point for their moments of pause and re-centering.
Can you influence your brain waves?
Our brain activity naturally changes depending on what we are doing. Several practices encourage the alpha and theta states associated with calm:
- Meditation, even a few minutes a day;
- Slow breathing, for example 5 seconds in and 5 seconds out;
- Closing your eyes and reducing stimulation (screens, noise);
- Listening to soft, steady sounds, which helps settle your attention.
Binaural beats are also often used for this purpose, with results that vary from person to person.
Frequencies and everyday meditation
A sacred frequency generator lets you play 7.83 Hz continuously near you during your meditations, or set any other frequency on its keypad, such as the Solfeggio frequencies. To get started, see our guide to meditating with frequencies.
In summary
- Brain waves are classified as delta, theta, alpha, beta and gamma, from slowest to fastest.
- States of calm and meditation are associated with alpha and theta waves.
- The 7.83 Hz Schumann frequency sits at the border of these two families, a symbol meditators love.
- Meditation, breathing and gentle sounds help you return to a relaxed state.
Further reading
- Binaural Beats: How They Work and How to Listen to Them
- Schumann Resonance: Everything You Need to Know About 7.83 Hz
- Meditating With Frequencies: The Complete Beginner’s Guide
The rhythm of the Earth, at home
Generator preset to 7.83 Hz, programmable from 0.01 Hz to 100,000 Hz. Free shipping.

