Neural tracking at theta predicts drumming-induced altered states of consciousness
Scientific Reports March 26, 2026 Y. J. Gordon, Golan Karvat, Noa Dagan et al.
Listening to drumming at four beats per second (theta frequency) can induce altered states of consciousness (ASC), marked by shifts in perception and awareness. In a study with 40 participants, ten-minute sessions of theta-range drumming produced stronger ASC reports than delta- or alpha-range rhythms. EEG recordings showed that individuals whose brains tracked the theta rhythm more closely reported more intense altered experiences, and this neural tracking predicted higher ASC across all drumming rhythms, suggesting a personal susceptibility. The findings indicate that theta brain activity may actively modulate conscious states, not just accompany them. Rhythmic stimulation offers a non-pharmacological way to alter consciousness, with possible uses in cognitive neuroscience and therapy.