Meditation music

Plenty of meditation traditions use silence, and if silence works for you, keep it. But many people find a soft layer of sound makes it easier to start: it covers the noise around you and gives the mind a gentle anchor.

Good meditation sound supports attention without capturing it. That means no lyrics, no beat and nothing that tells a story.

What to look for

• Stillness. Long tones that barely change.
• Balance. Nothing too bright, too dark or too loud.
• No rhythm, or only a very slow pulse, like breathing.
• Length. Enough to cover your whole sit without a jarring ending.

Soundscapes for meditation

From Claritune's Peace mood: Ahham, Equanimity and White Light play in full above. Others to try:

Stillness uses deep, bowl-like tones with no rhythm at all. Zenith is crystalline and weightless. The Sanctuary is warm and enclosing, which suits prayer or evening practice.

Using sound in your practice

• As an anchor. Rest your attention on the sound the way you would on your breath. When your mind wanders, come back to it.
• As a timer. Choose a soundscape about as long as your sit. When it fades, you're done. Or set an exact length with the focus timer.
• As a transition. Play the same soundscape every time you sit, so starting it becomes the start of your practice.

Frequently asked questions

Should meditation music have binaural beats?

You don't need them. Plenty of people meditate well with simple ambient sound or silence. Choose whatever helps you settle.

What about guided meditation?

Claritune soundscapes are unguided, with no voice. They work well under your own practice or alongside a guided meditation app.

Can I use these for yoga or breathwork?

Yes. See music for yoga for soundscapes with a little more movement.