If you’re beginning your journey into sound therapy or exploring singing bowls more deeply, you’ll quickly come across the term “octave.” Understanding what octaves are—and how they relate to sound and healing—can help you make more informed choices about which singing bowls are right for you.

What Are Octaves?
In music, an octave is a set of eight notes, starting from one pitch and ending at double that pitch’s frequency. The word comes from the Latin “octavus,” meaning “eighth.” This reflects the eight-note sequence in a musical scale—from one “C” to the next “C,” for example.

But here’s the magic: as we go up in octaves, the notes repeat. That means a note like A in one octave sounds almost identical to an A in a higher or lower octave—just deeper or higher in pitch. Why? Because the frequency of the note is a multiple of the original. For example:

A1 = 55 Hz (very low)

A2 = 110 Hz

A3 = 220 Hz

A4 = 440 Hz (this is the standard tuning pitch)

A5 = 880 Hz

Each doubling of frequency is a new octave. This harmonic relationship is what makes music feel structured and familiar rather than chaotic. If this weren’t the case, we’d need an endless number of note names—and probably run out of letters pretty quickly!

The Physics Behind the Sound
From a physics perspective, these repeating patterns happen because frequencies that are multiples of a base tone (called the fundamental frequency) resonate together. Their sine waves align at regular points, creating what we perceive as a similar note in a different pitch. This phenomenon makes octaves feel natural and pleasing to the ear, even though they’re technically higher or lower in vibration.

Where Do Singing Bowls Fit In?
Now that we understand what octaves are, how do they apply to singing bowls?

Singing bowls are tuned to specific notes and octaves. When you choose a singing bowl—or a full set—understanding the octave helps you align with the purpose of your sound work.

The 3rd Octave: The Chakra Set
Most traditional 7-bowl chakra sets are tuned to the 3rd octave—from C3 to B3. This range tends to match the natural range of the human voice, particularly for speaking and singing. For many people:

Male vocal range tends to lie between 85 Hz to 180 Hz (roughly A2 to F3).

Female vocal range tends to lie between 165 Hz to 255 Hz (about E3 to C4).

So, the 3rd octave aligns well with these vocal frequencies, making it ideal for energy work, chanting, and resonance with the body’s natural frequencies.

A typical Octave 3 Singing Bowl Set includes:

7 bowls (C3 to B3)

Total weight: approx. 10–11 kg

Bowl sizes: medium (6 to 10 inches diameter)

Use: Balancing the 7 chakras, sound baths, personal meditation

The 2nd Octave: Deep Grounding
Bowls in the 2nd octave produce a deeper, more grounding tone. These are larger, heavier, and vibrate at lower frequencies that connect deeply with the lower chakras, especially the root and sacral.

An Octave 2 Singing Bowl Set typically includes:

Larger bowls (up to 13–14 inches in diameter)

Total weight: approx. 16–17 kg

Frequencies: approx. 65 Hz to 130 Hz (C2 to B2)

Use: Grounding, trauma release, deep body resonance, energy clearing

Because of their size and depth, these bowls are often used in therapeutic settings or deep meditative work where a profound, calming resonance is needed.

How to Choose the Right Octave for You
If you’re new to sound therapy or want bowls that match your voice for chanting or toning, start with an Octave 3 set.

If you’re looking for deep, full-body resonance, or work with grounding and trauma release, consider adding Octave 2 bowls to your toolkit.

Some advanced practitioners blend both octaves for a full-spectrum experience—from grounding to spiritual elevation.

Final Thoughts
Understanding octaves is key to choosing the right singing bowls for your personal or professional sound practice. Whether you’re harmonizing with your own voice, working on chakra alignment, or seeking deeper vibrational healing, knowing the octave range helps you use sound intentionally and effectively.

Let your intuition guide you—but let your understanding of octaves empower you.