Hitting 7 Hz directly or ramping down will both work. Entrainment can be a slow process unless you are used to it. The high alpha that Alex suggests is more likely to be where your predominant frequencies are. I personally go right to where I want to go.
Other folks do it other ways. Here's approximately how fast they go on Holosync's "the dive." Keep one tone constant at about 120 Hz and move the other.
0 - 3 minutes 10 Hz
3 - 6 minutes 9 Hz
6 - 9 minutes 8 Hz
9 - 10 1/2 9 Hz
10 1/2 - 12 7 Hz
12 - 14 6 Hz
14 - 18 5 Hz
18 - 21 3.8 Hz
21 - 29 2.4 Hz
The tones on the Euphoria paraliminal are similar rate change but the drone tone is about 141 Hz but it stops at 3.5 Hz.
Dick Sutphen uses monaural beats (same frequency but amplitude modulated) which work just fine also and he starts up around mid beta and gets to theta in about 3 or 4 minutes.
The Monroe Institute basically just goes to the frequencies they want though they will hang out in a state for a while before descending on some.
Everybody is different. Find out what rate works best works for you.
More than one tone. By all means. Makes things more interesting. As for combining tones, that is an art as well as a science. In general try and follow the rules of music theory if you want them to sound good. The harmonic series is your friend.
Carrier placement is important.
Can you put together programs similar to the CD one buys. Absolutely! Just remember though "they" have been doing it for years and years while you are just starting out on an exciting journey. It takes a heck-of-a-lot-of time to "tune the dial."
Use audacity to "tune the dial" and experiment with the different EEG frequency bands. Get a feel for high theta versus low alpha. Some beats will really get ya going while others will seem to have no effect. Learn what works for you.
Binaural beats (audio entrainment) tends to be a slower process but after a while you can learn to sync up pretty quickly. It is not particularly dramatic. You won't be ripped out of your body but you'll probably get zonked. <grin>
You get bored listening to the same tones for long periods of time? No. You are not doing anything wrong. It can seems boring. It also frustrates the heck out of the "monkey-mind." Just make sure the sound levels are not too high. Lower volumes work better.
I personally don't think there is a danger in listening for long periods of time except boredom. There are frequencies that can be unsettling, some of that is the effect of sounds on the inner ear (balance). You can create frequencies that scramble you but why? Find ones that work for your purposes.
In hypnosis you can go too deep to do much good (insert- sound of snoring). In general theta is kind of dreamy and a good one to use. Alpha is considered the bridge between the conscious and unconscious mind.
