In general it’s not necessary to go that far. You can develop a feel for when you are in a different state of consciousness.

When your awareness is extremely heightened, such as when you are scared or having an adrenalyn rush or playing sports or a game, you’re in GAMMA.

When you are active and engaged and thinking regularly, you’re in BETA.

When you’re nice and relaxed but still aware, perhaps your mind is drifting a bit (watching tv, driving, eating, on "autopilot") you’re in ALPHA. This is usually where we are at during the beginning of meditation, or end of it, when we are focusing on our breathing or relaxing different body parts, etc.

When you are extremely relaxed, somewhat aware but your mind is seriously zoning out or in a creative frenzy (playing music or sketching completely mindlessly, just letting it happen), you’re in THETA… this is also the state you are usually in when dreaming, or during strong visualizations in meditation.

When you are really out… your mind is still and quiet and you have very little awareness, you’re in DELTA. This is usually the state you are in during dreamless sleep or deep trances when your mind is blank.