don't get a seven string guitar: here's why...
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- Опубликовано: 27 авг 2024
- #7string #7stringguitar
In this video, wee talk about why you should NOT buy a 7 string guitar!
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Video title: don’t buy a 7 string guitar
Me: ok 8 string it is
Once I got a 7, I actually became a better player cause it opened the door for so much more! I recommend a 7 for guys that want to open their door for song writing. I got it and never put it down! I love 7s!!! And I mean the chords I came up with even in clean, bar chords with a 7 is just killer!! Things you can’t do with a 6. So i recommend 7s to people who want to expand. If your tired of the same ol same ol from a 6, get a 7!! So many more options!!! Expand man!!
That's fucking rad dude. I had kind of an opposite effect but only when wielding the 7 and playing 6'er songs. I had to admit to myself after 25 years of playing that ya I have kind of smaller hands, so that could also have been a factor on my old 7 neck. :)
Same, so much fun, it helps you get your muting technique down too
@@ryzencorp8182 agreed! I mean once I got mine I couldn’t put it down.
@@BigRobot69 same
Dream guitar is a 7 string ibanez gio. No idea why but it just looks so good. Just bought one yesterday and it sounds pretty damn good compared to my other shiz
A great feature of a 7 string is that you can comfortably switch between E and B standard without having to get lower gauge strings. You can just change the g string to an F# and then have B standard with a high E.
true
I can't find where to buy an F# string anywhere. lol
I'm confused. Why would you need an F# string in B standard on a 7 string.
@@Owlun B standard tuning is BEADF#B.
7 strings are tuned to BEADGBE. Basically you can play songs that were originally recorded on a B standard guitar if you tune the G to F#.
@@nissenilsson9158 Lol I was so confused. I thought you were saying you needed that F# on a 7 string in B standard.
I gotchu now. Thanks.
I've been playing for just shy of 30 years and did 90% on six strings with E standard tuning. I bought a 7 string after hearing how it feels like a whole different instrument. I had zero issues adapting to it. It felt as natural as playing a 6 string to me.
I think a lot of people struggle because they are overthinking it. Music is the art of sound. As such, the ONLY rule is does it sound good, or at least does it help convay what you're trying to say. Any other rule is nonsense. I love science, and with most things, I'm obsessed with knowing the facts and being able to back up my opinions with proof. Art is the one place such obsession is not only unessisary it's arguably harmful.
Your story is pretty similar to mine. Now I have a 8 string on the way. My mind is going wild with the possibilities and exrra power chords. :)
Dudeee, I mostly play funk, and I tried a Schecter c7 today at guitar center. It's the most comfortable neck I've ever felt!!
People are forgetting how much neck shape and design plays a role in your comfort
When someone sees me playing a 7 and the say that they wouldn’t know where to start on it, it makes me think they don’t know anything about playing guitar in the first place. It’s chords, it’s scales, it’s all the same. You’re absolutely right. Memorize the fretboard in a standard tuning first. Don’t drop tune, don’t take shortcuts. Learn your intervals before screwing up your tuning. Good video man. Peace
My dad in a nutshell.
Don't get me wrong, he's brilliant at what he does. Problem is that he can't comprehend anything that isn't strumming the standard shape chords on E standard.
Put it in drop D to use power chords on that one song?
"No. I can't do bar chords on this, it's stupid and useless."
Take one finger off that major chord you always use to use an alternative version to give the song life?
"No. It doesn't make sense, it's no longer (insert major chord here), it's stupid and useless.
If I play my baritone with him, (same chord shapes but I can convert it so we are playing the same notes).
(Attempts to copy my chord shapes and not what the music book says the notes are)
"No. Your guitar sounds wrong, it's stupid and pointless."
Will not introduce him to the concept of extra strings. That may be too much (even though I play it in baritone tuning with an extra high e)
This. Really good outlook. Not discouraging people experimenting or exploring but understanding the value of memorising the fretboard or getting your intervals right before widening things. Appreciate this man
A 7 string guitar can be the best of both worlds if you can get used to the adjustment. It allows you to tune low as well keep the same scale patterns you are used to on a 6 string guitar.
When I started getting into super heavy music like 15 years ago, I did a lot of research and decided I was going to get an 8 string. Upon finding one and testing it out though, I actually hated it. Going from a 6 to 8 string is like switching to an entirely new instrument. So, I tried out a 7 string. INSTANTLY fell in love with it. So much so, that I will NEVER buy a 6 string again. Ever. The 7 was actually very comfortable and easy to pick up for me.
I'm buying a Schecter 7 string soon, because of how comfortable the neck is.
Even though I don't usually play styles that really require a 7th string at all, the wide and flat profile of this neck is just liquid comfortable
Once you get a 7 string, you'll have so much fun with it you'll want to get an 8 string.
A heavy riff is a heavy riff no matter what tuning. A low tuning doesn't make it heavier. It just makes it thicker sounding. That's it. Sometimes the muddiness of the lower tunings take away from the riff. Not always, but sometimes.
I agree some E standard riffs are heavy
I only own a 7 string, playing a 6 string feels weird to me at this point. I love the harmonic capabilities of just one extra string. I even use it clean AT CHURCH and it's awesome
I'm looking at a 7 string headless and considered what it would be like to play at my church also lol
Great timing with this video. I'm selling my 7-string today as I don't play it as much as I thought I would. Live and learn. Keep it metal, Ray! \m/
Terrible timing because your market share just shrank, lol.
It took me a long time to get used to 7 string but now it`s perfect for me. I like the wider neck grip and the fact that I have a completely standard guitar I had been leraning for years plus an additional string for lower stuff. And I`m not soloing 99% of time.
Cons: same models of guitars are more expensive and there`s just way less of different models compared to 6 string. Finding Evertune 7 string with 25.5 scale is a hell of a task
I started on 6 strings, bought a few different ones over time, then bought an 8 string loved it and just got my first 7 string earlier this year. And absolutely, the amount of strings don’t make it “heavier” I have two albums out now that is primarily played on 8 strings but outside of a few obvious low chuggy breakdown type stuff, it sounds like I’m playing on a 7 string or a dropped tuned 6. And my heaviest song is on a 6 string in drop C#. I mostly use the F# on the 8 string guitar as an accent or more of an added layer of depth while playing chords, whereas a lot of 8 string players tend to live and die on that low 8th string. Which I find boring and unoriginal.
Well that sucks for you because the sound of a low 8th or 7th string tickles me in ways I can't explain. Your comment is unoriginal and boring lol. Even if a songs just on one string but its sick idgaf lol. I am not saying the other strings should be neglected play some sick dissonant chord in-between chugging that low string or a tasty arpeggio run mmmm baby
If you're wondering about getting a 7 string but mostly so you can play lower notes, you can try experimenting with a pitch shifter plugin/pedal on a 6 string first
The reason I wanted 7-string guitars was because a lot of my favourite bands played them, and I wanted to be able to play their material without having to drastically alter one of my guitars to do it. Then again, I'm more of a prog-metal guy than someone who goes for the heaviest thing out there. I like to have a low B while still being able to play those piercing high Es at the 24th fret.
I never really thought of the 7-string as harder with regards to theory, and I'm with you on the idea of thinking of a 7-string as "a 6-string with an extra fun string!" and that made it much easier for me to rationalize it. I can play all my usual 6-string material on one, but then use that low B for when I need that extended range.
I'll strongly disagree about the price point though. It's true that some models are much more expensive than their 6-string counterparts, but it's never been easier and more accessible to get into 7-strings when you consider the massive jumps of quality in cheap guitars over the last 10 years. I tried an Ibanez GIO 7-string recently, very inexpensive instrument that I easily could have afforded as a kid on my paper route job, and it was not terrible at all! A kid can drop not all that much money on a 7-string these days and get something that's not a pile of complete trash.
But otherwise, I see where you're coming from. 6-strings are still a lot more versatile than people think, and there are a lot of times where I'd rather use a 6-string than a 7-string.
Your right about the value, my js22 7 is really usable and I got it for 150 bucks.
I play drop G on one of my 7-string 26.5'' guitars. 100% agree that any lower and you want 27'' or longer. Below ''G'' is ''F#'' which is standard tuning for 8-string guitars, so look for a baritone 7-string or just get an 8-string. I also use down-tuned 6-string guitars. You DO need to be careful when purchasing a 6-string guitar with the intent of down-tuning to the range of a 7-string. A lot of the stock hardware on most 6's can't handle the gauges for those extended range tunings.
There are a couple of points missing:
First of all - if you're like me and you have gigantic hands, bigger instrument is simply more comfortable to play in my experience. I started to play bigger guitars after I tried 5 string bass - it was so much more comfortable than a regular 25.5 6 string guitar. After playing 7 string and a bass for a while, I tried 8 string and it felt like a perfect fit for my hands. Not only I like low chugs, but I also like when my instrument is comfy.
Second: (guitar solos are kinda cringe (hot take:D)) - extended range is not only useful for solos, but also for creating ambience and nice clean sections or arrangements in general. It is mentioned a bit, but only in the context of guitar solos. The actual point is that you can have a single guitar to make chugs and make arrangements for the song or whatever you want to make. Quoting Carpenter of Deftones: "More guitar! Why have less guitar, when you can have more guitar!"
Also aesthetics is important. For example, I don't like how 6 string guitars look - they are too tiny. And I also don't like how I look with them - I'm too big and guitar's too small. But I also know people who don't like how big guitars look. Playing guitar is fun. Playing guitar while enjoying how it looks or how it looks on you is even more fun.
Interesting fact: if I puck up a 6 string guitar - it feels weird to me and I don't know what to do with it. I'm used to a 5/6 string bass, I'm used to an 8 string, but 6 string guitar throws me off a bit. It is really a force of habit. If you play big guitars mostly, you will probably need to adapt to a 6 string and vice versa.
My reason for getting a seven string guitar was only to enable me to play songs that I love that were written on a seven string instrument.. One thing people should keep in mind is that even when dropping the tuning of your lowest string, you are really not getting that many extra notes. But sometimes, it is a requirement to have the range that comes with an extra guitar string. I still feel like some of the heaviest songs I have ever heard were written on a Six string!!
Yup. On a six string. In standard tuning.
I have a couple six strings, a seven and most recently an eight, and as a vocalist with whatever particular range I have, the thing I've really come to love about the lower tuning is that in the context of a full mix the guitar tone can take up a lot more space without getting in the way of my vocal.
And especially as the kind of vocalist who likes to go from a whisper to a roar on a dime with the changes in volume that entails, I've definitely found that having lower rhythm guitar parts results in a lot less need for precision EQing and a much more natural sound for both the guitar and the vocal :)
Korn on the laptop 👌 fine choice sir
Only fitting for the topic at hand!
While there are general reasons you’d need more scale length, but don’t be afraid to just try stuff.
I took inspiration from Jason Richardson, so on my Jason Richardson 7, I’m tuned and intonated to drop G using 10-56. Jason takes it further using 11-58 with drop F#. This is because it also comes down to your feel and how you play. If you have a lighter touch, these things are doable, but extended scale is ultimately better if you want more tension.
I started playing 7 strings because the neck being wider actually felt more comfortable for me to play versus a 6 string.
My name is Mubatu and we have no money for real guitar here in Africa. We made our own 14 string guitar out of thrown away rubbish. It's tune so low it causes groin injury
Baritone is amazing. Your comment about playing lead vs rhythm is the key. If you aren't playing leads you don't need a 7 string or if you aren't playing really extended range chord inversions
I got a 7 because I like to riff on E standard blues riffs, but I also like to chug out on drop A. I got it in a 27" scale because I have big hands. One trick I like to do sometimes is tune the guitar as if it were a baritone but with an extra high string, having played primarily 6 strings most of my life I find this a lot easier to wrap my head around as far as notes and scales.
I’ve never played a 27” scale length but I would imagine they take a minute to adjust to after playing a normal guitar, how has that been for u?
@@quinnquitars they really dont do much. I have a 30" 6 string (squier vi) a 27 inch 7 string, a 26.5 inch 7 string, a 25.5 inch 6 string, and a 24.75 inch 6 string. of course I have others but those guitars all share a scale length with one of the ones I listed. they all generally feel the same other than the 30", and I think its because it is in E standard, one octave lower. the rest are all in standard tuning. it of course would feel weird going from the 24.75 to the 27". but thats mainly because of the extra string. in my opinion you only notice the longer scale when you are trying to notice something. if you dont think about it its like its not even there.
@@quinnquitars Unless you're doing complex chords that require a big stretch it's not much of an adjustment. It's about what you would expect the spacing to be if you added an extra fret on the nut end of the neck for a 25.5" scale guitar if that makes sense.
@@KellerFkinRyan oh wow ok ty.
The wider fretboard was best thing that my big hands needed.
I got a 7 strings for the first time this year. I don’t really play heavy metal so I don’t use it to chug. I keep it in standard tuning and use it to beef some songs where two 6 strings sound like it’s missing something.
I fully agree with what you said about how guitarists who want to just play lower end stuff should get baritone guitars instead, 7 strings and 8 strings are so much bigger, heavier and overall more clunky than a baritone so unless you’re actually playing all of the strings a baritone is just going to be much more convenient and easier on your back and shoulders as well
baritone sixes look goofy as hell lol i like the low chug of a 7 then u got loads more notes to play with. both have their place tho
7 strings are easier to find than baritones and often cheaper if you want to by in person in my experience.
I personally feel like they're the best if you want versatility if you don't want or can't have a larger collection. If you tune the G string down a half step to F# it turns into a B-B baritone with a bonus high E and if you keep it standard its an E-E with a bonus low B. Picked up the cheapest Jackson on the market because of the 26.5 scale length. There is a learning curve but the fact that you can play standard tuned riffs without having to use a capo or extra brain power and have baritone range made it ideal for me.
As someone who skipped straight from a 6 to an 8 back when I was 16, I can confirm this. I’ve come to love the guitar, it’s a beast and it still one of the best feeling guitars I’ve played despite the skateboard neck, but sometimes it’s just too “much”.
You lose the feel of a traditional guitar and ironically playing lots trivial stuff can be come very difficult with all the added intervals 2 extra strings. If you want to play heavy and tune really low and you’re not a shredder, I’d simply get another 6 string, set it up and keep it tuned low. Keep 1 guitar in standard tuning, and keep the other in whatever you want.
The positive thing about an instrument like that is that it definitely does challenge, and every other guitar you pick up feels minuscule (which is a good thing, since it will make playing that much easier).
Extended range instruments have their uses, but in Metal particularly, they are largely novelty items. Bands were tuning their regular 6s down to hell since the late 80s/Early 90s, and they make it work.
Note. Also this said, 7s now feel amazing for me haha, because they are right in between the 2 things I’m used to. Looking back, I should have probably gone 7 instead of 8.
I’ll leave my 2 cents on 7 strings since you already know that’s mainly what I gravitate towards. Of course we all love the fun string but I also like playing predominantly around the 10th/12th fret and higher generally speaking so I can play the octave notes (if I’m only using 1 string). I also enjoy huge string skipping riffs going from the lowest note to some of the highest on the board and some solo type stuff as well when necessary. Playing 7s and 8s definitely helped me on playing 6s too since you do have to go about playing the wider necks slightly differently and think a little bit more when using theory.
A JL-7 was loaned to me. Loved it. its 26.5. Did tune down half step like Jeff. Then I tried to learn Conquering Dystopia tracks. Standard tuning 5-1 with Drop A on 7. This was odd to me, yet I'm writing a song in this tuning now cause it just fell from the sky. Having standard tuned strings on a 26.5 was something I never though I would use, yet here I am. It is about the riff and what feels right. Many of us are not playing in a band so we don't have to have a rack of guitars on standby in various tuning. Anyway love your energy dude and you vids! Peace!
Metallica sounds heavy in E-standard
7 strings allow you to have a drop A and play drop shape chord and licks while having a standard tune 6 strings. A E A D G B E. Gives the best of bothe worlds you got a regular 6 strings with a added low string, put it in droo A and its so easy for people use to playing in drop d and e standard. Drop A plays easy in A minor/C major if you use alot of natural notes or play with a keyboard.
I love my 7 string. It just opens more possibilities when compared to a 6 string yet you can still play it excactly like a 6 string when the low b isnt needed
The first 7-string I owned - a Epi flying V in 24.75 scale - left me feeling lost on the fretboard and didn't really "serve a purpose". I sold it and moved on. But I recently bought a new 7-string. It has a longer 26.5 scale, is a more player-friendly design, and I'm coming to it as a more experienced player. I've really bonded with the extra string this time around thanks to the better design. No small part of that is how I actively invested some time in treating it as a "new instrument" to learn.
Fun fact, I play 7 but I use my 7 as a 6. I play my a jp70 sterling and I took out the 7th tuner peg and use it as a 6 string. I blocked off the tremolo cause I don’t really use it for what my band plays but here is the kicker. I feel more comfortable playing a 7 string guitar as a 6 string without the extra string. I feel like I have more room for that high e for more bends.
People need to understand that just because they dont like it, doesnt mean you shouldnt like it
after playing 6 strings for nearly 30 years i picked up a 7 string as an impulse buy and i love it, i thought the extra b string would trip me up, but it was easier than i thought
If you think about it as a different instrument, not just a big guitar, then it's actually easier to approach because you drop a lot more of your preconceptions. That said, a 6-string with a D-Tuna so you can drop the low-E a full step on the fly is going to cover SOOOO much territory before you need to add strings.
Ok ok... I won't get a 7 string.
I'll get an 8 string instead!!!
I learned a riff on my 7 string last night and just ended up pitch shifting my 6 string, it was a little easier to play that way (shorter scale length and smaller neck.) 90% off riffs dont use all 7 strings. 11 semitones down on Neural DSP Petrucci was no problem (as long as you're not playing chords, it gets muddy then.)
Thanks for the video! Love these kind on YT, just sensible arguments delivered :)
One thing you forget is: If someone ou there is an intermediate level guitar player and loves the sounds of drop A riffs or standard B, you can keep your E standard studies without confusing your mind with alternate tunings and transposing scales and that stuff
7 strings cost more when they are new but generally cost less used because it’s not as easy to sell a 7 string to the niche market. I picked up a 30th anniversary RG 7 string for $900 just before the pandemic. They generally sell for around 1200 but Guitar Center knocked down the price to get rid of it.
There is a convenience argument to make. If you like messing around in both standard tuning, and enjoy breaking into the chugs, you don't have to change guitars or dig out a Drop pedal.
Great video Ray and as for me I have never been interested in playing or buying a 7 string guitar. I can get everything I need to get out of a guitar on a 6 string just have no need for a 7 string guitar.
i've played a 6 string upside down (Strung properly) for most my life, i finally bought a real left handed guitar and it happened to be a 7 string and honestly i would rather play the upside down guitar than the 7 string.
I love to play six strings, but I have a couple of 7 strings for Fear Factory and Jeff Loomis style playing! I have a Schecter Omen Extreme 7 with Dino Cazares SD Blackouts and a Schecter Jeff Loomis signature with his signature SD Blackouts, both killer guitars!
I Have The Schecter Diamond Series Demon 7 Vintage White with Seymour Duncan Mick Thomson Blackouts
@@mrrnrob this one came with the Diamond series pickups, I had the Fishman Moderns in it first, but I really wasn’t feeling those! Love the Blackouts, Micks pickups are great, I had his signature Jackson guitar for a while!
@@REDDRAGON666ful Cool..The Jackson Guitar..We Now know Mick Switch to ESP From Jackson. A Month ago I Picked Up The 6 String ESP LTD PHOENIX BLACK METAL, BLACK SATIN Finish --Then Swap Out The Pups For Mick Thomson Fishmans Pups..
I just got a 7 string very cheap as a refurb/return, I guess some people regret their purchase. I looked into parts to "upgrade" it and there are fewer options, far less stuff on the used market, and parts are more expensive. I'm not sure I saved anything if I end up changing anything on this guitar, but out of the box it seems fun and the challenge at least will keep my interest.
I have a 9 string with a top A0. That doesn’t make it any heavier than classics from bands I grew up with like Pantera in E standard. It’s the riff and tone.
Well, I have a standard 6 string, a 28” baritone 6 string, 2 26.5” 7 strings and an 8 string. My favorites are by far the 7 strings. They open up to so much more
Always love your vidoes Ray and I dont normally comment unless I really like a youtuber which you are one of my favorites either way I got a seven string back in april and it is rally fun the main reason I got it was beacuse all the baritones are out of my budget
i got a 7 string and actually learned a lot from it even tho i now prefer 6 strings again, i definitely recommend it
I've been playing for years and can still barely handle six strings, I'm thinking Keith Richards had the right idea only using 5....
The guys here see it. Go with what you feel. If it's not working out then change it up. Don't get too hung up on thought. If you want a 7, 8 or 6 or If you like 5 strings like like a certain Stones player then it works. We've all seen the guy who plays a shovel with one string. The key is this, does the instrument or guitar inspire you? I play everything I can. Guitar, bass, keys, brass, woodwind. Always trying new stuff. Some work others take a back seat. All inspire and forge new creation. The ideas flow. Variety. The reason? Different feels, different sounds, diiffernt inspirations! Yet they all connect in more ways then one. Treasures if you know. The key!!!! When you are a crafter! If you are into just copy and cover then that is different. Like Eddie said, the key is to get the instrument to talk. Too many are stuck in theory and get locked into the boxes and shapes. You can sound like everyone else doing the same things. The more you know the better for sure! Keep that going but study the best players. They don't look at their neck very often. They just connect to their inner self and let the feel come out as a conversation naturally. The flow comes when you don't think so much about it. Like driving. Get in and drive.The more you do the better you get. Read the manual all you want but it doesn't hone your skills. Done enough, you no longer think about it. It just comes natural. Great view points XRC! Should help some newbies out. Let us create! Stay humble friends. We learn from each other. Nuff said!
I do drop A on a 24.75 scale length. No issues with it and it is intonated perfectly.
I picked up an 8 string a few years back and I felt like I got in over my head a bit. I tuned it to drop A on the top 6 and then drop E from there on the bottom string, but I found myself just riffing in drop A and ignoring the 8th most of the time so I sold it. Picked up a cheap 7 string about a year ago and it's like it's been a straight up muse. I had a dry spell for some years where I was just creatively stumped, or just lost the motivation to even play. The 7 string was the remedy for that for me.
I bought my first seven string in 2002 and never looked back. My license plate actually says BEADGBE. I can get six string tones but add a little extra chunk when it's needed. Six strings can get seven string tones but you're going to get floppy strings due to lack of string tension. It is harder to get pickups and tuners for a seven string but there are a bunch of companies that make accessories for them.
My seven string upgrade was to play Fear Factory, Unearth, Whitechapel and Upon A Burning Body. But my original riffs are in CGCFAD and I fell my riffs are heavy AF. Sylosis plays in Standard E and are heavy AF! The riff is important, not the tuning.
Sylosis has been in D standard for the last album or two, and a lot of the new stuff is in C#
Here's a weird one, I have an 8-string, but I really wanted a 7-string specifically because I love the width and wide chord options of my 8-string, but I keep that in standard tuning for the theory reasons mentioned here. But I want to have a 7-string to learn the songs I enjoy listening to and playing along with that are in lower tunings like half-step-down.
Maybe I'm backwards and this video doesn't apply to me 😅
But he's got great points and I hope more people pick up these fun instruments
My first guitar ever was a 26.5" 7 string, still love to play with it in Drop A/Drop G 🫶.
The perfect compromise to play these lower tuning while keeping it comfortable 👍
I play mostly play 6s in regular tunings and 6s tuned to drop A and A#. I also have a 17tone Ibanez rg350 tuned in between B and C standard. The necks on 6s just feel nicer and are generally more comfortable to me. As a rhythm player, losing some high end is no issue to me. I still like the 7s I’ve had. And I whip mine out to play stuff in drop F. It plays good.
7 string guitars have been used in music over multiple genres in multiple countries for roughly 200 years. Mostly Russian and Brazil. Jazz is also the most notable genre for using 7 string.
I always feel heaviness comes from the tonality of the tuning, hence why to me drop c sounds the heaviest because it sounds the most minor yet clear and tight
What gauge you like for Drop C? I play a thinner gauge in standard so I'm just curious.
If you play a major scale on a drop c guitar then it won’t sound minor
@@8KilgoreTrout4 as a rule of thumb I find if you go down a step you go up a gague, if you use 9’s I’d say go 10-52 and maybe adjust the c to taste
@@uroboric no but the key of c is quite dark
You know I prepped myself to be a little annoyed but, I really appreciate and agree with your points. I personally started on a 7 and going to a six feels almost weird to me now lol.
Love seven strings (outside of the chug chug), wider neck (helped with my technique), less string spacing (helped with keeping pick strokes tight). Love it. I also like 25.5 especially with lead.
my 7 string made me a better player on my 6 string :). same story as you. had to rework my hand technique on the neck especially which really improved the way I played when I switched back to 6. and thats after 15 whole years of playing 6 strings. crazy
I think it's about what you want to use it for, for chugging/rhythm play just get a baritone, but they're pretty rad for shredding
I only recently got the urge to look into 7 strings. Found two used ones at my local guitar center and got to try them. I'm a rhythm guy not so much a lead guy (but i dabble and I'm decent) and i found it to be so much fun. I actually enjoyed the wider neck. And despite playing for 18 years and still not having the fretboard fully memorized, i found the extended range of notes and options intriguing and a new challenge. Despite that ol "i wanna do some chugging", i found it as a unique way to add depth and bass to chording over top of it.
Anyways i think you make good points. I agree in it being the fun string. It just adds more fun stuff you can do!
I would take completely opposite take on this topic, personally... from a perspective of an intermediate beginner, after owning and trying few guitars through last 5 years, i must say, that buying a 27 inch scale 7 string guitar was the best decision i could make and thats purely for the reason of tuning versatility, from a perspective of a metalhead who wants to learn metal songs from many different bands, thats what you really need if you want to learn and dont want to waste money on buying several guitars, each for different tuning, because yeah... one band writes in E or D standard and another band writes in B standard or drop G... i mean yeah, you can buy thicker strings for your 6 string guitar, set it all up for that one specific lower tuning, but if you tune it for example into like B standard, then you are able to tune up or detune like 1-3 half-steps, anything lower would not be that stable and turn the strings floppy, anything higher would rise your action significantly and you would need to set the neck again, maybe even the intonation etc., anyway it would make the guitar harder to play because of stronger tension on the strings, thats just not practical if you want to play cover of a Carcass song written in B standard and right after that play cover of early Metallica song written in E standard, both on a 6 string... i had issues with this for a long time and it was kinda demotivating, now i have my 7 string 27 inch scale guitar, it makes the tuning stability extra good and i can have it set in A standard, which means i can also play D standard songs, because the 6 string D standard tuning is right below my 7th A string, if i want to play in B or E standard, i just tune the whole guitar one wholestep up and im ready to go, if i want to play like drop A or drop G, its super easy to set, if i want to play like drop C, i can tune it just like a 6 string and ignore the 7th string (or also tune it into C, so both 7th and 6th string are C), or find an alternative in some different tuning and play it with inverted power chords. I dont know man, when it comes to recommendations to beginners or anyone who is still grinding and willing to learn, i would definetely recommend a 7 string just for the tuning versatility purpose. If anything, i would not recommend getting starter guitar like flying-V with floyd rose locking system, i made that mistake, wanted to be like Alexi Laiho, huge mistake because a) you can really have only one tuning unless you are willing to take 30mins of setup everytime you want to change it; b) the shape is not very ergonomic and you cant sit with it only in the classical position, or stand... either of that is not very comfy and can be real turn off for beginners.
From a bass side of things, I always hear the same about 5strings and I wouldn’t say they compare like for like but those who say “you don’t need a 5 string (alas, *7 string)” are usually opinions from those who tried them, didn’t know how to use the additional string and find ways to utilise it as just a bass’guitar with one string more, than an instrument of its own to work your playing around.
With 5 and 7 strings, sure the whole Nu Metal movement of the early 00’s made them popular for down tunings and heavy riffs. However players like Steve Vai and his Universe model really demonstrates you don’t need to be chugging away in Drop A than another string to add colour to your musical palette and find ways to create music where perhaps a 4/6 string are limited.
Baritones, sure they can be a 7 string in 6 string skin and used alike but sometimes that higher string is amiss and makes a difference. Again, I see a baritone guitar and even a Bass VI as instruments of their own and not “alternative” options.
I love the comments posted here and the community I’m so proud to be part of. You guys rock 😉👍🏻
I Just ordered a mahogany Strat body and a 27” (maple neck/rosewood FB) to build a custom HSH pickup configuration Strat, had all the emgs sitting around from other guitars so I just ordered a Strat pick guard and emg brand kill switch, and it’s ready to go after I stain it.
Gonna be my first baritone 6.
I have a 27” 7 string but I just don’t feel as comfortable on it as a 6.
Love the channel man. Keep up the good work
Iv been playing for 15 years or so and only play for fun at home. I like to play things ranging from acoustic songs, to thrash metal to nu metal and everything else out there. I enjoyed changing to a 7 string AND a drop tune pedal. I can play absolutely any song in almost any tuning all on one instrument. Keeps it fun for me without needing multiple guitars.
The biggest curve for me with a 7 is the additional deadening needed. It’s harder to keep the unused strings from buzzing while you’re playing. It’s just noisy. If you aren’t playing lead, or don’t want a standard 6 with an extra low string, just get a baritone.
I play 7 strings as my main guitars. I first started playing them because I have large hands and long fingers and they were more comfortable, now, I just love that I can bring 2 guitars with me to gigs instead of 4 because we tune to standard and drop D, I cover both with a 7 string!
One more reason I'd add, actually, for why someone might want to get a 7-string -- if you're coming to guitar from another instrument like the piano that naturally has a really wide range, a 6-string can feel limiting. A 7-string is a little harder to play, as you say, but not by a that much.
My own experience was that reaching the place where the 7 felt as good to play as a 6 didn't take very long, and the 7-string ended up feeling a lot more natural because I was able to get into at least parts of the low and high ranges I was used to playing on my other instrument.
I often look at guitars on the internet thinking to myself: Maybe this could be my next guitar. But then i always realize: Man i love my Solar guitar and i don't feel the need to get another guitar that i will probaply not fall in love with as much with. That's why i descided that my next guitar has to be something different from what i already got. I love Monuments and Periphery and they play on seven strings. So in order to discover this part of the guitar realm i want a seven string guitar. But i have very specific needs. I want a fanfret, stainless steel frets, neck through and a crazy colour. Something like pink eye poplar burst. I haven't found this guitar yet.
I love how chill and non arrogant you are with this channel. I think you give great feedback on what the guitar community is interested in. MY personal take is, I personally think a 6 string+drop pedal eliminates any reason/want for extended range guitars.
Not atting at you, but there is an early XX century brazillian genre called chorinho that is played mostly in 7 nylon strings acoustics. Lol
Just a Tip - I've learnt to play 7 string by playing it as a 6 string. I have just skipped the 7th string (the thickest) and played all my 6 string songs on it so that my hands got used to the feeling od 7 string. Playing 7 string songs was really easier after that
A little history lesson. A lot of early acoustics that were made for jazz. Had 7 strings.
I find it hard sometimes to find packs of 7 strings they are not always stocked by retailers
EZ, you don't lose register. If you still want to play heavy things and be able to use high notes, get a 7 string.
Otherwise if you don't really need that much register, stay on 6 strings.
I started with a 6 several years before 7's were introduced to me with Steve Vai's Passion and Warfare album. I didn't get one until Dream Theater's Awake album. Everybody was asking why and that it's like playing a tree trunk etc etc. It didn't take me that long to get used to playing it, with the most 'annoying' thing was playing a B chord instead of an E chord by mistake and I couldn't wrap my thumb over the neck on some chords or some bends etc. I've been playing 7's since then and now, I feel naked playing a 6. Feels like something is missing. I also tried and have an 8 string but I go back to the 7's all the time. It's the perfect sweet spot for me. I also remember waaaay back playing a 7 in Guitar Center when they started getting popular again with Korn or whoever else was using them and one guy made a comment that he never has seen anybody actually use a 7 string the right way. I asked what did he mean and he said that everybody always just tries to play heavy and only uses the first 5 or 7 fets and only the bottom two strings, why not just get a cheaper 6 string and tune down? Basically a 7 (or 8 or 9 etc) should be for 'extended range' and not only for 'playing heavy'
I love playing 7 string, after playing six strings for decades, but I'm quite comfortable playing slipknot on my strat- if it's good enough for Jim Root and Mick Thomson it's good enough for me!! 🤣
Greetings and best wishes from the UK (p s. I subscribed instantly! 🎸🤘)
I got a 7-string because the band I was in at the time played in drop-B and it's a nightmare to tune on a 6-string. So I just got a 7 and dropped the B to A and put capo on 2nd fret, whole lot easier. :D
When it comes to heaviness, I always argue that Sad But True is still one of, if not, the heaviest songs out there, right from the get go. And a big part of that is the overall sound. It punches you in the gut.
I own four 7 strings (both multiscale and non-multiscale), two 8 strings (both multiscale and non-multiscale), and a multiscale 10 string. Multiscale is definitely recommended for extreme drop tunings.
I have 6 strings and a baritone at home and I'm happy with that...but even more with a 7 string and 8 string. For me, the 7 string is easy to play. You just have an extra string. A 8 string guitar is a different thing, you have more options and it's a bit complicated for me, but it's so much fun. There is no right or wrong for me. If you have the chance to try it out and have fun, just do it and go your way. You don't have to use 7 and 8 string guitars only for metal...but I like it. 😊🤘
My first 7 string was bought purely to play korn songs, plain and simple. A standard and love it. But in saying that I had a Ibanez Prestige RG1127 and personally didnt like the neck and got rid of it and happy with my Jackson JS32-7 my Ibanez GRG7221. Ray brilliant video as always bro
I got a 7 string to be able to play 7 string riffs. Erra is the best example of amazing riffs on 7 strings
If you are thinking about getting a 7-string, just think about the bands you enjoy listening to and look if they use a 7 or not. As simple as that. 7-strings are not harder to play if you have the correct technique and a pair or regular size hands. Don't listen to people telling you to wait until you play better. If that was be the case, then we all would have to start with a 1-string guitar.
I just like the tone of the low B and I play standard tuning so I can get really low and not compromise the high notes you can get in standard
I actually never had a 7 string guitar. I instandly jumped from 6 string to a 8 string and it was really hard, but after a while I got used to it. For song writing it depends on the genre what guitar I use.
C standard is low as I would tune on 6 string 25.5 scale
B tuning literally means extended scale or a thicker bass string to accommodate that extra slack. Low tuning literally means less tension.
Heres a funky 6 string tuning thats really heavy, c# standard but the low e string is tuned down to G, its the tuning dimebag did on 2 songs off trendkill
Got a 7 string kinda regretting it at first, second guessed getting a baritone 6string, it was a 27 inch Jericho to play in Drop F, I was wishing it was longer even tho it held up fine once set up. I don’t solo or shred, but once I got familiar and started writing, I found my self actually using the high E string a lot for a bunch of the ambient/emotional Melodie’s, so no regrets, but for sure get a 27inch or longer from Drop F.
I tried twice to add a 7 string to my collection and it didn't stick. I'd now consider myself back then as a novelty guitar player. I didn't know scales, modes, progressions, or any theory and I stuck to mostly covers. I wanted a 7 to be able to play covers. Well It's been over a decade since I've owned one a friend asked me to repair his 7 string with a faulty volume pot..... I fixed it and did a full setup and plugged it in to test it out.... OMG I had soo much fun riffing on it. NGL I want a 7 string again but It's not practical where I am in my playing career. I'm not writing much and am focused on teaching lessons to mostly beginners who are exclusively on 6 string. I have my eyes out and will jump on a stupid good deal for a mid range 7 string, but It's not really on my priority list.
so i know you said "dont @ me" for saying that really only metal players use 7 strings, and i agree that in todays world that rings true like %85-90 of the time, but i recommend looking into the history of extended range guitars. they go back pretty much as far as the concept of the modern guitar does and were featured in early spanish styles and classical pieces way before "metal" existed. otherwise, great video man, you touched on all the right points. def subscribing 👍
I've used an 8 string tuned up a full step with heavy strings on it to get C# standard in the middle six strings along with a low G# that worked out okay and a high 11 gauge Eb that really extended the instrument for minor voicings. All of a sudden I could go go low enough to be hEaVy and really make shit sound evil. 26.5" schecter omen 8 btw.. more strings can be cool for studio use, but the thought of using an 8 string live scares me, especially if I get ballsy when I write my parts. Baritones play more in tune and are easier to play. Nothing beats them for going low other than an extended scale bass.
When i got 7 string, I increased music I play, cz I got access to alot of styles on one guitar, can I play bb king on it? Yes, why not. Can I play Korn on it? Yeah why not. And all of that on the same guitar, I also stopped having problems that I always need other running cz I can get drop a or a stabdard with same strings and same guitar if I need to get lower. In music i write i also don't have any problems, when I need good clean-I can just having it with stabdard running, than I if I want djenty riffs I can just drop a/drop g, if I want Trivium or DT-standard b is always here. I used to gave 7 guitars with different tunnings for different stuff, now I have 2 seven string guitars and don't have any problems as before.