What are 7 Strings Good For?
For many guitarists, the standard six-string electric guitar is the tried-and-true workhorse, capable of handling everything from bluesy riffs to shredding solos. However, a growing number of musicians are venturing beyond the familiar and embracing the added possibilities offered by a seventh string. But what exactly are 7-string guitars good for? The answer lies in their expanded tonal palette, increased range, and the unique creative avenues they open up.
Expanding Your Sonic Horizon
The most immediate benefit of a 7-string guitar is its extended lower range. Typically, a 7-string adds a low 'B' string below the standard low 'E'. This extra string unlocks a whole new world of possibilities for guitarists.
- Deeper, Heavier Riffs: This is arguably the most popular application. The low 'B' string allows for incredibly heavy and crushing riffs, especially in genres like metal, djent, and progressive rock. You can achieve a much more guttural and powerful sound that simply isn't possible on a 6-string without extensive drop-tuning. This means you can play those bone-rattling low notes without sacrificing the clarity or intonation of your other strings.
- Enhanced Chord Voicings: The added low string provides opportunities for richer and more complex chord voicings. You can add a deep bass note to chords that would otherwise sound thinner, creating a fuller and more resonant sound. This can add a new dimension to jazz, funk, and even some pop music.
- Greater Melodic Freedom: The extended range isn't just for heavy chugging. It also opens up new melodic possibilities. You can descend into lower registers for solos or create powerful counter-melodies that weave around existing parts. This can add a dramatic and expressive quality to your playing.
- Easier Drop-Tuning for Lower Notes: While you can achieve lower tunings on a 6-string, a 7-string makes it much more convenient to access those super low notes without compromising the tuning stability of your other strings. For instance, if you want to play in drop-A or drop-G, having the low 'B' string as your starting point makes this much more feasible and sonically pleasing.
Genre-Specific Applications
While 7-string guitars are strongly associated with certain genres, their versatility extends far beyond.
Heavy Music Powerhouse:
It's impossible to talk about 7-string guitars without mentioning their dominance in modern metal and its subgenres. Bands like Korn, Deftones, Meshuggah, and Animals as Leaders have all pioneered and popularized the use of 7-strings, showcasing their ability to create complex, polyrhythmic, and incredibly heavy music. The low 'B' string is a cornerstone of the "djent" sound, characterized by its percussive, palm-muted riffing.
Beyond Metal:
However, the 7-string is not just for extreme music. Many jazz fusion players utilize them to achieve richer harmonic textures and a wider soloing range. Funk guitarists can incorporate deep bass lines into their rhythmic playing. Even some blues and rock musicians are exploring the added depth and expression a 7-string can offer.
What You Need to Know Before You Buy
While the benefits are numerous, there are a few considerations for aspiring 7-string players:
- Learning Curve: If you're accustomed to a 6-string, there will be a slight adjustment period. You'll need to retrain your muscle memory to accommodate the wider neck and the extra string. However, for most guitarists, this transition is relatively smooth.
- String Gauge: You'll generally need to use heavier gauge strings for the lower strings to maintain proper tension and intonation. This can feel different under your fingers initially.
- Amplification and Effects: To truly harness the power of a 7-string, especially for those low-end frequencies, you might need an amplifier and effects pedals that can handle the wider frequency spectrum effectively.
Ultimately, a 7-string guitar is an instrument that offers expanded creative potential. It's not about replacing your 6-string; it's about adding another tool to your sonic arsenal, allowing you to explore new territories and express yourself in ways you might not have thought possible.
"The 7-string guitar has become an indispensable tool for many modern guitarists, pushing the boundaries of what's sonically achievable."
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does a 7-string guitar sound different from a 6-string?
A 7-string guitar offers a deeper and wider tonal range, primarily due to the addition of a lower string, typically a low 'B'. This allows for heavier, more resonant bass notes and opens up possibilities for richer chord voicings and more extensive melodic lines in the lower register.
Why do metal guitarists prefer 7-string guitars?
Metal guitarists often prefer 7-strings for their ability to produce extremely heavy and powerful riffs with the added low 'B' string. This allows for crushing palm-muted chugs and a more guttural sound that is central to many subgenres of metal, such as djent and progressive metal. It also facilitates easier access to lower tunings without sacrificing the integrity of the other strings.
Is it hard to learn to play a 7-string guitar?
For most guitarists who are already proficient on a 6-string, learning a 7-string involves a moderate adjustment period. The primary differences are the wider neck and the presence of an additional string. Your finger dexterity and muscle memory will need to adapt, but many find the transition to be manageable and rewarding.
Can I play 7-string guitars in genres other than metal?
Absolutely! While 7-strings are very popular in metal, their extended range is beneficial in many other genres. Jazz fusion guitarists use them for richer harmonies and soloing capabilities, funk players can incorporate deeper bass lines, and even some rock and blues musicians explore the added depth and expressiveness they offer.
