7 String Guitar article
7 String Guitar Explained: Features, Types and Tips
A 7-string guitar adds extended range and harmonic possibilities. Here's what it offers and how to know if one suits your playing.
A 7-string guitar has seven strings instead of six, adding one more string for extended range and different playing possibilities. The seventh string is typically a low B, sitting below the standard low E. This guide covers how 7-string guitars work, what they're used for, and whether one might suit your playing style.
What a 7-String Guitar Offers
The extra string expands range downward, letting you play lower notes without lowering the entire tuning. It opens different chord voicings and harmonic possibilities. You can drop-tune the seventh string for heavy music or tune it normally for jazz and classical approaches. The seventh string adds texture and depth that six strings can't achieve.
Tuning Approaches
Standard 7-string tuning adds a low B below the standard low E, giving B-E-A-D-G-B-E. Some players tune it to A for different colour. Heavy music often drops the seventh string even lower for extremely deep tuning. Jazz and classical players use various approaches depending on context and style.
Playing Style Considerations
The wider neck and extra string require practice to navigate comfortably. Your hand shape changes slightly, and picking patterns feel different. It takes time to develop unconscious muscle memory, but experienced six-string players usually adapt within weeks of regular practice. Some players love the expanded range immediately; others need months to feel natural.
Guitar Styles That Use 7-String
Modern heavy music (metal, progressive rock, djent) frequently uses 7-string guitars for extended range and heavy tones. Jazz players use them for expanded harmonic possibilities. Classical and flamenco traditions include 7-string instruments (though with different tunings). Experimental and avant-garde players use them for unconventional approaches.
Selecting a 7-String Guitar
Check that the neck width and string spacing feel comfortable to your hand. The extra string changes pickup specifications — ensure the pickup is properly positioned for all seven strings. Budget ranges widely: beginner 7-strings cost £300–£500, intermediate models £600–£1,200, and professional instruments £1,500+.
The Bottom Line
A 7-string guitar is not essential — many great players work with six strings exclusively. But if you're drawn to extended range, heavier music, or unconventional harmonic approaches, a 7-string opens possibilities your six-string can't access. Try one before committing, as neck width and playing comfort are personal. If it feels right, it's a worthwhile investment in your sound.
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