Welcome to the world of seven-string guitars! These unique instruments can offer an incredible range of sound and a great way to explore alternate tunings.
In this article, we’ll discuss what makes a 7-string guitar so special, the standard tuning for these guitars, as well as some alternate 7-string guitar tunings you can use.
So let’s dive in and discover all that the 7-string guitar has to offer!
What’s a 7 string guitar?
The seven-string guitar is a type of guitar that has additional string to the standard six-string guitar.
The extra string is tuned to a low B and sits just above the low E string. This extended range allows for greater melodic possibilities than a traditional six-string model and this is the main difference in tuning a 7 string guitar compared to tuning a standard electric guitar.
The scale length of seven-string guitars tends to be longer than their six-string counterparts.
They usually range from 25.5′ to 27′, whereas most six strings have a length between 24.75′ and 25.5′. With these longer scales comes greater tension on the strings, producing higher volume when played. This makes them ideal for genres such as metal and jazz fusion styles.
The advantages of 7-string guitars
The advantages of 7-string guitars include:
Provides an extended range
With the extended range of seven-string guitar, you can:
- Dive deeper into bass tones with huge low-end power.
- Play more intricate lead lines that would otherwise be impossible on a 6 string guitar.
- Create unique chord voicings with richer harmonies, harmonics and inversions.
- Expand your repertoire by playing pieces originally written for 8-string guitars or higher.
You can play arpeggios
Playing arpeggios on a 7-string guitar can unlock your creative potential, allowing you to craft intricate lead lines and chord voicings.
For example, using a Drop A tuning, you can play from the 7th note down to the 1st without having to jump around on the fretboard.
This is great for playing complex passages that would be difficult with only 6 strings.
You can play chords
You can play powerful and unique chords to spice up your music, using the extra range of notes available on a 7-string guitar.
The rich, powerful sound of barre chords is one way to add depth and complexity to your playing.
Here are three key points about using chords on a seven string guitar:
- Tune down to Drop A for extended barre chords.
- Utilize the full range of notes along the fretboard for more creative chord voicings.
- Experiment with different tunings to explore new sounds and possibilities in your playing.
Standard tuning for a 7-string guitar /b standard tuning/
Standard tuning for a 7-string guitar, also called b standard tuning,
leaves almost all of the notes on the fingerboard unchanged, so if you’re used to 6-string guitar riffs, they’ll still work just as well in this seven-string configuration.
The seventh string (also known as the low B string) is tuned to B, and from there it’s exactly like playing a regular six string guitar.
The strings are tuned from seventh to first: B, E, A, D, G, B, and E.
Alternate tunings for a 7-string guitar
The alternate tunings for a 7-string guitar can add flavor to your music, so it’s worth exploring the options available to get the sound you’re looking for. These are the most popular alternate tunings for a 7-string guitar:
Bb Tuning (half-step-down)
By using Bb tuning and tuning half-step-down, you can add a growl to your sound and create a unique depth that will make your music stand out. Bb tuning is the perfect way to do this on a seven-string guitar.
It’s just like B standard tuning but with all notes shifted down one fret. This makes it easy to transition without learning new chords or riffs.
You don’t have to worry about retuning as often either since the intervals between strings stay the same as they are in B standard tuning.
To tune a 7-string guitar to Bb Tuning (half-step-down), follow these steps:
- Begin with the 7th string (the lowest and thickest string) and tune it down to Bb.
- Move on to the sixth string and tune it down to Eb.
- Tune the fifth string down to Ab.
- Tune the fourth string down to Db.
- Tune the third string down to Gb.
- Tune the second string down to Bb.
- Finally, tune the 1st string down to Eb.
Drop A Tuning
Drop A tuning involves lowering the bass string while keeping the rest of the strings in standard tuning.
For seven-string guitars, the seventh string (usually a low B) becomes the low A string.
To tune a 7-string guitar to Drop A tuning, follow these steps:
- Begin with the seventh string and tune it to A.
- Move on to the sixth string and tune it to E.
- Tune the fifth string to A.
- Tune the fourth string to D.
- Tune the third string to G.
- Tune the second string to B.
- Finally, tune the first string to E.
A Standard tuning
A Standard tuning is a great way to add a unique, heavy sound to your music without needing to retune.
To tune a 7-string guitar to A Standard tuning, follow these steps:
- Start by tuning the seventh string to A.
- Tune the sixth string to E.
- Tune the fifth string to A.
- Tune the fourth string to D.
- Tune the third string to G.
- Tune the second string to B.
- Finish by tuning the first string to E.
Drop G tuning
Drop G tuning differs from other drop tunings, requiring the first six strings to be tuned lower than the B standard. It gives you access to powerful low notes and a deep, growling sound that’s ideal for many metal bands.
When tuning to drop G, it’s important to use a guitar with a longer scale length, ideally 26.5″ or higher. Shorter scale length guitars may have loose strings that can cause buzzing and other issues.
To tune a 7-string guitar to Drop G tuning:
- Tune the seventh string down to G.
- Tune the sixth string down to D.
- Tune the fifth string down to G.
- Tune the fourth string down to C.
- Tune the third string down to F.
- Tune the second string down to A.
- Tune the first string down to D.
G Standard tuning
G Standard tuning is similar to Drop G in that the lowest string becomes your low G string, but getting used to it takes some time.
To properly tune a 7 string guitar using this method, you’ll need heavy strings – if they’re too light, your sound will be muddy.
To tune a 7-string guitar to standard G tuning:
- Tune the seventh string to G.
- Tune the sixth string to C.
- Tune the fifth string to F.
- Tune the fourth string to Bb.
- Tune the third string to Eb.
- Tune the second string to G.
- Tune the first string to C.
Drop B tuning
Drop B tuning is great for heavy riffs and thick distorted tones, perfect for those who want to achieve a louder, more powerful sound.
To tune a 7-string guitar to Drop B tuning:
- Tune the seventh string to B.
- Tune the sixth string to F#.
- Tune the fifth string to B.
- Tune the fourth string to E.
- Tune the third string to A.
- Tune the second string to C#.
- Tune the first string to F#.
Drop E tuning
Drop E tuning is used by progressive metal bands like Meshuggah and Born of Osiris.
To tune a 7-string guitar to Drop E tuning:
- Tune the seventh string to E.
- Tune the sixth string to B.
- Tune the fifth string to F.
- Tune the fourth string to A.
- Tune the third string to D.
- Tune the second string to G.
- Tune the first string to B.
Conclusion
The 7-string guitar tuning is more complex than tuning a six-string, so it’s important to get it right.
With some patience and practice, you’ll be able to master tuning your 7-string guitar like a pro.
So, go ahead and show off that extra string – just make sure it’s in tune first!
FAQ
What string gauge should I use for a 7-string guitar?
When it comes to string gauge for a 7-string guitar, the most important thing is finding what works best for you.
You’ll want to consider the 7 string guitar tuning you intend to use, as this will determine which strings are exposed to more string tension and require heavier gauges.
Generally speaking, lighter gauge strings can be used in standard tunings but if you’re going for a drop or altered tuning then thicker gauges might be needed.
Experimenting with different gauges is the only way to find out what works best for your sound and playing style.
What are the best pickups for a 7-string guitar?
The best pickups for 7-string guitars depend on what type of sound you’re looking for.
Active pickups are great if you want a higher output and more pronounced mids and highs while passive pickups work well for warm, smooth tones.
For heavy rock and metal styles, humbuckers are usually the way to go as they provide a thick low end with plenty of sustain. On the other hand, single coils can give your guitar a bright, airy tone that’s perfect for jazz or blues playing.
Ultimately, the choice is up to you. Experiment with different types until you find something that works well with your guitar playing style!
What are the most popular songs played on a 7-string guitar?
Here is a list of popular songs played on a 7-string guitar:
- “One” – Metallica
- “Little Wing” (Cover) – Jimi Hendrix
- “Spain” – Chick Corea
- “The Way You Make Me Feel” (Adapted) – Michael Jackson
- “Soothsayer” – Buckethead
- “Scarlet” – Periphery
- “Aerials” – System of a Down
- “Toxicity” – System of a Down
- “Tempting Time” – Animals as Leaders
- “Unholy Confessions” – Avenged Sevenfold
