Hey Guitar Lovers, You know you have to be innovative to stand out in the crowd. Most guitar artists use six-string guitars and they are upgrading their instruments to guitar with 7 strings. This extra string adds layers of lushness to your musical masterpieces. Guitars with 7 strings are the same as six-string guitars but the extra low B string extends the range of the instrument in the downward direction. This perfects the music and gives access to deeper notes and chord voicing. These 7-string classical guitars are famous in genres such as metal, jazz, and rock. The extended range within these genres allows for greater expressions and versatility in lead playing and rhythms.
In this blog post, You will find the techniques and strategies to tune guitars to play in the best way and embrace this innovative instrument.
Pros of playing a 7-string guitar
A guitar with 7 strings comes with several advantages. Read on to learn how it is one of the best additions to your musical journey!!
Range of Instrument
The addition of a low B string expands the range of the instrument. It allows artists to play lower notes and create a melodic and fuller sound. This 7-string is particularly useful for genres like metal.
Creative Possibilities
The guitar with 7 Strings brings in more creative possibilities. The extended range allows artists to experiment with unique harmonies and textures. Through such controlled range and lower registers, artists add emotional elements with depth and value by creating unique solos.
Versatility
A Guitar with 7 Strings is often associated with different genres and can be adapted to various styles of music. Guitarists from the Jazz genre are using the low B string to upgrade their chord voicings. 7-string classical guitar also helps them in exploring new harmonic possibilities. Similarly, guitarists from the fusion genre are making use of the extended range for improvisations and innovation within their songs.
Famous 7- string guitar influencers
Many guitarists are incorporating 7-string classical guitars into their music career and they are seen to be proud of it.
Steve Vei
Steve Vei is an American guitarist and songwriter. He has incorporated a guitar with 7 strings into his style. He has used the lower B in his ever-best albums such as “Alien Love Secret”. The fresh musical melodies and virtuosic music have made Steve’s approach to playing very mindful and innovative. His style of staying upgraded in his musical profession is the reason for his Award-winning success!
John Petrucci
John Petrucci is an American guitarist and he is known as the founder of Dream Theatre. He is the master of 7-string classical guitars. He knows how to do the intricate guitar work. All of his signature songs integrate the element of heavy melodic riffs. John’s mastery of the guitar has let him experiment with a guitar with 7 Strings with multiple genres and has created worldwide tones and sounds.
Choosing the right 7-string guitar for you
Choosing the 7-string classical guitar means you go for the following factors. These are as follows:
Budget-Friendly
Patterned after the RG, the legendary Ibanez metal monster, the GRE is the affordable gateway to that same combination of speed, Fury, and expression. This grog's poplar body with quilted maple art grain top is cloaked in a high gloss finish and complemented by a treated New Zealand pine fretboard equipped with string-bending-friendly jumbo frets. Proprietary Infinity R7 humbucking pickups deliver the requisite fat, distorted tone that metal rockers crave, while the Ibanez fixed 7 bridge helps take your playing to a whole other level.
The first thing to determine is the budget. As a music artist, you have to set aside a specific budget for a 7-string classical guitar. These guitars come in various shapes and colors. It depends on the genre in which you want to continue with 7 strings. The prices vary as they are from affordable beginner to expensive- high-level professional instruments. Try to opt for a friendly budget and make it worthwhile by producing genre-specific songs.
Music Genre
Patterned after the RG, the legendary Ibanez metal monster, the GRE is the affordable gateway to that same combination of speed, Fury, and expression. This grog's poplar body with quilted maple art grain top is cloaked in a high gloss finish and complemented by a treated New Zealand pine fretboard equipped with string-bending-friendly jumbo frets. Proprietary Infinity R7 humbucking pickups deliver the requisite fat, distorted tone that metal rockers crave, while the Ibanez fixed 7 bridge helps take your playing to a whole other level.
The second point is to look for the music genre and style in which you want to continue your music journey. This style is identified by the genre. If your style is heavy metals, the best choice will be to have solid body guitars so a maximum force can be exerted and exhausted while playing it. Also, guitars having active pickups serve the purpose of such genres.
Similarly, if your style is jazz or fusion, you would opt for the guitars which are warmer with an organic tone.
Playability and comfort
Patterned after the RG, the legendary Ibanez metal monster, the GRE is the affordable gateway to that same combination of speed, Fury, and expression. This grog's poplar body with quilted maple art grain top is cloaked in a high gloss finish and complemented by a treated New Zealand pine fretboard equipped with string-bending-friendly jumbo frets. Proprietary Infinity R7 humbucking pickups deliver the requisite fat, distorted tone that metal rockers crave, while the Ibanez fixed 7 bridge helps take your playing to a whole other level.
An artist’s comfort makes him perform best. When choosing 7-string classical guitars, make sure you are considering the playability. It includes the neck profile and the weight of the instrument. It must be easy to carry. Not only weight, but it must also be comfortable in your hands. Comfort level can be checked by trying different guitars that fit you the best.
Brand and Quality
The next thing to keep in mind is to buy from well-known and trustworthy brands, There are brands like Ibanez, Schecter, and Jackson with a history of making high-quality guitars.
But if you are to try a new one, make sure you go for the basis including affordable price tag, comfort level, and quality.
Choosing a guitar with 7 strings is not something that requires a lot of money, many budget-friendly guitars are being used by beginner guitarists to unleash their musical potential.
Tips for playing a Guitar with 7 Strings
Only practice and dedications is the key to mastering this instrument. There are some tips that most guitarists usually share. Here is a list that we gathered.
Familiarize yourself with the extended range
One important thing is to get a comprehensive understanding of playing the lower B string. Play with the instrument, Spend time on a 7-string classical guitar by exploring sounds from different genres. Experiment with an extended range to recognize all the creative possibilities.
Adjust your hand position
The 7-string classical guitar has a wider neck which means it requires some specific position and adjustment of the hand. The fingers must be aligned to the frets so they won’t mute the sounds from adjacent strings. Develop your muscles with more practice. This will also help in improving the placement of fingers.
Develop your picking technique
The addition of a new string on the guitar can be challenging as they have to be played and picked accurately. Practice smooth and controlled picking so every note in the guitar rings clearly. This can be mastered by practicing string-skipping exercises.
Transcribe and learn from your favorite songs
You can work on improving and increasing your music-related vocabulary by learning new songs on 7-string guitars. There are guitar lessons on 7-string classical guitars which can be incorporated into your playing of guitars.
There are two things, practicing consistently and great dedication to exploring new tips and techniques. Learning all these tips and techniques will make you a melodious and soulful master of 7-string classical guitar.
Patterned after the RG, the legendary Ibanez metal monster, the GRE is the affordable gateway to that same combination of speed, Fury, and expression. This grog's poplar body with quilted maple art grain top is cloaked in a high gloss finish and complemented by a treated New Zealand pine fretboard equipped with string-bending-friendly jumbo frets. Proprietary Infinity R7 humbucking pickups deliver the requisite fat, distorted tone that metal rockers crave, while the Ibanez fixed 7 bridge helps take your playing to a whole other level.
Conclusion
Experimenting and venturing into the journey of 7-string classical guitars is an amazing journey full of excitement and harmony. The addition of a new string brings about creative opportunities and experiences for guitarists. It gives a chance to explore more genres of music which empowers artists to perform by pushing the boundaries of their art. A Guitar with 7 Strings opens a gateway of creative passions, rhythms, and melody!
