Expanding your guitar’s range with a seventh string unlocks a world of sonic possibilities, from the depths of heavy metal to the nuances of jazz and beyond. However, venturing into the realm of 7-string guitars means paying close attention to your string selection. You can’t simply add an extra string to a standard 6-string set and expect optimal performance. At Strings and Beyond, we understand the unique demands of 7-string instruments and offer an extensive collection of strings designed to bring out the best in your extended range guitar, whether it’s electric, acoustic, or classical.
Strings Specifically Designed for 7-String Guitars
The allure of a 7-string guitar lies in its versatility. That extra low string empowers guitarists to explore lower registers, opening up new creative avenues across genres. But the increased scale length and string tension of a 7-string instrument necessitate strings engineered to handle these specific requirements. Acoustic and electric 7-string guitars respond differently to string gauges and materials compared to their 6-string counterparts, and factors like your chosen tuning (Drop A, Standard B, or even specialized tunings) further influence the ideal string set for your needs.
Strings and Beyond is your one-stop shop for discount 7-string guitar strings from industry-leading brands. We stock a wide variety, including Elixir’s long-lasting coated strings, D’Addario’s renowned NYXL and EXL series, GHS’s powerful Boomers, Aquila’s premium classical strings, and DR Strings’ hand-crafted options. Whether you’re seeking the warm tones of La Bella nylon strings for jazz, the aggressive punch of heavy-core strings for dropped tunings, or the balanced feel of Ernie Ball Slinky Cobalt strings in a 7-string configuration, we’ve got you covered. Explore our blog for expert string recommendations and essential guides, like how to restring a guitar. Enjoy free U.S. shipping on qualifying orders over $35, and our dedicated customer service team is ready to assist you with any questions via phone or email.
Understanding the Nuances of 7-String Guitar Strings
Choosing the right 7 Guitar Strings goes beyond brand preference; it’s about understanding the technical aspects that impact playability and tone. Let’s delve into some key considerations:
String Gauge and Tension for 7-String Guitars
Gauge refers to the thickness of the strings. For 7-string guitars, especially the low B string (or lower in drop tunings), selecting the appropriate gauge is crucial for optimal tension and avoiding unwanted string buzz or flabbiness. Typically, 7-string sets will feature heavier gauges, particularly for the lower strings, to maintain clarity and prevent the strings from feeling too loose. Experimentation might be needed to find the perfect balance for your playing style and tuning preferences.
Material Matters: Types of 7-String Guitar Strings
The material composition of your 7-string guitar strings significantly affects the tone and feel. Common materials include:
- Nickel-plated steel: A popular choice for electric guitars, offering a bright, balanced tone suitable for various genres.
- Pure nickel: Provides a warmer, vintage-style tone, often favored for jazz and blues.
- Stainless steel: Known for its brightness, sustain, and corrosion resistance, often preferred for heavier styles.
- Nylon: Used for classical guitars, offering a mellow, warm tone ideal for classical and flamenco music.
- Phosphor bronze and 80/20 bronze: Common for acoustic guitars, delivering bright and warm tones respectively.
The best material for your 7 guitar strings will depend on your guitar type, musical genre, and desired tonal characteristics.
Exploring Different 7-String Guitar Types and Strings
The type of 7-string guitar you play—electric, acoustic, or classical—will also dictate the kind of strings you need.
7-String Electric Guitar Strings
Electric 7-string guitars are prevalent in genres like metal, progressive rock, and jazz fusion. Strings for these guitars are typically made of nickel-plated steel or stainless steel and are designed to handle higher gain and distortion. Look for sets specifically labeled for 7-string electric guitars, offering gauges appropriate for standard B tuning and drop tunings.
7-String Acoustic Guitar Strings
Acoustic 7-string guitars offer a fuller, richer sound than their 6-string counterparts. Strings for acoustic 7-strings are usually made of phosphor bronze or 80/20 bronze, similar to 6-string acoustic strings, but with gauges adjusted for the extended range. Finding dedicated 7-string acoustic sets might be less common, so you may need to assemble custom sets or explore baritone acoustic guitar strings, which can often be adapted.
7-String Classical Guitar Strings
Classical 7-string guitars are less common but offer unique possibilities for classical and fingerstyle guitarists. They utilize nylon strings, similar to traditional 6-string classical guitars, but with an added thicker nylon or wound bass string for the lower register. Sets specifically for 7-string classical guitars are available from specialized brands like La Bella and Aquila.
Tuning and 7-String Strings: Matching Strings to Your Musical Vision
Your preferred tuning on your 7-string guitar is a critical factor in string selection.
Standard Tuning and Beyond: Choosing Strings for Different Tunings
The standard tuning for a 7-string guitar is B-E-A-D-G-B-E. Most 7-string string sets are designed with this tuning in mind. However, if you venture into alternative tunings, you might need to adjust string gauges to maintain proper tension. For example, if you tune lower than standard B, you’ll likely need heavier gauge strings to prevent the low strings from becoming too loose and losing clarity.
Drop Tunings on 7-String Guitars
Drop tunings, like Drop A (A-E-A-D-G-B-E) or Drop G (G-D-G-C-F-A-D), are popular in heavier genres. These tunings require even heavier gauge strings for the lowest strings to ensure they remain taut and responsive. Many string brands offer “heavy” or “drop tuning” 7-string sets specifically designed for these lower tunings.
Conclusion: String Up Your 7-String and Unleash Your Musical Potential
The 7-string guitar is a powerful instrument capable of expanding your musical horizons. Choosing the right 7 guitar strings is essential to unlocking its full potential. Whether you’re a metal shredder, a jazz innovator, or an experimental acoustic player, Strings and Beyond has the perfect set of 7-string guitar strings to match your instrument and musical style. Browse our extensive selection today and experience the difference that quality strings can make. Don’t hesitate to contact our experts for personalized recommendations and guidance in your string selection journey.
7 String Guitar Strings FAQs
What is a 7-string guitar called?
A 7-string guitar is commonly known as a “7-string guitar.” It’s also sometimes categorized as an extended-range guitar due to its wider tonal spectrum. Some 7-string models are built as baritone guitars, featuring a longer scale length (typically 27 inches or more) to comfortably accommodate lower tunings and string tension. These guitars are widely used in genres like metal, jazz, djent, and progressive rock, prized for their expanded low-end capabilities compared to standard 6-string guitars.
What are 7-string guitars good for?
The primary advantage of a 7-string guitar is its extended lower range. It allows guitarists to access deeper bass notes without losing the familiar higher pitches of a standard guitar. This expanded range is incredibly beneficial for genres that thrive on low-end power and complex harmonies, such as metal, djent, progressive rock, and jazz fusion. The 7-string enables players to utilize lower tunings for heavier riffs while still retaining the ability to play melodies and solos in higher registers. Furthermore, the wider fretboard and additional string facilitate richer chord voicings and intricate fingerstyle arrangements, providing a broader palette for creative expression.
Is a 7-string a baritone guitar?
Not all 7-string guitars are baritone guitars, although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably. A baritone guitar is defined by its longer scale length, which increases string tension at lower tunings. While some 7-string guitars do incorporate a baritone scale length (often 27″ or longer), many standard 7-string guitars maintain a regular scale length similar to typical 6-string guitars (around 25.5″). Baritone designs are specifically optimized for very low tunings, providing better string tension and clarity in those registers, whereas standard scale 7-strings offer a balance between extended range and traditional guitar feel.
What is the standard tuning for a 7-string guitar?
The most widely accepted standard tuning for a 7-string guitar is B-E-A-D-G-B-E. In this tuning, the additional seventh string is tuned to a low B, situated below the standard low E string of a 6-string guitar. This tuning effectively extends the bass range of the instrument, making it well-suited for heavier music and complex chord voicings that require lower notes. Beyond standard tuning, some players opt for drop tunings, such as Drop A (A-E-A-D-G-B-E), which lowers the 7th string a whole step further to A, creating an even deeper and heavier sound, particularly popular in modern metal subgenres.
Can you tune a 7-string guitar to drop G?
Yes, tuning a 7-string guitar to Drop G (G-D-G-C-F-A-D) is definitely achievable. However, this very low tuning necessitates the use of thicker gauge strings to maintain adequate string tension and prevent the lowest string from becoming excessively floppy or buzzing. Drop G tuning is favored in genres like metalcore, deathcore, and djent, where extremely deep and heavy guitar tones are desired. Guitarists using Drop G often choose custom string gauge sets, with a particularly heavy gauge for the low G string, to ensure optimal playability and a clear, defined tone even at such low frequencies.
Is a 7-string guitar harder to play?
For guitarists accustomed to 6-string guitars, a 7-string guitar can initially present a slightly steeper learning curve. The wider neck, necessary to accommodate the additional string, can feel different in the hand and may require adjustments to fretting and hand positioning. The extra string also introduces a slightly modified picking technique as players need to incorporate the 7th string into their strumming and picking patterns. However, experienced guitarists generally adapt to the 7-string relatively quickly with dedicated practice. While there’s an initial adjustment period, the expanded tonal range and versatility offered by the 7-string ultimately outweigh the minor increase in playing complexity for many musicians.
