For guitarists venturing into the depths of extended range sound, the 7-string electric guitar opens up a world of sonic possibilities. Adding that crucial seventh string, typically tuned to a low B, isn’t just about adding more notes; it’s about expanding your musical landscape. However, navigating the world of 7 String Electric Guitar Strings can feel daunting. You can’t simply assume your standard 6-string sets will translate seamlessly. Choosing the right strings is paramount to achieving optimal tone, playability, and longevity for your instrument.
Why 7 String Guitar Strings are Different
Stepping into the realm of 7-string guitars requires a shift in thinking about strings. It’s more than just appending an extra string; it’s about understanding the nuances of string tension, gauge, and material in relation to the extended range of your instrument.
- Gauge Matters More Than Ever: With the lower B string and potentially lower tunings, string gauge becomes critically important. Lighter gauges might feel floppy and lack definition in lower registers, while excessively heavy gauges can lead to unwanted tension and stiffness, hindering playability and potentially stressing the guitar neck. Finding the sweet spot is key.
- Tension and Tuning Stability: 7-string guitars are often used for lower tunings, such as Drop A or Drop G. To maintain tuning stability and avoid string buzz at these lower pitches, appropriate string tension is essential. String sets designed for 7-string guitars are engineered to provide balanced tension across all strings, even in lower tunings.
- Material and Tone for Extended Range: The materials used in 7 string electric guitar strings directly impact the overall tone, especially in the lower frequencies. Different alloys and winding techniques are employed to ensure clarity, punch, and prevent muddiness when playing in the extended lower range.
Choosing the Right 7 String Electric Guitar Strings
Selecting the ideal set of 7 string electric guitar strings depends on several factors, including your playing style, preferred tuning, and the genre of music you play. Here’s a breakdown of key considerations:
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String Material:
- Nickel Wound: These are a popular choice for their warm, balanced tone and comfortable feel. They are versatile and work well across various genres, providing a classic electric guitar sound.
- Stainless Steel: Stainless steel strings offer a brighter, more aggressive tone with enhanced sustain and corrosion resistance. They are favored by metal and rock players who seek clarity and articulation, especially in lower tunings.
- Cobalt: Cobalt strings are known for their powerful output, dynamic response, and rich harmonic content. They deliver a modern, punchy tone that’s excellent for heavier styles and extended range playing.
- Other Materials: Depending on your tonal preferences, you might also explore strings made from materials like pure nickel, or those with specialized coatings for extended life and enhanced tone.
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String Gauge and Tuning:
- Standard B Tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E): For standard 7-string tuning, a common gauge set might range from .010-.056 or .011-.058. This provides a good balance of playability and tension.
- Drop A Tuning (A-E-A-D-G-B-E) or Lower: For lower tunings, you’ll need heavier gauge strings to maintain proper tension and prevent floppiness. Sets designed for drop tunings often include heavier low strings, such as .060, .062, or even .064 for the 7th string.
- Hybrid Sets: Some players prefer hybrid sets that combine lighter gauges for the higher strings (for easier bending and soloing) with heavier gauges for the lower strings (for chunkier rhythm playing).
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Brands and Personal Preference: Leading string brands like Elixir, D’Addario, Ernie Ball, GHS, and DR Strings offer a wide array of 7 string electric guitar strings to cater to diverse playing styles and preferences. Experimenting with different brands and string types is crucial to finding what works best for you and your guitar. Consider trying:
- Elixir 7-String Strings: Known for their extended lifespan due to their coating technology, Elixir strings offer consistent tone and reduced string changes.
- D’Addario NYXL 7-String Strings: NYXL strings are praised for their strength, tuning stability, and enhanced mid-range response, making them a popular choice for modern guitarists.
- Ernie Ball Slinky 7-String Strings: A classic choice, Ernie Ball Slinkys are known for their balanced tone and comfortable feel, favored by countless guitarists across genres.
Tuning and String Considerations for 7-String Guitars
The beauty of a 7-string guitar lies in its versatility in tuning. While standard B tuning is the most common, exploring alternate tunings can unlock even more creative potential.
- Standard Tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E): This is the foundational tuning for 7-string guitars, extending the low range of a 6-string by a perfect fourth. It’s versatile for many genres, from metal to jazz fusion.
- Drop Tunings (Drop A, Drop G, etc.): Dropping the lowest string further (e.g., to A in Drop A tuning) creates even deeper and heavier tones popular in genres like djent and extreme metal. When using drop tunings, ensure your string gauge is heavy enough to maintain adequate tension on the lowest strings.
- Beyond Standard Tunings: Some players experiment with more unconventional 7-string tunings to achieve unique chord voicings and sonic textures. Regardless of your chosen tuning, selecting strings designed for 7-string guitars is vital for optimal performance.
Maintaining Your 7 String Guitar Strings
Like any guitar strings, 7 string electric guitar strings require regular maintenance to ensure they sound their best and last as long as possible.
- Regular Cleaning: Wipe down your strings after each playing session with a clean, lint-free cloth to remove sweat, oils, and dirt. String cleaners and lubricants can also help extend string life and improve playability.
- Proper Storage: When not playing, store your guitar in a case or gig bag to protect the strings from dust, humidity, and temperature changes.
- Timely String Changes: Strings gradually lose their brilliance and sustain over time. Change your 7 string electric guitar strings regularly, depending on your playing frequency and preferences, to maintain optimal tone and performance.
Conclusion
Choosing the right 7 string electric guitar strings is a critical step in maximizing the potential of your extended range instrument. By understanding the importance of gauge, material, and tuning considerations, you can unlock a world of deep, powerful tones and expand your musical horizons. Explore the wide selection of 7-string sets available at Strings and Beyond to find the perfect strings to fuel your 7-string journey.
Frequently Asked Questions about 7 String Guitars and Strings
What is a 7-string guitar called?
A 7-string guitar is generally referred to as a “7-string guitar.” It is also sometimes classified as an extended-range guitar. Some 7-string models are designed as baritone guitars, featuring a longer scale length for lower tunings. These guitars are widely used in genres like metal, jazz, and progressive rock due to their expanded tonal capabilities.
What are 7-string guitars good for?
The primary advantage of a 7-string guitar is its extended range, providing deeper bass notes while retaining the standard higher pitches of a 6-string. This makes it exceptionally well-suited for genres that thrive on low-end power, such as metal, progressive rock, and jazz fusion. It allows players to explore lower tunings without compromising the ability to play melodies in higher registers, making it versatile for both rhythm and lead guitar work. Many guitarists also utilize 7-string guitars for crafting complex chord voicings and exploring intricate fingerstyle techniques, thereby broadening their creative and musical possibilities.
Is a 7-string a baritone guitar?
Not necessarily. While some 7-string guitars are indeed baritone guitars, characterized by a longer scale length (typically 27″ or more) to accommodate lower tunings, many standard 7-string guitars maintain a regular scale length (around 25.5″), similar to typical 6-string guitars. Baritone guitars are specifically engineered to handle lower tunings effectively, often with heavier strings and reinforced construction.
What is the standard tuning for a 7-string guitar?
The most common standard tuning for a 7-string guitar is B-E-A-D-G-B-E. The addition of the lowest string, tuned to B, extends the lower range compared to a traditional 6-string guitar. This tuning is particularly favored in heavier music genres and for creating complex, full-bodied chord voicings. Drop tunings, such as Drop A (A-E-A-D-G-B-E), are also frequently used to achieve an even lower tonal range.
Can you tune a 7-string guitar to drop G?
Yes, a 7-string guitar can be tuned to Drop G (G-D-G-C-F-A-D). However, achieving Drop G tuning typically necessitates the use of thicker gauge strings to ensure proper tension and prevent the lowest string from becoming excessively floppy or buzzing. This tuning is popular in genres like metal and djent for producing deep, heavy, and impactful tones. Guitarists often experiment with custom string gauges to optimize playability and tone in Drop G and similar low tunings.
Is a 7-string guitar harder to play?
For guitarists accustomed to 6-string guitars, a 7-string guitar can initially present a steeper learning curve. The wider neck and additional string require some adaptation, particularly for beginners. However, experienced guitarists generally find the transition manageable with dedicated practice. The extra string does necessitate a slightly adjusted picking technique and fretting hand approach, but it ultimately unlocks greater versatility and expands playing styles, offering new avenues for musical expression.
