7 String is still not main stream...

[jpwannabe]

I've seen some Vai live concerts on dvd on clip I download from the web, never seen him uses the 7 string, the same thing goes to Petrucci, Gilbert, etc. maybe I'm wrong here. Why arent 7 strings the main weapon for these artisits?

[davester1234]

Steve will use the appropriate guitar for appropriate songs, i know that.

[Two hands31]

And his new CD is very heavy, lots of drop-C tuned stuff (he mentioned using his mirrored guitar a lot) and baritone-7-string stuff (he mentioned he'd be using his new UV on the new album, as well as an old UV7BK I believe).

[rory]

As for Petrucci...there are a total of 9 DT songs that, when played live, are on a 7-string. I think players like him and Vai view the 7 as something for that extra low range if and when they need it, which isn't too often.

[The_Grindfiend]

Yeah, they seem to mostly play on the top 4 strings. Obviously, there are a lot of solos and melodies in there that are just better when played on the higher strings, so I'm not surprised that they don't break out the 7 string too too often.

[VforVendetta00]

man, im getting tired of this whinning about 7 strings not being popular, who cares if they aren't being played by everybody? if u like it thats why u should play it not because its the "in" thing to do.

i rather enjoy the fact that im one of the few players i know that uses 7 strings.

what sucks is the fact that its harder to find a decent 7 string at a good price, but if u NEED it u will go out of your way to find it, right?

[guitarkatana]

I don't know, I think it'd be cool to have a 7-string. A while back I really wanted one, but right now I don't really care. I'm really happy with using standard 6-strings and expanding my musical horizons from there.

I'm trying write music with my guitars in tuned to standard, drop-D, Eb, and a few other near standard tunings. I'm working on making the music as intense and "brutal" as I can. Kinda similar to the music of Opeth, Emperor, and Hate Eternal. I guess I'm doing this too prove to myself that I don't need a guitar tuned down like a bass just like Meshuggah, Nile, and so many others do. Not that there's really anything wrong with that. To each his own.

[SuperJemBoy]

I would quite like to try a 7 string again, not played one for ages. I agree, and think that Vai etc use it for extra range rather than as a whole different instrument.

Joe

[EnigmaUV7]

Originally Posted by rory

As for Petrucci...there are a total of 9 DT songs that, when played live, are on a 7-string. I think players like him and Vai view the 7 as something for that extra low range if and when they need it, which isn't too often.

I think Petrucci uses his EBMM 7-string quite a lot, it sounds like every song on the new album uses it. I'm sure he had it designed so that he could easily play any leads he wants on it. If well set up, a UV or similar quality 7-string can be an amazing lead guitar, limited only by the talent of the player. Some of the cheaper 7s coming out these days are probably dogs though, I have seen some advertised new for under $500!!

I really like the sounds you get when transistioning from higher register to to lower notes on the UV, then climbing back up thru the register, very mean.

[Drew]

Originally Posted by SuperJemBoy

I agree, and think that Vai etc use it for extra range rather than as a whole different instrument.

Idunno... for me, it IS a whole different instrument... not just a detuned 6, but something with a whole new set of harmonic possibilities. Maybe that's just me, though.

RE: 7's under $500- the 1527 is supposed to be an absolute STEAL in terms of build quality for the price. Remember, the firsy 7620 had to compete with the new UV line, for it's price point... the new 1527 is being priced to compete with the used 7620's that are still saturating the market.

-D

[CrossingStar]

When people say "price point", can't you just say "price"? What is the difference? I'm not being a snot, I'm just curious because I read it so often on the internet forums.

[Jeff]

Originally Posted by EnigmaUV7

I think Petrucci uses his EBMM 7-string quite a lot, it sounds like every song on the new album uses it.

Actually, according to the power tab (which sounds pretty good IMO) shows it as mainly downtuned 6s (mainly down to C)

[MetalWarrior]

Originally Posted by Jeff

Actually, according to the power tab (which sounds pretty good IMO) shows it as mainly downtuned 6s (mainly down to C)

yep...pretty much everything is in C

[Two hands31]

Originally Posted by MetalWarrior

yep...pretty much everything is in C

Yes, but couldn't that also be a 7-string tuned up a half-step?

And since when are Vai and Dream Theater mainstream? And where's Satch in this list? He's got a 7-string.

And I think the reason Steve doesn't use his live is because the only times he touches the low strings is for rhythm tracks, and Dave and the other guy who's name I can't remember for some odd reason cover them (they both play 7-strings).

[Dead Roman]

Originally Posted by jpwannabe

I've seen some Vai live concerts on dvd on clip I download from the web, never seen him uses the 7 string, the same thing goes to Petrucci, Gilbert, etc. maybe I'm wrong here. Why arent 7 strings the main weapon for these artisits?

ive seen quite a few vids ove those players playing 7's


gilbert "seoul korea tour"

Petrucci" Metropolis 200 (all over) 7th Heaven video"

Vai "live on letterman, Seventh Heaven Vid, Headbangers ball, national anthem, Ya Yo Gakk, The Audience is Listening, FTLOG"

they use em, look harder