Advantages of a 7 string - what are the atvanteges of a 7 st

[children of bodom]

I dont know much about 7 strings i have always played ona 6 but could someone just tell me some high lights about getting a 7 string please.
thanx *

[jeffrey]

Three octaves in 6-7 frets as opposed to 12 ranks high in my book.

[Sevenstringer]

The use of different chords, different tunings, higher notes....I tune my 7's differently than standard. I tune CGCFADG (One step lower with a dropped "D" tuning) *I don't really like the thud of the low B * *It gets too mushy. I prefer the Dropped C tuning....It is low enough but doesn't sound like every "Adidas Rock" band out today

[caprile]

to me the greatest advantage is the possibility of extended chords. i really would like to hear something like sv's sisters using the range it offers. if you want riffs in low A or B, you really don't need one. (of course most of us don't need guitars, just want them lol)

[bduersch]

It's kinda like having an amp that goes to 11... it's one louder!

--B

[trajectory fish]

i've found that the biggest difference the 7 string makes for me is the ability to play melodies without changing position on the fretboard, as well as a few chords, but most of my rhythm work is on the top four strings if i'm with a bass and piano.

when there isn't a bass, and i'm playing a bossa/ latin style, the low B lets me easily fill up some space left by the absence of our bass player. still working on the walking bass lines though. . .
:read:

[rlintz]

For me it's very simple - lower range chords (B instead of E), new chordal possibilities, and these prior two items without sacrificing anything with which I was accustomed on a standard 6 string (ie. my lead playing is not effected and I can still hit the high E note as I couldn't if I simply tuned down). *From a strictly lead perspective, I love having that extra string which means more fluidity in your playing without having to change positions.

[one less than none]

5 extra notes ......

nothing more nothing less

[The Dark Wolf]

Ok, I'll post the obvious... LOWER, HEAVIER RIFFS! Whew. Glad to have that off my chest.

As an aside, I tune a little odd, and I get quite a bit more than 5 extra notes... low strings are Db and Gb, so I get (considering from E) 10 extra notes. Double yer pleasure, double yer fun! I DO play nice, low, heavy riffs on my low Gb, but I very often use the bottom 3-4 strings to play neat baritone chord voices. You have these nifty 2 finger major/minor baritone triads right there, for example...

Amin - *A *(rooted at the third fret)
* * * * * *E
* * * * * *C
* * * * * *e

Cmaj - *C *(rooted at the sixth fret)
* * * * * *G
* * * * * *E
* * * * * *g

Etc. Makes for a lot of fun.

[one less than none]

actually thinkning about it i changed my mind. strings being able to be tuned to a range of pitches the advantages are .....


1 extra string

[one less than none]

wordwolf what scale length and gauge striungs do you use ?

i was thinking of getting an 8 string with a low f# and was interested of how you found the tuning held

[The Dark Wolf]

I think same guitar as you... the Ibanez RG2027XVV. I use Dean markely blue steel gauges .010 to .046, and whatever brand I can find (lol. Not easy always) for the low B, always a .059 gauge. (I'm allergic to nickle, hence, the steel strings. Unfortunately, not easy to always find a steel .059 separately. I have grown to love the sound of the steels, as they're brighter. Consequently, my baritone register is never muddy, but rather clear.) Tuning stability is... perfect! What can I say? My trem is just right, action is great, I have no problems. Even wanking the trem like mad, all is well. The Lo Pro handles this tuning with ease. BTW, total tuning is...

Gb
Db
Ab
db
gb
bb
eb

[one less than none]

cool man ! i'll check it out, i think ill try it on my esp first, thanks for the info

[The Dark Wolf]

NP :loco: Hey, don't you have a sustainer on your 2027? (If you're the guy) How's that working out for ya? Where'd you place it, how's the sound, look, feel, what mods did ya have to do, and what was cost? Shanks! I've never tried a sustainer type system, but I love strings. Dern geetars just don't have that infinite sustain thing like *sigh in contenment* the cello. I'm really curious to check something like that out.

[CQ7String]

Don't forget that having a 7 makes jammin' out your favorite Petrucci riffs a lot easier..