7 string guitars have become incredibly popular (as well as 8 string guitars) and many guitarists now prefer to play 7 string guitars due to the extra range and versatility.
If you want to get a 7 string guitar, read this Guide on the Best 7 String Guitars to find one right for you.
The main difference between 6 and 7 string guitars is that a 7 string guitar adds an extra string on the low end. So a 7 string guitar is a normal six-string guitar with an extra low string added in.
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You can see that the 7 string guitar has the same E A D G B E tuning on the higher six strings, but it also includes a low B string.
The low B string on a 7 string guitar makes a big difference in the range of notes you can play, possible chord shapes, and playing style.
In the below fretboard diagram for a 7 string guitar, have a look at the extra low notes you can access compared to a 6 string guitar:
The Acoustic Room
On the low B string, you can see that the 5th fret is the same note as the low E string on a 6 string guitar (highlighted in red).
You then have four extra fretted notes and the low open B string that extend far below the normal 6 string range (highlighted in blue).
At first, it might not seem like an extra five notes makes much of a difference, but it does as I’ll explain below.
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A 7 string guitar isn’t harder to play than a 6 string guitar. It only feels different due to the wider fretboard and extra string. You can learn and play a 7 string guitar in the same way as you would play a 6 string guitar.
You may find it awkward to reach your fingers over the wider fretboard or you may become confused by the extra string.
Switching to a 6 string guitar after jamming on a 7 string feels strange for about a minute, then it feels normal again.
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They will probably feel weird and confusing at first, but that passes as you get used to it. Eventually, a 7 string guitar will feel just as normal to you as a 6 string guitar does now.
Yes, you can play any 6 string guitar songs on a 7 string guitar. The higher 6 strings on a 7 string guitar are exactly the same as a normal 6 string guitar. This means you can ignore the low B string and play a 7 string guitar just like a normal 6 string guitar.
Take a look at the below fretboard diagram for a 7 string guitar and notice that it’s basically a 6 string guitar with an extra string added (highlighted in blue):
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This means you can play any song you want on the higher 6 strings. You can basically ignore the low B string and play your guitar just like a normal 6 string guitar.
While you can play any 6 string song on a 7 string guitar, it will feel different. While the strings and notes are the same on those upper six strings, it won’t feel like you’re playing a normal guitar.
The wider fretboard and the extra string makes it feel different. The most obvious example is when you’re used to strumming chords on a 6 string guitar.
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Normally, when you strum chords on a 6 string guitar, you can use a wide strumming motion and hit all six strings with ease.
If you try to do this on a 7 string guitar, you will probably accidentally strum the low 7th string, which won’t work with most chords.
That doesn’t mean you can’t play normal chords on a 7 string guitar, it only means you need to slightly adjust your strumming technique to watch out for the low 7th string.
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The point of a 7 string guitar is to extend the range of notes you can play, without changing the tuning on a 6 string guitar. A 7 string guitar also gives you more choices for chord shapes and finger placement.
7 string guitars became popular in the 90s with bands like Korn as a way of playing extremely low pitched riffs, while still having the higher-pitched notes available.
Other bands at that time would use 6 string guitars and tune them down. For example, Slipknot usually tune their 6 string guitars down to Drop-B. This allows them to play the same low notes as you would normally only get on a 7 string guitar. If a guitarist only cared about low-ranged notes, tuning down a 6 string guitar is easier.
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So the big difference between tuning a 6 string guitar down and playing a 7 string guitar is that a 7 string guitar still lets you play higher notes.
Today, countless guitarists use 7, 8, and 9 string guitars to access a wider range of notes. It’s the main reason why some guitarists prefer 7+ string guitars.
Whether you should buy a 6 or 7 string guitar depends on the music you want to play. Buy the type of guitar that matches the music you listen to.
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If you listen to a lot of music that is usually played on 7 string guitars, you should consider buying a 7 string. If most of the music you listen to is played on a 6 string guitar, you might prefer starting by learning on a 6 string guitar.
For most beginners just starting out with guitar, I suggest getting a 6 string. Having one less string to worry about does make the learning process easier.
The only time I would suggest buying a 7 string guitar to a complete beginner is when most of the music you listen to is usually played on a 7 string.
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Note: wondering why some 7 string guitars have fanned frets like in the above photo? Read this guide on fanned frets to learn why all about them. I highly recommend learning about fanned frets before you buy a 7 string guitar.
If you listen to mainly 7 string guitar music, it’s going to suck if you can’t play any of it because you bought a 6 string guitar. I remember being frustrated in my early guitar years whenever I would find out a song was played on a 7 string guitar because I didn’t have one.
To find out whether the music you listen to is usually played on a 6 or 7 string guitar, search for the songs on any free Guitar TAB website.
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You’ll be able to see in the Guitar TAB whether the guitar uses 6, 7, or 8 strings. Find out how to read Guitar TAB in this guide.
In the past, there weren’t many 7 string guitar models to choose from. Today, you have a massive range of excellent quality 7 string guitars at every budget level.
If you do decide to get a 7 string guitar, use these exercises to help feel comfortable with the extra string and wider fretboard.
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