Is a 7 String Guitar Harder to Play Than a 6 String? Revealed!

Unfamiliar with 7-string guitars? The burning question is whether wrangling a 7-string is a tougher rodeo than the familiar 6-string. Well, strumming a 7-string guitar might throw you for a loop at first, what with an extra string and a broader neck to navigate. But give it time and elbow grease, and you’ll find it’s no more daunting than your standard six-stringer. 

The trick lies in getting to grips with the quirks and stretching your skills to embrace the wider sonic playground at your fingertips.

Seven-string guitars aren’t newcomers to the block. They’re celebrated for their beefed-up range and adaptability. Many musicians, from metalheads to jazz cats and fusion enthusiasts, often reach for these guitars.

Comparing 6 String Guitars and 7 String Guitars

Physical Differences

The standout feature setting apart a 6-string from a 7-string guitar is, plainly put, that extra string on the latter. This brings about a broader neck. It could seem a bit tricky to handle if you’re cozy with the usual 6-string layout.

But as you dive in, you’ll discover that each variant has perks and constraints.

I remember when I first picked up a 7-string guitar about 20 years ago, it took me a week to get used to the extra B string. What I found particularly confusing was that I kept taking the low B string as the low E-string.

But in a couple of days I was able to take it as the extra string that it is, and since then I have been able to switch easily between 6- and 7-string guitars.

As for the larger neck: I have small hands, and yet the extra ‘meat’ on the neck wasn’t a problem at all.

It will probably be the same for you if you haven’t played a 7-string guitar before.

Range and Musical Capabilities

The trusty 6-string guitar is a versatile tool across various musical genres. Still, the 7-string guitar steps up the game with its extra string. It unlocks lower notes that add depth to the instrument’s sonic palette.

In essence, the 7-string guitar brings to the table:

• A broader spectrum of notes for more versatility;
  
  
• The power to churn out heavier, more impactful riffs;
  
  
• More possibilities for playing and to be creative with music.
  

Playing Styles and Genres

Guitar players pick their axes to match their style and the musical landscapes they traverse. The classic 6-string guitar fits like a glove across various styles, whether rock, blues, pop, or country twang. 

Flip the coin, and you find the 7-string guitar, a favorite in heavy metal and progressive tunes. It’s the kind of guitar that lets players such as Korn’s Brian ‘Head’ Welch plunge into the depths of hefty riffs and guttural grooves.

Challenges of Playing a 7-String Guitar

Fretting and Hand Stretching

Tackling a 7-string guitar means grappling with a beefier fretboard. That extra low B string widens the neck. It stirs up some fretting gymnastics and hand-stretching shenanigans. Especially for the small-handed brigade. 

But fear not. Regular practice paired with some nimble warm-up routines will have your hands sprouting the dexterity and muscle to cozy up to that expansive neck in no time.

String Muting Techniques

Getting a grip on a 7-string guitar throws another curveball your way: nailing the art of string muting. That sneaky extra low B string can buzz like an uninvited bee, muddying your melody when you’re hitting the higher strings. 

To swat away these sonic pests, you can play around with various palm muting and left-hand muting tricks. As you spend more time with your 7-string companion, your muting mojo gets sharper, keeping those unwanted buzzes at bay.

Adapting to More Strings

Wrangling more strings on the fretboard can throw you for a loop. When you jump from a 6-string to a 7-string guitar, that extra low B string might feel like a maze for your fingers. 

A pro tip? Dedicate some sessions to practicing scales and chord shapes crafted just for the 7-string terrain. This focused practice will help your fingers get acquainted with the fresh fretboard geography. It makes your shift to the broader neck smoother.

Anatomy of a 7-String Guitar

The Neck and Fretboard

The 7-string guitar sports a more generous neck and fretboard to make room for the extra string. Sure, it might seem a bit odd under your fingers at the outset, but give it a little time – it’ll start to feel like second nature! 

Fret spacing stays pretty much in the same ballpark as your standard 6-string. Yet that extra bit of real estate opens the door to slicker techniques and sprawling chord voicings.

The Extra B String

The standout feature of a 7-string guitar is undoubtedly that seventh string. It’s usually tuned to a rumbling low B. This newcomer extends the guitar’s sonic reach downward. It lets you chart new musical courses and beef up your sound. 

Plus, with this string in your arsenal, you unlock a treasure trove of fresh chord variations and intricate tapping techniques. How cool is that?

Tuning Systems

Indeed, the typical setup for a 7-string guitar follows the standard tuning, with a bonus low B string. This lines up the pitches as B, E, A, D, G, B, E, from the lowest to highest.

Yet, some adventurous souls love to dabble in alternate tunings to spice up their creative output. Here’s a snapshot of some popular alternate tunings that 7-string strummers often fancy:

• Drop A: A, E, A, D, G, B, E – your guitar just got an extra dose of gravitas;
  
  
• Double Drop D: B, D, A, D, G, B, D – it’s all about that drone and harmonic richness;
  
  
• Open Cmaj7: B, C, G, C, G, B, E – when you want your guitar to sing with a chordal breeze.

These tunings can transform your guitar into a new instrument, ripe for exploration and possibilities.

Guitar Techniques for Playing a 7-String

Adapting Chord Shapes

Absolutely, the presence of that seventh string means rejigging your usual chord grips to use the low end. Keep your cool; it’s less of a brain teaser than you might think.

• Barre Chords: Lean into that 7th string with more oomph for those familiar barre chords;

• Open Chords: Let that extra string ring out to give your chords a more profound, resonant vibe.

Give it a little time – it’ll start to feel like second nature! 

Developing Riffs and Solos

You’ve hit the nail on the head—creativity is your best friend when weaving that 7th string into your melodic tapestries.

• Arpeggios: Dive into the deep end with that 7th string to give your arpeggios a new dimension;
  
  
• Riffs: Rethink and rebuild your riffs by roping in the extra string for added muscle.
  

And you know the drill: practice is the golden ticket. Charge ahead and mix things with different techniques until you strike a chord with your unique flair!

Incorporating the Seventh String

Spot on—the 7th string does indeed catapult your playing into a new sonic stratosphere. Just remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Here’s how to keep from drowning in those extra notes:

1. Start Slow: Take it easy, champ. Gradually add the more intricate stuff once you feel snug with the basics;
   
   
2. Know Your Fretboard: Get chummy with the notes on that 7th string to fling open the doors to broader melodic horizons;
   
   
3. Listen and Learn: Ears to the ground—soak up the sounds of bands that are no strangers to the 7-string dance;
   
   
4. Experiment: Throw caution to the wind with novel chord shapes or picking patterns. Unleash the wild musician within!
   

History and Evolution of the 7-String Guitar

You might be curious about the backstory of the 7-string guitar—it’s a bit more than your garden-variety axe, after all.

Let’s hop in the time machine and zip back to its roots. The 7-string guitar first made waves in Russia as far back as the early 19th century, becoming a staple between 1800-1850. This trailblazing stringed wonder caught the eye of many. It carved a path for a richer tapestry of tunes and giving musicians a chance to dabble in fresh sonic realms.

The 7-string’s claim to fame? Its adaptability. Traditional 6-string guitars could hit a wall with certain styles. Especially those demanding a deep, growling presence.

That’s where the 7-string strutted in. Suddenly, guitarists had a key to unlock a broader spectrum of expression. It was like adding a new color to their musical palette, especially for the solo artists.

Now, how did this Russian innovation strum its way into the limelight of today’s music? Fast forward to the electric guitar boom of the 20th century, where boundary-pushing artists started tinkering with their string counts.

Some went for 7, others for 8, and even 9-string behemoths entered the stage!

As genres like jazz, metal, and prog-rock grew, these pioneers used the 7-string to venture into uncharted musical territories.

Fast forward to the present, and you’ll spot a slew of skilled players rocking a 7-string across genres from rock to metal and even classical.

So, does the extra string make it more challenging to play? It’s a different beast, for sure. When you first pick up a 7-string, it might feel like a foreign land.

But with some practice and perseverance, you’ll soon be navigating its landscape like a pro. Wielding its versatility to whip up some truly spellbinding music.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a beginner know before trying a 7-string guitar?

For those starting out, it’s crucial to grasp that a 7-string guitar boasts an extra string beyond the standard 6-string. This means there’s a new learning angle to tackle, but don’t let that deter you. Approach it step by step, and remember, consistent practice is your ally. Get to know that extra string and give yourself time to adjust.

How does the addition of a seventh string affect guitar playability? 

That seventh string means you’ve got more notes and a broader sonic scope at your fingertips. Initially, your fingers fumble more on the fretboard. Stick with it, though, and you’ll soon revel in the new musical doors this string opens.

What are the common challenges when transitioning to a 7-string guitar?

You might find the wider neck a handful, have to rethink where your fingers go. And get friendly with the rumble of the low B string. If your hands initially feel a bit out of their element, that’s normal. Keep at it, and the instrument will feel like home in no time.

Are there any specific techniques required for playing a 7-string guitar?  

While there aren’t exclusive techniques for 7-string guitars, you do need to change your current approach to make room for the extra string. Dive into regular practice and sample musical styles to uncover techniques that shine on a 7-string.

How does the sound of a 7-string guitar differ from a 6-string? 

The key sonic twist between a 6-string and a 7-string is the deeper dive the latter takes, thanks to the low B string. This lets you delve into more profound, richer tones. It expands your musical expression and offering a broader palette to paint with.

What genres of music typically use 7-string guitars?

7-string guitars make their mark across a spectrum of genres. They’re a staple in the heavier realms like metal and progressive rock, where that lower depth is a boon. You’ll also find them jazzing it up in jazz and fusion. They even grace classical compositions, proving their wide-ranging adaptability.