Greetings readers of our site!
Today I would like to discuss with you the topic seven-string electric guitars. Often novice guitarists ask questions about what these guitars are for, how they sound, what their tuning is, and much more.
First of all, it should be noted that six-string and seven-string guitars practically do not differ structurally. One string is added and the neck expands because of this. Everything else is identical. Most often, active and passive are used as pickups on such instruments. Some examples use a fixed bridge, while others use .
ESP 7-string electric guitar
To the classical six string guitar Mi[E]-Si[H]-Sol[G]-Re[D]-La[A]-Mi[E] one more bass string Si[H] is added. But build for seven-string guitar you can use different ones depending on musical tasks, and there will be a separate article about this on our website.
Seven string guitars are used especially actively in heavy styles of music such as death metal, nu-metal, metacore, etc. Manufacturers try to make their sound dense, heavy, monolithic. Many epithets can be chosen, but it is better to listen to this sound yourself, and a demo video will be presented below.
I would like to note the fact that on a seven-string guitar you can play not the most brutal music, but, for example, hard rock and you will not feel any inconvenience or restrictions. On the contrary, the possibilities of the guitar are expanded with the addition of the seventh string.
But if you are thinking about buying such a guitar, decide clearly whether you need such an instrument.
Go to a music store in your city, try playing the seven-strings, listen to their sound and draw your own conclusions.
A lot of well-known guitar manufacturers present seven-string specimens in their model lines. Among such firms, the following can be distinguished:, and many others.
Members of many heavy metal bands use seven string guitars. One of the most famous is the group Korn. The musicians of this group use Ibanez guitars.
Guitarist for Korn
And now let's move on to the most important thing - let's listen to how the seven-string sounds. The video shows examples of sounding on a clean sound, as well as using.
Schecter 7-string electric guitar
How to tune a seven-string guitar in the standard way
Before tuning a seven-string guitar, let's get acquainted with the names of the strings on the instrument. The first (thinnest) string (D) of the first octave re. The next three strings are tuned in a small octave: the second string (H) B, the third string (G) G and the fourth string (D) D. Further, strings tuned in a large octave, like the previous three strings, have the same names, but sound an octave lower. The fifth string (H) is B, the sixth string (G) is G, and the seventh string of the guitar is (D) D. It is advisable to tune the guitar according to the tuning fork, in this case the sound of the instrument will be more beautiful in timbre. This is primarily due to the strings, designed for a certain tension of a particular guitar tuning. You can tune the guitar by the tuner, which also describes how to tune a seven-string guitar to the sounds of a six-string tuner. Not unimportant role in the beauty of the timbre is played by the guitar soundboard, which is also designed for certain strings. Bards often tune the instrument to match their voice, resulting in a dull guitar sound. Vladimir Vysotsky tuned his guitar one tone, and sometimes one and a half steps lower. Proper tuning begins with the first string, which is tuned to the A tuning fork (A-440). Clamped on the seventh fret, the first string should sound in unison with the tuning fork. If you don't have a tuning fork, try to tune the first string to the beep of your home phone - it sounds just below the tuning fork. The second string (si) pressed at the third fret must be in unison with the first open string. It is advisable to tighten the string when tuning, and not lower it. In this case, our hearing is more receptive, and in the absence of experience in guitar tuning, this is not an unimportant fact. Also, when tuning, you must first hit an already tuned string and, listening to its sound, pull up the tuned one, and not vice versa. The third string (G) pressed at the fourth fret is tuned in unison with the second open string. The fourth string (D) pressed at the fifth fret is tuned in unison with the third open string. Then everything repeats: the fifth string (si) pressed on the third corresponds to the open fourth string, the sixth (sol) clamped on the fourth fret is tuned to the fifth open and the seventh string (re) is tuned to the sixth open string. So, we have a seven-string guitar system: D; G; H; D; G; H; D.
Now, to make it easier to remember the process of tuning a seven-string guitar, let's turn to the diagram:
1st D string on the tuning fork at the 7th fret.
The 2nd B string is pressed at the 3rd fret on the 1st open.
3rd string G pressed on the 4th fret on the second open string.
The 4th string D is pressed on the 5th fret on the third open.
The 5th B string is pressed at the 3rd fret on the 4th open.
The 6th G string is pressed down on the 4th fret, open on the 5th.
The 7th D string is pressed at the 5th fret on the 6th open.
Here I would like to talk about those guitars that were given more than 6 strings. About such kind of "overgrowths" in the world of guitars. Nowadays, if you watch the video of performances modern teams who play extreme sub-genres of metal or hardcore, you will notice that many use seven and sometimes even eight-string guitars. Among such performers, for example, Meshuggah or Animals as Leaders. Why do they use such instruments that their music cannot be played on conventional six-string guitars that have already become classics? Let's try to figure it all out.
 |
Peculiarities
The feature of multi-string guitars, oddly enough, is that they increase the possible range of sound by adding additional strings. The range, as a rule, expands towards the bass side. Seven and eight-string guitars are most widely used in extreme metal genres in order to get an even lower and more powerful sound. What is the difference between these "overgrown" and conventional six-string guitars?
- Pickups. Sounds are usually set quite powerful with a large exhaust. Also, pickups for such guitars are created taking into account the increased number of strings.
- Neck length and scale. As we already know, the lower the tuning of the guitar, the longer the scale must be in order for the instrument to be tuned. Take the bass guitar for example. It sounds an octave below the guitar, and the bass scale is longer (34" vs. 25.5"). Accordingly, a seven-string electric guitar has the same scale as a 6-string (25.5"), but eight-strings are already made with a scale of 27". Also, many necks are strengthened by adding additional materials into their design. This is due to its increased length and extra-strong strings.
- Neck Width. Everything is logical here, there are more strings - the neck is wider. The width of the neck of a seven-string guitar increases to 48mm, and of an eight-string guitar up to 54-55mm.
7 and 8 string guitar tuning
The standard tuning of a six-string guitar, as we know it, is E A D G B E(from bass to treble). This system is also called fourth, because the interval between two adjacent open strings (except for the second and third) is a pure fourth. This rule holds true for the seven-string guitar as well. We add an extra string that will give a note lower than the sixth string per fourth. This will be the note C (B). Thus, the standard tuning of a seven-string guitar is B E A D G B E. Drop tunings are formed in the same way as for a six-string guitar.
The eight-string guitar is formed in the same way. We add a string that produces a note lower than the seventh string per fourth. It will be F Sharp (F#). Thus, the standard tuning of an eight-string guitar is F# B E A D G B E. As you can see, here the eight-strings already fit so well into the range of the bass guitar. The lowest note is only a tone higher than the bass (F# vs. E)! Read more about guitar tunings in
Here you can tune a seven-string guitar through a microphone using online tuner.
And tune the guitar by ear using the recorded guitar string sounds in different tunings for 7-string guitar.
How to tune a 7 string guitar?
A seven-string guitar is tuned in the same way as a six-string guitar.
The only difference is that the 7-string guitar has one more, thickest, string - the lower B (si).
In order to tune it, you need to hold down the 6th string E (mi) at the 5th fret, as a result, we get the sound of an open 7th string.
Instructions for tuning a guitar with an online tuner:
1.Plug in your microphone
2. Press the "Allow" button on the tuner.
3. Take one note and look at the tuner.
The tuner will display the name of the note played, and the accuracy of its tuning.
If the green pointer on the scale deviates to the right of the letter, then the string is overstretched, if to the left of the letter, then it is not stretched.
You need to change the tension of the string by releasing or tightening it with the tuning pegs.
If the sound of the guitar string matches the standard, the letter will turn green.
And this means that this note sounds correct, and it will be possible to tune other strings.
Seven-string guitar tuning
For the seven-string guitar, there are many various options guitar tuning: basic - Standard, Russian, and - lower tunings, Dropped builds and others.
1.Standard tuning of a seven-string guitar - BEADGBE
- 1st string - E (Mi) (the thinnest)
- 2nd string - B (B)
- 3rd string - G (Sol)
- 4th string - D (D)
- 5th string - A (La)
- 6th string - E (Mi)
- 7th string - B (B)
2. "Russian" system - d¹bgdBGD
Mostly used by bards. The guitar in this tuning is tuned in G major with open strings. This system is also called "Open G".
- 5th string - note B (Si) of a large octave
3. Gypsy minor scale - d¹b♭gdB♭GD
Its difference from the standard Russian tuning is that instead of a major quadruple-sext chord, a minor one is used: the 2nd and 5th strings are lowered by half a step.
In this tuning, the strings are tuned as follows:
- 1st string - note d¹ (Re) of the first octave
- 3rd string - note g (Sol) of a small octave
- 4th string - note d (Re) of a small octave
- 5th string - note B♭ (B-flat) of the big octave
- 6th string - note G (Sol) of a large octave
- 7th string - note D (Re) of a large octave
Naturally, with such tunings, the fingerings of the chords will differ from those usual for 6-string guitars.
4. Reduced tunings of a seven-string guitar
Some guitarists tune their instruments lower or higher than standard so that the sound of the instrument, when played, matches the player's voice.
Bb action- Bb-Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb- Tuned a semitone below the standard.
A system- A-D-G-C-F-A-D - One tone below standard.
G# system- G#-C#-F#-B-E-G#-C# - 3 semitones below standard.
G system- G-C-F-A#-D#-G-C - 2 tones below standard.
F# build-F#-B-E-A-D-F#-B- 5 semitones below standard.
5. Dropped-tuning a seven-string guitar
In these tunings, the seventh string is tuned a tone lower than usual.
Drop A-A-E-A-D-G-B-E- The same as the standard, but with the seventh one tone lower.
Drop Ab- Ab-Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb- Half step below Drop A.
Drop G-G-D-G-C-F-A-D- One tone below Drop A.
DropF#- F#-C#-F#-B-E-G#-C# - 3 semitones below Drop. A
6. Other tunings of the seven-string guitar
6.1.Stroy Sergey Nikitina (performer, composer) - d¹ b♭gdсGD:
1st string - note d¹ (Re) of the first octave
2nd string - note b♭ (B flat) small octave
3rd string - note g (Sol) of a small octave
4th string - note d (Re) of a small octave
6th string - note G (Sol) of a large octave
7th string - note D (Re) of a large octave
6.2.The system of Bulat Okudzhava and Vera Matveeva - d¹bgdсGD:
1st string - note d¹ (Re) of the first octave
2nd string - note b (Si) of a small octave
3rd string - note g (Sol) of a small octave
4th string - note d (Re) of a small octave
5th string - note from (Do) small octave
6th string - note G (Sol) of a large octave
7th string - note D (Re) of a large octave
6.2. And others:
Open E- BEBEG#BE
Open A- AEAEAC#E
Open D- ADADF#AD
Open B-BD#BD#F#BD#
Drop D Drop A- ADADGBE
C 6th- CEGCGAE
jazz tuning- AEADGBE
Lute tuning- BEADF#BE
Blues tuning (Fourths tuning)- BEADGCF
Jimmy Page tuning- ADADGAD
Rain Song tuning- CDGCCGCD
Major 3rds- EAbCEAbCE
GDAEBGBA- modified Robert Fripp New Standard Tuning
It was one of the most popular instruments, both the upper and lower circles of society. Her sounds could be heard not only on the outskirts of the working rows, but also in the high-society salon. It's a pity, but it's less and less possible to hear its magical sounds, despite the fact that playing it gives no less pleasure than a six-string guitar gives.
Many who inherited this instrument from their fathers or grandfathers are not averse to mastering at least the initial chords, learning a couple of songs that can please relatives and friends. Not everyone knows how to tune a seven-string guitar on their own. Like any instrument, this one has its own characteristics that should be considered when it comes to starting to master the basics of music and playing. There are several ways to tune a seven-string guitar so that the sound is clear and pleasant.
Learning to self-configure
One of the most famous ways is tuning the guitar to the voice. For this type, a subsequent study of the initial chords will suffice. However, most people prefer to tune the instrument with a tuning fork.
Despite the above methods, both among beginners and among amateurs, you can find a different type of tuning, which will be discussed later, namely, how to tune a seven-string guitar by ear.
The very history of this instrument dates back a lot of time, because the Russian, or, as it is also called, the gypsy guitar, has been known since the 18th century. There are many legends about who exactly began to promote the use of the tool. The most common name is A.O. Sikhra. It was he, as the story goes, who invented the guitar. She accompanies with some types classical music, author's songs, Russian romances, which, oddly enough, have been quite popular over the past few years.
Famous musicians who preferred this instrument were Yu.I. Vizbor, B.Sh. Okudzhava, V.S. Vysotsky and others. History has preserved many such names.
Many people study and learn how to tune a seven-string guitar by ear for a long time. This is not as difficult as it might seem, of course, if a person has natural data.
- The thinnest first string is tuned according to the tuning fork - La. This means that by pressing the string at the 7th fret, the sound was identical to the reference "A". Using the peg, directing it in one direction or the other, loosening and tightening, you should achieve the perfect combination of sound.
- The tuning of a seven-string guitar is carried out further as follows: the second string is pressed at the 3rd fret. Its sound, in turn, coincides exactly with the not clamped first. You will have to use a peg every time you select a certain sound for a string. Keep this in mind when setting up.
- While the mood of the seven-string guitar "reached" the 3rd string, it is important to achieve its unison on the 4th fret with the 2nd not pressed.
- By this principle, the tincture of the remaining strings occurs. The fourth at the 5th fret makes the same sound as the free 3rd.
- The fifth, pressed at the 3rd fret, is identical to the free 4th.
- The sixth string of the 3rd fret makes the same sound with the free fifth.
- As for the seventh, the following rule also applies here: on the 3rd fret it is identical to the not clamped sixth.
This may seem like a complicated operation, but for those who have ever held a guitar in their hands and have an ear, this will be quite a simple tuning. And even if future musician no experience, do not be upset. You can use either another method, such as tuning a seven-string guitar on the Internet through a microphone, or make another attempt.
We use the help of the Internet
Many do not know, but there are also seven-string guitars in rock music. Among them, the most notable are such performers as "Korn" and former member « Limp Bizkit". As for the tuning of this type of guitar, the first six strings of it sound like a Spanish six-string, and the final one at the 5th fret, like a free 6th.
Those who have the technical ability and can tune a seven-string guitar online through a microphone can say happy people. After all, there is nothing easier than to go to a specialized site, of which there are quite a lot on the network, connect a microphone to a computer and start setting it up.
Using a tuner (a small device that helps you get the right beautiful sounds for your musical instruments), it is quite easy to bring the sound of a seven-string guitar to perfection. In order not to make a mistake during tuning, both programs and Internet pages offer to listen to the correct sound, combine the resulting “melody” and bring the instrument to the desired sound. We must not forget that the guitar is a “live” instrument and from time to time it is advisable to check its mood, which can go astray.
