I almost just asked this in a different forum, but decided to start a new thread anyway.

To any seven string players: what's the learning curve like when switching from a 6-string?

I've been interested in trying a seven string for a while now, but the idea of potentially having to re-learn a lot of things has seemed a little too tough for me at the moment. I struggle with 6-strings as it is

Throw some advice at me, I want to join the 7-string ranks, possibly after the holidays (when everything is on sale!)

hi hi!!

i got your back on this one


well, all it is a low B added on to your normal 6 strings. seriously, it's just that simple. most of the time, you don't really form open chords using the low B because it tends to be really muddy. but open chords and bar chords sound great. well, the open chords sound fine clean mind you... just realized that. but for me, i tune my B down to an A so i can get some interesting chord shapes and sounds out of it.

the biggest thing is just getting used to the fact that that added string is there. once you get past that, the sky's the limit

I'm gonna be the douche bag, and bump my own post. I'm really tempted with a 7-string but I just need more info on them. I know you guys can help me out.

I played a 7 string for about 5 years, almost exclusively for the first 3. I really didn't approach it any different than a 6, other than realising that I could no longer use my thumb to fret notes on the E string when playing chords! To be perfectly honest, though, I didn't intentionally go out to buy a 7-string (I just needed a guitar in a hurry and it (Ibanez GRX720) was the best playing guitar in my price bracket at the time), and I rarely used the B string except for in particularly heavy rhythm moments. I've moved exclusively back to 6-string guitars now, because it's more comfortable for my hands and I instantly know where I am on the neck... I tune down to D to get the heaviness I need, and really don't miss the B string at all!








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ive been wanting to get a 7 string as well so that I can play octaves with my bass player who has a 5 string.

Yeah I just really want to have more options so to speak. I want to be able to experiment more. It's hard to decide whether or not a 7-string is completely necessary though, or if I should just concentrate on learning more standard 6-string material. Maybe I should do both, I don't know. I'm in guitar limbo.

cxo wrote:

Yeah I just really want to have more options so to speak. I want to be able to experiment more. It's hard to decide whether or not a 7-string is completely necessary though, or if I should just concentrate on learning more standard 6-string material. Maybe I should do both, I don't know. I'm in guitar limbo.

I feel your pain, im trying to decide between buying a 7 string or a better 6 string than what I have, I wish I could try out a 7 for a week or so just to see how much I would use that extra string.

If you're considering a seven string, and you feel restricted by the E, I say go for it! Schecter makes some comfortable seven strings; they feel more "normal" than any other brands' sevens. My two cents.[/quote]








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Sound, not lost.

Seven strings just have an extra low b string like it was said above. So any scale that you play, any chord, any sweep or whatever, just play it like you would the higher B string.

Like mentioned by guitarfreakyman, you really wouldnt use the low b for sweeps or chords, mainly for rhythm parts.

The biggest issue Ive had with playing 7 strings is the neck. You have to find a neck that will work for you. Ibanez, schecter, ESP, Dean, Halo, etc necks are all different. The neck will make the difference in if you get cramps in your hand.

The biggest issue I have heard from people regarding 7 strings is that they get cramps in their hands and "cant play it". Make sure you warm up and do hand stretching exercises before you play. This will make a HUGE difference in your enjoyment.

You should look at the Seven string thread we have about setting up your 7 string and getting a good sound out of it.

A seven string is really an investment. Any 7 string you pick up from the store will have to be custom set up for optimal performance. If you dont get it set up properly, it will sound muddy and will prob discourage you from wanting to play it.

So plan on spending another $200-$300 on set up unless you buy a high end 7 string which usually run $1000 on up.

Good luck and if you have any more questions feel free to ask.

And oh btw guitarfreakyman

... I just found a 1999 Black Reverse Head Stock ESP LTD M-107 at a pawn shop for $250. Gonna go have it set up and made all shiny!!!








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www.myspace.com/TragediaSinistra

I am looking to buy a Jackson Randy Rhodes 7 String

Quote:

And oh btw guitarfreakyman

... I just found a 1999 Black Reverse Head Stock ESP LTD M-107 at a pawn shop for $250. Gonna go have it set up and made all shiny!!!

i... hate... you...




post pics when you can please?

guitarfreakyman wrote:

hi hi!!

i got your back on this one


well, all it is a low B added on to your normal 6 strings. seriously, it's just that simple. most of the time, you don't really form open chords using the low B because it tends to be really muddy. but open chords and bar chords sound great. well, the open chords sound fine clean mind you... just realized that. but for me, i tune my B down to an A so i can get some interesting chord shapes and sounds out of it.

the biggest thing is just getting used to the fact that that added string is there. once you get past that, the sky's the limit

What's better for learning some different chords, a book or just trial and error or both?

Id say both, Ive actually learned some chords by just mimicing hand positions ive seen people play until i figure out what they where playing.
if you want to learn chords learn theory. then you know how to build all the whacked out alterd chords.

cxo wrote:

guitarfreakyman wrote:

hi hi!!

i got your back on this one


well, all it is a low B added on to your normal 6 strings. seriously, it's just that simple. most of the time, you don't really form open chords using the low B because it tends to be really muddy. but open chords and bar chords sound great. well, the open chords sound fine clean mind you... just realized that. but for me, i tune my B down to an A so i can get some interesting chord shapes and sounds out of it.

the biggest thing is just getting used to the fact that that added string is there. once you get past that, the sky's the limit

What's better for learning some different chords, a book or just trial and error or both?

a little bit of trial and error and a book would help you. when i play 7 string, i drop my low B down to a low A and it plays just like you would with drop D on a regular 6 string. it's just A

I have owned a lot of 7 strings, and for me, being a big guy with huge hands, I really enjoy the 27" scale on guitars such as the RG7620. It atually makes lead playing easier, compared to trying to play a cramped 24.75 inch Gibson.

As far as any learning curve, you can have a 7 or 70 string guitar and the scale patterns are all the same. I like using the low B for chordal stuff with cool bass lines. I actually did use the low B in arpeggio patterns and stuff too. Some of my 7 strings i had set up with a high A as well, so when recording I had the benefit of two extra strings.








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www.myspace.com/spaivxx

www.myspace.com/thebluescongress

jazzmunster121 wrote:

I feel your pain, im trying to decide between buying a 7 string or a better 6 string than what I have, I wish I could try out a 7 for a week or so just to see how much I would use that extra string.

That's part of my problem. In my mind I can see having the eextra string being very useful and allowing for more experimentation, but then another part of me remembers that I'm stubborn, and if I don't come up with something intersting off the bat then I'll give up on it for months on end.

Death Dealer wrote:

So plan on spending another $200-$300 on set up unless you buy a high end 7 string which usually run $1000 on up.

I didn't realize there was another thread about 7-string setup, but luckily my dad is stellar with that kind of thing. But are you also saying that a 7 string under $1,000 will be crap, or just the setup on them? I don't think most any guitars come properly setup from the factory, it's quite annoying, but it doesn't seem to be the case with most 6'ers by Ibanez or Schecter. Just asking your opinion.