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A 7-string guitar adds an extra low string to the classic six-string electric guitar. This opens up deeper riffs, wider chord voicings and more room for modern tunings. This body style is especially interesting for players who want more weight in the low end, while still being able to play solos, chords and lead lines in the familiar electric guitar register. The most important difference is the additional low string. In standard tuning, it is usually tuned to low B. This extends the range downward without removing the familiar six strings. Many 7-string electric guitars are designed for precise response, strong tuning stability and tight lows. Depending on the model, longer scale lengths, fixed bridges, locking tremolos, active or passive humbuckers and modern neck profiles may be used. A 7-string feels more familiar than many 8-string guitars, but still takes some getting used to. The neck is wider, the low string needs clean muting, and chords or scales gain new options in the bass range. The additional low string extends riffs, chords and lines downward. Modern metal and progressive sounds can be played with more weight. The upper six strings remain in place and feel familiar. Clean muting becomes more important so low riffs stay precise. When buying a 7-string guitar, the main point is how well scale length, neck profile, pickups and bridge suit your playing style. Low tunings need a stable foundation so the lowest string does not sound loose or undefined. 7-string guitars are especially strong for deep, precise rhythm parts. Metal, djent, progressive, hard rock and modern studio sounds benefit from the additional string because riffs gain more weight while clear chords and leads remain possible. This body style is not limited to metal. Fusion, jazz, experimental music and sound design can also benefit from the extended register when deep voicings, unusual chords or long tonal spaces are required. Whether a 6-, 7- or 8-string guitar makes sense depends on range, playing feel and musical use. The following overview helps with orientation. The main advantage is the extended low range. This makes deeper riffs, modern tunings and wider chord voicings possible while the familiar high strings remain available. It is especially suitable for metal, progressive, djent, hard rock, fusion and modern rock sounds. Experimental music and jazz can also benefit from the extended register. The switch is manageable, but it does take some getting used to. The wider neck, the additional low string and clean muting are especially important at first. The common standard tuning is B-E-A-D-G-B-E. Many players also use drop tunings or lower tunings for modern metal sounds. Important factors include scale length, neck profile, pickups, bridge, string gauge and tuning stability. In low tunings, the lowest string should stay tight and defined.
Buy a 7-string guitar – more depth, modern riffs and an extended range
What defines a 7-string guitar?
How does the seventh string change the playing feel?
Wider range
Lower tunings
Familiar register
More muting
What matters when buying?
Which sounds does it suit?
Comparison with 6- and 8-string guitars
Guitar type
Playing feel
Range
Typical use
What to consider
6-string
Classic, familiar and usually the easiest to play.
Standard electric guitar range.
Rock, pop, blues, metal, funk, studio and stage.
Very low modern tunings may require more setup work.
7-string
Wider neck, but still close to the familiar electric guitar feel.
Additional low string for riffs, voicings and modern tunings.
Metal, progressive, djent, hard rock, fusion, modern rock sounds.
Scale length, string tension, pickups and clean muting are especially important.
8-string
Even wider neck and a much stronger extended-range feel.
Even lower register and wider overall range.
Modern metal, progressive, djent, ambient, experimental sounds.
Requires more adjustment for muting, orientation and fretboard overview.
Frequently asked questions
What is the advantage of a 7-string guitar?
Which music is a 7-string especially suitable for?
Is switching from 6 to 7 strings difficult?
Which tuning is common for 7-string guitars?
What should I look for when buying a 7-string?
