7 Strings: Innovation or fad?

[Mr Badguy]

I`ve never played a seven stringer personally, I couldn`t afford one and I don`t have the balls to try one out in store, I was just wondering what everybody else thinks about them.

Does having that extra string give an extra dimension or do you still stick to the usual six strings?

It sure doesn`t make any of Steve Vai`s records any more listenable.

[Hecubus]

Fad.

Who uses 'em besides Korn & Steph Carpenter from the Deftones?

[Panamark]

We are talking an extra top string right ?
How is it tuned ? Is it in E or do they actually tune
it to A ?? I wonder how your normally played chords
sound ?

[BrownSound1]

It's actually tuned to a B, if I'm not mistaken, which is like a 5 string bass. So you get B E A D G B E for a 7 string tuning.

To me there really isn't much point to it. Anything in that low of a register should be handled by the bassist.

[Seshmeister]

I played one and hated it...

[Panamark]

Originally posted by Brownsound1
It's actually tuned to a B, if I'm not mistaken, which is like a 5 string bass. So you get B E A D G B E for a 7 string tuning.

To me there really isn't much point to it. Anything in that low of a register should be handled by the bassist.

Shit, I had this figured out the other way, I thought they put an extra high string on, not an extra "Bass" string.

[Eyes of the Night]

I say innovative ... you guys ever heard of Korn!? ... They are da masters of the 7 stringed geeters ...

[BigBadBrian]

Uh...............this is like the question of whether or not more than 4 strings are needed for a bass. Hell, 4 give me enough trouble.

[Mr Grimsdale]

how often does steve vai use them these days?
i think that answers your question

GUSSET

[genesius1]

Seven String Theory

Seven stringers are very cool but it takes being in your hands to find out. Here's one of the best things ...

Unlike a sax, for example, guitar is often played as a sight-based instrument. I.e, you choose your next note because of its position on the fretboard, not because you have a melody in your head. A seven string screws up your visual accomodation of the instrument and initially leads to some horrible mistakes. And mistakes, as we well know, are often the basis of really cool new ideas. And cool new tunes. In a way, a seven string is like playing in a new tuning. Also, truly thunderous chords are now available.

As to the charge that the seventh string is not necessary, I would point out that the top and bottom octaves of a piano are seldom used. But when needed, those notes are only available in one place. I'm sure your not thinking of taking a chainsaw to your piano because of this (though it would fit better in the back seat).

Also, a seven string can be tuned in a variety of ways. I guess you could put an .008 on top and tune the whole thing a step or two down.

Warning: don't play your 7string at an important gig until your are totally familiar with what it does. Under stress, things can go wrong and you'll have some heavy explaining to do. No one will be happy with your experiment or your excuse.

2nd Warning: if you play your 7string long enough, your regular guitar will feel like a banjo when you go back to it!!!

Good luck, god bless, keep making music.

Genesius

[Mr Grimsdale]

i know something else that feels like a banjo
a pink banjo
i'm playing it now

[mako_kimura]

Well, I've tried a used seven string out at Guitar World last weekend. Honestly, it plays well, but the extra bottom string takes some getting used to. It's great to experiment with, and it's even more fun if it comes with a locking tremolo system. Overall, since they've gone "out of style", I'm no longer afraid to experiment. But it was a fad

[ELVIS]

You go grrl...

[ELVIS]

Originally posted by Mr Grimsdale
i know something else that feels like a banjo
a pink banjo
i'm playing it now

LMAO !!

[doctor roth]

I like the low tones you can let ring out over the top of other playing. Jeff Loomis plays 7 strings and imo he's one of the best and most innovative players going around.
As long as all the regular strings are standard tunings dont think there is really a problem with it being 'too low' and competing with the bass. Besides a clean bass note and distorted guitar note of the same octave will sound different anyway. BTW i dont own a 7 string or play one. I just think they have their place. I WAS going to post a couple of cool 7 string clips but u tube is down................TBC