You may have been playing a 7-string electric guitar for some time. Or maybe you're just getting started. At some point, the desire to try different tunings will surely arise.
For some guitarists, it's because they have a favorite band or one of their favorites that they like. . Encounter. For others, it's because they're making progress in their technique.
This guide covers the 7-string guitar and the most common tunings. So grab your tuner and let's get started.
Tuning a 7 String Guitar for Beginners
First we explain how to tune a 7 string guitar guitar strings guitar strings strings - guitar strings When choosing a string, it is important to pay attention to your guitar. Depending on the tuning you are looking for, your instrument should be able to accommodate it.
If you are looking for a very low tuning, the scale length is A good choice The sturdiness of your electric guitar must be taken into consideration.
The further down you go, the more flexible the strings will be with a short scale. This problem can be solved with a guitar with a longer scale and a suitable set of strings. However, keep in mind that the longer the strings, the more difficult it will be to play comfortably.
And if you want to change the tuning frequently, then you want a guitar with the length of the correct scale. A longer scale will result in tighter strings when tuned lower.
But again, if you have a longer scale and are playing standard, it may be this is the case. very narrow housing. Therefore, we also provide the recommended ladder length in this guide. Because each tuning configuration may require something different.
7 String Tuning for Metal Players
Metal Player I liked the many alternative settings. Especially for seven-string electric guitars. This is due to the wide variety of possible sounds that sound heavy! Standard B tuning sounds great with the added bass string. But there's nothing better than a well-tuned electric guitar.
A seven-string guitar expands the range where your sound can go deeper. However, many people are unsure how to tune with the added seventh string. An easy way to get a heavier sound is to tune the string to D. It is a single string and has a much heavier sound.
Some of the more complex seven-string brass tunings are:
- Standard.
- Standard G.
- Drop A.
- Drop G.
- Drop E.
There are also settings additional information you will see later in this article. They can produce a very heavy sound and are great for metal. Sometimes 7 string guitars can have tuning problems. But they're still worth trying.
Standard B tuning
| String | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Note | E | B | G | D | A | E | B |
If you feel comfortable with a 6-string guitar, then go for it True. in the right place Start with standard B tuning.
This is the easiest way to get familiar with your guitar. When set to Standard B, you basically have a 6-string model with added bass.
You can still play whatever you want. Normally I would do it on a sixth string. play. stringed guitar. Strings. . But the low B offers much more versatility and greater range. Low B (your new seventh) is a quarter lower than E, creating a wider frequency range.
First, tune the B string lowest on Yes and , then Drive. Continue with the rest as you would with a 6. You have now tuned the guitar as shown in this diagram.
Here is your modern 7-string guitar tuning. It is very popular because the ranges are similar to that of a 6 string guitar. This allows you to play anything you would normally play on a six-string guitar, tuned to standard E.
So if you're just learning to play a guitar the seven strings are the best starting point.
If you have decided to learn to play with your favorite artist, you will be satisfied. Many famous musicians use this type of guitar in various genres. Many of them use standard B guitar string tuning as their first choice.
Bands that use or have used standard B: Unearth, Trivium, Soulfly and Dream Theater. The recommended scale length for Standard B is 25.5 to 26.5 inches
B Flat Standard
| String | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Note | Eb | Bb | Gb | Db | Ab | Eb | Bb |
Standard B tuning is ideal for players who simply want to add more range to their 6-string guitar. The extra number tuned to B adds new notes and possibilities.
But what if you're looking for something a little deeper? It may not sound heavy enough.
Here you can find a slightly darker sound without changing the tuning of your guitar strings. Many players don't want to get too dark, but the default setting B simply doesn't meet the requirements.
Here we recommend the default setting B, which is not just a lowest semitone. You can still play the songs the same way, but you'll get a darker sound because all the guitar strings are tuned a semitone lower.
This is one way to do it is that. it's very easy to get that deeper sound without changing the tuning of the guitar strings too much. And we always forget it!
You must keep in mind that the tension of the strings decreases with this tuning. But for most guitarists, it's insignificant at best. However, if this is a problem, a heavier set of strings can quickly solve the problem.
Bands that use or have used this tuning: Periphery, Meshuggah, Soft Angel, giant. The recommended scale length for standard B major is 25.5 to 26.5 inches.
7-String Guitar Tuning Drop D
| String | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Note | E | B | G | D | A | D | B |
For those of you who play Drop D on a 6-string guitar, this is one of the most popular alternative tunings. Tune your 7-string guitar to the standard B and drop the low E to the D.
All the usual D-drop techniques are now available, plus the new strings of the bass. This can be very useful and a lot of fun! And it's so easy to tune it to standard B that it's worth a try!
This arrangement makes it really easy to play power chords with a full performance. - adjust downwards.
Standard A
| String | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Note | D | A | F | C | G | D | A |
Tuning your 7-string guitar to the standard A is one step away from B. Start at B and tune a full tone. The first thing you'll notice is the tension.
This is the maximum tension on the strings. This makes it another popular alternative configuration. This is where some players move to a slightly heavier set or learn to live with it.
If you normally play in a higher tuning, e.g. B. Standard B, we recommend you keep a normal set of strings. But it also depends on whether your guitar can handle it or not. However, if you want to maintain the A standard, you should consider a heavier set of strings. You should try the following:
A pattern is simply a much darker B. Although the notes on the keyboard are different, they sound deep and heavy.
One of the most famous bands in this area is Korn. They took their dark guitar sound from A Standard. There are several black metal bands that also use the Model A before moving on to 8-string guitars. So if you're looking for a dark tone, go for it.
Bands that use or have used A Standard: Korn, Fear Factory, Divine Heresy. The recommended scale length for standard A is between 26.5 and 27 inches.
Drop A
| String | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Note | E | B | G | D | A | E | A |
This tuning is very similar to Drop D on a 6 .-chain. Start with this standard B string and tune the lowest string to A.
If you've ever tuned your 6-string guitar to the lowest D, you probably have already tuned Once done, I know how easy it is to stop a string with your finger. Well, in Drop A on a seven-string instrument, you now have exactly that at your disposal, making it incredibly easy to play power chords.
Except the other 6 Sono still tuned to standard E. Just like a regular 6 string guitar!
This is a popular drop tuning. Many 7-string players love it for its versatility. Not only can you play standard E tunes in the top 6, but you also have the A cut for great low notes.
And since you have a chord, you can lock . With one finger on the lower strings it can be moved easily and quickly. It's fantastic for fast, complex and powerful chord changes, making it an obvious choice for modern metal.
And let's be honest, how low frequencies resonate. It feels good on the strap! So if you play metal, you should try this tuning!
Bands that use or have used Drop A: Chimaira, Slip Knot, Nile. The recommended scale length for Drop A is between 25.5 and 26.5 inches.
If Drop A isn't dark enough, you can always adjust a semitone lower. When all the strings are tuned up a semitone, the sound becomes a little darker.
Remember, however, that the strings are less tense. Depending on your guitar, this may be the lowest level you can get without playing louder. But it's worth a try!
G Standard
| String | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Note | C | G | Eb | Bb | F | C | G |
If the other chords mentioned so far are not very deep yet, then there are still 2 options . Standard G or an 8 string guitar!
Standard G requires heavier playing and possibly a longer scale. We recommend trying a combination of string sets.
This may provide the best combination to avoid tight strings.
Standard G is a very low arrangement for a seven-string guitar. With an 8 you will benefit from a wider range and an additional number. If you try this tuning and like it, you might consider an 8-string model.
That is, the standard G has 7 strings. tuning as rigorous as possible. stringed guitar. But explore different guitars to find out which one sounds best if you choose this tuning.
Bands that use G-Standard or have used it: Vildhjarta, Cannibal Corpse. The recommended scale length for the Standard G is between 26.5 and 27 inches.
Drop G
| String | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Note | D | A | F | C | G | D | G |
Like Drop A tuning, G is very similar. The difference is that we start from the standard A. Then we lower the lowest string to G.
Even if we look at it from the D position in A tuning, we lower all strings to the maximum. step .
Drop G tuning is very popular due to its dark sound and versatility. If you liked the Drop A but wanted something darker, it's worth a try.
You'll benefit from a darker sound, but just like the Drop A , you can also block a chord with one finger. And since the other 6 strings have a darker standard E, you have the ability to quickly switch between riffs. This is a great tuning for a high gain guitar, and modern metal is monstrous!
Again, you have to remember that the string tension decreases. While it's possible that certain scale lengths will negate a change in string set, you won't know unless you try.
A heavier string also has an effect . sound can be an added advantage. Therefore, experimentation is key. Bands that use or have used Drop G: Whitechapel, Evolve, Born Of Osiris.
Read Also: Exploring the World of fender Guitar Lessons
Drop E Tuning 7 String
| String | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Note | B | G | D | A | E | B | E |
Drop E Could It It may require modifications to your guitar, but we would like to mention it. When you reduce the setting to this level, you're basically in the bass range, but you get used to it. Bands like Meshuggah and Currents, among others, use it.
Musicians who use this tuning use sets of 8-string guitars. But they don't use high E. Seven-string guitar saddles must be modified to support them. So if you try to tune it, it will take forever.
Our suggestion would be to buy an 8 string guitar for such a low level. The recommended scale length for the Standard G is between 26.5 and 27 inches.
Conclusion
There are many setup modes which we haven't mentioned. this guide. But these are a good starting point, each with their own vibe and sound. We're sure you'll find what you're looking for when playing with the new seven-string guitar tuning.
