The Ultimate Guide to Learning 7 String Guitar for Beginners
Playing guitar is always a fun and learning experience. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, learning to play the 7 string guitar can be a rewarding challenge. With an extra string, the 7 string guitar enables you to play advanced chords and riffs that were impossible to achieve on the traditional 6 string guitar. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about learning to play 7 string guitar.
What’s Different About a 7 String Guitar?
The 7 string guitar is very similar to the traditional 6 string guitar, but with an added low B string. This presents players with a larger range of notes and a fuller sound. The added string is typically aimed at metal players who often tune their guitars lower to achieve a darker, heavier tone. However, many genres, from jazz to blues to progressive rock benefit from the added string.
Choosing the Right 7 String Guitar
Before learning to play the 7 string guitar, you must find a guitar that suits you. There are many different brands and models available, so take your time to find the perfect guitar for your needs. Some of the factors you may want to consider include playability, tone, and price.
One popular model is the Schecter Demon-7, which is often considered the best option for beginners due to its comfortable playability. It’s also relatively affordable compared to other 7 string guitars.
Getting to Grips with 7 String Guitar Tuning
Most 7 string guitars are tuned to an extra low B string, which can be a little daunting at first. However, with practice, it’s easy to get used to this tuning. Some players tune their guitars even lower for a heavier tone. So, experiment with different tuning options to find the tuning that best suits your playing style.
7 String Guitar Techniques to Master
The 7 string guitar is popular among metal guitarists due to its ability to play complex and fast riffs. However, that’s not to say it’s exclusive to the metal genre. Some of the techniques you will want to learn include:
- Sweep Picking: A fast and fluid technique that allows you to play notes quickly and smoothly.
- Tapping: Tapping involves using your right hand to tap notes on the fretboard.
- Chord Inversions: With an extra string, you can play extended chords and inversions that sound more complex than traditional chords.
7 String Guitar Exercises for Beginners
If you’re new to playing the guitar or switching from a 6 string, you will need to adapt to the extra string. Here are some exercises that can help:
- String Skipping: Using the pick, skip strings and play from the bottom to the top string and back again. Repeat this exercise until your fingers get used to the extra string.
- Playing on the Low B String: Practice playing scales and riffs on the low B string to develop your skills and get more comfortable with the tuning.
- Playing Barre Chords: Barre chords are an essential skill to learn on any guitar. On the 7 string guitar, the extra string requires you to adjust your hand position.
Final Words
Learning to play 7 string guitar may seem daunting in the beginning, but with practice and perseverance, you can master it. Choosing the right guitar, getting used to the tuning, learning the techniques and exercises, and above all, practicing regularly can help you achieve your goals. So, start with the basics and build your way up, and who knows, someday, you might become a master of the 7 string guitar. Good luck!
