So what's the deal with 7 strings?

[fogman]

Is it basically a 6 string with a string added at the top or bottom?
Does it really give you that much more range?
Talk to me!

 

[Raz]

Is it basically a 6 string with a string added at the top or bottom?
Does it really give you that much more range?
Talk to me!

Ah brother you seek the dark side...here is a quote from Rusty Cooley:

For example on a six string guitar to do a three octave run say in G major you have to go from the six string third fret all the way to the first string fifteenth fret. On a seven string you can do it from the seventh string eighth fret staying in one position then when you get to the first string you move your pinky a half step to hit the third octave, so basically a position and a half step verses three to fifteen.

So in essence, definately more range. To me a seven string is two guitars in one, a six and a detuned six, if you will, and really easy to play...cause if I can play a seven, anyone can

 

[mhorse]

Usually 7th string it tunned to low B. I believe that 7-stringer gives you the full range of the piano, however I may be wrong.

 

[fogman]

So which way does the tonal range go? Higher or Lower?

 

[mhorse]

Lower. That's why Raz mentioned detuned guitar.

 

[fogman]

I wasn't sure if he might have meant he re-tuned the rest of the strings to adjust.

That sounds sweet.
Do you think we'll ever see a 7 string Silo!?

 

[Raz]

I wasn't sure if he might have meant he re-tuned the rest of the strings to adjust.

That sounds sweet.
Do you think we'll ever see a 7 string Silo!?

Hey nice friggin avatar

I don't think we'll see a 7 string silo...unfortunately the 7 string is not a very popular guitar. Here's some history though:

The 7 string jazz guitar has been around for a while. From George Van Eps and Bucky Pizzarelli, the original west coast and east coast seven string slingers to modern day 7 string jazz guitarist Howard Alden and lots more.

Never really taking hold in the rock word like the jazz world...they have enough trouble with six strings. The seven string guitar expands the harmonic and melodic possiblites of jazz guitar. Typically an additional low string commonly tuned to A an octave below string 5 of a standard tuned guitar or the less common low B.

George Van Eps


classicjazzguitar.com

The Seven String Guitar by Jerry Sims

History of the 7-String Jazz Guitar (Originaly from Mal Bay Guitar Sessions)

George Van Eps created the first 7-string jazz guitar in 1938. He took his beloved Epiphone guitar to the Epiphone factory in New York and had the neck, tailpiece, and bridge replaced to accommodate an extra string, a low A tuned a perfect fifth below the low E string. Thus the seventh string did not alter the standard tuning of the instrument but enhanced it by adding the rich tones of the bass register. The 7th string opened up many opportunities for building walking bass lines while simultaneously comping chords. It also expanded the range of the instrument giving George a richer, fuller sound when playing solo guitar. Van Eps called it his "lap piano".

 

[mhorse]

Hey nice friggin avatar

I don't think we'll see a 7 string silo...unfortunately the 7 string is not a very popular guitar. Here's some history though:

That's an interesting piece of history Raz.
7-string guitars are not too popular, but they are making their way into heavy rock as an alternative to extended-scale and detuned guitars. If you look at the leatest offerings in the 7-string department, you'll find signature models for Korn, Deftones and Fear Factory guitarists. Those guys are not exactly shredders or prog-rock players, like Vai, Cooley or JP.

 

[fogman]

Hey nice friggin avatar

I don't think we'll see a 7 string silo...unfortunately the 7 string is not a very popular guitar. Here's some history though:

Glad you like the avatar! I hope you don't mind. I couldn't resist.
When I posted the drunk version of Jon's chihuahua, that was avatared by someone in the base forum.

Anyways. I find the 7 string thing to becoming more and more popular as time passes. Remember when all bass guitars had 4 strings!? There are so many that have 5 now. Time will tell I guess. I think if enough Icon musicians such as Petrucci continue using them, then the fanfare will follow.

 

[Raz]

That's an interesting piece of history Raz.
7-string guitars are not too popular, but they are making their way into heavy rock as an alternative to extended-scale and detuned guitars. If you look at the leatest offerings in the 7-string department, you'll find signature models for Korn, Deftones and Fear Factory guitarists. Those guys are not exactly shredders or prog-rock players, like Vai, Cooley or JP.

I wonder what the rough percentage of 7 vs 6 string guitars is

 

[fogman]

Hey nice friggin avatar:

Hey how's this avatar?
I came across it at another guitar forum.

 

[fogman]

I wonder what the rough percentage of 7 vs 6 string guitars is

Well you also have to figure how long 6 strings have been around, and how much market share the 6 strings have enjoyed.
I know that I-b-n-z has a 7 string version and is quite popular. There are also other manufacturers also doing fairly well. I wish I had some figures to back it up.
I just think that in the last couple of years, the 7's have become hugely popular!?

 

[Raz]

Well you also have to figure how long 6 strings have been around, and how much market share the 6 strings have enjoyed.
I know that I-b-n-z has a 7 string version and is quite popular. There are also other manufacturers also doing fairly well. I wish I had some figures to back it up.
I just think that in the last couple of years, the 7's have become hugely popular!?

Oh I forgot, nice avatar
Definately with bands like Korn, and it does seem that IBZ has a good share of the 7 string scene.
If you want more info or are curious visit sevenstring.org

I really don't think of it as a 7, trying to complicate things, I think of it as a six with an extra string. I play regular chords, including the low B and scales. At first I was dwelling on playing chainsaw like Low b riffs constantly, then I left the 7 and got back into the blues on my six strings...but now I realize I can do it all on my 7 (low B Blues Baby) and I actually feel limited when I play my six!

 

[fogman]

Raz,

How do you find the fret width towards the neck? From what I've seen, it looks to be pretty wide!
I've never seen one in real life yet so I haven't had the honour of playing one.

 

[Raz]

Raz,

How do you find the fret width towards the neck? From what I've seen, it looks to be pretty wide!
I've never seen one in real life yet so I haven't had the honour of playing one.

See I'm used to it now, when I picked up my Silos, or if I grab a SUB, they feel tiny. Go to a music store and try one, see what you think...

 

[fogman]

The dealers around here get a Pet once maybe twice a year.
They're usually 6 strings.
Next time I travel somewhere, I'll have to make a stop.

 

[francric]

I would have to say that will probably be my next purchase, a JP7.

 

[Raz]

I would have to say that will probably be my next purchase, a JP7.

What colour, inlays, Piezo...(pant, pant) WHAT?

 

[Colin]

So which way does the tonal range go? Higher or Lower?

Instead of a low B you could also go the other way and have a high A.
Not sure if anyones doing this though, maybe Alvin on the next Chipmunks album.

Colin

Raz why the change of avatar?

 

[Raz]

Instead of a low B you could also go the other way and have a high A.
Not sure if anyones doing this though, maybe Alvin on the next Chipmunks album.

Colin

Raz why the change of avatar?

Show off the new Pet...BTW that's what an 9 string has, I believe