Playing a 7-string guitar is essentially the same as playing a 6-string guitar. The added seventh string, usually tuned to an additional low B note, allows for more options in chord voicing and extended range of notes. To get started playing on your 7-string guitar, familiarize yourself with the tuning and learn some basic chords. Once you feel comfortable with this, practice transitioning between chords, strumming different rhythms, and eventually moving up to scale patterns. Utilizing exercises such as arpeggios can help you gain better control over the instrument as well.
Contents:
- Understanding the 7-string guitar: Anatomy and Tuning
- Techniques for Playing the 7-String Guitar: Chords, Scales, and Riffs
- Picking vs. Fingerstyle: Choosing Your Playing Style on a 7-String Guitar
- Tips for Improving Your Playing on a 7-String Guitar: Practice and Patience
- Recommended Songs to Play on a 7-String Guitar: From Jazz to Metal
Understanding the 7-string guitar: Anatomy and Tuning
The 7-string guitar is a unique instrument that requires an understanding of its anatomy and tuning to master. This type of guitar features two additional strings compared to the 6-string, resulting in a wider range of notes being available. The seven strings are labeled from lowest to highest pitch: low B, low E, A, D, G, B and high E. The lower three bass strings (B-E) offer up a much deeper sound than their 6-string counterparts due to the extra tension produced by the thicker string gauge.
When it comes to playing chords on a 7-string guitar, many standard barre chord shapes can be moved up or down one fret higher or lower depending on what key you’re playing in. For example if you’re playing in E major and have already used all your fingers for traditional barre chord shapes then instead of reaching for an F# shape try moving down one fret onto the 7th string for a variation which will use fewer fingers but still allow you access to all the notes of the E major scale. With some practice these variations can become second nature allowing you play more quickly and efficiently across multiple frets with fewer finger movements required than on other guitars.
When soloing over chords on this type of guitar there is increased scope as well as more room available to add interesting textures via slides and bends using both high pitched as well as lower pitched strings giving your solos that certain something special which won’t quite be achieved through any other instrumentation. Experienced players may even want to explore alternate tunings such as drop C# or open G when really pushing themselves out of their comfort zone.
Techniques for Playing the 7-String Guitar: Chords, Scales, and Riffs
When it comes to playing a 7-string guitar, one of the greatest advantages is the wide range of notes you can use. With seven strings instead of six, players have access to more notes than ever before and can use them for chords, scales, and riffs. Learning the techniques for each is essential to mastering this instrument.
Chords on a 7-string guitar will often contain more intricate intervals than those found on a 6-string instrument. To make sure your fingerings are accurate and sound good, try using an online chord chart generator or tuning app that provides detailed diagrams in various keys and tunings. Utilizing these resources will help you get familiar with different voicings quickly so that you can start creating beautiful sounding chord progressions right away.
Scales are also quite useful when playing a 7-string guitar. With all the extra strings available, there are plenty of ways to explore extended scale patterns with colorful interval combinations and some great new sounds to discover. Some popular ones include mixolydian mode with b2s (Dorian blues) and whole tone scales with added 9ths (Super Locrian). Make sure you’re aware of string skipping rules when soloing over different keys as well; this way you won’t get lost in trying to navigate too many fretboard positions at once.
Riffing is another important part of any guitarist’s vocabulary, regardless of their instrument choice -7-strings included. Riffing often involves repeating small melodic ideas within grooves or accompaniment parts, but don’t be afraid to experiment with single lines either; power chords come in handy here as well! Try writing simple rhythms first by pairing basic open shapes such as fifths or minor thirds together then gradually build up complexity from there if desired. Ultimately it comes down to personal preference so feel free to express yourself creatively however you like.
Playing 7-string guitars can be intimidating at first but don’t let that discourage you from exploring its potential. With proper practice and dedication it won’t take long until your fingers become comfortable navigating the larger fretboard size while allowing you create great music along the way.
Picking vs. Fingerstyle: Choosing Your Playing Style on a 7-String Guitar
When it comes to playing a 7-string guitar, you may be wondering what the best approach is. Should you choose to pick with a plectrum or fingerpick? Depending on your musical goals and interests, there are several factors to consider when deciding between these two approaches.
If you’re looking for speed, agility and accuracy in soloing, then picking with a plectrum might be your best bet. Playing legato phrases can also benefit from using a pick as it allows for quick movement between strings as well as creating clarity in melodic lines. A downside of this approach is that you may lose some of the dynamic range associated with fingerstyle playing.
Fingerstyle technique has more finesse and can provide beautiful harmonic richness due to its use of various fingerpicking patterns such as alternating bass notes and arpeggios. This approach can help create unique soundscapes but requires time and patience to master the intricate motions involved in strumming chords or soloing with complex ornamentation like hammer-ons or pull-offs. As an additional advantage, this method tends to be less painful than picking when used consistently over long periods of time due to its more relaxed hand position.
Choosing whether to play with a pick or your fingers largely depends on personal preference and desired outcome – though either way practicing regularly will bring great results. Ultimately both techniques have their own specialties which can add depth and color to the music being played on the 7 string guitar so experiment away until you find what works for you!
Tips for Improving Your Playing on a 7-String Guitar: Practice and Patience
Learning to play a 7-string guitar can seem like an intimidating task, but with the right mindset and dedication you will soon be playing songs on your instrument. To help get you started on the path to becoming a master of the 7-string guitar, here are some tips for improving your playing: practice and patience.
The first key to success is consistent practice. No matter how difficult or complex a song may seem, it can be mastered through repetition and memorization. Dedicate yourself to a regular practice routine in order to develop finger strength and dexterity as well as muscle memory so that chords come more naturally when you need them during improvisation or when performing live. Make sure you take time away from practicing too; often taking breaks throughout practice sessions helps maintain focus and keeps boredom at bay which can lead to stagnation.
Patience is another important aspect of developing skill on any instrument, especially the 7-string guitar which has extra strings that must be accounted for while learning new pieces. Take small steps towards mastering each chord progression or solo line instead of rushing ahead – this will keep frustration levels down and allow for greater progress over time rather than burning out after just a few days of intense practice only to hit plateaus afterwards. Celebrate each accomplishment no matter how minor; these achievements create positive reinforcement that encourages future progress. Do not be afraid to ask for help if needed – whether it’s from other musicians who have experience with the same instrument or online tutorials offering step by step guidance on complex techniques – there are many sources available where one can find assistance as they learn their way around the fretboard. With these tips in mind, anyone can become proficient at playing their 7-string guitar!
Recommended Songs to Play on a 7-String Guitar: From Jazz to Metal
Playing a seven-string guitar is no easy feat. Not only does it require extended knowledge of musical theory, but mastering all the extra strings can be daunting for any musician. To make your transition to a 7-string guitar less intimidating and more enjoyable, here are some recommendations of different styles of songs you can play on this unique instrument.
Starting off with jazz and classical genres, playing one of Duke Ellington’s signature pieces “Solitude” or Antonio Carlos Jobim’s famous “Girl from Ipanema” could easily demonstrate the complexity and beauty that a 7-string guitar can provide. If you want to showcase your ability even further in these areas, tackling complex Bach compositions or Herbie Hancock solos would certainly do justice to the capabilities of this type of guitar.
On the other side of the spectrum there are metal songs that sound best on 7-strings due to their wide range. For example, Megadeth’s classic single “Holy Wars…The Punishment Due” requires high levels of technical skill and features intricate riffs throughout its length; allowing anyone who plays it on a seven stringer to have plenty showmanship opportunities as well as some creative liberty with improvisation parts. Moving onto Meshuggah’s latest releases such as “Pravus” demonstrates why this style is often associated with extreme guitars such as those containing an extra string – thanks to their odd time signatures and heavy tonal assaults, they can really help set up powerful sounding versions when played correctly.
Finally ending at progressive rock & roll tunes, one song which comes highly recommended is Pink Floyd’s “Shine On You Crazy Diamond.” The band was notorious for its varied use of instruments including several varieties of guitars; so by playing one its most iconic tracks using a 7-stringer will not only bring out each part in greater detail but also potentially add another dynamic level entirely to what made them famous in the first place.
Leave a Reply