7-Strings Electric Guitars

Are you looking for a 7-string electric guitar that gives you deeper riffs, tighter low notes and more creative range?

Then a 7-string electric guitar is the right choice if you want the familiar feel of a standard electric guitar with an extra low string for heavier riffs, wider chords and modern lead ideas. Whether you play metal, djent, progressive rock, fusion, hardcore, hard rock or experimental music, a 7-string guitar opens the door to more depth without giving up the classic six-string tuning structure.

Why choose a 7-string electric guitar?

A 7-string electric guitar adds an extra low string, usually tuned to B, so you can play deeper rhythm parts while still keeping the normal six strings above it. This makes it ideal for players who want more low-end power, extended range and heavier chord voicings in one instrument.

What makes a 7-string guitar different from a 6-string guitar?

The main difference is the additional low string, which gives you more bass range and heavier riff options. A 7-string guitar usually also has a wider neck, stronger pickups and hardware designed to keep the low string clear and stable.

7-string electric guitars at a glance

Which tuning is standard on a 7-string electric guitar?

The most common 7-string tuning is B-E-A-D-G-B-E, which keeps the normal six-string tuning and adds a low B below it. This means you can still play familiar chords and scales while adding deeper notes whenever you need more power.

Is a 7-string guitar only for metal?

No, although 7-string guitars are very popular in metal, they are also useful for fusion, jazz, progressive rock, ambient music, film scoring and experimental styles. The extra string can add low drones, wide chords, bass-like movement and new melodic ideas.

Is a 7-string electric guitar good for beginners?

A 7-string electric guitar can work for beginners who are strongly inspired by modern heavy music and want the right sound from the start. However, complete beginners should be ready for a wider neck, more muting control and a slightly bigger learning curve than with a standard 6-string guitar.

Is a 7-string guitar good for advanced players?

Yes, advanced players often choose 7-string guitars because they offer more range, more chord options and more control over modern low-tuned sounds. A good 7-string model can be a serious tool for studio work, stage performance and technical songwriting.

Which music styles fit 7-string electric guitars?

7-string electric guitars are especially popular in metal, djent, deathcore, metalcore, progressive metal, hard rock and technical rock. They can also be used creatively in jazz, fusion, ambient, worship, cinematic music and modern pop productions.

Music styles for 7-string electric guitars

Which pickups are best for 7-string electric guitars?

Most 7-string electric guitars use humbuckers because they deliver strong output, low noise and powerful distortion sounds. Active pickups are often tight and controlled, while passive pickups can feel more open, dynamic and expressive.

Should you choose active or passive pickups?

Choose active pickups if you want a modern, tight and compressed sound for precise high-gain rhythm playing. Choose passive pickups if you prefer a more organic response, stronger picking dynamics and a wider range of clean-to-crunch tones.

Pickup types for 7-string electric guitars

What does extended range mean?

Extended range means that the guitar offers more notes than a traditional 6-string guitar, usually by adding lower strings, extra frets or longer scale lengths. A 7-string guitar is one of the most popular extended-range instruments because it adds depth while keeping familiar playing patterns.

What is the difference between a 7-string and a baritone guitar?

A 7-string guitar adds an extra low string, while a baritone guitar usually has six strings but a longer scale length for lower tunings. Some 7-string guitars also use baritone-like scale lengths to keep the low B or lower tunings tight and clear.

What is a multiscale 7-string guitar?

A multiscale 7-string guitar uses different scale lengths across the strings, often with a longer bass side and a shorter treble side. This helps the low string stay firm while the higher strings remain comfortable for bends, chords and solos.

Are fanned frets difficult to play?

Fanned frets can look unusual at first, but many players adapt quickly because the angle follows a natural hand position. They are especially useful if you want tight low-string response without making the higher strings feel too stiff.

Which scale length should you choose?

A standard scale can feel familiar and comfortable, while a longer scale can improve tension and definition on the low string. If you use lower tunings, heavier strings or very tight rhythm playing, a longer or multiscale design can be a smart choice.

Scale length guide for 7-string guitars

Which bridge is best for a 7-string electric guitar?

A fixed bridge is often the most practical choice because it gives tuning stability, easy maintenance and strong low-string response. A locking tremolo is useful if you want dive bombs, expressive vibrato and shred-style lead techniques.

Should beginners choose a fixed bridge?

Yes, most beginners are better served by a fixed bridge because string changes, tuning and setup are easier. This is especially helpful on a 7-string guitar, where stable tuning and clean low-string response are very important.

When does a locking tremolo make sense?

A locking tremolo makes sense if you play lead guitar and want extreme vibrato effects, dive bombs and dramatic pitch movement. It offers expressive possibilities, but it also requires more patience during tuning, string changes and setup.

Why are locking tuners useful?

Locking tuners hold the strings more securely and can make string changes faster. They can also support tuning stability, especially when you use heavier strings, lower tunings or strong picking attack.

How important is the neck profile?

The neck profile is very important because a 7-string neck is naturally wider than a 6-string neck. Many players prefer thin C, D or modern speed profiles because they make the wider fingerboard feel easier to control.

What fingerboard radius is good for 7-string guitars?

A flatter fingerboard radius is popular on many 7-string electric guitars because it supports low action, fast runs and clean bends. Rounder profiles can feel comfortable for chords, but modern extended-range players often prefer a flatter feel.

Why do many 7-string guitars have 24 frets?

24 frets give you two full octaves per string, which is useful for solos, tapping, progressive lines and technical arrangements. Combined with the extra low string, 24 frets give the instrument a very wide musical range.

Important 7-string guitar terms explained

Tuning and range

Low B string

The low B string is the additional seventh string on most 7-string electric guitars. It gives you deeper riffs, heavier chords and more low-register melody options.

Drop tuning

Drop tuning lowers one or more strings for heavier riffs and easier power-chord shapes. On a 7-string guitar, drop tunings can sound extremely powerful when the setup and string gauge are right.

Extended range

Extended range means the guitar offers more notes than a standard 6-string model. For 7-string guitars, this usually means deeper low-end range without losing the familiar high strings.

String gauge

String gauge describes the thickness of the strings. Heavier gauges can help lower tunings stay tight, while lighter gauges can feel easier for bends and lead playing.

Construction and playability

Multiscale

Multiscale means the guitar uses longer scale length for the low strings and shorter scale length for the higher strings. This can improve tuning feel, string balance and low-end clarity.

Fanned frets

Fanned frets are angled frets used on multiscale guitars. They help match the different scale lengths while supporting a natural hand position.

Neck width

Neck width is important because seven strings need more space than six strings. A good neck shape keeps the wider fingerboard comfortable and playable.

Intonation

Intonation means the guitar plays in tune across the whole fingerboard. It is especially important on 7-string guitars because low tunings can reveal tuning problems quickly.

Which 7-string guitar is best for metal?

For metal, choose a 7-string electric guitar with tight humbuckers, a stable bridge, strong tuning hardware and a comfortable neck. A fixed bridge, 24 frets and a long or multiscale design are especially useful for precise modern rhythm playing.

Which 7-string guitar is best for djent?

For djent, focus on tight low-end response, clear pickups, precise intonation and strong tuning stability. Multiscale guitars, active pickups or tight passive humbuckers are especially helpful for percussive low-string patterns.

Which 7-string guitar is best for progressive rock?

For progressive rock, look for a versatile 7-string guitar with clear cleans, strong distorted tones and comfortable access across the fingerboard. Coil-split options, passive pickups and smooth neck profiles can make the guitar more flexible for complex arrangements.

Which 7-string guitar is best for fusion?

For fusion, a dynamic pickup set and comfortable neck are more important than maximum output. A 7-string guitar with clear clean tones, expressive sustain and good note separation can handle advanced chords, legato lines and improvisation beautifully.

Which 7-string guitar is best for recording?

For recording, choose a model with stable tuning, low noise, clear intonation and pickups that keep the low string defined. Tight rhythm tracks, layered guitars and modern productions benefit from a 7-string that stays precise under heavy gain.

Buying guide by player type

Which 7-string electric guitar should you buy for home practice?

For home practice, choose a 7-string guitar that stays in tune, feels comfortable and gives you the sound that makes you want to play every day. A fixed-bridge model with passive or active humbuckers is usually a practical starting point.

Which 7-string electric guitar should you buy for live gigs?

For live gigs, choose a 7-string guitar with reliable hardware, strong tuning stability and pickups that cut through the band mix. If you use several tunings, a second guitar or a very stable fixed-bridge model can make live performance easier.

Do 7-string guitars work well with pedals?

Yes, 7-string guitars work very well with overdrive, distortion, noise gates, delay, reverb, compressor, boost, wah and modulation pedals. For heavy styles, a tight overdrive boost and noise gate can help keep the low string focused and controlled.

Which amplifier works well with a 7-string electric guitar?

A 7-string guitar works best with an amplifier, modeller or pedal setup that keeps low frequencies tight instead of muddy. High-gain amps, amp modellers, cabinet simulations and precise EQ settings are especially useful for modern extended-range sounds.

How important is a professional setup?

A professional setup is very important because the extra low string needs correct tension, clean intonation and a stable action. Neck relief, string height, pickup height, bridge adjustment and nut slot quality all affect how clear and comfortable the guitar feels.

Which strings are good for 7-string electric guitars?

The best strings depend on your tuning, scale length and playing style. Standard B tuning can work with balanced 7-string sets, while lower tunings often need heavier low strings for better tension and clearer pitch.

Buying checklist for 7-string electric guitars

Which brands are popular for 7-string electric guitars?

Popular 7-string guitar brands include names such as Ibanez, Jackson, ESP LTD, Schecter, Solar, Cort, Legator and other modern electric guitar manufacturers. These brands often offer models with high-output humbuckers, fast necks, 24 frets, fixed bridges, multiscale designs and aggressive body shapes.

Which price range makes sense?

Entry-level 7-string guitars are great for players who want to explore extended range without spending too much. Mid-range and premium models often offer better pickups, smoother fretwork, more stable hardware, improved tuning systems and more refined playability.

How do you compare different 7-string guitar models?

Compare scale length, pickup type, bridge system, neck profile, fret count, body shape, tuning stability, string gauge and included accessories. The right guitar is not just the heaviest-looking model, but the one that fits your tuning, your hands and your sound goal.

Why buy a 7-string electric guitar from Musikhaus KORN?

At Musikhaus KORN, you can compare 7-string electric guitars by brand, price, pickup system, body shape, bridge type, color, availability and practical specifications. This helps you find the right model for modern metal, progressive rock, djent, recording, live performance or creative extended-range playing.

What is the easiest way to find your ideal 7-string guitar?

Start with the tuning and music style you want to play, then choose the scale length, pickups and bridge system that support that sound. Once those basics are clear, details like finish, neck profile, fretboard material and accessories become much easier to decide.

Find your 7-string electric guitar and unlock deeper musical possibilities

A 7-string electric guitar is the right instrument if you want more range, heavier riffs, wider chords and a modern sound that stays clear under pressure. From tight low B rhythm parts and progressive chord voicings to high-gain solos, ambient textures and technical metal lines, the right 7-string guitar gives your playing more depth, power and creative freedom.