Best 7-String Electric Guitars – Guide and Reviews of Some Great Models

Last Updated: March 06, 2019 We took a look at our 7-string chart and decided to make some small adjustments to reflect recent changes in the market. We removed the ESP LTD M-17 and instead added two new models, including the midrange Sterling by Music Man John Petrucci JP70 and the super-affordable Jackson JS22-7 Dinky.

Looking for your first 7-string guitar? Or what about an upgrade? Whatever market you are in, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve put together a chart highlighting the best 7-string electric guitars on the market, as well as a brief guide to the basics of this versatile instrument. While it’s an essential piece of kit for heavy rock and metal guitarists, the 7-string guitar actually has its roots in jazz. In fact, the first regular-production model arrived towards the end of the 1930s, originally made for swing and jazz guitarist George Van Eps – known as ‘the Father of the Seven-String Guitar’. These days, similar guitars are still very popular with jazz musicians. However, when it comes to modern, solid-body electric guitars, the first mass-produced 7-string model arrived in the early 1990s – the Ibanez UV7, a Steve Vai signature model. Since then, these instruments boomed in popularity, especially as bands like Korn, Mushroomhead, Trivium and Deftones utilized them to powerful effect. Our chart highlights a handful of models that span all price ranges – from under $200 right up to those pushing $2,000! Then stick around for a guide to everything you need to know about 7-string guitars.

Top 6 Electric Guitars With 7 Strings:

7-String Guitars: The Lowdown

As obvious as it sounds, a 7-string guitar is basically a 6-string guitar with an additional thick string (a low B) just above the low E. Some players worry that playing such guitar will be like trying to learn a new instrument, with new notes, chords, tunings and scales. The good news – it’s not! Just remember that anything you can play on a standard guitar, you can play on a model with one extra string. Essentially this extra string only adds five extra notes. That’s it. As you get to the fifth fret of the low B you arrive at your low E, and the rest of the guitar offers the same notes as you are used to. As for playing, it’s technically no different either – playing a powerchord is the same, playing a scale is the same, playing something with drop-D tuning (which would now be drop-A) is the same. It will just involve a lower sound if you utilize the B string. A 7-string will also look pretty much the same as a 6-string, although the neck will naturally be a little wider. For example, looking at a Schecter’s Hellraiser, on the 7-string model the nut width is roughly 1.87”, compared to a slimmer width of around 1.63” on the 6-string. You will also find that a 7-string guitar will have a slightly bigger scale length – around 26.5” compared to 25.5”, although every manufacturer and model is different.

7-String Guitars: Pros and Cons

While we discuss the pros and cons of a 7-string throughout this guide, let’s condense them into this easy-to-glance section:

Pros

• More tuning options allow for an expanded tonal range
• Lower tunings tend to sound better on a 7-string
• You can play anything on a 7-string that you can on a 6-string
• Better quality guitars meaning less chance of ending up with a dud!

Cons

• The larger necks can feel less comfortable for players with smaller hands
• There is less choice compared to 6-string models
• There is also less choice when it comes to buying new strings

Do I Still Need a 6-String Guitar?

‘So, if a 7-string can do everything a 6-string can… can’t I just sell my 6-string?’. Well, it depends on how often you play, what style of music you play, and where you play. However, our general advice is to keep hold of that 6-string guitar. Say you’re playing a rock song that was written for a 6-string guitar, and is performed in standard E tuning. While you can indeed play this song on your guitar, it’s easier said than done. If, like us, you really attack the strings, you’ll either have to be insanely accurate to avoid that low B, or you’ll end up hitting it and giving the song a note it doesn’t need. If you are a gigging guitarist, then you’ll also want to hold onto your 6-string. Playing a set including a mix of tunings? Do you really expect the audience to wait for you to tune down from E to B, then back up? A 7-string guitar is another tool that every serious guitarist should consider adding to their arsenal – but not at the expense of ditching a 6-string.

Should I Buy Used or New?

As we’ve said on other pages across GuitarFella, buying used allows you to grab a bargain and can be a great idea – if done with care. And when it comes this type of guitar, things are no different. Just be aware of the risks, and ask the following questions: Do the electronics work correctly? Has the guitar been damaged in any way? Can I test it properly before buying? What happens if I want to return it? Our advice is to purchase the instrument from a reputable online or physical guitar store, where you’ll be covered with a good returns policy should something go wrong.

The Final Word

Buying a 7-string guitar is an exciting move, whether you are a newbie to guitar, an experienced 6-stringer looking for more depth, or an existing 7-string player in need of another model. We’ve seen that everyone from jazz players to full-on metalheads love the sound that these instruments can produce. The models on our chart above will give you a good taste for what’s hot and what good-value looks like in today’s market. Whether you go for them or something completely different is your choice, but make sure to spend some time on your decision – if you’re spending your hard-earned cash, make sure to buy a model that really suits you. If you’re in the market for such guitar, you may also want to check out our chart on the best 8-string models, just in case there’s something there worth your time. Good luck with the hunt for your perfect guitar!