Do you know the differences between a 7 string guitar vs 6 string besides the obvious extra string? Let’s look at it a little closer.
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Difference Between 6 And 7 String With Extended Range
The main difference between a 6 string and a 7 string guitar is that a 7 string has an extra low-end string. A seven-string guitar is a six-string with an additional low string added.
There isn’t much of a difference between a 6-string and a 7-string guitar. If you can, try one out at a local music store to see if you like it. I’d recommend a 7 if you appreciate bands that use 7’s and wish to learn their songs on guitar. Plus, if you already own a six-string, you’ll be able to learn practically any song.
Another thing to consider is that most 6 string tunes can be played on a 7 string guitar. However, you won’t be able to play any 7-string songs on a 6-string.
Is a 7 String Guitar Harder to Play?
It doesn’t take any more effort to play a six string guitar than a seven string one. Because it has an extended neck, it feels narrower than a regular guitar. Learning and playing a 7 string guitar is just like learning and playing a 6 string guitar.
A seven string guitar may seem daunting if you’re new to playing an electric guitar.
It might be difficult for you to reach your finger across the wider frets or you could get lost among the extra strings.
However, this initial confusion soon passes when you start playing an electric guitar.
Width Of 6 Vs 7 String Gauges
- A 6-string is typically 42mm wide at the nut and 56mm wide at the final fret.
- A 7th string would have a nut width of 48mm and a final fret width of 68mm.
Should I Buy A 6 Or 7 String?
The songs you want to play will determine whether you should buy a 6 or 7 string guitar. Purchase a guitar that is compatible with the music you enjoy.
If you listen to a lot of music performed on 7 string guitars, you should consider purchasing one. If the majority of the music you listen to is played on a six-string guitar, you might want to start learning on one.
You can always buy another instrument later, as practically any guitarist will tell you.
I recommend a 6 string to most beginners who are just getting started with guitar. The learning process is made easier by having one less thread to worry about. The only time I would advise a total beginner to get a 7 string is if the majority of the music they listen to is played on a 7 string.
If you mostly listen to 7 string music, it will be frustrating if you can’t play any of it because you purchased a 6 string guitar. When I first started playing, I recall being irritated when I discovered that a song required a 7-string instrument, which I lacked.
Can A 7 Be A 6 String?
Of course, you can play 6 string riffs on a 7 string; in fact, as previously stated, it can help you improve your picking accuracy. It’s worth considering whether you truly need the extra range and scale length, as 6ers have a lot more options, whereas 7’s (while growing more popular) have a smaller selection.
7 String Tuning On 6
This can be done but for best results, you will want to make sure of some things. Put on larger strings and tune them to the desired tuning. With significantly larger strings, the instrument might need a few set-up tweaks, but it would undoubtedly sound the best.
Simply tune the gtr all the way down, as if it were a seven string with a low B string, but without the high E string.
Seven Vs Six String Guitars Conclusion
So this should give you plenty of information about the differences between the two options.