Why isn’t 7-string guitar used more in practice

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A quick google seems to have many good things to say about 7 string, and the answer to “whether someone should buy a 7 string” is majority “yes”, without stating possible issues. And objectively it make sense: 7 string is just 6 string with addition of low B, so on songs that don’t use that string, just don’t pick/strum it. Yet, to my knowledge, artist that use majority of 7 string are few. Aside from a few metal bands, the only other new groups I can think of that utilize 7 string is Babymetal; much less so in Blues or Rock or Pop. Even Steve Vai seems to play less on 7-string nowadays. So why isn’t 7-string guitar used more in practice? Specifically, are there some issues on 7 string (especially those on 25.5 inch scale) that a 6 string is more benefical?

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Anonymous 0 Comments

having played both i’ve found more merit to a 5 string bass than a 7 string guitar for non metal music

when i borrowed a friends 7 string guitar i often found that in anything other than chugging metal the low B simply got in the way. that’s less of an issue with a bass as you’re not very likely to play chords on it

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