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?
In: Other
One thing which nobody seems to have mentioned is that on 7 and 8 string guitars, the lowest string loves to vibrate of its own accord. You need to make sure you are palm muting them all the time they aren’t being used.
The other thing is small practice amps can’t really be used. They just don’t have the oomph for the lower strings.
Source: I have an 8 string.
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