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
As someone who’s more focused on funk/jazz, a few thoughts:
– so much of these styles is rooted in the conversation you’re having with the traditions and previous works in the space. This means you tend to *start* from a place of understanding the space guitar generally fills in this genre, and go from there. Doesn’t mean you have to fill that same space. But that’s your home base.
– to add to this. You’re not the only person in the band. Your bass/piano players are also coming from the same traditions and styles. And if you’re expanding the sonic territory of the guitar, they have to give it to you.
– in up tempo funk (Cory Wong style) strumming, that extra string would just get in the way.
– lastly, and this is more unique to the styles I’m interested in, people are more likely to want you to take up *less* space sonically, rather than more space. Just not the role of the guitar.
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