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 had a 7 string for a while the first time they were popular, it depends what you’re trying to do but unless you’re all hardcore/metal all the time, I’d equate it to driving around with a utility trailer – great for the odd time you need it, but generally just in the way
The other catch is that if you’re trying to play with others, they need to be onboard – you’ll need a 5+ string bassist and ideally other guitarists will also be rocking 7 strings
As a note, I was more than comfortable playing a 7 string, but just wasn’t making use of it
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