Welcome to the ultimate guide to 7 string guitar songs! Whether you’re new to extended range guitars or looking to expand your repertoire, this comprehensive guide will help you find the perfect songs to match your skill level.
7-string guitars add a low B string to the standard six-string setup, expanding your musical range and opening up new possibilities for heavy riffs and creative playing. The extra string lets you play really deep, heavy notes that you can’t get on a regular guitar.
After analyzing hundreds of songs and considering real player experiences from guitar communities, I’ve compiled this difficulty-graded list to help you progress from your first 7-string riffs to advanced techniques used by professional musicians.
What Makes a Great 7 String Guitar Song?
7-String Guitar Song: A musical composition specifically written or adapted for 7-string guitar, utilizing the extended range provided by the additional low B string (typically tuned to B1, 123.47 Hz).
A great 7-string song effectively uses the extended range while remaining playable and musically interesting. The best songs for learning incorporate the low B string naturally rather than forcing it, helping you adapt to the wider neck and develop proper muting techniques.
Beginner 7 String Songs: Perfect Starting Points
Starting with simpler songs helps you adapt to the wider neck and get comfortable with the low B string. These beginner-friendly tracks primarily use the seventh string for basic riffs, making them perfect entry points into 7-string playing.
1. Korn – “Freak on a Leash”
This iconic track is one of the best introductions to 7-string playing. The main riff uses simple power chords on the low strings, making it accessible while showcasing the heavy sound that 7-strings are known for.
Why it’s great for beginners:
- Simple riff structure: Uses basic power chord shapes you already know
- Clear low B usage: The main riff prominently features the seventh string
- Slow tempo: Gives you time to adjust to the wider neck
Focus on getting clean muting on the low strings and maintaining consistent palm muting throughout the riff. This song teaches the foundation of proper 7-string rhythm playing.
2. Deftones – “Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)”
While Deftones often use complex tunings, this song’s main riff is straightforward and perfect for beginners. The atmospheric quality helps you understand how 7-strings can create mood and texture.
Key learning points:
- String skipping basics: Simple jumps between the low B and higher strings
- Dynamics control: Learning to play both softly and heavily on the low strings
- Simple chord shapes: Easy-to-finger power chords and single notes
3. Fear Factory – “Replica”
This industrial metal classic features simple, repetitive riffs that are perfect for building your 7-string fundamentals. The mechanical nature of the playing helps develop precision and timing.
Quick Summary: “Replica” teaches tight rhythm playing and precise muting techniques essential for all 7-string players.
Techniques you’ll develop:
- Palm muting precision: Essential for controlling the low B string’s resonance
- Alternate picking: Clean, fast alternate picking on the low strings
- Rhythm consistency: Maintaining tight timing with repetitive patterns
4. Orgy – “Blue Monday”
This synth-rock cover translates surprisingly well to 7-string guitar. The main riff is simple but effective, using the low string to create a heavy foundation under the melodic elements.
Beginner benefits:
- Single-note riffs: Focus on one string at a time
- Clear structure: Easy to follow song form
- Tempered difficulty: Not too fast, not too slow
5. Trivium – “Down From the Sky”
While Trivium has more complex songs, this track’s main riff is accessible to beginners and showcases how 7-strings can create powerful, driving metal rhythms.
Focus areas:
- Power chord transitions: Moving between different chord positions smoothly
- String crossing: Navigating between the low B and A strings
- Muting practice: Keeping unused strings quiet during chord changes
Intermediate 7 String Songs: Expanding Your Skills
Ready for a challenge? These intermediate songs incorporate more complex techniques and will help you develop a deeper understanding of 7-string playing across different metal subgenres.
6. Dream Theater – “The Mirror”
This progressive metal masterpiece introduces more complex rhythms and techniques while remaining approachable for intermediate players. John Petrucci’s playing showcases the musical possibilities of 7-string beyond simple power chords.
Intermediate techniques:
- Syncopated rhythms: Complex timing patterns that challenge your rhythmic precision
- Arpeggios across 7 strings: Extending chord shapes to include the low B
- Dynamic control: Varying your attack and volume for musical expression
7. Periphery – “Icarus Lives!”
This djent classic combines technical precision with melodic elements. The main riff is challenging but rewarding, teaching you the tight rhythmic playing essential for modern progressive metal.
Skills you’ll build:
- Palm-muted galloping: Fast, precise alternate picking with palm muting
- Polymeter awareness: Understanding complex rhythmic groupings
- String skipping: Jumping between non-adjacent strings cleanly
8. Nevermore – “Enemies of Reality”
Jeff Loomis’s playing on this track demonstrates how to blend technicality with musicality. The song features intricate riffs that will improve your picking hand precision and fretboard navigation.
⚠️ Important: This song requires good alternate picking technique. Practice slowly with a metronome before attempting full speed.
Technical challenges:
- Sweep picking sections: Clean arpeggios across multiple strings
- Extended scales: Using the full range of the 7-string fretboard
- Mode mixture: Understanding different scale positions across the neck
9. Meshuggah – “New Millennium Cyanide Christ”
While Meshuggah’s music is notoriously complex, this song’s main riff is approachable for intermediate players ready to explore polymeters and extreme precision.
Unique challenges:
- Polymetric playing: Feeling different groupings between hands
- Muting perfection: Absolute control over string noise
- Downpicking endurance: Building strength for consistent downstrokes
10. Animals as Leaders – “CAFO”
Tosin Abasi’s instrumental masterpiece combines technical proficiency with musical creativity. This song will expand your understanding of what’s possible on a 7-string guitar.
Advanced techniques introduced:
- Thumping: Using your thumb to slap the low strings
- Extended chords: Complex voicings using all 7 strings
- Hybrid picking: Combining pick and fingers for extended techniques
Advanced 7 String Songs: Pushing Your Limits
These songs represent the pinnacle of 7-string guitar playing. They require mastery of advanced techniques and will push your playing to professional levels.
11. Dream Theater – “The Dance of Eternity”
Considered one of the most complex songs ever written, this epic features constantly changing time signatures, extended techniques, and showcases the full musical potential of 7-string guitar.
Why it’s a masterpiece:
- Extreme technical demands: Every technique in the book is used here
- Compositional complexity: Understanding advanced songwriting
- Endurance requirements: Maintaining precision through long, difficult sections
12. Periphery – “Make Total Destroy”
This modern djent classic features intricate rhythms, technical riffs, and showcases the evolution of 7-string playing in contemporary metal.
⏰ Time Saver: Focus on mastering one difficult section at a time rather than trying to learn the entire song at once.
Professional-level techniques:
- Complex polyrhythms: Layering different rhythmic patterns
- Extended range chords: Using all 7 strings for rich voicings
- Production awareness: Understanding how playing affects tone
13. Jeff Loomis – “Miles of Machines”
From his solo work, this instrumental track combines neoclassical influences with modern metal technique, demonstrating virtuosic 7-string playing.
Virtuoso techniques:
- Alternate picking speed: Building lightning-fast picking precision
- Sequences across strings: Complex patterns spanning the fretboard
- Harmonic sophistication: Advanced theory in a metal context
14. Meshuggah – “Bleed”
The ultimate test of rhythmic precision and endurance. This song’s main riff is notorious among guitarists for its difficulty and is considered a rite of passage for serious 7-string players.
Why it’s so challenging:
- 32nd-note rhythms: Extreme precision at high speeds
- Hand independence: Different patterns between hands
- Mental endurance: Maintaining focus through complex patterns
15. Animals as Leaders – “Physical Education”
This track combines multiple advanced techniques into a cohesive musical statement, showcasing the innovative possibilities of 7-string guitar.
Innovation showcase:
- Eight-finger tapping: Using both hands on the fretboard
- Compound rhythms: Layering complex time signatures
- Extended techniques: Pushing beyond traditional guitar methods
Essential Tips for Learning 7 String Guitar
Success with 7-string guitar requires more than just learning songs. These essential tips will help you adapt to the extended range and develop proper technique.
1. Master Muting Techniques
The extra low string can create unwanted noise if not properly controlled. Develop both right-hand palm muting and left-hand muting techniques to keep your playing clean.
- Palm muting: Rest the side of your picking hand on the bridge
- Thumb muting: Use your picking hand thumb to dampen the low B
- Left-hand muting: Keep unused fingers touching inactive strings
2. Adapt Your Chord Shapes
Many standard chords can be adapted to 7-string by including the low B note. Experiment with:
– Power chords that include the 7th string
– Extended barre chords spanning all 7 strings
– Drop voicings that use the low B as the root
3. Start Simple with the Low B
Don’t feel pressured to use all 7 strings at once. Start by:
– Adding low B notes to familiar riffs
– Using the 7th string for simple root notes
– Gradually incorporating more complex patterns
4. Build Finger Strength Gradually
The wider neck and heavier strings require more strength. Build endurance through:
– Regular practice sessions
– Finger exercises targeting the low strings
– Gradual increases in playing time
✅ Pro Tip: Use a metronome for all practice sessions. Precision is more important than speed when learning 7-string techniques.
5. Explore Different Tunings
While standard B tuning is most common, experiment with:
– Drop A (AEADGBE) for easier power chords
– G standard for even lower range
– Custom tunings for specific songs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 7-string guitar harder to play than a 6-string?
Yes, 7-string guitars have a wider neck and require additional muting techniques, making them slightly more challenging initially. However, with proper practice and starting with simple songs, most players adapt within 2-4 weeks. The extra string becomes natural with consistent practice.
Can you play regular 6-string songs on a 7-string guitar?
Absolutely! You can play any 6-string song on a 7-string by simply ignoring the low B string. Many players use 7-strings as versatile instruments for both 6-string and 7-string repertoire. The standard tuning on the top six strings remains the same (EADGBE).
What’s the best 7-string tuning for beginners?
Standard B tuning (BEADGBE) is recommended for beginners as it maintains the familiar interval relationship between strings. Drop A tuning (AEADGBE) can make power chords easier but requires adjusting to the different interval pattern between the lowest strings.
How long does it take to get comfortable on a 7-string?
Most players report feeling comfortable with basic 7-string playing after 2-3 weeks of consistent practice. Advanced comfort and technical proficiency typically develop over 2-6 months, depending on your practice routine and previous guitar experience.
What genres use 7-string guitars most commonly?
7-string guitars are most popular in metal subgenres including progressive metal, djent, heavy metal, and metalcore. They’re also used in jazz, fusion, and experimental music by artists seeking extended range for creative expression.
Your 7 String Journey Awaits
Learning 7-string guitar opens up a world of musical possibilities. From the heavy riffing of Korn to the technical mastery of Dream Theater, the extended range offers new avenues for creative expression.
Remember these key points as you begin your journey:
1. Start with beginner songs to adapt to the wider neck
2. Focus on proper muting techniques from day one
3. Use a metronome for all practice sessions
4. Build finger strength gradually to avoid fatigue
5. Explore different genres to find your 7-string voice
The songs in this guide provide a clear progression path from beginner to advanced. Take your time with each level, master the techniques, and you’ll soon be navigating the 7-string fretboard with confidence and musicality.
What’s your first 7-string song going to be? Start with “Freak on a Leash” if you’re new to extended range, or jump to “Icarus Lives!” if you’re ready for an intermediate challenge. Either way, the world of 7-string guitar playing awaits your exploration.
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