Introduction
. However, experienced players and music teachers know there’s much more to these designs than just brutal chugging. In reality, 7-string and multi-scale (a.k.a. fanned-fret) guitars are incredibly versatile, finding applications in jazz, fusion, classical, and beyond. In this article, we’ll break down the technical features of these guitars – from extended range and scale-length differences to tuning flexibility and ergonomic benefits – and debunk the myth that they’re “only for metal.” We’ll also explore how these instruments can shine in various genres, and weigh the pros and cons for players considering adding one to their collection. The tone here is casual and educational, so grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive in!
The 7-String Guitar: Breaking Out of the Metal Mold
. Guitar pioneer George Van Eps (often called the “father of the 7-string guitar”) had a custom 7-string built in the 1940s–50s and used it to play lush inner voicings and bass lines in jazz settings. Players like Bucky Pizzarelli later adopted 7-strings for jazz, Brazilian choro, and other styles long before 7-stringers became mainstream in rock.
So how did the 7th string move from high to low? It turns out that on a typical guitar scale length, an ultra-thin high A string was very prone to breaking. By the early 1990s, manufacturers like Ibanez introduced the first mass-produced 7-string electrics and opted to add a low B string instead. This change extended the guitar’s lower register and allowed guitarists to play deep, detuned riffs while still keeping the familiar standard-range top six strings for solos. The result was an instrument that satisfied metal players’ thirst for heavier sounds, yet retained the full melodic range of a normal guitar.
Importantly, the 7-string’s extended range isn’t only about adding thunder to metal riffs. Jazz and fusion guitarists realized that the extra string lets them play chords and bass lines simultaneously in ways a 6-string can’t. For example, a jazz player can comp chords and weave a walking bass line on the low string at the same time, filling the role of multiple instruments in a small ensemble. One jazz guitarist noted that having over half an octave of extra low range “created richer sounds” and unlocked “more interesting voicings that I couldn’t do with a 6-string guitar”. In other words, the 7-string can function like a normal guitar plus a bit of a bass, enabling self-accompaniment and expanded harmonic possibilities. Even in rock and blues contexts, the low B (or drop-A) can add a new dimension – think powerful drone notes or extended power chords that would be impossible on a standard guitar. And if you’re a teacher or arranger, a 7-string allows you to cover lower parts without switching to a baritone guitar or bass. In short, while the 7-string guitar did become a staple of modern metal, it’s far from a one-trick pony. Its extended range is a technical feature that creative players of any genre can exploit.
Multi-Scale Guitars: Fanned Frets and Scale Length
If you’ve ever seen a multi-scale guitar (also called a fanned-fret guitar), your first reaction might be: “Whoa, why are the frets slanting diagonally?” As bizarre as it looks at first, this design is actually quite logical. A multi-scale guitar is one in which each string has its own scale length – lower-pitched strings get a longer scale, and higher strings a shorter scale. In practice, this is achieved by “fanning” the frets at an angle instead of the usual straight across the fretboard. The concept has been around for ages in other instruments (pianos and harps have varying string lengths, for example), but it’s relatively new to modern guitars in widespread use. The big question is: why would we want different scale lengths on one guitar?
The answer comes down to balancing tone, tension, and playability – essentially getting the “best of both worlds” from a long-scale and a short-scale guitar. On a multi-scale instrument, the lowest string might have a scale length of, say, 27 inches or more (for tight, punchy bass notes), while the highest string could be around 25 inches (for sweet tone and easy bending). This mixing and matching of scale lengths means you get high strings that are a breeze to bend and shred on, and low strings that stay tight and full-sounding with excellent intonation. In other words, fanned-fret guitars allow each string to perform optimally for its pitch range, resulting in a very versatile instrument with fewer compromises in tone. One Sweetwater writer described the design like this: the shortest scale is on the thinnest string and the longest on the thickest, giving you bendable, singing highs and low strings that “intonate and tune like a dream”.
The middle guitar is a 7-string multi-scale model (Schecter) with fanned frets, flanked by a regular 6-string guitar on the left and a 27.7″ scale baritone guitar on the right. The multi-scale’s fret angles allow the low string to be longer like the baritone (for tight lows) while the high strings remain shorter like the standard guitar (for easy bends and vibrato).
Beyond the tonal advantages, multi-scale designs offer some ergonomic perks as well. Many players find fanned-fret guitars more ergonomic and comfortable to play due to the more natural hand position that the angled frets encourage. If you spread out the fingers of your fretting hand, you’ll notice they naturally fan out from a point – and the fanned fret layout follows that same human anatomy principle. This can reduce wrist strain, especially when playing in the lower positions or reaching for extended chord shapes. Additionally, the shorter scale on the treble side reduces string tension a bit on the high strings, which can make techniques like bending and vibrato easier (and big chord stretches a bit less of a finger gymnastic exercise). Of course, every player is different, but it’s common to hear that after a short adjustment period, fanned frets feel no more difficult to play than regular frets – in fact some people prefer the feel. If the multi-scale concept still sounds intimidating, consider this anecdote: one guitarist was skeptical until he tried a fanned 7-string, but “after a mere 15 minutes of noodling” he forgot about the weird fret angles and was riffing away as usual. In short, the learning curve is often smaller than it looks.
It’s worth noting that multi-scale guitars are especially popular for extended-range instruments (7, 8, or 9-string guitars), where the benefits are most pronounced. If you take a standard 8-string guitar and tune the lowest string down to F♯ or E, a typical single-scale neck (25.5″ or even 26.5″) might make that low string sound muddy or floppy. A multi-scale 8-string, on the other hand, might extend the bass side to 27–28″ or more, providing higher string tension and clarity on those lowest notes. Meanwhile, the high E (or even high G on some 8-strings) can be a shorter scale so it isn’t overly tight or brittle-sounding. This is why fanned frets have become almost a must-have design for 8+ string guitars – they really help keep the tone balanced across the fretboard. That said, multi-scale designs are not limited to metal machines; even some 6-string guitars use fanned frets to facilitate alternate tunings and add a unique flavor to the tone and feel. The bottom line is that multi-scale guitars marry the extended range concept with intelligent design to improve both sound and playability.
Extended Range and Tuning Flexibility
One of the greatest advantages of both 7-string and multi-scale guitars is the extended tuning flexibility they offer. With a standard 6-string guitar, if you want to reach notes below low E, you have a few options: downtune the whole guitar (turning it essentially into a baritone), use an alternate tuning (like drop D or drop C), or switch to a longer-scale/baritone guitar. A 7-string eliminates a lot of that hassle by giving you that extra low string in standard tuning. For example, a common 7-string tuning is B–E–A–D–G–B–E, which is standard tuning with an added low B. Instantly, you have four semitones below the old low E, without sacrificing any notes on the high end. Want even more low-end crunch? You can drop the 7th string to A, yielding a drop-A tuning that’s extremely popular in modern metal. Because the other six strings remain in standard tuning, you can still use all your familiar chord shapes and scales on the upper strings, while the added low string functions almost like a built-in detuned riff machine.
Multi-scale guitars further enhance this tuning flexibility. The longer scale lengths on the low strings mean you can downtune even further (to A or G on a 7-string, or down to F♯ or E on an 8-string) and still maintain good intonation and string tension. Players who love experimenting with ultra-low djent tones or baritone territory will find that a well-designed multi-scale can handle “lower than whale droppings” tunings (as one humorously put it) without the muddiness and tuning problems you’d get on a regular guitar. Conversely, if you’re interested in alternate tunings in the higher register, a multi-scale’s shorter treble scale can accommodate that too – for instance, some extended-range classical guitars use a shorter first string to allow tuning up to a high A4 without breaking. In practical terms, these instruments let you explore a wider range of tunings and sounds than you could on a conventional guitar, all while keeping the guitar feeling relatively “normal” to play.
For genre-hopping musicians or music educators, this flexibility is a huge plus. A 7-string can go from standard tuning for a jazz combo piece, to drop tuning for a rock song, to a DAGDAD-style open tuning for a solo piece, all on the same instrument (with appropriate string gauges). If you’re a teacher, imagine demonstrating 8va lower counterpoint on the guitar without needing a bass – the 7-string makes that possible. And if you’re an arranger or session player, you can cover guitar and bass parts on one axe in a pinch. The extended range essentially expands the guitar’s voice both downward (and upward, if you explore alternative setups), which encourages creative exploration. Many jazz-rock fusion virtuosos have taken advantage of this; for example, Steve Vai – known for his work in rock and fusion – has long used 7-strings to achieve a fuller sound and a more prominent role in the band’s texture, thanks to that low B string. In ensembles, a 7-string guitarist can hold down heavy riffs or bass lines when needed, then switch back to standard guitar territory for solos and chord work. This kind of sonic range would normally require two different instruments (or a 6-string plus a pitch shifter), but an extended-range guitar puts it all at your fingertips.
Ergonomics and Playability Considerations
With great power (or in this case, range) comes a few physical adjustments. One consideration when adopting a 7-string is the wider neck. A 7-string neck is naturally a bit thicker and wider to accommodate the extra string. For players with smaller hands or those used to slim 6-string necks, the difference is noticeable at first. Certain stretches or barre chords may feel more challenging until your hand adapts. However, many guitarists report that they adjust fairly quickly – and some even say that going back to a 6-string feels strange after getting comfortable on a 7! If you employ proper thumb placement and hand positioning (techniques any good teacher would encourage on a 6-string anyway), you’ll likely find the 7-string’s neck is manageable. One tip: you don’t always have to use the 7th string in every chord; sometimes it can just stay muted if not needed, so it doesn’t complicate your fingerings. Over time, you’ll learn when to bring that low string into play and when to leave it out for clarity. Also, chord shapes and scale patterns you already know can often be extended to the 7th string with a bit of pattern recognition – so you’re not learning guitar from scratch, just adding a new “row” to the grid you know.
For multi-scale guitars, the fanned fret layout presents its own ergonomic talking points. We discussed earlier how the angled frets can actually match the natural splay of your fingers, reducing strain. Still, it’s a different visual and tactile experience compared to straight frets. In first position (near the nut), the frets fan outward and can look quite drastic, which might throw off your muscle memory initially. The good news is your hands tend to adjust subconsciously; you’ll still fret the 3rd fret note with your index finger, it’s just that the fret is tilted a bit. Higher up the neck, the fret angles often straighten out around the 12th fret (this is called the neutral fret or zero angle point), so soloing in the upper register can feel very normal. Players who do a lot of large interval jumps or two-handed tapping might even find fanned frets more comfortable, because the spread of the frets follows the spread of the fingers. And for open-position chords, the slight angle at the nut actually aligns well with a relaxed wrist angle. So ergonomically, there are benefits, but expect maybe a week of “getting used to it” when you first adopt a multi-scale. It’s a bit like switching keyboard layouts or driving a different car – initially you’re very aware of it, but soon it becomes second nature.
Another playability aspect is the overall feel and setup of these guitars. With 7-strings, you’ll likely use a heavier gauge string for that low B (often something like .059–.065″). This can make the low string feel tighter under the fingers, especially on a standard scale guitar. If you opt for a longer-scale 7-string (some have 26.5″ or 27″ scale lengths to better handle low tunings), the string tension will be higher than a regular 25.5″ scale, which is great for definition but means you’ll feel more resistance when bending or fretting on the low string. It’s a trade-off between a tighter feel/clear tone and ease of play. Multi-scale designs solve some of this by giving a longer scale to the low string and a normal or shorter scale to the high strings, as we covered. This means on a fanned-fret 7-string, the low B can be tight and punchy while the high E feels slinky and bendable – a best of both worlds scenario. Intonation is also more accurate on low strings with multi-scale; you won’t have as many issues with notes fretting sharp or sounding “off” due to string flop.
One thing to be mindful of is muting – with an extended range, you have an extra string (or two) that can ring unintentionally. Good muting technique with both hands becomes even more important to keep your playing clean, especially in high-gain situations. Many 7/8-string players develop a habit of lightly touching the low string with the picking hand when it’s not in use, to keep it from ringing. It’s a small technique tweak, but worth noting for those new to ERGs (Extended Range Guitars). Also, if you use a tremolo/whammy bar, adding extra strings complicates the bridge mechanics and setup a bit. There are 7-string Floyd Rose bridges and such, but they can be finicky – a fixed bridge is simpler for a first 7-string, unless you really need the whammy. On multi-scales, if they have a tremolo, the bridge saddles are often angled or staggered, which is a clever engineering solution but can make finding replacement parts or doing setups slightly more involved. Again, these aren’t deal-breakers, just practical aspects to consider. Overall, from a playability standpoint, both 7-string and fanned-fret guitars are very approachable for the experienced player – and the ergonomic benefits can outweigh the initial quirks once you acclimate.
Genre Applications: Beyond the Metal Stereotype
One of our key goals is to highlight that 7-string and multi-scale guitars are not restricted to heavy metal. Let’s take a tour through several genres to see how these instruments can be employed:
Jazz and Fusion
In the jazz world, 7-string guitars have a revered place. As mentioned, players like George Van Eps and Bucky Pizzarelli used 7-strings to play walking bass lines under chord melodies, effectively becoming a one-person rhythm section. The extra low string allows fuller voicings – you can add lower intervals to chords that would be impossible on a 6-string, and you can drop in bass notes to outline the harmony. Traditional jazz guitar in a group context often leaves bass duties to an upright bass, but with a 7-string, a guitarist can comp chords and provide bass simultaneously in a pinch (for example, in a guitar-drums duo or when the bassist lays out). This approach was a game-changer for small jazz ensembles. In fact, the standard 6-string was considered limiting by some – that low A or B can really fill out the bottom end of an arrangement. Jazz guitarist Howard Alden, for instance, adopted a 7-string to emulate the tenor banjo range for trad jazz tunes, and others have followed. The nylon-string 7-string is also a staple in Brazilian choro and samba, where it’s used to play counterpoint bass lines (the style even has its own tuning and technique, called baixaria). This illustrates that beyond American jazz, the 7-string has roots in world and folk genres too.
Fusion players – those blending jazz with rock or funk – have also embraced extended range guitars. The complexity of fusion music (with its wide pitch range and rich chords) lends itself to having more notes on deck. A 7-string in fusion might be used to hold down a groove in the lower register like a funk guitar or even emulate bass riffs, then jump to a searing lead up high without switching instruments. Players in progressive jazz-fusion and instrumental rock (think folks like Al Di Meola, Frank Gambale, or more modern genre-benders) have dabbled in 7-strings to expand their soloing range and chordal palette. The multi-scale design doesn’t show up in traditional jazz much (jazz players tend to stick to tried-and-true archtops), but in the more experimental fusion scene you might spot fanned frets on headless ergonomic guitars favored by virtuosos who play long sets and appreciate the comfort. And let’s not forget Charlie Hunter – a unique jazz fusion artist who uses an 8-string hybrid guitar (with 5 guitar strings and 3 bass strings, often fanned-fret) to simultaneously cover guitar and bass parts in his trio. His approach is highly unorthodox but demonstrates the extreme end of what extended range can do in a jazz/funk context. The takeaway here is that in jazz and fusion, these guitars provide extra tools for accompaniment and improvisation, whether it’s extended chord voicings, independent bass lines, or simply access to new scales and arpeggios that span a wider range.
Progressive Rock and Metal
It’s in the progressive rock/metal realm that 7-string and multi-scale guitars gained their modern fame, and for good reason. Bands like Dream Theater, which helped popularize 7-strings in the 90s, showed that having an extended lower range was perfect for the genre’s dynamic shifts – from delicate clean passages to monstrous drop-tuned riffs. The 7-string became a staple for prog-metal and djent players (think of groups like Periphery, Meshuggah, and Animals as Leaders, who even pushed into 8-string territory). The obvious use here is the heavy riffing capability: that low B or A string lets you play palm-muted rhythms that shake the earth, all while still being able to play virtuosic solos on the higher strings. Multi-scale guitars are particularly beloved in this genre because they keep those super-low notes tight and in tune. If you’ve ever heard an 8-string guitar chugging in drop E or F in a metal mix, you know how crucial clarity is – fanned frets ensure each note is well-defined rather than a floppy buzz.
But progressive music isn’t just about heaviness; it’s also about complexity and experimenting with sound. A lot of prog guitarists utilize the 7-string’s range for more melodic freedom. They might write extended-range arpeggio passages or two-handed tapping parts that cover seven or eight strings across both high and low octaves, creating layered sounds that would be impossible on a standard guitar. Additionally, many prog compositions modulate into keys that benefit from extra low notes (for example, a song in B♭ minor where a low B♭ is musically satisfying – normally a bassist’s territory, now reachable on a 7-string guitar). The multi-scale’s ergonomic benefits also help here; prog songs often have fast tempo and demanding techniques, so any reduction in fatigue (thanks to a more natural wrist angle or consistent string tension) is welcome during those 10-minute epics.
It’s also worth noting that progressive rock players (not just metal) have used extended range instruments in more subtle ways. Steven Wilson’s band, for instance, or King Crimson in their later years, have toyed with extended-range guitars to achieve unique tunings and textures in a rock context that isn’t purely about “heaviness.” Even some avant-garde and experimental rock guitarists use 7-strings simply to be able to play wider-range chords or incorporate contrapuntal lines. In essence, the prog world treats the guitar almost like a piano in terms of range, and these instruments deliver the necessary notes. The stereotype might be 7-strings = metal only, but progressive players have proven they’re excellent for broadening the guitar’s voice in any ambitious music, heavy or not.
Classical and Beyond
While less common than in electric styles, 7-string (and beyond) guitars have a foothold in the classical realm as well. The classical guitar world has long experimented with extended-range instruments to expand repertoire – for instance, there are 8, 10, even 11-string classical guitars (the 19th-century harp guitar and Yepes 10-string are famous examples) designed to allow transcription of lute and orchestral works. Seven-string classical guitars (often tuned with an extra low C or B) are used in Russian classical guitar tradition and have seen use in pieces that require those extra bass notes. In fact, Russian traditional music of the 19th century commonly used a 7-string Russian guitar tuned to an open G major tuning; it was a whole parallel guitar culture apart from the 6-string Spanish guitarsweetwater.com. Today, some classical guitarists use 7-strings in order to play arrangements of piano or lute music without dropping sections an octave – the extended bass range lets them hit notes that a standard 6-string would miss. For example, pieces by Bach or Dowland that dip below E can be executed more faithfully with a 7-string guitar. The technique for classical 7-string is essentially the same, just adding that one extra bass string which is often incorporated into the standard tuning interval pattern (e.g. tuning to B or C).
Multi-scale classical guitars are also a thing – some luthiers build fanned-fret nylon string guitars to improve intonation and balance string tension between the warm-sounding basses and bright trebles. The fan frets can be subtle (maybe only a 20–25mm difference between low and high strings), but even that can help a lot with the clarity of tone. And for players who do a mix of styles, a multi-scale guitar strung with nylon could be an interesting crossover instrument, equally at home with classical pieces or Brazilian music that traditionally uses 7-string.
Beyond classical, there are other genres and uses: Film and game music composers sometimes employ 7 and 8-string guitars to cover a wider range in solo recordings (one person can record both the heavy riff and the accompanying guitar part in one take). Certain subgenres of ambient or post-rock music use extended range guitars for deep drone notes underpinning high melodic lines, creating a lush, layered effect. Even in blues or country, while rare, a 7-string can be used to add a bari-twang on the low end while keeping normal twang up top – imagine a chicken pickin’ pattern where you alternate between a low bass note and high chord snaps, all on one guitar. There really are no rules that say “you must use a 7-string only for X.” It’s all about the player’s creativity. As Sweetwater’s experts put it, today’s 7-string shows up in everything from rock to jazz to blues – and of course metal – proving these instruments can be at home in a surprising variety of genres.
Pros and Cons of 7-String and Multi-Scale Guitars
Before you rush out to add one of these axes to your arsenal, it’s wise to consider the practical pros and cons. Here’s a rundown for those contemplating a 7-string or a multi-scale (or both):
Pros:
- Extended Range: The most obvious benefit – you gain extra notes (usually lower) that expand what you can play. More range = more musical possibilities, from heavier riffs to extended chord voicings and bass lines under your solos.
- Versatility in Genres: Far from being one-dimensional, these guitars can fit into jazz, classical, fusion, prog, and beyond. You can comp walking bass in a jazz tune, then detune and riff in a metal song, all with the same instrument. This makes them great for players in multiple bands or teachers working in varied styles.
- Tuning Flexibility: With a 7-string or 8-string, you can experiment with alternate tunings (drop tunings, open tunings, etc.) while still retaining a “home base” standard tuning on the other strings. Multi-scale models handle extreme downtuning especially well, keeping the low notes in tune and punchy. It’s like having a built-in baritone and standard guitar in one.
- Fuller Sound: The added string can fill sonic space. In a trio or solo performance, a 7-string lets you play accompaniment and bass together, yielding a richer, fuller sound than a 6-string alone. In band settings, it can add depth without needing another instrument to cover that range.
- Improved Clarity and Tone: Multi-scale (fanned fret) designs in particular give each string an optimal length, so low notes stay tight and clear (no mud), and high notes sing out without being harsh. You get a balanced tone across the fretboard that’s hard to achieve on a one-scale-fits-all guitar.
- Ergonomic Benefits: Many players report that fanned-fret guitars are actually easier on the hands and wrists once you acclimate. The angled fret layout aligns with your natural finger curvature, potentially reducing strain. Even for 7-strings (non-fanned), the need to fret slightly differently can encourage better hand technique (e.g. more perpendicular finger approach), which can be a pro in the long run.
- Creative Inspiration: Simply put, having an extra string or a new fret layout can spark creativity. It challenges you to come up with new chord shapes, riffs, and ideas that you might not have discovered on a regular guitar. It can be refreshing for a seasoned player to break out of the 6-string habits and explore a new landscape.
Cons:
- Learning Curve: There’s no denying that there’s an adjustment period. With a 7-string, you have to train your muscle memory to a wider neck and to visualizing scales/chords across seven strings instead of six. With multi-scale, you have to get used to the unusual fret angles when shifting positions. These aren’t insurmountable obstacles (most players adapt relatively quickly), but it does take some practice and patience.
- Wider Neck and Bulk: The 7-string (or especially an 8-string) neck is wider and sometimes thicker, which can be uncomfortable for players with small hands or those who favor ultra-slim neck profiles. Extended stretches and certain thumb-over techniques (like Jimi Hendrix-style thumb bass notes) can be harder on a wider fretboard. The guitars can also be a tad heavier, though not always significantly so, depending on the build.
- Intimidation Factor: Psychologically, some players are put off by the “weird” look of fanned frets or the sheer presence of extra strings. It looks complicated, and that can be a barrier. Tradition-oriented guitarists might feel it’s not for them. As one writer noted, some will “always take the well-trodden, traditional path without even a sideways glance” at a multi-scale – and that’s okay. But it does mean these instruments can be niche; you have to be willing to be the person with the odd guitar in the room and answer curious questions about it!
- . Budget-friendly options exist, but if you’re picky about specs, you might have limited choices and could end up paying a premium.
- Hardware and String Constraints: More strings mean you’ll need to find the right string sets and possibly tweak your setup. Not all music stores carry 7-string or 8-string sets as readily as standard sets (though online shopping helps). If you break a string at a gig, you can’t just borrow a set from any other guitarist unless they also carry extended range strings. Additionally, hardware like pickups and bridges are specific: 7-string pickups, multi-scale bridges, etc., which slightly limits aftermarket options. For multi-scale guitars, pickup choices can be especially limited because the pickups often need to be angled or in specific fanned arrangements. In short, modding or repairing these guitars can be less straightforward than a standard Strat or Les Paul.
- Not Always Necessary: This “con” is more philosophical – not everyone actually needs a 7-string or multi-scale guitar for the music they play. If you mostly strum open chords for singer-songwriter stuff or play in a genre that never ventures below low E, an extended-range guitar might be overkill (and the extra string might just add complexity or unwanted noise). Some players find that they don’t use the 7th string as much as they thought, and it can even become a crutch to play extra notes that don’t actually serve the song. It’s worth evaluating whether the music you want to play truly benefits from the extra range or if you’re just chasing the novelty. The same goes for fanned frets – if you aren’t downtuning or having tension issues on a 6-string, a multi-scale’s advantages might be subtle. It’s not really a con of the guitar itself, but more a reminder that it should match your musical needs.
- Adaptation in Ensemble: If you do play with others (especially a bassist or another guitarist), using the extended range requires a bit of arrangement awareness. For instance, if you have a bassist, chugging away on your low B the whole time could muddy up the bass region or step on the bassist’s sonic space. Good ensemble playing means sometimes laying off the low string when it’s not needed – essentially knowing when to use your powers and when to hold back. This isn’t a huge problem, but initially a guitarist might overuse the low range and get some raised eyebrows from the bass player (“Stay out of my register, dude!”). With experience, you’ll learn to integrate the extended range tastefully.
After weighing these pros and cons, you can decide if a 7-string or multi-scale guitar is right for you. For many, the pros – especially the expanded musical possibilities – far outweigh the drawbacks, but it’s a personal decision and depends on your goals as a player.
Conclusion
7-string and multi-scale guitars open up a world of new possibilities on the instrument. Whether you’re craving heavier riffs, jazzier chords, or simply a fresh challenge to spice up your playing, these guitars deliver. We’ve seen that while they’re awesome tools for metal and progressive styles, they’re by no means limited to them – from jazz clubs to classical recitals, extended-range guitars have made their mark. The technical features like extended range, varied scale lengths, and improved ergonomics are all means to one end: making music in new ways. As with any instrument change, there’s an adjustment period, but countless players report that once they took the leap, they wondered why they hadn’t tried it sooner. As one multi-scale enthusiast put it, never judge a guitar by its looks – give it a fair try and it might pleasantly surprise you.
If you’re an experienced player or a teacher, think about how a 7-string could allow you to arrange pieces more fully, or how a fanned-fret guitar might benefit a student who’s experimenting with down-tuned styles. Even if you ultimately stick to six strings for most gigs, exploring these instruments can broaden your understanding of the guitar’s capabilities. At the very least, the next time someone insists “those guitars are just for metal,” you’ll be armed with plenty of counter-examples and insights to set the record straight! In the end, music is all about experimentation and growth. 7-string and multi-scale guitars are simply extensions of the guitar family that invite us to expand our sonic horizons. So if you’re curious, don’t be afraid to pick one up at the shop and noodle around – you might discover a whole new range (pun intended) of inspiration in your hands. Happy exploring, and keep on playing!
Sources: The information and insights in this article were informed by a variety of experienced players and experts, including the extended-range guitar guides at Sweetwater and zZounds, jazz guitarists’ perspectives from Jazz Guitar Today and Chicago Gold Gallery, and luthier insights on multi-scale design from The Art of Lutherie, among others. Each citation in the text points to the specific source for the quoted or referenced material. Enjoy the journey with your extended-range explorations!