BARITONE OR 7 STRING? | Which One Suits You?

[@RabeaMassaad]

This is the last video from my old studio! So I've had my 7 string for some time, and I decided to work out which was better suited to me out of a Baritone and a 7 String. Perhaps you guys can help shed some light on the benefits of each one?

[@dylanlbdb]

I'm more into baritones because it feels more natural, also loving the new studio can't wait for some videos in the new place! 🤘

[@MrWhitieWolf]

You said the pick-up were stock? Try changing them out and listen to them again.

[@Airguardian]

Moved to 7 string myself years ago... now I actually find it hard to go back to 6 string as mostly everything I play is on 7 strings so I can't even play most of the tunes I know back on the 6 string... Now I'm experimenting with drop-D tunning on the 6 string though and I'm diggin' it :) But that extra string comes so handy...

[@carlosalmeida7174]

Have you ever tried putting thinner strings on your baritone and tune it higher, like C standard or so? I play 6 string guitars tunned to C on a 25,5 scale and to have the tension I need, only with 12-60 string gauge which already cost me tendinitis. What scale length would you recomend to use like 10-52 strings in this tunning? I'm buying a cheap 7 string soon to see how it goes, but I'm leaning towards a 6 string baritone! Cheers \m/

[@CoolStuffDad]

Like 6’s & 7’s both, no experience with a baritone- and have to say totally digging the Chapman 7, and that Karnivool shirt!

[@antenna7002]

I'm going to pull a pro-gamer move : *buys a 7 string baritone*

[@nick3718]

7 string baritones are tuned to €̵̧̨̛̰̬̦̟̳̻͚̞͖̻̙̖̬͙̦̻̮̣̲̭̤̘̣͈̤͇̱̼͋̿̈́͒͗̿͂̑̈́̔̌̄̓̍̓̋̏͌̀͒͋͗́̑̈̔̀͊̑̾̃̈̋́̐̀̒́̀̽̋̀́̀̐̋̎̓̂̿́͗̇͒̈́̂̄̔͗̍̇̅̀̇͒̒̃́̌͊͌̅̿̿̈́̈́̽̽̔̾̋͊̂̏̂͂͆͆̓͐̄́͌̃͗̈͒͂̉͊́̕͘̕̚̕̚͘͜͝͝͝͝͠͠͝͝͝ standard

[@sRichterMusic]

@@nick3718 true

[@sRichterMusic]

scale lenght is counted in meters

[@Walaard]

What about a 8 string baritone?

[@pedrof1239]

@@Walaard well, that will most likely be a standard 8 string, since the major part of the 8 strings out there actually have baritone scale lengths

[@EoPatrux]

As a baritone player, my baritone is a lot brighter and less "djenty" than 7-Strings. But I still go for it due to "confort" reasons :)

[@chusamusic1409]

What about matching the string sizes? Low E and up

[@adamskold6395]

@@chusamusic1409 If you match the string gauges the baritone will be brighter for the same tuning since the tension on the string will be higher. If you match the tension by using thicker strings on the 7 string it should be closer in sound, but the baritone will still produce more lower harmonics and stronger upper harmonics. The longer string gives more harmonics over all in fact, so it's brighter and thicker and more of everything at the same time, confusingly enough.

[@toemasmeems]

@@adamskold6395 it all depends on a variation of things, my Schecter KM7 mkiii is brighter than any of my other guitars. I think the Strings being cobalts and the pickups make a difference but also the body is swamp ash that makes a big difference

[@adamskold6395]

@@toemasmeems The pickups and strings makes a huge difference. The body wood does not make a measurable difference though.

[@toemasmeems]

@@adamskold6395 I’m saying I can throw up a video to prove. I have soldered my pickups in multiple guitar bodies during lockdown and yeah huge enough differences to be stated. Mahogany, swamp ash, bass wood way different in terms of resonance, and weight which in turn mostly affect the bass response

[@drittal]

Pickups are different, that’s 90% of the difference IMO when running heavy gain.

[@TheLightweaver777]

We know there can be a huge difference between 6-string pickups, and that's only magnified by adding the extra width to accommodate another string (more wire per winding, longer magnets, the whole package). I'm sure there's some tonal offering from the wood, but it's a tiny part of a high gain sound. I 100% agree that it's the pickup(s).

[@BennyVanHalen]

Also the scale length, the baritone is a whole 1 1/2 inches longer on the scale, so the strings are gonna have more tension at the same pitch, which will give more trebble and clarity

[@MenkoDany]

Came here to say this, it is probably the pickups

[@kuzWich]

I wouldn’t shoot for 90% personally just cause of the pickups, but definitely is a game changer. Again, scale length and bolt-on design (string gauge?) of the baritone would justify the rather punchier/clearer output. There are way too much variables here, so no way they could sound even close. Who said it was the goal though, anyway... Different gear for various situations - Rabea’s gonna make use of both, that’s one thing I am sure of...

[@kimseniorb]

Its the pickup placement you simpletons. In relation to the scale

[@RabeaMassaad]

Thanks for the replies guys. I’m sure if I put the same pickups in both the tones would be a bit closer in terms of EQ. But I still feel there is a fundamental difference in the way the guitar produces the notes, in its resonance or timbre etc. Like the rounded mid honk the 7 has as opposed to the thicker or wider mid honk that the baritone has. Does anyone know what I mean?

[@jamesdewey133]

Rabea Massaad yea man, I have an Arz307 and a Arz300 (6-7 variants of the same guitar) I play both in drop A on occasion and even though the pickups, Wood, setup, etc. effect tone a lot there is some kind of timbre change between them, that being said I’m enjoying watching your journey a lot!

[@regianalfarizi]

Maybe because of string tension??

[@e.g.systems6146]

Yep, it's that "piano" thing that you get from a baritone because it's a longer string which is tuned to a higher tension at the same pitch when compared to a standard length guitar. I have a 6-string tuned to B standard, and while I love the sound, it's very flubba-dubba on the low strings.

[@DonkeyFreckle]

at like 3:55 to like 4:03, were you picking and plucking with your finger or were you muting with your finger after picking? couldn't tell but it sounds clean.

[@kuzWich]

Yeah, sounds familiar. Especially when you used the ‘scientific’ term ‘honk’ in the video - that describes it spot on;)). I was surprised how single-coilished some sounds were on my 7 27”, when I first got it

[@junomartini-zeller614]

As someone who started playing on a 7-string guitar, I can say that there is something about playing a 7-string that can lend itself to playing in different tunings easier than a 6-string. Playing 6-strings has always felt different to me, never in a limiting or uncomfortable way, but just in a way that required me to take a different look at the way I play the respective guitar. I tend to be much more riff-oriented when it comes to my 7, and when I play 6 strings, I play much more leads. I think when you approach playing different guitars than you're used to, it should never be viewed as "which is the better one" outright. There may be better ones for your playing style, but every guitar is different to every person and should present a new challenge, a new opportunity, and a new way to expand your use of the instrument to become a more well-versed and capable musician. The best option for anyone and everyone out there is an open mind.

[@mickcolton914]

Bro, I know this was posted 5 months ago but... that was poetic AF! Love it 👍

[@michaelmacleod6517]

Would you say that 7 strings are better suited for rhythm players?

[@junomartini-zeller614]

@@michaelmacleod6517 3 years later i'd just say do what feels best when you play it. i switched to 6 strings since i play more blues and funk now and my ibanez does wonders, try out a bunch of stuff and do what works best for you :)

[@CoenBijpost]

I like that on a 7 string, you get true extended range, while on a baritone it’s only lowered range. I feel like I’m losing out on the top. Even though I never really hit that far up the dusty end 😂

[@adeptusmechanicus1029]

Baritone 7 string

[@keofir]

@@adeptusmechanicus1029 bass ibanez 7 string with 3 fretless with piezo ... end of the game

[@cyborgchimpy]

@@adeptusmechanicus1029 multiscale 7 string

[@keithmooore]

Learn pinch harmonics and you won't lack the high end

[@sneeringimperialist340]

I'd say the primary reason to go for a seven string over a baritone is, if like me you play in drop tunings, you can tune a seven string to drop A and not only access all the chords of a drop tuning, but of standard tuning as well. Your barre chord options really go through the roof. Drop A really is a very versatile tuning.

[@poulwinther]

I think the primary reason is to have lower tuning with normal scale length with normal lead playability. I don't like drop tunings at all :-)

[@sneeringimperialist340]

@@poulwinther fair enough, most 7 strings have a similar scale length to baritones with 26.5-27 inches. And to be honest, with metal music which is what most 7 string players play, tending to be in the key of whatever the lowest string is tuned to, the extra high E string wouldn't give you that many more usable notes.

[@poulwinther]

@@sneeringimperialist340 Most 7-strings? I really beg to differ, and certainly none of mine. :-) I constantly use the high E to the 24th fret and besides, I can play different chord voicings and riffs without compromising the lead part at all.

[@ThePersia450]

Agreed

[@c.m5043]

I pair my 7 with a digitech drop pedal too. I can play everything from def leppard to meshuggah on one guitar.

[@mattkay4960]

You're absolutely killer on both, but the creativity and riffs just pour out of you when you pick up your baritone sig.

[@shanewirkes]

Seriously, the shit he plays with the baritone is way sicker.

[@Gwarnine]

could that just be comfort tho?

[@julessievert6175]

Gwarnine I’d guess it is

[@chaselearkendall]

mostly just because like he said the 7 is alien to him, Give him some time and he'll be killing it just as much on the 7! for now though I agree with your comment. Interested in seeing him progress with the 7.

[@themoxcast]

Baritone guitars aren't for amateurs, they're a guitarists guitar.

[@RedRose4711]

I personally prefer the Baritone. It sounds more precise with a more agressive tone...dare I say more 'brutal' even. It's a little brighter too.

[@arthurleonepimenta2266]

Yeah, I agree. Much brighter, more treble, produces a more balanced sound, IMO. 7-string was really mid-y, more undefined. Personally, I liked the baritone waaaaay better.

[@getmeoutofsanfrancisco9917]

​@@arthurleonepimenta2266 Depends on what you are going for tone-wise on a given tune or section. They each have their own independent use-cases.

[@Decimation13]

IMO the sound difference has more to do with the pickups, string gauges & scale length.

[@ERWebster]

You started playing on the 7, and I was like "That sounds great, why not just have the extra range?". Then you broke out the baritone, and that tone, omg so good. Would be interested to see how the 7 changes with a Ragnarok bridge. As things stand right now though, the baritone all the way.

[@kimseniorb]

ER Webster its about the pickup placement

[@didtoknan8128]

Your sig Baritone has a 28" scale length vs 26.5" for the ML1-7 Pro. So the A string will sound more clear and also will be smaller for the same tension. Basically if you do need that extra e string, your baritone is the way to go !

[@AndrewAviles]

You often post about a topic I am researching. Thank you for being a mind reader.

[@cchavez248]

This might be a strange way to express the difference in sound between the 7 string and the Baritone but , to me, the Baritone has a different vowel "Baaaa Baaa", where the 7 string sounds more like "Bow, Bow". I prefer the sound of the Baritone but I have a differing theory as to why the chugging sounds different on the Baritone vs. the 7 string. In the same manner a tele tends to lose a bit of it's twangy sound when a shorter scale neck is bolted to it, the longer scale of the baritone might be contributing to the snappier sound of the Baritone. It would be interesting to see if the sound of the Baritone could be, more accurately, recreated on a multi-scale 7 string. Awesome video, Bea, thx!

[@jasonstone8587]

Every since I purchased a Boss Gt 1000 I've been getting into ambient playing and tones , and thank you for doing that in depth look at the GT 1000 vid where you showed how it's possible to have two channels true stereo , really clear and informative. ...since that vid I've purchased two FR active Speaker's and it sounds awesome , much Appreciated Rabea. I use a Baritone guitar alot. I took to it straight away ....being a six string I didn't notice....

[@SamtheMan845]

I wish this was a 21 minute vid of bea playing ambient stuff on his baritone

[@kyleboggs1966]

Baritone for me on both..... Personally... I love 7-string guitars, and drop tuning the Low B is the way to go!

[@12ealDealOfficial]

I was forced to move up to 7 strings for the last cover I did on my channel, having never played one before. The opening riff is a sequence of arpeggios with the root note of the lowest one being the A1 and the highest note being a C5, so it spans almost the entire fretboard across all 7 strings. Now I own a low end RG8 and play that more than all of my other guitars, even for rock. There's something about the wide, flat neck that I find preferable to regular six strings, and I can't describe what it is. Six string guitars feel like toys to me now.

[@dadbodmetalgod]

I've been playing 7 strings for 5 years now, and 9 strings for 2 years now. I found that I prefer the string tension of standard tuning but like the extended range of a 7, 8, or 9 offers. Honestly Bea, with the kind of break-neck riffage you do on a 6, I think a 7 for you would be like taking ankle weights off! Keep up the good work homie! Cheers from Oregon!

[@RequiemDead]

As a player who plays both 6, 7, and 8, I find it relatively easy to transition because of the way I view the additional strings and tunings. To me it's just an extension of the octave that I would be playing in 6 string so I more focus on the root note rather than there is just an extra string. I mean there is only 12 notes so it's not like extra notes being added lol. Hope your journey goes well!

[@rsa4834]

Exactly. I got into 7 strings about 2 or 3 years after picking up the guitar for the first time. People all said it was too soon but it never bothered me. All it took was like 60 seconds' embarrassment in a local guitar store haha. I mean, it's just one more string! It's not even burried in the middle of the fretboard; it's the lowest one.

[@jordanpurcell5161]

I see it all the time it’s seem like it’s 50/50. I picked up a 7 thinking it would take me a while to get used to it an hour later I was like wtf was I worried about? Kind of came naturally.

[@shawmutt]

You play both three?

[@RequiemDead]

@@shawmutt I mainly play 6 and 7 but my 8 string is my homage to my favorite band Meshuggah and wanted to write some funeral doom on it as well.

[@davidburke2132]

Jared W The point Mike is trying to make is one about language... “both” is a word that should only be used with regard to two things very specifically. As soon as you mention three or more different options then you shouldn’t use “both” anymore. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@gwarriorfromhell]

This is a great way to show that transition to 7 string is not simply adding another string. There are so many different levels of intricacies that are brought to the table and some do struggle with it at first. I personally have been playing for 19 years and about 16 or them were on 7 string. I have my 7 for my heavier stuff I want to play or that deeper tone, and a few different 6 string setups in different tunings are they each have a different tone and have their place. Like a 7 string standard and a 6 string in drop A# both have different feels and tones that can be used. While I'm nowhere near as good as him, this is still a great example of jumping to the next string level. Next up, getting an 8 string and learning to play that beast.

[@EmptyDomoKanti99]

Rabea’s licks always have a certain funk i just love, sweet jesus listening to this was amazing

[@joehumphreys5571]

That baritone chug is so much better to my ears. So glad you made this video, I've been wanting to go to a baritone for a long time.

[@blankspace0000]

Personally I think the difference in tone has more to do with the different pickups and scale lengths as opposed to the difference in wood type and neck size. Everything I've heard from the Ragnaroks seems to sound a lot like Misha's current signature sound which is also much brighter and doesn't have near as much of that rounded midrange thing. And then of course the 28" in drop A is going to be more bright and twangy than the 26.5 so I'm sure that adds to it. Both still sound good in their own respects but for me the baritone really shines in drop G or lower.

[@adamswarbrick8791]

Can you please make a video explaining your ambient style of playing? it sounds amazing and I would love to try it!

[@iam5486]

I second this. Yes please

[@ex_zack_attack4395]

Yes

[@sinkxorxswim]

Holy shit, yes! X1

[@TRiToX91]

I think it has to do with where you think of the scale shape as starting. I think of my 7 string as a 6 with a bonus A, so the E string is still my reference point for chords and scales.

[@300WINMAG360]

I play a 27 inch scale 7 string and I love it. I had a 25.5 inch 7 string and never got along with it. I don't like really thick strings so having a baritone 7 is perfect. Also the longer scale makes the low B sound so much tighter and more clear.

[@ThomasLintrup]

Interesting tone test, between the baritone and the 7 string. It sounds like, through my crappy headphones, that the baritone has more definit mids (maybe upper mids) and seems to cut more. While both sounds great, I like the baritone more. Keep up the good work!

[@boomiedave]

I am super late to this party, but I thank you so much for this video. I just bought a baritone guitar and already have a 7 string as my main go to and this video cemented why I need both in my life. ❤

[@stageleftguitar5887]

Cool video. So I was in a bit of a quandary myself. I owned a couple of seven strings and liked them, but playing on them was just ok. I always felt like I had to think about what I was doing, instead of just playing. My guitars for my current project Dark Avenue are all 6 strings set up, strung 13-62 and tuned to Drop B, (B-F#-B-E-G#-C#) and I’m super comfortable with them and that tuning. I however have always been intrigued by true baritones, as their tonal/sonic register is still different sounding than a standard scale guitar tuned down. So I sold one of my 7 strings and purchased a 6 string baritone, and I must say I love it. I do feel more at home on it for sure. When I tune it the same as my 6 string standard scale there is a tonal difference for sure, it’s a bit “throatier” sounding if that’s a word lol. But now that I have a true baritone I have started to explore more than just being tuned down low. Since it sits between bass and guitar it has started to open up some sonic creative ideas... I’ll record something in a Drop D tuning, and then play along with it on the baritone in a Drop A (B standard with a drop a to match my drop d guitar) the natural harmonies and solid/full tones when chording are really cool. I’m playing more and more with my baritone and really like it a lot. I do spend a fair amount of time on my other 7.... but to me the 6 still feels like home

[@wilsonsguitarlounge8244]

Cheeky Karnivool part at 16:38. (From Umbra at 3:40) One of my favorite things about Bea’s videos is picking out references to other bands that I love in his playing. Especially when he plays a Karnivool part because I almost always recognize it.

[@Rudrakshstf23]

That Ambient bit on the baritone was beautiful

[@ADDYNFCHD]

I’m not a metal player but the differences, sonically, between the 7 and the Baritone shocked me massively. Great demo🤘

[@brianmcdonald3488]

They sent me one just means my friend Rob Chapman gave me one.

[@kiltymacbagpipe]

Brian McDonald or his buddy Lee or Matt.

[@bishopm4401]

Well he’s a Chapman artist with his own signature Chapman guitar. He has the hookups

[@hu4lifefuckdeuce]

Are you upset by it or something

[@Metal_Dinosaur]

Old McDonald had a whinge, Oh 1 Oh 1 Oh

[@erikm2300]

Pickup positioning/placement seems to make the most impact on the overall character of the lower notes from what I’ve been observing more recently . All the guitars I have that have those snappy/thin sounding low notes often have the pickup a bit closer to the bridge than the others while the ones with the more pronounced low-mids often have a bit more space between them. The extra real estate and choice of wood on those 7s may actually help to further round out, smooth and darken those notes.

[@Hiro.the.God.]

I just purchased a 7 string yesterday. I’m learning guitar for the first time at 51. I couldn’t find a guitar I liked until I play my new 7 string. I even started writing a song with it. Coming from a keyboard background, it just seems like a more creative juice flowing instrument for me, rather than trying to be SRV if that makes sense. Anyways, cheers 🍻

[@ProjeKtWEREWOLF]

How's the learning going?

[@off-meta-michael]

I prefer the baritone in the back to back test but it really just depends on what one would play and in what context. Both sounded pretty brutal in the lower register, just different. You seem to play more comfortably on the 6 string, despite you saying the baritone was "slightly more uncomfortable for lead."

[@gerry6969]

This was very interesting! I just love your baritone's tone. It's so rich! Also, Grinding Gears 1 and 2 are the best albums i've heard in years

[@JoeNadir89]

4:40 Dude, I just watched this video again and realized how you play those fast picking parts. Could you make a video talking about how you developed your hybrid picking technique? Thanks!

[@JDStoneCreations]

I watched this, as a Baritone player and maker, thinking "ah crap, what if I prefer the sound of the 7 string? I mean he has talked about punchier mids and thats what I like in a guitar tone"... And then you chugged on the 7 with the Baritone back to back. I am happy to report I think I made the right decision. For me at least 😊

[@jomesias]

A seven string guitar can also be a baritone scale, though most aren’t 27 inches scale. lol it’s a bit shorter like 26 or 26.5. In the end it’s about comfortability (or lack of) with the wider neck on the 7 string. In a baritone you cut out the 1st string, and end up with a limited upper range. And with a 7 string you have an extended lower range with a normal high e string range. Like everything in life: it’s about pros and cons. Keep on rocking 🤘 🤘

[@marctross69]

I prefer the baritone sound personally. The 7 sounds brighter to me, guessing it gets the advantage of additional harmonics changing the tone.

[@stefanmccabe4705]

5:07 the exact reason why I have the low tuned to A. I can keep the standard tuning and have bigger power chords. Plus I dont need to learn another string, cuz I already know the notes on the regular A string.

[@mostlyirishcarguy8955]

9:02 I can't be the only one that hears a little bit of the friends theme there.

[@ianwaking]

That is it just in a different rhythm pattern

[@guitarsimon1]

👏👏👏👏

[@guitarsimon1]

Shit that looks really sarcastic, I mean the friends clap btw please don’t hate me!

[@nvmbrsdoom5]

Thank you for this video, always glad to hear more folks championing baritone guitars and helping explain to folks what the difference is. I've been hearing the "why don't you just play a seven string" question for so damn long from people! Tried out your signature Bari at NAMM a while back and really loved it. Keep up the great work, cheers.

[@lukaszkursa6741]

One is 28” (baritone) other is 26.5(7-strings). That is the sound and feeling milestone man. Like for real.

[@whitaker_media]

You know, I was a total advocate for the 7 string for years because it makes so much sense on paper, but then when I finally got the chance to start gigging with it, I couldn't handle 'em all. Keeping it clean while sitting still in a bedroom studio is easy, but once I got up and moving and trying to mix in with a band my competency went way down. Going back to a baritone 6 boosts my confidence way more and gives me way more control, with just as much freedom.

[@gabriellf_9304]

I prefer 7 strings guitars rather than a baritone guitar, because the seven strings has more versatility

[@Chicagosmisfit]

Its really the Muscian who plays the instrument. But everyone has a preference

[@armax00]

I have started recently learning guitar and I am thinking to add a 7 strings in my arsenal. It feels it could be interesting so it is nice to indeed think that afterall is a personal choice :)

[@HouseMusicLover001]

@@armax00 so did you get a 7-string?

[@peterbatten596]

I always struggled with drop tuning because I loved the simplicity for the rhythm when writing. But when it came to spicing up the riffs/progressions with my love for playing partial and full barre chords would clash and the 7 string just made riffs/progressions that sweet spot.

[@mattc4013]

I did something unique with my guitar. I got an ESP LTD guitar that was advertised as a "7-string baritone", but when I got it, it was tuned like a standard 7-string guitar; they only called it a baritone because of it's 27-inch scale length. So I re-strung it make it what I originally thought it was: I got a set of strings for an 8-string guitar, and used the bottom 7, I tuned the top 6 strings to baritone B-standard, and the 7th to low F# or low E. So I can go as low as an 8-string, but with the distinctive sound of a baritone.

[@romnz]

I did exactly the same

[@xxXthekevXxx]

I have a 7-string baritone Agile Scepter 30” scale (a discontinued model) and it is always tuned in standard or drop A. Because it is 1) string-through bridge 2) tune-o-matic bridge (has the extra bit of string going back and down through the body) 3) 30” scale 4) reverse-inline headstock, I can’t find strings long enough to fit it except the one custom extra long set Rondo (maker of Agile) offers on their website, and it is a set way thinner on the rhythm end than I am comfortable with, so it has to be tuned in standard to not be floppy. Ironically, the high E string they send is an 8 and is actually too thick and snaps just from tuning to E despite the other strings being too floppy, so I swapped it with a 7 I got from Stringjoy. Overall, despite the issues I’m having finding ~45” strings that will fit it, the guitar sounds absolutely wonderful with the extra long scale length and SD Nazguls! The thin strings cause the sustain to really suffer though... next time I buy a custom set from Stringjoy for my 8-string, I will compare the length to the Agile to see if the strings are long enough!

[@xxXthekevXxx]

Sorry for the essay, but maybe you’ll find reading about my unique guitar with unique problems interesting 😂

[@timmoran6280]

what I love is having a baritone 7 string. 27" scale and seven strings. You can do drop A with a standard 10-56 set, plus you get all that low tuning while keeping things tight and still having the full range of a standard tuned 6 string. Flip it back up to b standard or any tuning you want. Just gotta have a narrow enough neck.

[@pimsmise]

PLEASE Bea, read this. Great video! But there is a very simple solution to your problem, and I don't recall you mentioning having tried it. Tune the lower 6 strings like your baritone, and leave the highest string as is. That way you have the best of both world. Chord shapes, reflexes, muscle memory from a baritone for the 6 lower strings, and an extra high string to increase lead range!

[@halohat2286]

Been playing 7 strings for a little over 10 years. Just sold my last 7 string custom. I'm going to go back to 6 string baritones. Both are great guitars and I must say I really like your sig baritone and 7 string. The one thing that seems to be a constant is the different players saying that the baritone 6 strings are great for clean or heavy sounds and not their favorite for something in between. I suppose for me I can get as heavy on a 6 string baritone as any 7 string and there are more choices with 6 strings. Throw in a 25.5 Tele or 24 3/4 LP or Explorer or SG and I think I'd be pretty happy. Thank you for your video, I really enjoyed it as well as your playing.

[@Th_RealDirtyDan]

I recently started playing 7 string where instead of standard 6 tuning + a low string, you have a standard 6 + a high string. I keep it in drop C with a high G on top and it’s SO fun to play

[@jameswalker591]

I truly appreciate you willingness to show us imperfection and your fearlessness to learn and share.

[@tel5690]

Rebea......I have been playing 7 string since the 90's. The large neck has a different feel...and tone...Baritones are good...depends on the person...love your approach.....keep at it...I switch back in forth 6/7 string all the time...cheers mate

[@bartlaan1996]

Hey man... What's with the... You know... All those ellipses...

[@sashabagdasarow497]

I just love how savage 7 and more strings look on a guitar (especially on bridge side). It's just so dope!

[@pszypulski]

Hey, great vid! Have you tried tuning to A E A D F# B E so the 6 lower strings match the 6 string guitar?

[@mikieb77]

pszypulski my opinion. That’s the way to go on a 7.

[@maynardburger]

@@mikieb77 That's fine if you plan on sticking with that, but it's equally gonna mess you up if you're trying to read tabs or play other people's music that dont use this tuning.

[@mikieb77]

maynardburger In that case. Make it your own!

[@pszypulski]

@@maynardburger Maybe, but using what appear to be unconventional methods are what develop styles and characteristics of people's playing. And besides, tabs can always be adjusted to compensate. In my band atm, I'm learning an opeth song in the original key, but my bass is tuned a full step down. The tabs I'm using I have to adjust accordingly in order to get to the end goal of being able to play the song.

[@killerspyder1]

@@maynardburger i switch guitars for that. Always nice to have variety. Looking for a tele next:)

[@raywellman2851]

I have a 7 string, and I don’t think I’ll ever need or want a 6 string again. Feels incredibly comfortable after a couple months of playing, extended range is amazing. That said, I have a 6 string acoustic I play regularly, and it doesn’t feel foreign at all. I also have a 5 string bass, also never going back lol, 7 strings feel like what the “standard” should have been.

[@figjam9530]

why go with "or" when "and" is on the table?

[@tobyeatsworms2529]

Hey Rabea! That chord you talked about around 14:30 is a major add 9 with an 11th and 13th in case you'd like to know!

[@Burnt_Gerbil]

I prefer my 8-string for the same reason. I can still do leads and go for the low stuff too.

[@jarelllockhart6710]

Two years have passed. How does the 7 string feel now? I just got my second ever 7 string. I got it with a floyd rose though. I really want a chapman baritone after watching this. I do play alots of leads and rhythm,but that sound is just amazing on the baritone.

[@erniethered]

I wouldn’t give it the “djent” label... That being said, you just mentioned in the video that you have the Bare Knuckles in the Baritone and the stock PUs in the 7. That’s gonna make a huge difference. I like the tight sound of the 7 on the chugging. But, I’m sure that the Baritone could do the same if it was the same electronics and woods.

[@DG-po3gi]

I found a multiscale 7 string works best, personally. That way on the low end you have essentially a 7 string baritone. The tone and string tension is great even in drop A while still retaining clarity and definition if you use a .062-ish string for the low A

[@BboyArpeggios]

Elderlyy. I agree 💯% I have a Rgms7 and i absolutely love it. 25.5 on the high like a 6 string, and 27 on the low for great tension and clarity. Plan on moddin it soon, but multi scale 7strings are the way to go 👌

[@billypunton8867]

"Djenty Honk" sounds like a tremendous name for an EP.

[@jackpijjin4088]

As opposed to "Honky Djent" but that works as a pun :V

[@JacobJ265]

I started with 6 strings and had only been playing 4 months when I got my first 7 string. It was daunting at first.. I still hadn't even learned the basics on a 6 string then dove in head first to 7. I made the right choice :)

[@jetset9561]

The first thing I thought on the 7 vs Baratone was the B was much brighter and as soon as you said it had different pickups I'm sorry Rabea but that makes the test invalid.

[@gijslammertink662]

1:46

[@jetset9561]

@@gijslammertink662 Yes I heard that as well but asking us to decide between an apple and an orange (or 7 string with pickup A and 6 string with pickup B) was what was Rabea asked us so that's what I told him.

[@agentvx8320]

Huh. Surprisingly, the difference between baritone and 7 string is one of the clearest distinctions I've heard in any kind of A/B comparison guitar video on KZbin. I wouldn't have thought there'd be that much difference in tone. Very informative video!

[@s.n.8128]

ive been playing low tuning so long that the 7 string arriving next week will "feel" like having an extra high string lmao.

[@markd5235]

I don’t have a Baritone and just the 7, but had the same thoughts as you around riffing and chords, riffing felt good but chords through me off. Then I found the trick to tune the D string down a half step in standard tuning, then the chord shapes for the lower six strings match, and it plays like a Baritone with a high string to add some extra tone. This was a game changer for me as for chords. I then go back to standard tuning on the D when playing leads and it’s like having a lower string to play with.

[@raf_the_riffer]

I think the baritone sounds brighter because of the 28” scale. In the same way, Les Pauls are “thicker” sounding than fat Strats because of the shorter scale length. That said, I like the brighter sound of the Baritone, I think it’s one of their defining characteristics.

[@nalonlefournis]

SkinnyMan I’m just going to try and start an argument by putting it out there that as they’re made of different woods is one of the main reasons for the tone differences, tonewood everybody! I’m sorry

[@SuffyANX]

@@nalonlefournis I would point out the fact that LP's have humbuckers as a much more objectively important factor than any materials or scale length.

[@nalonlefournis]

Suffy yeah I totally agree, I just mean in the sense of the baritone and 7string

[@raf_the_riffer]

Suffy hence why I said “fat strats” as in strats with humbuckers

[@cordero6960]

im pretty sure 90% of the sound comes from the pickups....but hey people can have their own opinion no matter how stupid is it...its cool..my cool with that

[@NateTheGreat308]

I think what might aid the slight tonal differences between the guitars is the scale lengths and bridge pickup positions. The 7 string has a 26.5" scale and the bridge humbucker is routed in *slightly* farther away from the bridge than I would usually see on a guitar. Then your baritone has a 28" scale with the bridge humbucker routed in as close to the bridge you would want it. I think that adds to the baritone having a sort of slightly "quackier" sound because of those aspects where the 7 string guitar sounds a bit rounder.

[@Vae_]

Sevens are cool, but I'm always way more comfortable on a six.

[@xxXthekevXxx]

Jordan Carlson I believe it’s all relative to what you’re used to playing on. I’ve been playing strictly on my 7- and 8-strings for the last few months and when I went to play my 6-string yesterday, the neck felt so small in my hands that I was uncomfortable! Haha

[@Vae_]

@@xxXthekevXxx Definitely! I've just never been able to get over that "this neck feels huge" hurdle with 7s and 8s.

[@julessievert6175]

Kevin Benoit had the same issue ;D

[@nickr1627]

Rabea! Rolling through old ' in can ' vids from his old space - keep killing it man!

[@mattharriss3835]

I bought my Rabea yesterday from Guitar Center... it's on it's way. I'm shitting myself with excitement.

[@EliasOwnage95]

Did you get it yet?

[@mattharriss3835]

@@EliasOwnage95 Yes I did a couple weeks ago. It's perfect in every way... sounds amazing!!! I am so happy.

[@seanciezki563]

Switched to baritone after playing a standard for years. I have always enjoyed the sound of the baritone over a standard 7 string. That 5 string being a F# on a Bari as opposed to the same sting being G on a 7 standard threw me off a bit when it came to chord shaping. Being able to use the same shapes top to bottom sold me on the baritone.

[@unmike19]

Both stunning, do love the baritone sound better, and I'm more a 6 string player so biased. But also, get lost in watching you shred man. Great video as always!!

[@lozssaddict]

Hey Rabea! Regarding what you were saying about using more ambient sounds on the 7 string, somethings will translate well from a 6 string perspective and some won't. Something you may want to try as well is tuning the G string down, making it the same as your 6 string, but with a higher string. The best advice that can be given with this is simply, take a lot of time to learn how the 7 string can be used, and find what suits your playing style. Best of luck, enjoy the discovery process with the 7 string!! Cheers from Canada!

[@rasputinsbeard3899]

You had me at "Karnivool".

[@JulieCutie]

Bea, you can tune the g string to f#, it will allow you to keep the chord shape you are used to, but now they will be different chords. In my opinion this change the guitar from a 6 strings with an extra string to a new instrument.

[@willtato8778]

I chose a 7. I'm mainly a lead player (not that that really matters). The reason for a 7 for me was because I couldn't be bothered downtuning playing other songs.

[@guitarz]

Man the tone with you on your sig is fantastic. Enjoy the journey

[@justineckard5399]

The baritone by far. More clarity and note definition on your sig.

[@therileyobrien]

A lot of that is the stock pickups vs. BKP

[@seangriffey8669]

pickups and scale length, baritone is an inch and a half longer

[@ChairmanPaulieD]

I've been a baritone guitar player since 2005, I have 2 Baritones a ESP LTD MHB-400 and a Ibanez the Mike Dewolf 27' scale baritone and I'm actually on the verge of purchasing the Chapman Baritone bc I need a 28' scale length baritone and I was VERY IN LOVE with it when I first heard about it from The Bunn from his YT channel a couple of years ago. I was sorta leaning towards of getting the Mike Mushok PRS SE Baritone the silver sunburst but then I saw the Chapman baritone and I did my research and I told myself I will be getting me one VERY SOON, Awesome video bro

[@chaselearkendall]

Nice Karnivool shirt m8! Band does not get enough love imo

[@Sven-ola]

LOVED IT what you did @6.45 ! Huge Help and good spotting !

[@Sven-ola]

and you are totaly right about the tones, that was a huge help for me and I now know Im gonna go with the 6 string for the heavy riff guitar )

[@Scherzo-mk4ih]

"this is where my swearing finger would go" lol

[@shining5695]

This video helped me switch to baritone after my painful 7 and 8 string experiments. I am happy with my 30 inch baritone and not going back to 7s and 8s. Perhaps I will buy another one for tuning down to drop E and use it as a bass/guitar hybrid.

[@Luablood]

Please... I'll take an 8 strings, fanned fret, baritone archtop with a piezo in the bridge

[@redlined4493]

My man

[@JubbyDubbis]

Lots of feedback there. But hey, that's what gates are for XD

[@tubeofyouification]

I’ve got a beautiful 7 string guitar with bare knuckles in. It was bizarre at first with the extra string, as you’ve found, but I just took some time. I started off in standard tuning with a low B which helped with chord shapes and ‘orientation’. I was already familiar with what notes were what frets from fannying around on a five string bass and also the fact that it’s exactly the same as the standard gtr second string! I went through the modes and started making links to the different scale shapes. I kept thinking of the E as the root note and working around that. For example, I realised A aeolian on the E string has the E Phrygian shape on the low B string as, of course, they’re fifths apart. I probably haven’t explained this too well but I just spent the time finding links to everything I already know. I’ve recently written a song in ADADGBE which is fun but takes some getting used to. It also great to have the full range. Having said all that, I think I’d still love a baritone for certain stuff.

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

Don't feel obligated to play a 7 string man. You sound much more creative on your 6.

[@AleksanderLydkunst]

I would speculate pickups before the neck size effecting output frequency, but feel, absolutely! I just started experimenting with 7 strings and they are good fun for sure

[@wzwguitar]

It sounds like it’s a scale length difference🤷🏼‍♂️

[@PhilLament]

For me the hardest part of 7+ strings (or 5+ on bass) is getting over the muscle memory of which string my fingers are landing on for chords, riffs, etc. I've been considering an extended range guitar lately, but haven't decided between 6 string baritone scale or a 7+ string version. This video helps!

[@Rudrakshstf23]

Shred Wars with Jared Dines! Gooo

[@freeelectron8261]

Really nice ambient on the baritone toward the end. Thanks Rabea!

[@alteroccatv]

Vote UP if you think Rabea's TONE & TASTE when soloing is as good as SLASH's, vote DOWN for everything else (essentially if you haven't got a clue about guitar LOL!)

[@buhimoth]

I can't vote either. I don't want to vote you down, but I don't agree that Rabea is as good as Slash, because I honestly think he's better!

[@alteroccatv]

@@buhimoth if he is better, and nobody could argue with that, vote UP because he is AT LEAST as good at Slash then :)))

[@buhimoth]

alteroccatv ok ok, you twisted my arm! 😂

[@MrTrixzzzz]

Slash is trash. Rabea is way better.

[@metalpuppet5798]

Perfect timing. I thought about getting a 7 for like a year and just realized that I could go baritone too.