Playing 7 String Guitar for the First Time!

[@Davie504]

why does your bass have 3 extra strings

[@jaedenmk5544]

Hahahahahaha

[@maxwellwinter2114]

Davie!

[@RachelfGuitar]

Hmm, good question. I guess I should add one more string so that I'll have two basses :)

[@Vall619]

Good question

[@DorinBusu]

@@RachelfGuitar good answer 😁

[@itsthewhiteowl]

7:57 *Kmac2021 wants to know your location*

[@moisesserquina672]

lmao

[@CTE-6000EagleVeryHeavyFighter]

*SQUEALS IN SCOTTISH*

[@major-minor]

300th like!

[@NeilDjents]

itsthewhiteowl not low enough

[@dave1986R]

The 7-string was a controversial instrument back in the ’90’s when I was a kid. I wanted to buy one because I was a huge Korn fan and every guitar teacher I had kept telling me not to waste money. So years later I said “fuck them I’m buying one anyway” and you know what, it was worth every penny.

[@Hiro.the.God.]

Never let anyone tell you how to enjoy something you’re trying enjoy. Do you boo boo.

[@jimmytgoose476]

What crap teachers .

[@RachelfGuitar]

Finally got to play this 7 string guitar for the first time! Stick around till the end for an answer to a frequently asked question ;)

[@ZXChrisR14]

Rachelf don’t know how you feel about them but...old school Korn is a great place to start with some heavy basic 7 string stuff.

[@guitarrepairandmaintenance4741]

I was right, it does sound wicked!

[@lala-everyonescrazyaunt]

I don't think I'll ever venture into seven string territory. One thing I learned, after I put a fret wrap on one of my guitars, is that I don't subconsciously discern where I am on the neck by the fret markers, I must sight it from the nut because after I put the wrap on I was all off kilter. Ha ha. I can only imagine what having an extra string would do to my picking. 😄 You've gotten into the groove with your rhythm playing! 👍✨

[@rayray9613]

Wow that's awesome, you're truly an inspiration!

[@joelauger7953]

my first 7 string song was desolation of eden by Chelsea grin, it would be so cool if you'll cover it, it's really fun to play!!:)

[@evanward4303]

A trick I like to use with 5-string bass is to ignore the extra string and practice muting it while otherwise playing as usual. Then, when I want to go below low E, I have that extra string there waiting for me. Remember (much like effects pedals), just cuz it's there doesn't mean you have to use it all the time. Rock on Rach!

[@RachelfGuitar]

For sure, I definitely over used it in this video but couldn't help myself! :)

[@tagapiouplayz3737]

I do that as well, just ignore it and mute it with your thumb on your right hand.

[@ryankeane3550]

@Tomas Jimenez Spot on! I did the exact same thing back in the day!

[@HunterEckerMusic]

You didn't over use it! it's a video about your first time playing a 7 string, imagine if you didn't play the lowest string at all! hahahaha. also you can tune the low B to an F# and now you get into the low range of an 8 string. Your standard power chords on the lowest strings then become octaves instead!

[@erik9817]

@Tomas Jimenez How did you mute the 7th string?

[@epiczeven6378]

"I feel very metal rn" haha! I wanna try a 7-string :3

[@jethrobrancato5623]

Best decision you’ll ever make

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

😂 immediately that low b sounds _nasty._ that neck will be second nature to you in no time. once i bought my first ( and only, so far ) 8, i never looked back.

[@RachelfGuitar]

It's so fun! The necks on 8's look a bit more scary to me! :)

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

@@RachelfGuitar i hear you, but the range, the _raaange..._ 😅

[@Mike4891w]

I love my 8 string. It goes to 11. 😉

[@en-sabahnur3149]

I remember when I first made the switch to 7 string guitars, and just how big and daunting just 1 extra string makes the instrument. I was fortunate that my first 7 string was a Ibanez RG 7620. Ibanez necks to me anyway, definitely make the transition easier since they are thin. Now that I’ve been playing 7 strings for 16 years or so, Ive realized my dexterity in my hands has greatly improved. Also I’ve noticed that my ears have grown accustomed to hearing a lower and beefier sound. I myself have a hard time playing a 6 string anymore.. they feel so fragile and feel limited to me anymore. Hope that was interesting to read and gave you some insight.. as far as 7 string songs to learn.. Blind by Korn is a fun one.. also quite easy to play. I love playing most anything by fear factory since mostly all their songs are performed on 7 strings in either standard B or standard B down one step. I love seeing how happy you seem playing. Keep enjoying yourself.

[@trinacria1956]

Did you know that actually Jazz guitarist George Van Eps had Gretsch and Epiphone build him one decades ago? Originally, Van Eps tuned A, E, A, D, G, B, E. In an interview in 1981, he said that he was tuning a whole step lower G, D, G, C, F, A, D. I think his seventh string was made by E & O Mari and was between .075 and .080 !

[@geetarman58]

It's wild to see you develop! I remember when your first video popped up in my "recommended videos" and I've seen your journey all the way to this one!!! From a Squier Strat to a seven string Ibanez! Keep on rockin'! Oh and be "METAL" too!!! Peace!

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thank you for following along so long! 🤘

[@antoniskata9033]

Haha if you practise , like what you are doing and have a lot of money then thats the result !! @geetarman58

[@AntzolY111]

Ibanez 😎😎 best all hands down

[@fracturedude]

Your videos re always so much fun Rachel. I love to see you playing the beast!

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thank you! :)

[@sunburstbasser]

If you are looking for a riff that takes advantage of the 7 string, try "As I Am" by Dream Theater. The main riff is actually really approachable as far as DT songs go. And since you have a Sonata Arctica shirt on, try any of their more recent albums. The current guitarist is a 7 string player.

[@thedisabledviking]

i thought that was a 6-string song?

[@Bassistking]

It’s great to see you’re enjoying your 7 string guitar. I remember taking the dive back in 2006 to a 7 string and my love for the B string. Now in 2019, I’m using 7, 8, (skipped 9) and 10 string guitars in my arsenal. Enjoy your new axe!

[@21shredstar]

try learning Trivium's "Down from the sky" pretty straight forward song to play on 7string. as well it has kick ass riffs

[@josephconti9655]

Alot of really fun songs I’ve learned on a 7 string were actually from a band Chelsea Grin. Their first few albums were drop A with exception to recent ones on an 8 sting.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

The Low B also helps w/ transposing especially if you're playing Church Gigs

[@shokid95]

Same here I’ve been playing six string guitar for years and I just got a seven string and my fingers are killing me but with practice we will have fingers of steel

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Because the 7th String is another B String (2 Octaves below the 2nd String) it can't be that hard coming from a 6 to a 7 String. I have seen a 7 String Guitar who's neck width is the same as a 6 String but because the strings are super close together, they put a super high radius in the fretboard, & also use super light strings.

[@johnwoods5140]

Besides the 2 extra notes, dropping the low string also allows you to do 1-finger power chords (like Drop D on a 6), which is nice for those of us with smaller hands. Plus that low A just sounds bad-ass!

[@sebaa_cl]

Learn how to play some Korn songs. They're all 7 strings and man, they sound amazing and are very fun to play!

[@RachelfGuitar]

I haven't really listened to Korn before actually!

[@deaddreamawakened6835]

@@RachelfGuitar 'blind' 'helmet in the bush' 'faget' 'dead bodies everywhere' are some good korn songs to learn

[@moo3992]

Korns song "Good God" from Life is Peachy is a masterpiece and is very fun to play!

[@rogierdikkes]

@@RachelfGuitar Whaaaat?

[@theinterstate718]

if/when i ever get a seven string the first band i will play is korn

[@user-dj1ql3nt1n]

I remember that feeling back when I started playing the ibanez 7 string back 7th grade in 1994 for the first time but it has been my daily guitar since then. Keep at it. So many things can be done on a 7

[@tobortine]

Love your enthusiasm. Looking forward to hearing more 7 string Rachel in the future :-)

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thanks so much!

[@lizarrrdbeth]

I still can't believe you won it. Bad ass air guitar!!! Super cool idea to preserve the signature!! Nita is sooooo awesome. Congrats again! !! OMG you are so good... you totally deserve that rig!

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thanks so much! :)

[@UNGETABLE7]

Super cute how you get excited with that 7-string! And now i’m browsing 7s 😂

[@shan6659]

I swear you never stop smiling, it's great to see😁 Im also loving that guitar and your progressing so quickly 😊😊

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thanks so much! :)

[@rbblr94]

Wow, a pretty decent tone already on your first attempt! When I first got my seven string I spent weeks trying to get a tone that sounded good on low b string as well as e string , after previously being all set up for C#.

[@RachelfGuitar]

Yeah I can see it could take a while to get a great tone! Just had a preset that worked ok :)

[@thomasreuter1614]

I've become a primarily 7 string player in the past few years. Right now playing Strandbergs. 7s are awesome, you'll have a lot of fun!

[@RachelfGuitar]

Strandbergs look really cool as well!

[@k-chill8428]

Shopping around for my first 7 string after playing a 6 string Warlock tuned to B for years and getting tired of tuning issues. Was a little worried about the transition but your video made it seem like it will be a lot of fun.

[@bobhalemusic4396]

if you tune your G string to Gb you will have a baritone guitar with a high e on top. Then you can play any of the songs/chords that you already know on the bottom 6 strings. Since you have a hardtail it would be really easy to switch between that and standard 7 string tuning. Just some advice.

[@northerlymike8679]

I've enjoyed this video so much!!! You make me want to buy a 7 string guitar LOL About the picking hand getting tired, well I don't have a 7 string guitar, but I have a second guitar that is in drop b tuning and the strings gauge are much more heavy than then those one that I use for the E standard, and yes I have to apply more force to play those heavy stings. And also for the drop b guitar I use a heavier pick

[@RachelfGuitar]

So glad to hear you enjoyed it, thank you!

[@rockstarbmf9595]

That guitar LOOKS FUCKING SICK!!!! Congratulations you look so happy!!!!!

[@meanjon13_illusions]

And now we have "Ragelf" I've been playing 8-string for about two years, a bit of learning curve for me, especially finding the low E at first but just keep playing and it will feel more natural. Also, if you see Nita anytime soon tell her the Three Note per String Major Scale and Modes lesson is freaking awesome! Congrats and Cheers to you!

[@Doomgutt]

Play “Icarus Lives!” by Periphery, it’s pretty fun ;)

[@HunterEckerMusic]

Congrats on the new axe!! I've got the RG version of your 7 string! The 11 piece neck is unbelievably stable not to mention stunning! Never stop shredding! \m/

[@christopherdounis6729]

Your enthusiasm for guitar is awesome...

[@theunholyguitaristofficial]

If you’re playing it in b standard, I recommend doing triple octave scales to get used to the new fretboard and being able to find the notes. So you would start at the root and play to the 8th note in the scale which would be an octave above. Then use that octave as your starting point with the same scale pattern and repeat the same thing again. Just remember to move a half step up when you get to the high b string.

[@immokid]

I recommend corporal jigsore quandary by Carcass. Not necessarily a 7 string song at all, but that main riff is one of the coolest B standard riffs ever.

[@cGThrasher99]

Good job, loved the video. I am not sure I am ready for a 7 string guitar. I do love metal music, but don't play it much. It was nice to see you jump right in there and play. Also I have a lot of respect that you took the guitar in and got a clearcoat put on it. I can tell you really care about what you have acquired.

[@baddayoverdosed]

I highly recommend learning some Fear Factory! They have some simple but super fun riffs for a drop tuned 7 string like Linch Pin and Edge Crusher

[@benjaminmoore4514]

Legit cool video! Great to see a video of a first time on a 7 string guitar!

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thank you!

[@MrGREYMATTERS]

Relax the picking hand and right arm, direct the energy to the pick (I know, that's a bit Zen, but it works). The pressure of the thumb on the pick determines how soft or loud the note.

[@ericjam6346]

Nice guitar Rachel! I saw a Ben Eller video called *The 7 string tuning you HAVE to try!* If you simply tune your G string to Gb or F# It allows you play the 7 string more like a 6 string. It's nice because it will help remove that feeling of trying to learn the guitar all over again when you pick up your Seven string. So if the 7 String feels real awkward at first, that might be worth a look to help get you accustomed to your new guitar

[@observinghumanity3034]

Congratulations on winning that sweet guitar! With the higher tension and heavier string gauge it will help you develop more fretting hand strength and picking hand stamina the more you use it. You will notice it a lot when you go back and play your 6 string guitars with the lowers gauge strings. I play both my 7 and 6 string guitars regularly, but I use my 7 strings to develop my stamina and hand strength more.

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thank you!

[@landhomer4627]

She's the type of girl you'll always ask "What's so funny?"

[@YourNameTag]

And then u notice she's stoned

[@TheDriller64]

Just bought a 7 string today, it’s very fun to play, and the larger neck is very easy to get used to it seems :)

[@thevikingwarrior11]

You are a very smol person but you definitely don't let that slow ya down. Sarah Longfield is about the same size as you and she plays an 8-string, so anything is possible. Keep on rocking out!

[@akumakami9727]

Congrats on getting a 7 :D. I'm more of a 7 string player now :). I still have 4 6 strings ,and 2 7s (1 right and 1 left handed) and I play them more than anything. I highly recommend anyone getting into them. They are just so versatile like you pretty much have 2 tunings in 1, you can use the low string for those low notes, you can play in a more classical/Animals as Leaders way since you are given more range, and my personal favorite if you tune it like ADADGBE it opens so many doors by giving you lower chords and also adding in drop power chords :). Have fun!

[@akumakami9727]

Also as far as riffs go Korn, Deftones, and Dir en grey are some good bands that have a lot of easy, fun riffs for a beginner to learn and play :).

[@macflod]

Rachel i was total rocking to your riffs there. You are playing great on it. 🤘 I have no experience of 7 string, in fact i never really play metal although i love listening to metal. 😂 i should learn the metal techniques, it would be so much fun!

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thanks so much! It is a lot of fun to play :)

[@leandromartins7377]

It's awesome to see how far you've come untik now, I 'm so happy for you and I sure you will go futher and further ..greeting from Brazil:)

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thanks so much!

[@pajamasflannel]

Hearing you express an affinity for low notes I can’t help but wonder if more bass is in your future. Perhaps another trip to your guitar techie for a nut adjustment on your bass to accommodate for a four- string stringing of BEAD could be in order soonly?

[@emmelieherwegh]

Cool! It took me some time to get used to my 7-string as well when I just started playing it last year. It's not weird that your picking hand gets tired since the low B string is thicker and heavier than what you're used to. You’ll get used to it quickly and next time you’re picking up a 6-string the low E will feel so thin and easy to play, haha! Enjoy your new guitar :D

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thank you! Already whenever I play it for a bit and then go to my 6 string it feels so small :)

[@addicted2tone349]

I'm finally in the market for a 7 string.. I want to start writing some heavy music. These new Ibanez are beautiful! I love that color! Congrats!

[@RachelfGuitar]

It is a beautiful guitar :), thanks!

[@craigponzio236]

I bought my first 7 last year I dunno why I waited so long. feels like two guitars in one for me! thanks for your video youre adorable and play great! great smilleeee

[@KingdomScorned]

I played 7 string guitars exclusively for 13 years, you will get used to the 7th string, my pick hand felt a little tired for the first couple weeks that I played one. You should learn Mind Machine by Scar Symmetry, very fun 7 string standard tuning song to play, I think it was one of the first 7 string songs I learned. It introduces a little bit of string skipping between the 7th string and the 4th string which is good for your muscle memory to adjust. Have fun :)

[@damonwolf793]

I applaud your new discoveries in the world of 7 string guitar. You have so many resources at your disposal for learning 7 string theory and songs that you could definitely stay busy learning all kinds of things to do on that new guitar of yours. A guy to check out is Rusty Cooley he will be a great help in learning. As for songs to learn you have many many options out there, the choices are yours.

[@jeemalsoknownasjimhawkins1294]

Rachelf: Wow! That really is some guitar. The best part about playing a 7-string is that, like you said, it gives you more options. I can hardly wait to see what you do with it! Cheers.

[@hiighway_chile4080]

Great video as always!

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thank you!

[@christofogui7036]

I really like this video! Keep up the good work

[@mattrickard2283]

Late to the party on this one, and I just got my first 7 string. My first song was "Linchpin" by Fear Factory. I thought it had a lot to offer while starting the 7. I played it in both B standard and drop A and was super fun. Give it a try!

[@nikostheater]

You are having so much fun and I love it! The guitar looks beautiful and it sounds amazing! It seems it will be your favorite guitar 🎸 😉 keep rocking and keep smiling. Greetings and cheers 🍻 from Greece

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thank you! 🤘

[@darthnovius3281]

Drops a dope polyrhythm

[@speedyav46]

I commented on one of your last videos and I enjoy seeing how excited you get for playing. I played 5 years ago and got back into playing last Halloween. I've been playing for a few months now but learned video game themes and movie themes. I have 13 songs so far and am working on my chords. I'm having trouble with them but always feel like I'm learning when I pick up my guitar. So far Spiderman is my newest song but is it odd that video game songs are my favorite genre music?

[@ironpatriot9000]

I’ve been playing as long as you have been and I already have 2 ESP LTD 7 strings. ESP LTD EC407 and the ESP LTD SCT607B

[@brianwilson3133]

For me that 7th string really threw me off at first cause I was playing all the stuff I was used to but sometimes I'd accidentally hit the 7th and it would fuck me up. But it is a lot of fun! Also you have probably the best picking hand I've ever seen

[@xxcxpl]

Great to see you enjoying your new toy - have fun. I'm roughly at the same technical level and also just switched to 7 🤘

[@jamesmichaelis1483]

You are such a inspiration to me! Thank you! Love from San Antonio❤👍🏻🎸👀

[@mdunawaym]

You should do a video on why you always seem to be so happy! I love that quality in you!

[@paulknizner8104]

i recommend learning wretchedness inside by trivium, so heavy and is in drop G#, have fun with it might not be your type of music but its worth the shot

[@FreshBagelz]

It's dope that you're flexing your Opus Eponymous album. Underrated AF. That guitar is badass too, lucky you won it with Nita's signature!!!

[@luciferouskris]

I started on 7-string, because it was cheaper than everything else in the store (an Ibanez GRG7221, they ran for about $150 when I got it). I now play 6-string in a blackened grindcore band, mainly because who the hell plays black metal with a seven string? But I enjoyed my time with my seven string, and I hope you do, too! :)

[@dsrocks6905]

This is sick! I hope you enjoy it! Right now I'm playing on a modified Peavy Predator EXP Plus... Maybe one day I'll be able to do something like this!

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thank you!

[@dsrocks6905]

@@RachelfGuitar That's a sub for you!

[@KingMattDeidara]

Hey Rachel, it's great to see you playing a 7-string. I play on 7s exclusively and I can say with complete certainty that it'll become second nature to you in to time. I also love that you downtuned almost right away :) As far as B standard bands/songs go I think you should check out Fear Factory (try starting with Replica) and Coal Chamber (try Loco) :) Hope they help, and keep on rockin!

[@MarkLumsley]

It may not be the most obvious place to start with a 7-string, but just to get your creative juices flowing I would check out the Steve Vai album Passion and Warfare for some of the greatest works ever applied to 7 strings. ^_^ Have fun and good luck!

[@gussywellz9714]

Rachel, u have a fantastic channel!

[@ZXChrisR14]

Wow I just subbed and it turns out you posted a video 45 minutes ago. Cool. Very nice guitar by the way. Welcome to the world of extended range. You are about to become waaay more metal. Rock on!

[@RachelfGuitar]

Awesome! Thanks so much \m/

[@alesana1208]

so happy for you! that guitar is amazing! love that you got it signed and got the signature sealed safely! keep up the good work! this video made me go pick up my guitar also :P

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thanks so much!

[@dancortes2164]

Hi rachelf! I know what you're experiencing right now, it's weird until you become used to it. I've playing 7 string guitars since 2015. It's not a lot of time, but I've never switched back to a 6 string. BTW, just a little advice, you should use a wider string gauge for the 7th string, like a .62 or a .65. it's not only a matter of tone, its also tension, the 56 string gauge has less tension tuned at B than a 46 tuned at E, also, it'll make your picking hand get used to a stronger way to pick while you're playing. Cheers! You're awesome!

[@SkepticGamer]

Hei Rachel. I recently also tried my hand at recording a song. I recorded In Flames - Only for the weak. Played guitar, bass and keyboard. Used MIDI drums that I exported from a guitar pro file. Felt good to record with an actual audio interface. Used to use a regular ass mic. It's just not the same, especially for an electric guitar.

[@RachelfGuitar]

Very cool! Audio interfaces make recording a lot easier :)

[@SA-xv7gc]

Hey Rachelf, love your videos and your energy! I'm curious about your thoughts on the 7string some two years later. What about the learning curve and how about the transition back and forth between 6 and 7, do you need some time to "recalibrate" or do both kinds of guitars feel "at home" right away? Overall would you recommend it to someone with a couple of years of experience on the 6string?

[@DavidNwokoye]

How does the slightly thicker neck feel.

[@RachelfGuitar]

I didn't really notice the change in neck thickness as much (although it is definitely there), mostly just the width!

[@elevenAD]

i want to try a seven i just feel like it may be so strange i wont be able jump back and fourth to a 6 string without issues,ill be curious to see how you adjust!

[@rickfeith6372]

If you've been playing for awhile its easy to jump back and forth. Just play both.

[@user-dj1ql3nt1n]

@@elevenAD ive been playing a 7 string since 1994 when I pick up a 6 string at a store to mess around with it feels weird my hands make the neck feel like a pencil

[@nealthompson404]

Since 2 years have already gone by, you've probably already discovered this, but the E-based riff metal song which transposed down to B comes out sounding better than any other is "Am I Evil?".

[@Bassistking]

“Awake” by Textures is a great 7-string song if you like progressive metal. If you want to just chug away on the B string often, try out “Annihilation” by Throwdown

[@pios5434]

Congratulations!

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thanks!

[@Mark_Ocain]

The neck scale adds to the tension as well, you’ll find.

[@jimbeaux4988]

Oh the joy on your face! I know I must have had the same grin first time I picked one up.

[@therolandstreet]

So cool, I'm actually thinking about getting one! Keep up the amazing work!

[@arkadiuszgaik5184]

Wow, just wow!

[@magmarok8209]

My seven string is tuned a bit differently I have a high A string that allows me to go up to an A6 on the 24th fret. Since I play with a bass and baritone guitarist I don’t need the extra low range since they’ve got it covered.

[@intothemystery1332]

That finish looks so awesome. It's like a doorway to another galaxy or something.

[@kyleanderson3747]

Sooo sick

[@moo3992]

That was awesome!!!!

[@mannylebron2880]

beautiful instrument. i love the color.

[@jeffarab4947]

Wow sick 7 string ibanez always makes awesome stuff i love em

[@kellerzor7270]

Very cool video! Congratullations for your first seven strigs guitar! Be careful: you will not want to go back to the previous thin necks, ha ha! And thank you, Rachelf. Your happiness makes the day better today :)

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thanks so much! :)

[@AndyLifeInVideo]

That's a heckin' chonker 7-string! Looks and sounds great!! You should also make a video about playing 6-string songs on a 7-string! Would be interesting to hear!

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thank you, could be a good idea!

[@evenzeroescanbeheroes6875]

I'm not a great 6 string guitar player,I've never taken lessons,but when I pick up a 7 string,I usually play Unanswered by Suicide Silence to the best of my ability but I usually end up having fun and play In Waves by Trivium on it lol.

[@EvelynRoods]

I’m not really into 7 strings but damn that guitar is amazing looking. I’ve got a Squier Strat with a Seymour Duncan Hot Rail in the bridge that I have in B standard. I usually have it in D or drop C though. 11-56s are amazing for that sorta thing.

[@gaborungvari3558]

That is one great collection you've got in the background :-) Cheers!

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thank you! :)

[@zAvAvAz]

RachELF rules!

[@KingTrollable]

beneath broken earth by paradise lost is a pretty badass song to play on a 7 string