Excellent argument for going B instead of A on the bass string. I went though a period of switching back and forth for a few months after getting my 7. I arrived at the same conclusions as this poster. The B is more natural for a previous 6 stringer and avoids the intonation and volume problems with an A.
I've been playing over 50 years and still learning new tricks. I just got a 7 string and four your video very helpful. You music knowledge and impromptu manner of communication comes across very effective. Thanks for the video.
I've used low B since I started playing 7. Before that, I was using a regular guitar tuned to baritone tuning (down a 4th) where the 6th string was low B, and at the 5th fret, it was like where the "normal" guitar began. It seemed natural, it gave me a lower range and it was an easy transition. 7 string is not like a 6 string with a lower doubled 5th string (as many of my low A peers see it) but rather very much like a guitar with familiar layout with which I can easily get to three octave melodies. My bass melody is very active with low B and very much as rich in counterpoint lines as anywhere else within the position. There's also the added richness because the upper end of the guitar on the first three strings has really great chord voicings where I can get tight harmonies, and chord voicings with the root on the second string (like first inversion drop 2) can now double a rich tight chord with the root two octaves down by barring. This is how I get so many Bill Evans pianistic chords from. I feel that low A tends me towards a more guitar sound with rooting based in the bass voice, and low B opens up inversions and rootless chords in the treble or even clusters with a reach down to the bass range, a more piano type sound. For me anyway. Thanks for a really informative video!
I agree with the poster. The B tuning on the 7th string is more natural and intuitive. Your bass lines are familiar, in tune, and don't sound like they are coming out of left field. You still sound like a guitar but with a few low notes to tap on when you want them.
Well that is the same relative tuning to what I use. I have tried that as, you are right, it is easier on the hands. But I found a conflict with what my ears want to hear and what my hands went to play. As well, I play with a lot of other people and alternative tunings aren't conducive to that.
how are you enjoying it? have you stayed with it or switched? I got into 6-string guitar with D-A-D-F#-A-D tuning and switched to standard a couple of years ago. both have advantages/disadvantages. hope your experience has been positive
Another option with the low A is to drop your G to F#. Now your standard chord and scale shapes will work across the bottom six strings with a high E on top. With this you spend most of your time in the middle of the neck without having to completely rethink your playing. Bassli nes are more natural also.
You said this was a 25" scale-length? You don't like longer ones, or was that the one they had when you purchased it and now you like it? Or maybe 25" is good for jazz?
Your probably on to something as far as teaching the low B. For the average guy it will be much more direct . I was talking with a builder friend of mine today (i'm a repair guy) and we were remarking that 7 is becoming more common. We see more folks working on that and thinking about that . If the mass market companies are building them you know its a trend. B is the way to get the most folks up and running. If later they want to really dedicate to 7 in the jazz idiom they can always tune to A and adapt to that . Its interesting to note that there are actually 3 tunings for 7 , I'm not including the Russian tuning , people in South America will tune to C. If you ask them if they ever tune the 7th string to other pitches they will tell you that depending on the key they may choose to tune to B or A or C. For some one who has learned 7 string from the beginning this matter of adjusting to the different voicings is not such a big deal. They will do it automatically because they have already processed the informantion .
They would need to be short scale to accommodate a high C. Lenny Breau had one custom made electric and he took a 7 string flamenco (usually 2 D string) and found a mono-filament fishing line to make a high E
Thanks for the video!
Excellent argument for going B instead of A on the bass string. I went though a period of switching back and forth for a few months after getting my 7. I arrived at the same conclusions as this poster. The B is more natural for a previous 6 stringer and avoids the intonation and volume problems with an A.
Thanks John!
I've been playing over 50 years and still learning new tricks. I just got a 7 string and four your video very helpful. You music knowledge and impromptu manner of communication comes across very effective. Thanks for the video.
Glad I could help!
I've used low B since I started playing 7. Before that, I was using a regular guitar tuned to baritone tuning (down a 4th) where the 6th string was low B, and at the 5th fret, it was like where the "normal" guitar began. It seemed natural, it gave me a lower range and it was an easy transition. 7 string is not like a 6 string with a lower doubled 5th string (as many of my low A peers see it) but rather very much like a guitar with familiar layout with which I can easily get to three octave melodies. My bass melody is very active with low B and very much as rich in counterpoint lines as anywhere else within the position.
There's also the added richness because the upper end of the guitar on the first three strings has really great chord voicings where I can get tight harmonies, and chord voicings with the root on the second string (like first inversion drop 2) can now double a rich tight chord with the root two octaves down by barring. This is how I get so many Bill Evans pianistic chords from. I feel that low A tends me towards a more guitar sound with rooting based in the bass voice, and low B opens up inversions and rootless chords in the treble or even clusters with a reach down to the bass range, a more piano type sound. For me anyway.
Thanks for a really informative video!
I agree with the poster. The B tuning on the 7th string is more natural and intuitive. Your bass lines are familiar, in tune, and don't sound like they are coming out of left field. You still sound like a guitar but with a few low notes to tap on when you want them.
Thanks!
Do you know ""Dino 7 Cordas" ? He was the greatest brazilian 7 strings player, and tuned the 7th in C
I have not heard of them but have met a few who use a low C
I stick with full step down (ADGCFAD) I find notes easier and its has a little more "bassy" sound to it for things I play in a "jazz" style.
Well that is the same relative tuning to what I use. I have tried that as, you are right, it is easier on the hands. But I found a conflict with what my ears want to hear and what my hands went to play. As well, I play with a lot of other people and alternative tunings aren't conducive to that.
bold move!
how are you enjoying it? have you stayed with it or switched? I got into 6-string guitar with D-A-D-F#-A-D tuning and switched to standard a couple of years ago. both have advantages/disadvantages. hope your experience has been positive
Good Video !!
Thanks! That was helpful!
You are welcome!
Another option with the low A is to drop your G to F#. Now your standard chord and scale shapes will work across the bottom six strings with a high E on top. With this you spend most of your time in the middle of the neck without having to completely rethink your playing. Bassli nes are more natural also.
Not good for playing solo guitar arrangements that include the melody.
Better to learn one new string below then to reinvent the the fret board
You said this was a 25" scale-length? You don't like longer ones, or was that the one they had when you purchased it and now you like it? Or maybe 25" is good for jazz?
the 25" is good for this tuning choice
Your probably on to something as far as teaching the low B. For the average guy it will be much more direct . I was talking with a builder friend of mine today (i'm a repair guy) and we were remarking that 7 is becoming more common. We see more folks working on that and thinking about that . If the mass market companies are building them you know its a trend. B is the way to get the most folks up and running. If later they want to really dedicate to 7 in the jazz idiom they can always tune to A and adapt to that . Its interesting to note that there are actually 3 tunings for 7 , I'm not including the Russian tuning , people in South America will tune to C. If you ask them if they ever tune the 7th string to other pitches they will tell you that depending on the key they may choose to tune to B or A or C. For some one who has learned 7 string from the beginning this matter of adjusting to the different voicings is not such a big deal. They will do it automatically because they have already processed the informantion .
Thanks for listening. Jimmy Foster and Matt Raines do the C tuning as well.
Also there is something that I do not see people talk about: use a 7strings guitar with a high A. Any thoughts?
They would need to be short scale to accommodate a high C. Lenny Breau had one custom made electric and he took a 7 string flamenco (usually 2 D string) and found a mono-filament fishing line to make a high E
River Heights Music There is a guy on youtube that tunes in 5th, he uses a fishing line too on the high string.
Lenny Breau. On a steel, that gets really thin and really tight. Finger cut thin.
Interesting! Tks
You are welcome!
would you please put this content into a 5 minute video?
Your Mom's a 5 minute video
@@riverheightsmusic lol, that was an unexpected response (and so you don’t have to say it, yes, my mom’s an unexpected response).
@@schwajj Speaking of things that didn't need to be said
Teach me Kung Fu -the Matrix
I agree . Too wordy. Good info but quicker