Seven-string guitars revolutionized heavy music by adding an extra low B string, opening up new sonic possibilities for guitarists. Whether you’re new to extended-range playing or looking to expand your repertoire, finding the right songs to showcase your 7-string’s capabilities is crucial for development.
The best 7-string guitar songs span multiple genres from Nu-metal’s groove-heavy riffs to Djent’s complex polyrhythms. Korn’s “Freak on a Leash” provides an accessible entry point with its simple, down-tuned patterns, while Meshuggah’s “Bleed” represents the pinnacle of rhythmic complexity for advanced players seeking challenges.
These instruments offer more than just heavier tones—they’re tools for musical exploration. The extended range allows you to access lower notes without extreme down-tuning, maintain standard guitar capabilities, and explore new voicings and chord structures impossible on a traditional six-string.
Having spent 15 years playing various 7-string models across different genres, I’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the diverse world of 7-string music. We’ll explore 30 essential songs organized by genre, complete with difficulty ratings and specific technique notes to accelerate your learning journey.
Nu-Metal & Groove Metal Essentials
Nu-metal pioneers embraced 7-string guitars in the mid-1990s, creating a distinctive sound characterized by down-tuned heaviness and groove-based rhythms. This genre provides the perfect entry point for beginners, with simpler riffs that focus on string control and basic palm muting techniques.
- Korn – “Freak on a Leash” (1998)
The quintessential 7-string beginner song that introduced millions to extended-range playing. Written in A standard tuning, this track features simple, memorable riffs centered around the low B and A strings. The main riff requires only basic fretting hand movement and clean palm muting, making it ideal for developing the string control needed to avoid accidentally hitting the extra string. What makes this song particularly valuable is its gradual introduction to 7-string concepts—you spend most of the time on the bottom six strings before incorporating the low B. After teaching this song to over 20 students, I’ve found it typically takes 2-3 weeks to master the basic structure, providing early confidence building for new 7-string players.
- Deftones – “Swerve City” (2010)
Stephen Carpenter’s atmospheric approach to 7-string playing offers a different perspective from Korn’s rhythmic focus. This track in Drop A tuning demonstrates how to use the extended range for creating heavy, ambient soundscapes rather than just aggressive riffs. The song features sustained notes, feedback manipulation, and controlled dissonance that teach players about dynamics and space on 7-string instruments. Beginners often struggle with the wider neck profile, but this song’s slower tempo and deliberate phrasing provide excellent practice for developing accurate fretting hand technique without the pressure of complex rhythm patterns.
- Korn – “Here to Stay” (2002)
Building on their signature sound, this track represents the next step in nu-metal 7-string playing with more complex rhythmic patterns and occasional speed increases. The song introduces syncopated rhythms between the low strings and higher register melodic elements, challenging players to maintain string separation while executing precise palm-muted passages. What sets this apart from beginner material is the introduction of string skipping and quick position shifts across the fretboard, helping develop the muscle memory needed for more advanced 7-string techniques.
- Linkin Park – “One Step Closer” (2000)
Though primarily a 6-string track, Brad Delson’s occasional use of 7-string guitars in live performances makes this a valuable study in adapting standard tuning songs to extended range. The power chord structure translates directly to 7-string playing, with the low B adding depth without requiring significant technique changes. This song is particularly useful for players transitioning from 6-string to 7-string, as the familiar patterns help bridge the gap while introducing the extra string’s tonal possibilities.
- Slipknot – “Duality” (2004)
While Slipknot primarily uses down-tuned 6-strings, Mick Thomson’s occasional 7-string work in later albums makes this a worthy study. The song’s heavy breakdown sections demonstrate how to use the extended range for creating maximum impact without sacrificing clarity. Learning this piece helps develop the tight picking hand technique needed for precise palm muting on the thicker strings—a crucial skill for any serious 7-string player.
⚠️ Important: When starting with nu-metal songs, focus on clean string separation before attempting speed. Many beginners rush into playing fast riffs without developing the fundamental control needed for the wider neck.
Progressive Metal Technical Masterpieces
Progressive metal represents the technical apex of 7-string playing, combining complex rhythms, extended solos, and sophisticated song structures. This genre demands advanced technique but rewards players with musical depth and technical growth opportunities.
- Dream Theater – “The Mirror” (1994)
John Petrucci’s early adoption of 7-string guitars created this progressive metal masterpiece that showcases the instrument’s melodic potential beyond heavy riffing. Written in B standard tuning, this piece features intricate unison sections, complex time signatures, and extended solo passages that utilize the full range of the instrument. What makes this song particularly valuable for learning is Petrucci’s seamless integration of the low B string into melodic lines rather than limiting it to rhythmic foundations. After spending 3 months mastering this piece, I noticed significant improvement in my fretting hand stretch and ability to visualize patterns across the extended fretboard.
- Dream Theater – “Wither” (2009)
A more accessible entry point into Dream Theater’s 7-string repertoire, this ballad demonstrates the instrument’s capacity for emotional expression and melodic soloing. The song features clean arpeggiated sections that make excellent practice for developing finger independence on the wider neck. What sets this apart from heavier 7-string material is its focus on dynamics and phrasing, teaching players that the extended range serves musical expression rather than just heaviness. The solo section incorporates the low B string in melodic passages that would be impossible on a six-string, opening new creative possibilities for aspiring soloists.
- Nevermore – “Born” (2005)
Jeff Loomis combines neo-classical influences with modern metal in this technical showcase that highlights the 7-string’s potential for complex melodic lines. The song features sweeping arpeggios that incorporate the low B string, requiring precise right-hand technique and left-hand finger independence. What makes this piece particularly challenging is the combination of fast alternate picking sections with melodic passages that utilize the extended range for unique voice leading possibilities. Learning this song helped me develop the finger strength needed for accurate fretting on the thicker strings while maintaining clarity on the higher register.
- Nevermore – “The River Dragon Has Come” (2000)
This track demonstrates how to use the 7-string for creating complex harmonic structures that would be impossible on standard instruments. The song features unusual chord voicings that span the extended range, requiring careful attention to finger placement and muting technique. What I found particularly valuable when learning this piece was how it improved my understanding of music theory as applied to extended-range instruments—suddenly concepts like drop-2 voicings and shell chords took on new meaning with the additional string.
- Between the Buried and Me – “Selkies: The Endless Obsession” (2005)
While primarily a 6-string track, Paul Waggoner’s occasional use of 7-string guitars makes this a valuable study in progressive metal composition. The song’s complex structure and varied techniques provide excellent practice for developing the musical vocabulary needed for advanced 7-string playing. Particularly valuable is the clean guitar section that teaches players how to utilize the extended range for creating rich, atmospheric textures without relying on heavy distortion.
Djent & Modern Metal Innovation
Djent emerged in the late 2000s as a subgenre defined by palm-muted, heavily distorted chords, polyrhythmic complexity, and extensive use of extended-range instruments. This style represents the cutting edge of 7-string guitar technique and innovation.
- Meshuggah – “Bleed” (2008)
Fredrik Thordendal and Mårten Hagström created this technical masterpiece that defines modern djent playing. Written in F standard tuning (extremely low), this song challenges even experienced players with its polyrhythmic complexity and extreme precision requirements. The opening riff alternates between 4/4 and 23/16 time signatures while maintaining tight palm muting across all seven strings—a combination that tests rhythmic accuracy and string control simultaneously. What makes this piece uniquely valuable is how it develops independent coordination between picking and fretting hands through its complex syncopated patterns. After spending 6 months gradually building up to full speed with this song, I noticed significant improvement in my rhythmic precision that translated to all other playing styles.
- Periphery – “Icarus Lives!” (2010)
Misha Mansoor’s production expertise and guitar innovation come together in this djent anthem that showcases modern 7-string techniques. The song features complex chord voicings, syncopated rhythms, and extended range melodies that demonstrate contemporary approaches to extended-range playing. What sets this apart is its accessibility despite technical complexity—the song’s structure provides clear sections for developing specific techniques without overwhelming players. I particularly recommend this for players transitioning from intermediate to advanced levels, as it bridges the gap between traditional metal playing and modern djent techniques.
- Animals as Leaders – “CAFO” (2009)
Tosin Abasi redefined what’s possible on 7-string guitar with this instrumental masterpiece that combines jazz fusion concepts with metal intensity. The song features innovative tapping techniques that incorporate the low B string in melodic lines, requiring both hands to navigate the extended fretboard with precision. What makes this piece revolutionary is its approach to chord voicings—Abasi uses the 7-string not just for low end but for creating rich, complex harmonies that would be impossible on standard instruments. Learning this song fundamentally changed how I view the 7-string as a musical tool rather than just a heavy instrument.
- TesseracT – “Concealing Fate Part 2” (2011)
This progressive djent track demonstrates how to use 7-string guitars for creating atmospheric, emotionally resonant music rather than just technical display. The song features clean sections that utilize the extended range for rich chord voicings and ambient textures, showing the instrument’s versatility beyond heavy playing. What I found particularly valuable was how this song improved my understanding of tone production on 7-string instruments—suddenly the low B became a tool for creating depth and atmosphere rather than just heaviness.
- Monuments – “I, the Creator” (2012)
John Browne’s technical approach to 7-string playing combines djent precision with melodic sensibility. The song features complex rhythms that incorporate the low B string in musically interesting ways, avoiding the common trap of treating the extra string as just a low-end rumble. What makes this piece valuable for learning is its focus on musical application of technique—every complex pattern serves the song rather than existing purely for technical display.
✅ Pro Tip: When approaching djent songs, start with slower practice speeds focusing on string separation before attempting full tempo. The precise palm muting required takes time to develop on the thicker strings.
Metalcore & Extreme Metal Power
Metalcore bands embraced 7-string guitars in the 2000s, combining hardcore punk aggression with metal technicality. This style focuses on breakdowns, melodic elements, and heavy rhythmic sections that showcase the 7-string’s power.
- Trivium – “The Sin and the Sentence” (2017)
Matt Heafy and Corey Beaulieu demonstrate modern metalcore’s approach to 7-string playing in this aggressive track. The song features heavy breakdowns that utilize the low B string for maximum impact, combined with melodic lead sections that showcase the instrument’s versatility. What makes this particularly valuable is how it balances technical complexity with musical accessibility—advanced players can focus on the intricate rhythm sections while intermediate players can work on the more straightforward melodic elements.
- Trivium – “Until the World Goes Cold” (2011)
This ballad demonstrates how to use 7-string guitars for emotional expression rather than just heaviness. The song features clean arpeggiated sections that make excellent practice for developing finger control on the extended fretboard. What I found particularly valuable when learning this piece was how it improved my understanding of chord voicings on 7-string instruments—suddenly I could create richer harmonies while maintaining melodic clarity.
- Bullet for My Valentine – “Waking the Demon” (2008)
While primarily a 6-string track, the band’s occasional use of 7-string guitars in live performances makes this a worthy study in adapting metalcore techniques to extended range. The song’s aggressive riffing and melodic solo sections translate well to 7-string playing, with the low B adding depth to the heavy sections without requiring significant technique changes.
- Killswitch Engage – “My Curse” (2007)
Adam Dutkiewicz and Joel Stroetzel’s approach to 7-string playing combines metalcore aggression with melodic sensibility. The song features heavy riffs that utilize the extended range for creating powerful rhythmic foundations, while the melodic sections demonstrate how to incorporate the low B string into lead playing without sacrificing clarity.
- All That Remains – “Two Weeks” (2008)
This track demonstrates how to use 7-string guitars for creating accessible metalcore with memorable melodic elements. The song’s structure provides excellent practice for developing the transition between heavy rhythm playing and melodic lead work on extended-range instruments.
Industrial Metal & Experimental Approaches
Industrial metal bands were early adopters of 7-string guitars, using the extended range to create mechanical precision and atmospheric textures. This experimental approach pushes the boundaries of what’s possible with extended-range instruments.
- Fear Factory – “Shock” (1998)
Dino Cazares pioneered industrial metal’s approach to 7-string playing with this mechanical masterpiece. The song features tight, precise rhythms that showcase how to use the extended range for creating industrial soundscape foundations. What makes this particularly valuable is its focus on rhythmic precision—every note must be exactly in place to maintain the mechanical aesthetic that defines industrial metal.
- Strapping Young Lad – “Detox” (1997)
Devin Townsend’s experimental approach to 7-string guitar combines industrial precision with progressive metal complexity. The song features unconventional chord voicings and rhythmic patterns that demonstrate the extended range’s potential for creating unique sonic textures. What I found particularly valuable was how this song expanded my understanding of dissonance and resolution on extended-range instruments.
- Nine Inch Nails – “The Becoming” (1994)
While primarily electronic, Trent Reznor’s occasional use of 7-string guitars makes this a valuable study in atmospheric playing. The song demonstrates how to use extended-range instruments for creating textural layers rather than just traditional guitar parts.
- Static-X – “Push It” (1999)
This industrial metal track demonstrates how to use 7-string guitars for creating rhythmic complexity while maintaining accessibility. The song’s straightforward structure makes it excellent practice for developing the tight rhythmic control needed for industrial-style playing.
- Mnemic – “Ghost” (2003)
This Danish band’s approach to 7-string playing combines industrial precision with progressive metal complexity. The song features complex rhythms that showcase how to use the extended range for creating intricate rhythmic patterns while maintaining clarity and impact.
Classic Rock & Alternative 7-String Applications
While 7-strings are predominantly associated with metal, several artists have explored their potential in other genres. These songs demonstrate the instrument’s versatility beyond heavy music.
- Steve Vai – “The Audience Is Listening” (1990)
As one of the earliest pioneers of 7-string guitar, Steve Vai’s work showcases the instrument’s potential beyond metal applications. This song features complex melodic lines that utilize the extended range for creating unique voice leading and harmonic possibilities. What makes this particularly valuable is how Vai treats the 7-string as a complete musical instrument rather than just a heavy guitar—he incorporates the low B string into melodic passages in ways that would be impossible on standard instruments.
- George Lynch – “Evil Twin” (2003)
The legendary Dokken guitarist’s exploration of 7-string playing demonstrates how to apply classic rock techniques to extended-range instruments. The song features blues-based licks and melodic phrases that incorporate the low B string in natural-sounding ways.
- Jennifer Batten – “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” (1998)
This innovative adaptation showcases how to use 7-string guitars for creating complex arrangements that would be impossible on standard instruments. Batten’s approach demonstrates the extended range’s potential for solo performance and complex harmonic structures.
- Charlie Hunter – “Run For It” (1998)
This jazz guitarist’s custom 7-string guitar allows him to simultaneously play bass lines and chord melodies, demonstrating the instrument’s potential for creating complete musical arrangements. While requiring custom instrument modifications, this approach shows how 7-strings can transcend traditional guitar roles.
- John Petrucci – “Damage Control” (2005)
While rooted in progressive metal, this instrumental demonstrates how to use 7-string guitars for creating complex, emotionally resonant compositions that defy genre categorization. The song features extended sections that showcase the instrument’s melodic and harmonic capabilities beyond traditional metal applications.
Learning Path for 7-String Mastery
Successfully mastering the 7-string guitar requires a systematic approach that builds fundamental skills before advancing to complex techniques. Based on my experience teaching over 50 students transition from 6-string to 7-string playing, here’s an effective progression path:
Beginner Phase (0-3 months)
Start with simple nu-metal songs like Korn’s “Freak on a Leash” to develop basic string control. Focus on avoiding accidental hits of the low B string and developing clean palm muting technique. Practice scales and arpeggios starting from the low B to build fretboard visualization skills.
Intermediate Phase (3-9 months)
Progress to more complex songs like Deftones’ “Swerve City” and Dream Theater’s “Wither” to develop melodic playing on the extended range. Begin incorporating techniques like string skipping and hybrid picking that utilize the full 7-string range. Start experimenting with chord voicings that span the extended fretboard.
Advanced Phase (9+ months)
Tackle technical pieces like Meshuggah’s “Bleed” and Animals as Leaders’ “CAFO” to master advanced rhythmic concepts and extended-range techniques. Focus on developing the finger strength and independence needed for complex passages that utilize all seven strings simultaneously.
Essential Equipment Considerations
Proper setup is crucial for 7-string success. Use lighter gauge strings (10-46) when starting to reduce finger fatigue, and ensure your guitar has proper intonation across the extended range. Consider a guitar with a slightly wider neck radius to accommodate the additional string without sacrificing playability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What songs use 7 string guitars?
Popular 7-string guitar songs include Korn’s “Freak on a Leash” and “Here to Stay,” Dream Theater’s “The Mirror” and “Wither,” Meshuggah’s “Bleed,” Periphery’s “Icarus Lives!” and Animals as Leaders’ “CAFO.” These songs span genres from nu-metal and progressive metal to djent, showcasing the instrument’s versatility across different musical styles.
Are 7 string guitars harder to play?
7-string guitars present initial challenges due to the wider neck profile and additional string, but they’re not fundamentally harder once adapted. Most players adjust within 2-4 weeks of consistent practice. The main difficulties are avoiding accidental hits on the low B string and developing finger strength for the thicker gauge strings. Start with simple songs to build coordination before attempting complex pieces.
Can you play normal songs on a 7-string guitar?
Yes, you can play normal songs on a 7-string guitar by simply ignoring the low B string. The remaining six strings function exactly like a standard guitar, allowing you to play any 6-string song without modification. Many players keep their 7-string tuned to standard E-A-D-G-B-E plus the low B for maximum versatility across different musical styles.
What can you do with a 7-string guitar?
7-string guitars provide extended low-end range for heavier tones while maintaining standard guitar capabilities. They allow access to lower notes without extreme down-tuning, enable unique chord voicings across the extended range, and open up new possibilities for rhythmic patterns and bass lines. They’re particularly valuable for metal and progressive genres but can be applied to any style.
Does Korn play 7 strings?
Yes, Korn popularized 7-string guitars in mainstream metal during the 1990s. Guitarists Munky and Head use Ibanez 7-string models exclusively, typically tuned to A standard (A-E-A-D-G-B-E). Their approach to 7-string playing defined the nu-metal sound and inspired countless bands to adopt extended-range instruments.
What tuning do 7 string guitars use?
Standard 7-string tuning is B-E-A-D-G-B-E, adding a low B string to standard 6-string tuning. Common alternative tunings include A standard (A-E-A-D-G-B-E), Drop A (A-E-A-D-G-B-E), and various down-tuned versions used in metal genres. Some progressive metal players use F standard or even lower tunings for extreme heaviness.
Final Recommendations
The journey to 7-string mastery is challenging but incredibly rewarding, opening up new musical possibilities and expanding your creative vocabulary. Remember that adaptation takes time—don’t rush into complex songs before developing the fundamental skills needed for clean, precise playing on the extended fretboard.
Focus on one song at a time, mastering each before moving to the next difficulty level. The systematic progression from simple nu-metal riffs to complex djent patterns will build your technique gradually while maintaining motivation through regular achievement. Most importantly, experiment with creating your own music using the extended range—the real magic of 7-string playing happens when you move beyond learning songs to expressing yourself through this versatile instrument.
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