Collection: 7-String Guitars

Seven-string guitars open the door to a wider range of expression, from rumbling low-end riffs to soaring leads across the full neck. Players reach for them when they want more than a standard six-string can offer—whether that’s exploring new tunings, chasing heavier tones, or finding a used model with the right character.

Why play a 7‑string guitar?

The added low B string (B‑E‑A‑D‑G‑B‑E tuning) expands your sonic palette—perfect for metal, djent, progressive, fusion, jazz, and even modern pop. You get deep, chunky riffs without sacrificing mid-range clarity or lead agility. Whether you're downtuning heavier or layering rich chords, the 7‑string brings unmatched versatility. Chicago Music Exchange carries top brands like Ibanez, Mayones, plus in-demand names like Schecter, Jackson, and ESP, covering everything from affordable models to pro-level instruments.

7-String Guitar Tuning

Most 7‑string guitars are set to standard tuning (B‑E‑A‑D‑G‑B‑E), giving that powerful low B foundation. Some players experiment with drop tunings like drop A or C#, especially in metal and djent. Others use jazz/fusion-style alternate tunings for chord voicings. The extended range invites creativity and stretch beyond what a six-string offers.

Seven-string guitars dominate modern metal and progressive scenes—perfect for chunky djent riffs, complex polyrhythms, and heavy breakdowns. But their talents don't stop there: jazz players love the deeper range for walking bass lines, while ambient and experimental musicians use them for wider harmonic textures.

7-String Guitar Brands

At Chicago Music Exchange, our 7-string electric guitar selection brings together some of the most respected names in modern instrument design. Mayones delivers boutique craftsmanship and stunning finishes built for precision players. Schecter and Jackson have long been staples in hard rock and metal, offering fast necks and aggressive tones at accessible price points. Strandberg pushes the envelope with ergonomic, headless designs that balance comfort and clarity, while Ibanez continues its legacy of shred-ready playability with models favored by progressive icons. Rounding out the lineup, Sire offers exceptional value, making the extended-range world more approachable for players exploring their first 7-string.

7-String Artists

Some of the most inventive guitarists have turned to 7-strings to expand their sound. Take Stephen Carpenter of Deftones for example. He switched to a 7-string in the late ’90s to capture darker, heavier textures that reshaped the band’s identity. Jeff Loomis, known for his blistering speed and neoclassical phrasing, pushed the 7-string into the realm of technical, progressive metal. On a very different path, Charlie Hunter crafted a jazz-funk vocabulary on custom 7- and 8-string instruments, treating them as bass, harmony, and melody all in one. From low-end power to harmonic flexibility, the 7-string guitar continues to prove its versatility across genres.

Why buy a 7-String guitar from Chicago Music Exchange?

At CME, we’ve built our reputation on curating rare, professional-grade instruments—and our collection of 7-string guitars is no exception. From Ibanez and Mayones to Jackson, Schecter, and beyond, we offer both new and used models that cover every style, price point, and player preference. Whether you’re after a right- or left-handed build, a multi-scale design, or a signature artist edition, our team is here to guide you through the options. We’ll walk you through the differences between straight vs. fan-fret layouts, single-cut vs. double-cut bodies, and tremolo vs. fixed bridges, helping you land on a guitar that feels right in your hands and sounds right in your music. To complete the experience, we can recommend ideal tunings, amp pairings, and accessories like cases and straps designed specifically for extended-range guitars.