How to EQ a 7-String Guitar

So, you’ve got your hands on a 7-string guitar and you’re ready to make some serious noise in the metal scene. But before you go chugging and riffing away, there’s one crucial thing that can make or break your sound: EQ. Equalization is the secret ingredient that can transform your guitar tone from muddy and indistinct to sharp and powerful. Let's break it down and get your 7-string sounding its best.

Understanding Your 7-String Guitar's Range

The first thing to grasp is the extended range that a 7-string guitar offers. That extra string, typically a low B, opens up a whole new world of sonic possibilities, but it also brings challenges in terms of EQ. The wider frequency range means you have more low-end to manage, which can easily get out of hand if not EQ'd properly.

Think of your 7-string as an orchestra. Each string represents a section of instruments, from the high-pitched violins (your higher strings) to the deep, resonant cellos (that low B string). If one section is too loud or too quiet, the balance is off, and the whole performance suffers.

• Low B String: The low B string gives you that deep, growling tone. However, it's easy for it to overpower the rest of your sound.
• Midrange Strings: These are your bread and butter for rhythm playing. They need to cut through the mix without being too harsh.
• High Strings: For solos and lead lines, these strings should be bright and clear.

Understanding how each string contributes to your overall sound is the first step in setting your EQ effectively. Balance is key.

Setting the Stage: Amp and Pedal Settings

Before you even touch the EQ knobs, you need a solid foundation. This starts with your amp and any pedals you might use. The amp settings you choose will heavily influence how you EQ your 7-string guitar.

Amp Settings: Start with the basics—bass, mid, and treble. A good starting point is to set everything to noon and adjust from there. Since the 7-string has more low end, you might find yourself cutting some bass to avoid muddiness.

Pedals: If you’re using any overdrive pedals, they can help tighten up the low end. A Tube Screamer or similar pedal can add clarity and definition to your tone, especially important when playing fast, intricate riffs.

Once you have a solid foundation with your amp and pedals, you can start to fine-tune your EQ settings. This is where the magic happens.

Dialing in the Low End

Let's talk about that low B string. It’s the star of the show, but it can also be the troublemaker. Too much low end can make your tone sound like a swamp, while too little will leave your sound feeling thin and weak.

Here’s a trick: try using a high-pass filter to gently roll off the very lowest frequencies that aren’t needed. This can help clean up the mud without sacrificing the power of the low B string.

When setting the bass on your amp or EQ, less is often more. You want enough to give your sound some weight, but not so much that it overwhelms the rest of the frequencies. Listen carefully to how the bass interacts with the other instruments in the band, especially the bass guitar and drums.

Midrange Magic

The midrange is where a lot of the character and clarity of your guitar tone lives. This is especially true for a 7-string guitar, where you want your riffs to punch through the mix without sounding nasal or honky.

Start by boosting the mids slightly. If you find that your sound gets lost in the mix, a healthy dose of midrange can bring it back to life. The exact frequency to boost will depend on your amp and guitar, but somewhere around 500 Hz to 1 kHz is a good place to start.

On the flip side, if your guitar sounds too harsh, you might need to cut some of the higher mids. Again, listen to how your guitar sits in the mix and adjust accordingly. The goal is to have a full, rich sound that doesn’t compete for space with other instruments.

Treble and Presence

The treble and presence controls can add sparkle and definition to your sound, but they can also introduce unwanted noise if overdone. With a 7-string guitar, you want your high notes to be clear and articulate while avoiding a shrill or piercing tone.

Start with the treble at a moderate setting and gradually increase it until you find the sweet spot where your high notes sing without being too bright. The presence control can help add clarity to your overall sound and is especially useful in a live setting where you need to cut through a dense mix.

Utilizing an EQ Pedal

An EQ pedal can be an invaluable tool for fine-tuning your 7-string guitar tone. It allows you to make precise adjustments that might not be possible with just your amp’s EQ controls.

• Graphic EQ: Offers multiple sliders for different frequency bands. This gives you the ability to target specific frequencies that might be problematic.
• Parametric EQ: Provides even more control, allowing you to adjust the bandwidth and frequency.

With an EQ pedal, you can quickly make on-the-fly adjustments during a gig or rehearsal. For instance, if you find your guitar is getting lost in the mix, you can boost the mids or highs. If the low end is too boomy, you can easily dial it back.

Listening in Context

One of the biggest mistakes guitarists make is EQing their guitar tone in isolation. You might have the perfect sound when playing alone, but in a band setting, it’s a whole different story.

Always listen to your guitar tone in the context of a full band mix. This is where the magic happens. Your guitar needs to complement the bass, drums, and other instruments, not compete with them.

Record yourself playing with the band and listen back critically. Are there frequencies that clash? Is your guitar getting lost? Use these insights to make further EQ adjustments.

Learning from the Pros

There’s a lot to learn from listening to and analyzing the guitar tones of your favorite artists. Whether it’s the brutal chugs of Meshuggah or the melodic leads of Periphery, there’s a wealth of knowledge in studying how the pros EQ their guitars.

At Riffhard, we have lessons from some of the best modern metal guitarists in the world. These artists don’t just teach you how to play their riffs—they dive into the details of their tone, including EQ settings and more.

Learning from the masters can give you new ideas and techniques to try in your own playing and help you find the EQ settings that work best for your 7-string guitar.

Experimentation is Key

Finally, remember that EQ is not a one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one guitarist might not work for another. The best way to find your ideal EQ settings is through experimentation.

Don’t be afraid to try different settings and listen to how they affect your tone. Play with the EQ knobs on your amp, try different EQ pedals, and listen in various environments. What sounds great at home might not translate well in a live setting, and vice versa.

Keep an open mind and trust your ears. With time and practice, you’ll develop a keen sense of how to EQ your 7-string guitar for any situation.

Final Thoughts

EQing a 7-string guitar is a journey of discovery, finding the balance between power and clarity. With the right approach, you can unleash the full potential of your guitar, making every note count. As you continue to hone your skills, remember that Riffhard is here to help, offering insights from the world's best metal guitarists. Keep exploring, and enjoy the ride!