How to Play a 7-String Jazz Guitar

Jazz guitar playing is a different beast altogether, but throw in a 7-string guitar, and things can get really interesting. The 7-string jazz guitar offers additional range and creative possibilities that can elevate your playing to a whole new level. Let’s break down what makes the 7-string guitar a unique tool for jazz, and how you can start incorporating it into your musical toolkit.

Why Choose a 7-String for Jazz?

The 7-string guitar isn’t just for metalheads aiming to drop some serious chugs. In jazz, that extra string can add depth and complexity to your playing. The typical 7-string setup includes an added low B string, which expands the range of the instrument and offers more room for bass lines, richer chords, and extended soloing possibilities. It’s like adding another layer to your musical cake.

Here are a few reasons why you might want to consider a 7-string guitar for jazz:

• Extended Range: More strings mean more notes, allowing you to play complex chords and bass lines simultaneously.
• Harmonic Richness: The extra string lets you incorporate more textures and harmonies in your music, which can be especially appealing in jazz.
• Versatility: A 7-string guitar can handle many styles, from traditional jazz standards to more modern fusion sounds.

Getting Comfortable with the Extra String

Before you can take full advantage of the 7-string, you need to get used to that extra string. It might feel a bit awkward at first, like trying to drive a car with an extra gear. But don’t worry—it’s all about practice and muscle memory.

Here are a few tips to help you get comfortable:

• Fretboard Familiarity: Spend time just playing scales and simple melodies, focusing on the new low string. This will help you get a sense of its place on the fretboard.
• Chord Shapes: Experiment with your usual chord shapes, but try incorporating the low B string. This can open up new voicings and sounds.
• Finger Exercises: Develop finger dexterity by practicing scales and arpeggios that incorporate the low B string. This will help you navigate the fretboard more fluidly.

Jazz Chords and Voicings on a 7-String

Jazz chords often involve complex voicings with lots of extensions and alterations. On a 7-string guitar, you have the opportunity to create chords that are even richer and more dynamic.

Here’s how you can expand your chord vocabulary:

• Use the Low B: Think of the low B string as an additional bass note. This can free up your other fingers to play more colorful chord tones.
• Explore Drop Voicings: Drop 2 and drop 3 voicings can be adapted to the 7-string, giving you new ways to voice chords across the fretboard.
• Experiment with Open Strings: Use open strings in combination with fretted notes to create unique textures and resonances.

Single-Note Lines and Improvisation

Improvisation is a big part of jazz, and the 7-string guitar opens up new possibilities for soloing. The extended range allows for fluid transitions between bass and melody lines, making your solos more dynamic.

Here are some improvisation tips for the 7-string:

• Use the Entire Range: Don’t just focus on the low B string—explore the full range of the guitar to create interesting lines.
• Connect Bass and Treble: Seamlessly move between bass lines and treble melodies to create a fuller sound.
• Incorporate Chromaticism: Jazz often uses chromatic passing tones. Use the extra string to add chromatic notes that enhance your solos.

Techniques for Smooth Transitions

Switching between chords and single-note lines on a 7-string can be challenging. It’s like juggling while walking a tightrope, but with practice, it becomes second nature.

Here’s how to make those transitions smoother:

• Practice Slowly: Start by playing your transitions at a slow tempo, focusing on clean execution.
• Use Economy of Motion: Keep your movements minimal. This not only looks cool but also makes transitions quicker and smoother.
• Develop Finger Independence: Exercises that promote finger independence can make it easier to switch between chords and lines without missing a beat.

Incorporating Rhythm and Groove

Jazz isn’t just about playing the right notes; it’s about feeling the groove. The 7-string guitar can be a powerful tool for creating rhythmic and groovy lines that are essential in jazz.

Here are some ways to incorporate rhythm and groove:

• Use the Low String for Bass Lines: Create walking bass lines or syncopated grooves using the low B string.
• Syncopation and Rhythmic Variations: Experiment with different rhythmic patterns to make your playing more dynamic.
• Practice with a Metronome: This helps you stay in time and lock in with the rhythm section.

Exploring Advanced Jazz Concepts

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you might want to dive into more advanced jazz concepts. The 7-string guitar is a great tool for exploring things like modal interchange, altered scales, and polyrhythms.

Here are some advanced concepts to explore:

• Modal Interchange: Borrow chords from parallel modes to create interesting harmonic shifts.
• Altered Scales: Use altered scales over dominant chords to add tension and release.
• Polyrhythms: Experiment with playing different rhythms over a steady beat to add complexity to your rhythm playing.

Learning from the Pros

Learning from experienced musicians can greatly accelerate your progress. For those interested in modern metal genres, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the world’s best metal guitarists. While it’s geared towards metal, the techniques and insights can be applied to any style, including jazz.

Here’s why learning from professionals matters:

• Expert Guidance: Learning from professionals gives you insights that are hard to find elsewhere.
• Inspiration and Motivation: Seeing what the pros are capable of can inspire you to push your own limits.
• Practical Tips: Pros can offer tips and tricks that make learning more efficient.

Final Thoughts

Playing jazz on a 7-string guitar opens up a world of musical possibilities. From richer chords to extended soloing opportunities, the extra string provides new creative avenues to explore. If you’re looking to enhance your skills, learning from experts can make a big difference. At Riffhard, we offer lessons from top-tier musicians that can help you get there faster.