Online tuning fork for tuning a 7 string guitar. Seven-string electric guitar

Tuning a guitar online using a tuner:

Adjusting the tuner volume is indicated by the inscription “Volume”.
The guitar tuner is a great opportunity to tune a six-string guitar online exactly to the reference sound.

Guitar Tuning: Sounds

The tuning tuner represents the sound of the instrument's open strings. Below are the names of guitar strings and their designations:
E is the first string of the guitar.
B – B second string.
G – G third string.
D – D fourth string.
A – A fifth string
E – E sixth string.
Select the first E string for tuning the guitar by pressing the letter E and try tuning the first string of the guitar in accordance with the received tuner sound, and then tune the instrument in the usual way, tuning the guitar according to the already tuned strings. After tuning, you have the opportunity to compare the sound of the open strings of your guitar with the sound of the open strings of the tuner, thus practicing tuning your guitar. The ability to tune a guitar well and quickly is an integral part of the learning process of playing this instrument. Guitar tuning online, guitar tuning using the unison principle, tuning acoustic guitar harmonics - all these methods should be tested and studied by you.

Setting up seven string guitar online

To tune a seven-string guitar, you can also use a six-string guitar tuner. The standard tuning of a seven-string instrument allows this to be done. To tune the first (thinest) string, you need to press this string at the second fret. Thus, we will get the E – E sound we need. We adjust the first string, pressed at the II (second) fret in accordance with the sound of the E tuner until the sound is unison (identical). The next three strings completely coincide in their sound with the tuning of the strings of a seven-string guitar. B – (B) is the open second string of a seven-string guitar, just like the open second string of a six-string instrument. G – (G) the open third string of a seven-string guitar. D is the (re)open fourth string of a seven-string guitar. To obtain the required B sound of the fifth string of a seven-string, we press the fifth string at the third (third) fret and again use the fourth (D) string of the tuner, adjusting it to a unison sound. We tune the sixth string of a seven-string, pressed at the II (second) fret along the fifth string A (A) of the tuner of a six-string guitar. The seventh string (D) pressed on the II (second) fret corresponds to the sound of the sixth string of the tuner E - (E). So, this is the configuration scheme:

Seven-string guitar tuning: sounds

E (tuner) – second fret of a seven-string guitar.
B (tuner) is the open (not pressed) second string of a seven-string guitar.
G (tuner) is the open third string of a seven-string guitar.
D (tuner) is the open fourth string of a seven-string guitar.
Again D (tuner) – the third fret of the fifth string of a seven-string guitar.
A (tuner) – second fret of the sixth string of a seven-string guitar.
E (tuner) – second fret of the seventh string of a seven-string guitar.

How to tune a seven-string guitar the standard way

Before tuning a seven-string guitar, let's familiarize ourselves with the names of the strings on the instrument. The first (thintest) string (D) is D of the first octave. The next three strings are tuned in the small octave: the second string (H) B, the third string (G) G and the fourth string (D) D. Further, the strings tuned in a large octave, like the previous three strings, have the same names, but sound an octave lower. The fifth string (H) is B, the sixth string (G) is G and the seventh string of guitar (D) is D. It is advisable to tune the guitar using a tuning fork, in this case the sound of the instrument will be more beautiful in timbre. This is due, first of all, to the strings, designed for a certain tension of a particular guitar tuning. You can tune a guitar using a tuner, which also describes how to tune a seven-string guitar using the sounds of a six-string tuner. The soundboard of the guitar, also designed for certain strings, also plays an important role in the beauty of the timbre. Bards often tune the instrument to suit their voice and the guitar ends up sounding dull. Vladimir Vysotsky tuned his guitar a tone, and sometimes a tone and a half lower. Correct setting starts with the first string, which is tuned to the A tuning fork (A-440). The first string held at the seventh fret should sound in unison with the tuning fork. If you don't have a tuning fork, try tuning the first string to the dial tone of your home telephone - it sounds just below the tuning fork. The second string (B) pressed at the third fret should be in unison with the first open string. It is advisable to tighten the string when tuning, rather than lowering it. In this case, our hearing is more receptive, and in the absence of experience in tuning a guitar, this is not an unimportant fact. Also, when tuning, you must first strike the already tuned string and, while listening to its sound, tighten the tuned one, and not vice versa. The third string (G) pressed on the fourth fret is tuned in unison with the second open string. The fourth string (D) pressed at the fifth fret is tuned in unison with the third open string. Then everything is repeated: the fifth string (B) pressed on the third corresponds to the open fourth string, the sixth (G) pressed on the fourth fret is tuned to the fifth open string and the seventh string (D) is tuned to the sixth open string. So, we have a seven-string guitar tuning: D; G; H; D; G; H; D.

Now, to make it easier to remember the process of tuning a seven-string guitar, let’s look at the diagram:

1st string D on a tuning fork at the 7th fret.

The 2nd B string is pressed on the 3rd fret along the 1st open.

The 3rd G string is pressed at the 4th fret along the second open string.

The 4th D string is pressed to the V fret along the third open fret.

The 5th B string is pressed on the 3rd fret along the 4th open.

The 6th G string is pressed on the 4th fret, the 5th open.

The 7th D string is pressed to the 5th fret, the 6th open.

Here you can tune a seven-string guitar through a microphone using online tuner.
And tune your guitar by ear using the recorded sounds of guitar strings in different tunings for 7-string guitar.

How to tune a 7 string guitar?

A seven-string guitar is tuned in the same way as a six-string guitar.
The only difference is that a 7-string guitar has one more, thickest string - the lower B (B).
In order to tune it, you need to hold down the 6th string E (E) at the 5th fret, as a result of which we get the sound of an open 7th string.

Instructions for tuning a guitar with an online tuner:

1.Connect a microphone

2. Click the Allow button on the tuner.

3. Play one note and look at the tuner.
The tuner will display the name of the note played and the accuracy of its tuning.
If the green pointer on the scale deviates to the right of the letter, then the string is overstretched; if it deviates to the left of the letter, then it is understretched.
You need to change the tension of the string by releasing or tightening it with pegs.

If the sound of the guitar string matches the standard, the letter will turn green.
And that means that this note sounds right and you can tune other strings.

Seven-string guitar tuning

For a seven-string guitar there are many various options guitar tuning: basic - Standard, Russian, and - Lower tunings , Dropped tunings and others.

1.Standard tuning of a seven-string guitar - BEADGBE

  • 1st string - E (E) (the thinnest)
  • 2nd string - B (B)
  • 3rd string - G (G)
  • 4th string - D (D)
  • 5th string - A (A)
  • 6th string - E (E)
  • 7th string - B (B)

2. “Russian” system - d¹bgdBGD

Mainly used by bards. The guitar in this tuning is tuned to a G major chord on open strings. This system is also called "Open G".

  • 5th string - note B (B) large octave

3. Gypsy minor scale - d¹b♭gdB♭GD

Its difference from the standard Russian tuning is that instead of a major quartet-sixth chord, a minor one is used: the 2nd and 5th strings are lowered by a semitone.

In this tuning, the strings are tuned as follows:

  • 1st string - note d¹ (D) of the first octave
  • 3rd string - note g (Sol) small octave
  • 4th string - note d (D) small octave
  • 5th string - note B♭ (B-flat) large octave
  • 6th string - note G (Sol) large octave
  • 7th string - note D (D) large octave

Naturally, with such tunings, the chord fingerings will differ from those usual for 6-string guitars.

4. Lower tunings of a seven-string guitar

Some guitarists tune their instruments lower or higher than standard to match the sound of the instrument when played to the player's voice.

Bb tuning- Bb-Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb - Adjustable to a semitone lower than standard.
A tuning- A-D-G-C-F-A-D - A tone lower than standard.
G# tuning- G#-C#-F#-B-E-G#-C# - 3 semitones lower than standard.
G tuning- G-C-F-A#-D#-G-C - 2 tones lower than standard.
F# tuning- F#-B-E-A-D-F#-B - 5 semitones lower than standard.

5. Dropped seven-string guitar tunings

In these tunings, the seventh string is tuned a tone lower than normal.

Drop A- A-E-A-D-G-B-E - Same as standard, but with the seventh one tone lower.
Drop Ab- Ab-Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb - A semitone below Drop A.
Drop G- G-D-G-C-F-A-D - One tone lower than Drop A.
Drop F#- F#-C#-F#-B-E-G#-C# - 3 semitones below Drop. A

6. Other seven-string guitar tunings

6.1.Stroy Sergey Nikitina (performer, composer) - d¹ b♭gdсGD:

1st string - note d¹ (D) of the first octave
2nd string - note b♭ (B flat) small octave
3rd string - note g (Sol) small octave
4th string - note d (D) small octave
6th string - note G (Sol) large octave
7th string - note D (D) large octave

6.2.Construction of Bulat Okudzhava and Vera Matveeva - d¹bgdсGD:

1st string - note d¹ (D) of the first octave
2nd string - note b (B) small octave
3rd string - note g (Sol) small octave
4th string - note d (D) small octave
5th string - note from (C) small octave
6th string - note G (Sol) large octave
7th string - note D (D) large octave

6.2. And others:

Open E- BEBEG#BE
Open A- AEAEAC#E
Open D-ADADF#AD
Open B- BD#BD#F#BD#
Drop D Drop A- ADADGBE
C 6th-CEGCGAE
Jazz tuning- AEADGBE
Lute tuning- BEADF#BE
Blues tuning (Fourths tuning)-BEADGCF
Jimmy Page tuning- ADADGAD
Rain Song tuning-CDGCGCD
Major 3rds-EAbCEAbCE
GDAEBGbA- modified Robert Fripp New Standard Tuning

Here I would like to talk about those guitars that were given more than 6 strings. About such “overgrown” people in the world of guitars. Nowadays, if you watch videos of performances of modern bands that play extreme subgenres of metal or hardcore, you will notice that many use seven and sometimes even eight-string guitars. Among such performers are, for example, Meshuggah or Animals as Leaders. Why do they use such instruments that their music cannot be played on ordinary six-string guitars that have already become classics? Let's try to figure it all out.

Peculiarities

The trick with multi-string guitars, oddly enough, is that they increase the possible range of sound by adding additional strings. The range, as a rule, expands towards the bass side. Seven- and eight-string guitars are most widespread in extreme metal genres in order to obtain an even lower and more powerful sound. What are the differences between these “overgrown” guitars and ordinary six-string guitars?

  1. Pickups. The sounds are usually quite powerful with a large exhaust. Also, pickups for such guitars are created taking into account the increased number of strings.
  2. Neck Length and Scale. As we already know, the lower the guitar’s action, the longer the scale must be so that the instrument can be tuned. Take the bass guitar for example. It sounds an octave lower than the guitar, and the bass has a longer scale (34" versus 25.5"). Accordingly, a seven-string electric guitar has the same scale as a 6-string (25.5"), but eight-strings are already made with a 27" scale. Also, many necks are strengthened by adding additional materials into their design. This is due to its increased length and extra-high tension strings.
  3. Neck width. Everything is logical here, there are more strings - the neck is wider. The width of the neck of a seven-string guitar increases to 48mm, and of an eight-string guitar up to 54-55mm.

Build 7 and 8 string guitars

The standard tuning of a six-string guitar, as we know it, is E A D G B E(from bass to high). This tuning is also called quart because the interval between two adjacent open strings(except for the second and third) is a perfect quart. This rule also applies to the seven-string guitar. We add an extra string that will produce a note lower than the sixth string by a fourth. This will be the note C (B). Thus, standard tuning seven string guitar B E A D G B E. Drop tunings are formed in the same way as for a six-string guitar.

The tuning of an eight-string guitar is formed in a similar way. We add a string that produces a note lower than the seventh string by a fourth. This will be F-Sharp (F#). Thus, the standard tuning of an eight-string guitar is F# B E A D G B E. As you can see, here the eight-string already extends quite a bit into the range of the bass guitar. The lowest note is only a tone higher than the bass (F# vs. E)! Read more about guitar tunings in

As the musicians say, the Russian seven-string classical guitar- the most romantic instrument that has rich history. This article will introduce the reader in detail to this truly charismatic instrument.

It is immediately worth noting that the seven-string classical guitar comes in four types:

  1. Classic. Contains normal tuning with an extra bass note B (B). Oddly enough, its only advantage is the expansion of the bass range. This also includes the seven-string electric guitar.
  2. Mexican. with two necks and, accordingly, 14 strings. Each group of strings can be tuned differently, this is the advantage of the Mexican guitar. However, its production has almost completely stopped.
  3. The Brazilian guitar is almost no different from the classical one, with the exception of minor design innovations.
  4. Russian. Most popular look Hundreds professional musicians from all over the world (including such masters as Paul McCartney and Bulat Okudzhava) appreciated its unique character. This article will be devoted to this guitar.

A Brief History of the Russian Seven-String Guitar

Andrey Sikhra, the founder of the Russian guitar, is rightfully considered the father of the Russian seven-string guitar. guitar music, author of more than a thousand compositions. The debut of the Russian seven-string took place in Vilnius in 1793.

Guitar construction

It is worth mentioning that the Russian seven-string classical guitar is almost completely different from the usual acoustic one. Despite the obvious one small difference, the designers radically redesigned its structure. tuning and playing which is a little specific will require increased skills from the musician (barre, for example, will be more difficult to take).

  • Firstly, the tuning on a Russian guitar is completely different - D (the thickest string), G, H, d, g, h, d1 (where the notes are with a small letter - this means that the note is an octave higher than the one written with a capital). There are other tunings, but this is information for enthusiasts, since they are rarely used.
  • Secondly, in the Russian guitar only metal strings. No nylon.
  • Thirdly, the bar is attached to the body with a screw, which determines the angle of the bar.
  • And fourthly, a different arrangement of strips inside the case.

As you can see, the design difference is quite large, but classical instrument no more complicated than a 7-string guitar, which has never been a problem for guitarists to tune. Even novice musicians easily managed to get used to the new design.

Guitar tuning and playing

How can a 7-string guitar whose tuning is so linear and simple cause problems for beginners? Of course not! For tuning, a classic tuning fork, a tuner and an ear are used (all can be used together).

When tuning a seven-string guitar by ear, the easiest way is to first tune the very first string (the note D) according to a standard (it can be the fourth string on a regular guitar, a piano key, or an audio recording from the Internet). You can also use an Internet tuner.

Now you can tune the remaining strings relative to the first one already tuned. Here's a step-by-step mini-instruction describing how to tune the first string of your guitar, and then all the others:

  1. The second string on the third fret should sound like the first string open.
  2. The third string on the fourth fret is like the second open string.
  3. The fourth on the fifth fret is like the third.
  4. The fifth on the third fret is like the fourth.
  5. The sixth on the fourth fret is like the fifth.
  6. The seventh on the fifth fret is like the sixth.

This is worth doing even without experience, because tuning a guitar is the gray everyday life of a guitarist. By the way, strings for a 7-string guitar are absolutely easy to get for residents big cities- in music stores you can always find a couple of sets, but for those who live in small populated areas, you will have to order them from the online store.

What to play on a seven-string guitar?

The range of genres covered on the Russian seven-string guitar is even smaller than on the classical one. It is absolutely not suitable for most genres. Her genres are folk ballads, romances, plays and bard melodies. The melodies of Vladimir Vysotsky are great for learning - they are relatively simple and recognizable (there will be something to brag about in company). Tabs should also be “seven-stringed”.

Yes, by the way, it is not easy - a 7-string will require not only the strings, but also the hands. You will have to completely relearn how to play chords on such an instrument. The pressing technique will remain completely the same, but the finger positions will be different, even in the chords of the same name.

In addition, they will require more endurance from your fingers than nylon ones. You will have to suffer for some time until working calluses form.

In general, the adjustment period for mid-level guitarists takes about a month.