Looking for the best 7-string guitar songs? You’ve just hit paydirt!
When it comes to expanding the sonic palette of your music, the 7-string guitar is a game-changer. With its extended range, it allows guitarists to dive deeper into heavy, bone-crushing riffs while also offering a broader spectrum for melodic and technical playing. Whether you’re a seasoned shredder or a curious newcomer, exploring songs written for 7-string guitars can open up a whole new world of musical possibilities.
In this article, I’ve compiled a list of 30 standout 7-string guitar songs that showcase the instrument’s versatility and power. From the progressive intricacies of Dream Theater to the brutal intensity of Meshuggah, these tracks demonstrate why the 7-string guitar has become a staple in modern metal and beyond.
So, grab your 7-string, crank up the volume, and let’s dive into some of the best tracks that this extended-range instrument has to offer. Whether you’re looking to be inspired by technical mastery or just want to enjoy some seriously heavy riffs, this list has something for every guitarist and metal enthusiast.
Best 7 String Guitar Songs
Dream Theater – “The Mirror”
John Petrucci’s riffing in “The Mirror” is absolutely mind-blowing. The way he uses the 7-string to blend heavy, chugging rhythms with intricate, melodic leads is a masterclass in progressive metal guitar work. This track is a must-listen for anyone looking to see the full potential of a 7-string guitar.
Meshuggah – “Bleed”
If you’re into polyrhythms and bone-crushingly heavy riffs, “Bleed” is the track for you. Fredrik Thordendal and Mårten Hagström use their 7-strings to create a mechanical, almost hypnotic groove that’s both brutal and mesmerizing. It’s a real workout for both your fingers and your brain.
Nevermore – “Born”
Jeff Loomis’s work on “Born” is a shining example of how a 7-string guitar can add depth and complexity to metal. His sweeping arpeggios and crushing riffs are perfectly balanced, creating a sound that’s both powerful and intricate. It’s a riff fest with plenty of shredding to boot.
Korn – “Freak on a Leash”
Munky and Head’s iconic riff in “Freak on a Leash” is a cornerstone of nu-metal. The low A string adds a dark, brooding vibe that complements Jonathan Davis’s vocals perfectly. One of those 7 string guitar songs that showcases how the extra string can make a track heavier and more dynamic.
Periphery – “Icarus Lives!”
Misha Mansoor’s riffing in “Icarus Lives!” is technical yet melodic, showcasing the djent genre at its finest. The 7-string guitar allows for tight, punchy rhythms while still providing plenty of room for intricate lead work. It’s a brilliant blend of heaviness and harmony.
Deftones – “Swerve City”
Stephen Carpenter’s 7-string riffs in “Swerve City” are heavy, catchy, and full of groove. The song’s tight, syncopated rhythms show how a 7-string can bring an extra layer of depth to alternative metal. It’s a perfect mix of aggression and melody that keeps you hooked.
Muse – “Citizen Erased”
Interestingly, Matt Bellamy recorded “Citizen Erased” on a downtuned 6-string guitar. However, he uses a 7-string model when playing it live. The extra string allows for deeper, more resonant tones, giving the track its signature, earth-shaking quality that hits you right in the chest.
Animals as Leaders – “CAFO”
Tosin Abasi’s virtuosity on “CAFO” is nothing short of awe-inspiring. His use of the 7-string guitar is so innovative, blending complex tapping and sweeping techniques with rich, atmospheric soundscapes. This 7-string guitar song is a tour de force of modern progressive metal.
Trivium – “The Sin and the Sentence”
Matt Heafy and Corey Beaulieu bring the thunder in “The Sin and the Sentence” with some seriously tight riffing. The 7-string adds a punch to the song’s breakdowns and choruses. It’s aggressive, melodic, and perfect headbanging material.
Keith Merrow – “Pillars of Creation”
In “Pillars of Creation,” Keith Merrow masterfully uses the 7-string guitar to craft a blend of crushing riffs and intricate melodies. The extended range allows him to add a dark, atmospheric depth to the track, while his technical prowess shines through with precise, complex rhythms and fluid lead lines. The result is a dynamic instrumental piece that showcases the full potential of the 7-string guitar in modern metal.
Fear Factory – “Shock”
Dino Cazares’s riffing in “Shock” is all about precision and power. The 7-string guitar adds a crushing weight to the industrial metal sound, with tight, mechanical rhythms that drive the song forward. It’s like a well-oiled machine of pure metal.
After the Burial – “A Wolf Amongst Ravens”
The technical prowess displayed in “A Wolf Amongst Ravens” is off the charts. The 7-string guitar is used to its full potential, with blazing fast riffs and complex rhythms that push the boundaries of metalcore. This is one of those 7 string guitar songs that is a relentless assault on the senses in the best way possible.
Babymetal – “Karate”
Babymetal’s track “Karate” perfectly balances heaviness with infectious energy. The extra string adds a deep, punchy low end that drives the song’s powerful, anthemic feel, while the intricate riffing and harmonized leads showcase the guitarist’s technical skill and dynamic range.
Haken – “Prosthetic”
In “Prosthetic,” Haken’s guitarists utilize the 7-string guitar to create a complex tapestry of aggressive riffs and intricate rhythms. The extended range allows for a deep, resonant low end that anchors the song’s relentless energy, while the technical precision and rapid shifts in dynamics showcase the band’s progressive metal prowess.
TesseracT – “Nocturne”
“Nocturne” by TesseracT is a perfect blend of ambient beauty and crushing heaviness. Acle Kahney and James Monteith use their 7-strings to create lush, atmospheric textures while still delivering powerful, djent-style riffs. This track shows how a 7-string can enhance both the depth and the mood of a song.
Whitechapel – “The Saw is the Law”
In “The Saw is the Law,” Whitechapel’s guitarists really push the boundaries of deathcore. The 7-string guitars bring a level of brutality and heaviness that hits you like a freight train. The riffs are relentless, and the low-end punch adds an extra layer of ferocity that’s hard to match.
Bullet for My Valentine – “Your Betrayal”
“Your Betrayal” features some seriously tight and aggressive riffing from Bullet for My Valentine. The 7-string guitar adds a dark, menacing tone to the song’s intro and verses, while still allowing for soaring, melodic choruses. It’s a killer combination of heaviness and melody.
Born of Osiris – “Exhilarate”
“Exhilarate” by Born of Osiris is a tech-metal masterpiece. Lee McKinney’s use of the 7-string guitar allows for complex, intricate riffs that are both heavy and melodic. The song is a whirlwind of technical prowess and sheer power, making it one of our top 7 string guitar songs.
Thy Art Is Murder – “Reign of Darkness”
In “Reign of Darkness,” Thy Art Is Murder harnesses the power of the 7-string guitar to deliver a relentless onslaught of bone-crushing riffs and brutal breakdowns. The added low end gives the song a dark, menacing tone that perfectly complements its ferocious intensity, while the precise, machine-gun picking and intricate chord voicings showcase the technical skill of the guitarists.
Devin Townsend – “By Your Command”
Devin Townsend’s “By Your Command” is an epic blend of crushing riffs and soaring melodies. The 7-string guitar adds a rich, full-bodied sound to the mix, making the heavy parts hit even harder. Townsend’s use of the extra string adds depth and complexity to his already intricate compositions.
Nevermore – “The River Dragon Has Come”
I realise that I’ve already included a Nevermore song in this list, but Jeff Loomis’s incredible riffing in “The River Dragon Has Come” is too good not to mention. This is the 7 string song that convinced me to buy my very first 7-string.
Paradise Lost – “Beneath Broken Earth”
In “Beneath Broken Earth,” Paradise Lost wields the 7-string guitar to craft a sound that’s both crushingly heavy and hauntingly atmospheric. The deep, resonant low end adds a somber weight to the doom-laden riffs, enhancing the track’s melancholic intensity. The slow, deliberate pacing combined with the rich, textured guitar tones creates a powerful and immersive listening experience, showcasing the band’s mastery of dark, brooding metal.
Monuments – “I, The Creator”
“I, The Creator” is a djent anthem with crushing riffs and intricate rhythms. John Browne’s use of the 7-string guitar adds a deep, resonant quality to the music, making the heavy parts even more impactful. The song is a perfect mix of technicality and groove, showing off the full range of the instrument.
Termina – “Desolate Specter”
In “Desolate Specter,” Termina expertly leverages the 7-string guitar to deliver a relentless barrage of heavy, intricate riffs and soaring solos. The extended range allows for a crushing low end that gives the track its menacing power, while the technical precision and dynamic shifts keep the listener engaged.
Textures – “Reaching Home”
“Reaching Home” by Textures is a progressive metal masterpiece. The 7-string guitars add a rich, full-bodied sound to the song’s intricate rhythms and soaring melodies. It’s a dynamic track that showcases both the technical and emotional capabilities of the 7-string guitar, making it a standout in the genre.
Paul Wardingham – “Beyond Human”
In “Beyond Human,” Paul Wardingham uses the 7-string guitar to craft a futuristic soundscape filled with jaw-dropping technical prowess and melodic depth. The extended range allows for heavy, groove-laden riffs that underpin the song’s complex, soaring solos. Wardingham’s precise, intricate playing and innovative use of the 7-string guitar push the boundaries of instrumental metal, creating a track that is both technically impressive and sonically captivating.
Scar Symmetry – “The Illusionist”
“The Illusionist” by Scar Symmetry blends melodic death metal with progressive elements. Per Nilsson’s 7-string guitar work is both technical and melodic, with sweeping solos and heavy, syncopated riffs. The song’s dynamic range and intricate guitar lines showcase the full potential of the 7-string in a melodic context.
Jeff Loomis – “Jato Unit”
Being a huge fan boy of Jeff Loomis I could easily have filled this list with a ton of other Nevermore songs. But, just to keep things a little more interesting, how about you check out his incredible solo track “Jato Unit” instead?
I’d say it’s the perfect tune to wind up this list of the best 7-string songs.
Wrapping up our journey through the best 7-string guitar songs, it’s clear how much this instrument can elevate and diversify a musician’s sound. These 30 tracks showcase not only the depth and heaviness that the extra string brings but also the creativity and technical prowess of the artists who wield it.
Whether you’re riffing along to Korn’s nu-metal grooves or tackling the complex rhythms of Meshuggah, these songs offer a rich tapestry of inspiration. So grab your 7-string, hit those low notes, and let these tracks fuel your musical adventures. The potential of the 7-string is vast, and who knows? Maybe your next riff will make it to the list of iconic 7-string songs.
I have no doubt missed a TON of great 7-string songs, so feel free to shoot me an email if you think there’s something really important missing here!
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