This is the last video from my old studio! So I've had my 7 string for some time, and I decided to work out which was better suited to me out of a Baritone and a 7 String. Perhaps you guys can help shed some light on the benefits of each one?
Moved to 7 string myself years ago... now I actually find it hard to go back to 6 string as mostly everything I play is on 7 strings so I can't even play most of the tunes I know back on the 6 string... Now I'm experimenting with drop-D tunning on the 6 string though and I'm diggin' it :) But that extra string comes so handy...
Have you ever tried putting thinner strings on your baritone and tune it higher, like C standard or so? I play 6 string guitars tunned to C on a 25,5 scale and to have the tension I need, only with 12-60 string gauge which already cost me tendinitis. What scale length would you recomend to use like 10-52 strings in this tunning? I'm buying a cheap 7 string soon to see how it goes, but I'm leaning towards a 6 string baritone! Cheers \m/
7 string baritones are tuned to €̵̧̨̛̰̬̦̟̳̻͚̞͖̻̙̖̬͙̦̻̮̣̲̭̤̘̣͈̤͇̱̼͋̿̈́͒͗̿͂̑̈́̔̌̄̓̍̓̋̏͌̀͒͋͗́̑̈̔̀͊̑̾̃̈̋́̐̀̒́̀̽̋̀́̀̐̋̎̓̂̿́͗̇͒̈́̂̄̔͗̍̇̅̀̇͒̒̃́̌͊͌̅̿̿̈́̈́̽̽̔̾̋͊̂̏̂͂͆͆̓͐̄́͌̃͗̈͒͂̉͊́̕͘̕̚̕̚͘͜͝͝͝͝͠͠͝͝͝ standard
We know there can be a huge difference between 6-string pickups, and that's only magnified by adding the extra width to accommodate another string (more wire per winding, longer magnets, the whole package). I'm sure there's some tonal offering from the wood, but it's a tiny part of a high gain sound. I 100% agree that it's the pickup(s).
Also the scale length, the baritone is a whole 1 1/2 inches longer on the scale, so the strings are gonna have more tension at the same pitch, which will give more trebble and clarity
I wouldn’t shoot for 90% personally just cause of the pickups, but definitely is a game changer. Again, scale length and bolt-on design (string gauge?) of the baritone would justify the rather punchier/clearer output. There are way too much variables here, so no way they could sound even close. Who said it was the goal though, anyway... Different gear for various situations - Rabea’s gonna make use of both, that’s one thing I am sure of...
I like that on a 7 string, you get true extended range, while on a baritone it’s only lowered range. I feel like I’m losing out on the top. Even though I never really hit that far up the dusty end 😂
@@chusamusic1409 If you match the string gauges the baritone will be brighter for the same tuning since the tension on the string will be higher. If you match the tension by using thicker strings on the 7 string it should be closer in sound, but the baritone will still produce more lower harmonics and stronger upper harmonics. The longer string gives more harmonics over all in fact, so it's brighter and thicker and more of everything at the same time, confusingly enough.
@@adamskold6395 it all depends on a variation of things, my Schecter KM7 mkiii is brighter than any of my other guitars. I think the Strings being cobalts and the pickups make a difference but also the body is swamp ash that makes a big difference
@@adamskold6395 I’m saying I can throw up a video to prove. I have soldered my pickups in multiple guitar bodies during lockdown and yeah huge enough differences to be stated. Mahogany, swamp ash, bass wood way different in terms of resonance, and weight which in turn mostly affect the bass response
As someone who started playing on a 7-string guitar, I can say that there is something about playing a 7-string that can lend itself to playing in different tunings easier than a 6-string. Playing 6-strings has always felt different to me, never in a limiting or uncomfortable way, but just in a way that required me to take a different look at the way I play the respective guitar. I tend to be much more riff-oriented when it comes to my 7, and when I play 6 strings, I play much more leads. I think when you approach playing different guitars than you're used to, it should never be viewed as "which is the better one" outright. There may be better ones for your playing style, but every guitar is different to every person and should present a new challenge, a new opportunity, and a new way to expand your use of the instrument to become a more well-versed and capable musician. The best option for anyone and everyone out there is an open mind.
@@michaelmacleod6517 3 years later i'd just say do what feels best when you play it. i switched to 6 strings since i play more blues and funk now and my ibanez does wonders, try out a bunch of stuff and do what works best for you :)
I'd say the primary reason to go for a seven string over a baritone is, if like me you play in drop tunings, you can tune a seven string to drop A and not only access all the chords of a drop tuning, but of standard tuning as well. Your barre chord options really go through the roof. Drop A really is a very versatile tuning.
@@poulwinther fair enough, most 7 strings have a similar scale length to baritones with 26.5-27 inches. And to be honest, with metal music which is what most 7 string players play, tending to be in the key of whatever the lowest string is tuned to, the extra high E string wouldn't give you that many more usable notes.
@@sneeringimperialist340 Most 7-strings? I really beg to differ, and certainly none of mine. :-) I constantly use the high E to the 24th fret and besides, I can play different chord voicings and riffs without compromising the lead part at all.
mostly just because like he said the 7 is alien to him, Give him some time and he'll be killing it just as much on the 7! for now though I agree with your comment. Interested in seeing him progress with the 7.
Yeah, I agree. Much brighter, more treble, produces a more balanced sound, IMO. 7-string was really mid-y, more undefined. Personally, I liked the baritone waaaaay better.
You started playing on the 7, and I was like "That sounds great, why not just have the extra range?". Then you broke out the baritone, and that tone, omg so good. Would be interested to see how the 7 changes with a Ragnarok bridge. As things stand right now though, the baritone all the way.
Thanks for the replies guys. I’m sure if I put the same pickups in both the tones would be a bit closer in terms of EQ. But I still feel there is a fundamental difference in the way the guitar produces the notes, in its resonance or timbre etc. Like the rounded mid honk the 7 has as opposed to the thicker or wider mid honk that the baritone has. Does anyone know what I mean?
Rabea Massaad yea man, I have an Arz307 and a Arz300 (6-7 variants of the same guitar) I play both in drop A on occasion and even though the pickups, Wood, setup, etc. effect tone a lot there is some kind of timbre change between them, that being said I’m enjoying watching your journey a lot!
Yep, it's that "piano" thing that you get from a baritone because it's a longer string which is tuned to a higher tension at the same pitch when compared to a standard length guitar. I have a 6-string tuned to B standard, and while I love the sound, it's very flubba-dubba on the low strings.
at like 3:55 to like 4:03, were you picking and plucking with your finger or were you muting with your finger after picking? couldn't tell but it sounds clean.
Yeah, sounds familiar. Especially when you used the ‘scientific’ term ‘honk’ in the video - that describes it spot on;)). I was surprised how single-coilished some sounds were on my 7 27”, when I first got it
Every since I purchased a Boss Gt 1000 I've been getting into ambient playing and tones , and thank you for doing that in depth look at the GT 1000 vid where you showed how it's possible to have two channels true stereo , really clear and informative. ...since that vid I've purchased two FR active Speaker's and it sounds awesome , much Appreciated Rabea. I use a Baritone guitar alot. I took to it straight away ....being a six string I didn't notice....
Your sig Baritone has a 28" scale length vs 26.5" for the ML1-7 Pro. So the A string will sound more clear and also will be smaller for the same tension. Basically if you do need that extra e string, your baritone is the way to go !
I recently started playing 7 string where instead of standard 6 tuning + a low string, you have a standard 6 + a high string. I keep it in drop C with a high G on top and it’s SO fun to play
I was forced to move up to 7 strings for the last cover I did on my channel, having never played one before. The opening riff is a sequence of arpeggios with the root note of the lowest one being the A1 and the highest note being a C5, so it spans almost the entire fretboard across all 7 strings. Now I own a low end RG8 and play that more than all of my other guitars, even for rock. There's something about the wide, flat neck that I find preferable to regular six strings, and I can't describe what it is. Six string guitars feel like toys to me now.
I think it has to do with where you think of the scale shape as starting. I think of my 7 string as a 6 with a bonus A, so the E string is still my reference point for chords and scales.
Thank you for this video, always glad to hear more folks championing baritone guitars and helping explain to folks what the difference is. I've been hearing the "why don't you just play a seven string" question for so damn long from people! Tried out your signature Bari at NAMM a while back and really loved it. Keep up the great work, cheers.
I've been playing 7 strings for 5 years now, and 9 strings for 2 years now. I found that I prefer the string tension of standard tuning but like the extended range of a 7, 8, or 9 offers. Honestly Bea, with the kind of break-neck riffage you do on a 6, I think a 7 for you would be like taking ankle weights off! Keep up the good work homie! Cheers from Oregon!
Personally I think the difference in tone has more to do with the different pickups and scale lengths as opposed to the difference in wood type and neck size. Everything I've heard from the Ragnaroks seems to sound a lot like Misha's current signature sound which is also much brighter and doesn't have near as much of that rounded midrange thing. And then of course the 28" in drop A is going to be more bright and twangy than the 26.5 so I'm sure that adds to it. Both still sound good in their own respects but for me the baritone really shines in drop G or lower.
This might be a strange way to express the difference in sound between the 7 string and the Baritone but , to me, the Baritone has a different vowel "Baaaa Baaa", where the 7 string sounds more like "Bow, Bow". I prefer the sound of the Baritone but I have a differing theory as to why the chugging sounds different on the Baritone vs. the 7 string. In the same manner a tele tends to lose a bit of it's twangy sound when a shorter scale neck is bolted to it, the longer scale of the baritone might be contributing to the snappier sound of the Baritone. It would be interesting to see if the sound of the Baritone could be, more accurately, recreated on a multi-scale 7 string. Awesome video, Bea, thx!
Cheeky Karnivool part at 16:38. (From Umbra at 3:40) One of my favorite things about Bea’s videos is picking out references to other bands that I love in his playing. Especially when he plays a Karnivool part because I almost always recognize it.
I just purchased a 7 string yesterday. I’m learning guitar for the first time at 51. I couldn’t find a guitar I liked until I play my new 7 string. I even started writing a song with it. Coming from a keyboard background, it just seems like a more creative juice flowing instrument for me, rather than trying to be SRV if that makes sense. Anyways, cheers 🍻
Thank you for this! I am waiting for a Schecter C1 Apocalypse Baritone to be delivered and will be my first ever baritone. I've always loved drop tunings and now can afford this guitar and am very excited to try it. I was swaying towards 7 string but without ever had playing anything like that. I think your video has reassured me this first 6 string baritone is a good first choice to stir the water and work on my ambient music which I love. Appreciate it!
I play a 27 inch scale 7 string and I love it. I had a 25.5 inch 7 string and never got along with it. I don't like really thick strings so having a baritone 7 is perfect. Also the longer scale makes the low B sound so much tighter and more clear.
Interesting tone test, between the baritone and the 7 string. It sounds like, through my crappy headphones, that the baritone has more definit mids (maybe upper mids) and seems to cut more. While both sounds great, I like the baritone more. Keep up the good work!
This is a great way to show that transition to 7 string is not simply adding another string. There are so many different levels of intricacies that are brought to the table and some do struggle with it at first. I personally have been playing for 19 years and about 16 or them were on 7 string. I have my 7 for my heavier stuff I want to play or that deeper tone, and a few different 6 string setups in different tunings are they each have a different tone and have their place. Like a 7 string standard and a 6 string in drop A# both have different feels and tones that can be used. While I'm nowhere near as good as him, this is still a great example of jumping to the next string level. Next up, getting an 8 string and learning to play that beast.
As a player who plays both 6, 7, and 8, I find it relatively easy to transition because of the way I view the additional strings and tunings. To me it's just an extension of the octave that I would be playing in 6 string so I more focus on the root note rather than there is just an extra string. I mean there is only 12 notes so it's not like extra notes being added lol. Hope your journey goes well!
Exactly. I got into 7 strings about 2 or 3 years after picking up the guitar for the first time. People all said it was too soon but it never bothered me. All it took was like 60 seconds' embarrassment in a local guitar store haha. I mean, it's just one more string! It's not even burried in the middle of the fretboard; it's the lowest one.
I see it all the time it’s seem like it’s 50/50. I picked up a 7 thinking it would take me a while to get used to it an hour later I was like wtf was I worried about? Kind of came naturally.
Jared W The point Mike is trying to make is one about language... “both” is a word that should only be used with regard to two things very specifically. As soon as you mention three or more different options then you shouldn’t use “both” anymore. 🤷🏼♂️
I agree that the wider neck does something, whether it's how it resonates or subtle adjustments to your fretting hand. I notice I write differently on 6 vs 7 string, even with both in Drop A.
I did something unique with my guitar. I got an ESP LTD guitar that was advertised as a "7-string baritone", but when I got it, it was tuned like a standard 7-string guitar; they only called it a baritone because of it's 27-inch scale length. So I re-strung it make it what I originally thought it was: I got a set of strings for an 8-string guitar, and used the bottom 7, I tuned the top 6 strings to baritone B-standard, and the 7th to low F# or low E. So I can go as low as an 8-string, but with the distinctive sound of a baritone.
I have a 7-string baritone Agile Scepter 30” scale (a discontinued model) and it is always tuned in standard or drop A. Because it is 1) string-through bridge 2) tune-o-matic bridge (has the extra bit of string going back and down through the body) 3) 30” scale 4) reverse-inline headstock, I can’t find strings long enough to fit it except the one custom extra long set Rondo (maker of Agile) offers on their website, and it is a set way thinner on the rhythm end than I am comfortable with, so it has to be tuned in standard to not be floppy. Ironically, the high E string they send is an 8 and is actually too thick and snaps just from tuning to E despite the other strings being too floppy, so I swapped it with a 7 I got from Stringjoy. Overall, despite the issues I’m having finding ~45” strings that will fit it, the guitar sounds absolutely wonderful with the extra long scale length and SD Nazguls! The thin strings cause the sustain to really suffer though... next time I buy a custom set from Stringjoy for my 8-string, I will compare the length to the Agile to see if the strings are long enough!
PLEASE Bea, read this. Great video! But there is a very simple solution to your problem, and I don't recall you mentioning having tried it. Tune the lower 6 strings like your baritone, and leave the highest string as is. That way you have the best of both world. Chord shapes, reflexes, muscle memory from a baritone for the 6 lower strings, and an extra high string to increase lead range!
I absolutely love your mind, brother! Your chords in just noodling through the video are just amazing and beautiful. I’m in love with your music. I will be checking all your music out, so I’m looking forward to it. You are inspiring me to get back on my music horse and really try to go for it. Rock on! Josiah from little old Hemet, CA, USA.
I watched this, as a Baritone player and maker, thinking "ah crap, what if I prefer the sound of the 7 string? I mean he has talked about punchier mids and thats what I like in a guitar tone"... And then you chugged on the 7 with the Baritone back to back. I am happy to report I think I made the right decision. For me at least 😊
I am super late to this party, but I thank you so much for this video. I just bought a baritone guitar and already have a 7 string as my main go to and this video cemented why I need both in my life. ❤
I would speculate pickups before the neck size effecting output frequency, but feel, absolutely! I just started experimenting with 7 strings and they are good fun for sure
Rebea......I have been playing 7 string since the 90's. The large neck has a different feel...and tone...Baritones are good...depends on the person...love your approach.....keep at it...I switch back in forth 6/7 string all the time...cheers mate
I wouldn’t give it the “djent” label... That being said, you just mentioned in the video that you have the Bare Knuckles in the Baritone and the stock PUs in the 7. That’s gonna make a huge difference. I like the tight sound of the 7 on the chugging. But, I’m sure that the Baritone could do the same if it was the same electronics and woods.
I have started recently learning guitar and I am thinking to add a 7 strings in my arsenal. It feels it could be interesting so it is nice to indeed think that afterall is a personal choice :)
Both stunning, do love the baritone sound better, and I'm more a 6 string player so biased. But also, get lost in watching you shred man. Great video as always!!
I think the baritone sounds brighter because of the 28” scale. In the same way, Les Pauls are “thicker” sounding than fat Strats because of the shorter scale length. That said, I like the brighter sound of the Baritone, I think it’s one of their defining characteristics.
SkinnyMan I’m just going to try and start an argument by putting it out there that as they’re made of different woods is one of the main reasons for the tone differences, tonewood everybody! I’m sorry
im pretty sure 90% of the sound comes from the pickups....but hey people can have their own opinion no matter how stupid is it...its cool..my cool with that
I was thinking on the same thing for a while. But finally i bought my PRS Mike Mushok baritone 1 month ago, and i'm very satysfied. 😁 Its working perfectly between Drop A - F#
I don’t have a Baritone and just the 7, but had the same thoughts as you around riffing and chords, riffing felt good but chords through me off. Then I found the trick to tune the D string down a half step in standard tuning, then the chord shapes for the lower six strings match, and it plays like a Baritone with a high string to add some extra tone. This was a game changer for me as for chords. I then go back to standard tuning on the D when playing leads and it’s like having a lower string to play with.
I chose a 7. I'm mainly a lead player (not that that really matters). The reason for a 7 for me was because I couldn't be bothered downtuning playing other songs.
I keep coming back to this video because your ambient playing and tone is so heavenly here I think. With my 8 string I have done some jazzy bass line stuff with it. I covered money with Djent stuff in parts of it in music school with a rock/metal ensemble which was funny. You could tune the B to A for a drop A one fret power chord deal. I have my 8 string with F# for lowest and A on The 7th with sometimes which inspired me to make heavy riffs/licks which I did recently. I liked both guitars tones equal.
Jordan Carlson I believe it’s all relative to what you’re used to playing on. I’ve been playing strictly on my 7- and 8-strings for the last few months and when I went to play my 6-string yesterday, the neck felt so small in my hands that I was uncomfortable! Haha
I've been playing 7 strings for 10+ years now and they're 'home' to me now for definite. I find that going back to a 6 makes it feel almost like a different instrument altogether and I tend to write very definitely on 6 & 7 as well. I'm the reverse of you though, i find going back to 6 string messes up my whole idea of scale shapes and I'm expecting to reach the D string when i hit the G instead. Great video dude.
I've been a baritone guitar player since 2005, I have 2 Baritones a ESP LTD MHB-400 and a Ibanez the Mike Dewolf 27' scale baritone and I'm actually on the verge of purchasing the Chapman Baritone bc I need a 28' scale length baritone and I was VERY IN LOVE with it when I first heard about it from The Bunn from his YT channel a couple of years ago. I was sorta leaning towards of getting the Mike Mushok PRS SE Baritone the silver sunburst but then I saw the Chapman baritone and I did my research and I told myself I will be getting me one VERY SOON, Awesome video bro
@@mikieb77 That's fine if you plan on sticking with that, but it's equally gonna mess you up if you're trying to read tabs or play other people's music that dont use this tuning.
@@maynardburger Maybe, but using what appear to be unconventional methods are what develop styles and characteristics of people's playing. And besides, tabs can always be adjusted to compensate. In my band atm, I'm learning an opeth song in the original key, but my bass is tuned a full step down. The tabs I'm using I have to adjust accordingly in order to get to the end goal of being able to play the song.
One aspect of my LTD baritone that I enjoy is the transition back to a 25.5" scale. My baritone is 27", so it's really strengthened and stretched my reach out a lot, so it feels easier going back to a 25.5"
5:07 the exact reason why I have the low tuned to A. I can keep the standard tuning and have bigger power chords. Plus I dont need to learn another string, cuz I already know the notes on the regular A string.
The first thing I thought on the 7 vs Baratone was the B was much brighter and as soon as you said it had different pickups I'm sorry Rabea but that makes the test invalid.
@@gijslammertink662 Yes I heard that as well but asking us to decide between an apple and an orange (or 7 string with pickup A and 6 string with pickup B) was what was Rabea asked us so that's what I told him.
Cool video. So I was in a bit of a quandary myself. I owned a couple of seven strings and liked them, but playing on them was just ok. I always felt like I had to think about what I was doing, instead of just playing. My guitars for my current project Dark Avenue are all 6 strings set up, strung 13-62 and tuned to Drop B, (B-F#-B-E-G#-C#) and I’m super comfortable with them and that tuning. I however have always been intrigued by true baritones, as their tonal/sonic register is still different sounding than a standard scale guitar tuned down. So I sold one of my 7 strings and purchased a 6 string baritone, and I must say I love it. I do feel more at home on it for sure. When I tune it the same as my 6 string standard scale there is a tonal difference for sure, it’s a bit “throatier” sounding if that’s a word lol. But now that I have a true baritone I have started to explore more than just being tuned down low. Since it sits between bass and guitar it has started to open up some sonic creative ideas... I’ll record something in a Drop D tuning, and then play along with it on the baritone in a Drop A (B standard with a drop a to match my drop d guitar) the natural harmonies and solid/full tones when chording are really cool. I’m playing more and more with my baritone and really like it a lot. I do spend a fair amount of time on my other 7.... but to me the 6 still feels like home
This is definitely a cool idea for a video. Love the baritone dude. You make them both sound amazing, but something about that baritone just does it. Especially on the ambient stuff!
This is the last video from my old studio!
So I've had my 7 string for some time, and I decided to work out which was better suited to me out of a Baritone and a 7 String.
Perhaps you guys can help shed some light on the benefits of each one?
I'm more into baritones because it feels more natural, also loving the new studio can't wait for some videos in the new place! 🤘
You said the pick-up were stock? Try changing them out and listen to them again.
Moved to 7 string myself years ago... now I actually find it hard to go back to 6 string as mostly everything I play is on 7 strings so I can't even play most of the tunes I know back on the 6 string... Now I'm experimenting with drop-D tunning on the 6 string though and I'm diggin' it :)
But that extra string comes so handy...
Have you ever tried putting thinner strings on your baritone and tune it higher, like C standard or so? I play 6 string guitars tunned to C on a 25,5 scale and to have the tension I need, only with 12-60 string gauge which already cost me tendinitis. What scale length would you recomend to use like 10-52 strings in this tunning? I'm buying a cheap 7 string soon to see how it goes, but I'm leaning towards a 6 string baritone! Cheers \m/
Like 6’s & 7’s both, no experience with a baritone- and have to say totally digging the Chapman 7, and that Karnivool shirt!
I'm going to pull a pro-gamer move
: *buys a 7 string baritone*
7 string baritones are tuned to €̵̧̨̛̰̬̦̟̳̻͚̞͖̻̙̖̬͙̦̻̮̣̲̭̤̘̣͈̤͇̱̼͋̿̈́͒͗̿͂̑̈́̔̌̄̓̍̓̋̏͌̀͒͋͗́̑̈̔̀͊̑̾̃̈̋́̐̀̒́̀̽̋̀́̀̐̋̎̓̂̿́͗̇͒̈́̂̄̔͗̍̇̅̀̇͒̒̃́̌͊͌̅̿̿̈́̈́̽̽̔̾̋͊̂̏̂͂͆͆̓͐̄́͌̃͗̈͒͂̉͊́̕͘̕̚̕̚͘͜͝͝͝͝͠͠͝͝͝ standard
@@nick3718 true
scale lenght is counted in meters
What about a 8 string baritone?
@@Walaard well, that will most likely be a standard 8 string, since the major part of the 8 strings out there actually have baritone scale lengths
Pickups are different, that’s 90% of the difference IMO when running heavy gain.
We know there can be a huge difference between 6-string pickups, and that's only magnified by adding the extra width to accommodate another string (more wire per winding, longer magnets, the whole package). I'm sure there's some tonal offering from the wood, but it's a tiny part of a high gain sound. I 100% agree that it's the pickup(s).
Also the scale length, the baritone is a whole 1 1/2 inches longer on the scale, so the strings are gonna have more tension at the same pitch, which will give more trebble and clarity
Came here to say this, it is probably the pickups
I wouldn’t shoot for 90% personally just cause of the pickups, but definitely is a game changer.
Again, scale length and bolt-on design (string gauge?) of the baritone would justify the rather punchier/clearer output. There are way too much variables here, so no way they could sound even close. Who said it was the goal though, anyway... Different gear for various situations - Rabea’s gonna make use of both, that’s one thing I am sure of...
Its the pickup placement you simpletons. In relation to the scale
I like that on a 7 string, you get true extended range, while on a baritone it’s only lowered range. I feel like I’m losing out on the top. Even though I never really hit that far up the dusty end 😂
Baritone 7 string
@@adeptusmechanicus1029 bass ibanez 7 string with 3 fretless with piezo ... end of the game
@@adeptusmechanicus1029 multiscale 7 string
Learn pinch harmonics and you won't lack the high end
As a baritone player, my baritone is a lot brighter and less "djenty" than 7-Strings. But I still go for it due to "confort" reasons :)
What about matching the string sizes? Low E and up
@@chusamusic1409 If you match the string gauges the baritone will be brighter for the same tuning since the tension on the string will be higher. If you match the tension by using thicker strings on the 7 string it should be closer in sound, but the baritone will still produce more lower harmonics and stronger upper harmonics. The longer string gives more harmonics over all in fact, so it's brighter and thicker and more of everything at the same time, confusingly enough.
@@adamskold6395 it all depends on a variation of things, my Schecter KM7 mkiii is brighter than any of my other guitars. I think the Strings being cobalts and the pickups make a difference but also the body is swamp ash that makes a big difference
@@toemasmeems The pickups and strings makes a huge difference. The body wood does not make a measurable difference though.
@@adamskold6395 I’m saying I can throw up a video to prove. I have soldered my pickups in multiple guitar bodies during lockdown and yeah huge enough differences to be stated. Mahogany, swamp ash, bass wood way different in terms of resonance, and weight which in turn mostly affect the bass response
As someone who started playing on a 7-string guitar, I can say that there is something about playing a 7-string that can lend itself to playing in different tunings easier than a 6-string. Playing 6-strings has always felt different to me, never in a limiting or uncomfortable way, but just in a way that required me to take a different look at the way I play the respective guitar. I tend to be much more riff-oriented when it comes to my 7, and when I play 6 strings, I play much more leads. I think when you approach playing different guitars than you're used to, it should never be viewed as "which is the better one" outright. There may be better ones for your playing style, but every guitar is different to every person and should present a new challenge, a new opportunity, and a new way to expand your use of the instrument to become a more well-versed and capable musician. The best option for anyone and everyone out there is an open mind.
Bro, I know this was posted 5 months ago but... that was poetic AF! Love it 👍
Would you say that 7 strings are better suited for rhythm players?
@@michaelmacleod6517 3 years later i'd just say do what feels best when you play it. i switched to 6 strings since i play more blues and funk now and my ibanez does wonders, try out a bunch of stuff and do what works best for you :)
IMO the sound difference has more to do with the pickups, string gauges & scale length.
I'd say the primary reason to go for a seven string over a baritone is, if like me you play in drop tunings, you can tune a seven string to drop A and not only access all the chords of a drop tuning, but of standard tuning as well. Your barre chord options really go through the roof.
Drop A really is a very versatile tuning.
I think the primary reason is to have lower tuning with normal scale length with normal lead playability. I don't like drop tunings at all :-)
@@poulwinther fair enough, most 7 strings have a similar scale length to baritones with 26.5-27 inches. And to be honest, with metal music which is what most 7 string players play, tending to be in the key of whatever the lowest string is tuned to, the extra high E string wouldn't give you that many more usable notes.
@@sneeringimperialist340 Most 7-strings? I really beg to differ, and certainly none of mine. :-) I constantly use the high E to the 24th fret and besides, I can play different chord voicings and riffs without compromising the lead part at all.
Agreed
You're absolutely killer on both, but the creativity and riffs just pour out of you when you pick up your baritone sig.
Seriously, the shit he plays with the baritone is way sicker.
could that just be comfort tho?
Gwarnine I’d guess it is
mostly just because like he said the 7 is alien to him, Give him some time and he'll be killing it just as much on the 7! for now though I agree with your comment. Interested in seeing him progress with the 7.
Baritone guitars aren't for amateurs, they're a guitarists guitar.
I personally prefer the Baritone. It sounds more precise with a more agressive tone...dare I say more 'brutal' even. It's a little brighter too.
Yeah, I agree. Much brighter, more treble, produces a more balanced sound, IMO. 7-string was really mid-y, more undefined. Personally, I liked the baritone waaaaay better.
@@arthurleonepimenta2266 Depends on what you are going for tone-wise on a given tune or section. They each have their own independent use-cases.
You started playing on the 7, and I was like "That sounds great, why not just have the extra range?". Then you broke out the baritone, and that tone, omg so good. Would be interested to see how the 7 changes with a Ragnarok bridge. As things stand right now though, the baritone all the way.
ER Webster its about the pickup placement
Thanks for the replies guys.
I’m sure if I put the same pickups in both the tones would be a bit closer in terms of EQ.
But I still feel there is a fundamental difference in the way the guitar produces the notes, in its resonance or timbre etc.
Like the rounded mid honk the 7 has as opposed to the thicker or wider mid honk that the baritone has.
Does anyone know what I mean?
Rabea Massaad yea man, I have an Arz307 and a Arz300 (6-7 variants of the same guitar)
I play both in drop A on occasion and even though the pickups, Wood, setup, etc. effect tone a lot there is some kind of timbre change between them, that being said I’m enjoying watching your journey a lot!
Maybe because of string tension??
Yep, it's that "piano" thing that you get from a baritone because it's a longer string which is tuned to a higher tension at the same pitch when compared to a standard length guitar. I have a 6-string tuned to B standard, and while I love the sound, it's very flubba-dubba on the low strings.
at like 3:55 to like 4:03, were you picking and plucking with your finger or were you muting with your finger after picking? couldn't tell but it sounds clean.
Yeah, sounds familiar. Especially when you used the ‘scientific’ term ‘honk’ in the video - that describes it spot on;)). I was surprised how single-coilished some sounds were on my 7 27”, when I first got it
You often post about a topic I am researching. Thank you for being a mind reader.
Every since I purchased a Boss Gt 1000 I've been getting into ambient playing and tones , and thank you for doing that in depth look at the GT 1000 vid where you showed how it's possible to have two channels true stereo , really clear and informative. ...since that vid I've purchased two FR active Speaker's and it sounds awesome , much Appreciated Rabea. I use a Baritone guitar alot. I took to it straight away ....being a six string I didn't notice....
I wish this was a 21 minute vid of bea playing ambient stuff on his baritone
Your sig Baritone has a 28" scale length vs 26.5" for the ML1-7 Pro. So the A string will sound more clear and also will be smaller for the same tension. Basically if you do need that extra e string, your baritone is the way to go !
That Ambient bit on the baritone was beautiful
I recently started playing 7 string where instead of standard 6 tuning + a low string, you have a standard 6 + a high string. I keep it in drop C with a high G on top and it’s SO fun to play
I truly appreciate you willingness to show us imperfection and your fearlessness to learn and share.
Loved this. Glad to watch more of this journey
Rabea’s licks always have a certain funk i just love, sweet jesus listening to this was amazing
This was very interesting! I just love your baritone's tone. It's so rich!
Also, Grinding Gears 1 and 2 are the best albums i've heard in years
Really nice ambient on the baritone toward the end. Thanks Rabea!
I was forced to move up to 7 strings for the last cover I did on my channel, having never played one before. The opening riff is a sequence of arpeggios with the root note of the lowest one being the A1 and the highest note being a C5, so it spans almost the entire fretboard across all 7 strings. Now I own a low end RG8 and play that more than all of my other guitars, even for rock. There's something about the wide, flat neck that I find preferable to regular six strings, and I can't describe what it is. Six string guitars feel like toys to me now.
I think it has to do with where you think of the scale shape as starting. I think of my 7 string as a 6 with a bonus A, so the E string is still my reference point for chords and scales.
Baritone for me on both..... Personally... I love 7-string guitars, and drop tuning the Low B is the way to go!
I just love how savage 7 and more strings look on a guitar (especially on bridge side). It's just so dope!
Thank you for this video, always glad to hear more folks championing baritone guitars and helping explain to folks what the difference is. I've been hearing the "why don't you just play a seven string" question for so damn long from people! Tried out your signature Bari at NAMM a while back and really loved it. Keep up the great work, cheers.
I've been playing 7 strings for 5 years now, and 9 strings for 2 years now. I found that I prefer the string tension of standard tuning but like the extended range of a 7, 8, or 9 offers. Honestly Bea, with the kind of break-neck riffage you do on a 6, I think a 7 for you would be like taking ankle weights off! Keep up the good work homie! Cheers from Oregon!
Personally I think the difference in tone has more to do with the different pickups and scale lengths as opposed to the difference in wood type and neck size. Everything I've heard from the Ragnaroks seems to sound a lot like Misha's current signature sound which is also much brighter and doesn't have near as much of that rounded midrange thing. And then of course the 28" in drop A is going to be more bright and twangy than the 26.5 so I'm sure that adds to it. Both still sound good in their own respects but for me the baritone really shines in drop G or lower.
Hey thanks for this video. Been wondering about which way to go. This was helpful
i love having the extended range in the extra string. makes shaping up and down have more depth. but i love the baritone guitar tone.
This might be a strange way to express the difference in sound between the 7 string and the Baritone but , to me, the Baritone has a different vowel "Baaaa Baaa", where the 7 string sounds more like "Bow, Bow". I prefer the sound of the Baritone but I have a differing theory as to why the chugging sounds different on the Baritone vs. the 7 string. In the same manner a tele tends to lose a bit of it's twangy sound when a shorter scale neck is bolted to it, the longer scale of the baritone might be contributing to the snappier sound of the Baritone. It would be interesting to see if the sound of the Baritone could be, more accurately, recreated on a multi-scale 7 string. Awesome video, Bea, thx!
They sent me one just means my friend Rob Chapman gave me one.
Brian McDonald or his buddy Lee or Matt.
Well he’s a Chapman artist with his own signature Chapman guitar. He has the hookups
Are you upset by it or something
Old McDonald had a whinge, Oh 1 Oh 1 Oh
Rabea! Rolling through old ' in can ' vids from his old space - keep killing it man!
Cheeky Karnivool part at 16:38. (From Umbra at 3:40)
One of my favorite things about Bea’s videos is picking out references to other bands that I love in his playing. Especially when he plays a Karnivool part because I almost always recognize it.
I just purchased a 7 string yesterday. I’m learning guitar for the first time at 51. I couldn’t find a guitar I liked until I play my new 7 string. I even started writing a song with it. Coming from a keyboard background, it just seems like a more creative juice flowing instrument for me, rather than trying to be SRV if that makes sense. Anyways, cheers 🍻
How's the learning going?
Can you please make a video explaining your ambient style of playing? it sounds amazing and I would love to try it!
I second this. Yes please
Yes
Holy shit, yes!
X1
Thank you for this! I am waiting for a Schecter C1 Apocalypse Baritone to be delivered and will be my first ever baritone. I've always loved drop tunings and now can afford this guitar and am very excited to try it. I was swaying towards 7 string but without ever had playing anything like that. I think your video has reassured me this first 6 string baritone is a good first choice to stir the water and work on my ambient music which I love. Appreciate it!
Hauntingly beautiful playing
One is 28” (baritone) other is 26.5(7-strings). That is the sound and feeling milestone man. Like for real.
9:02 I can't be the only one that hears a little bit of the friends theme there.
That is it just in a different rhythm pattern
👏👏👏👏
Shit that looks really sarcastic, I mean the friends clap btw please don’t hate me!
I play a 27 inch scale 7 string and I love it. I had a 25.5 inch 7 string and never got along with it. I don't like really thick strings so having a baritone 7 is perfect. Also the longer scale makes the low B sound so much tighter and more clear.
I’m going through the exact same decision right now, thanks for making this
I prefer the baritone sound personally. The 7 sounds brighter to me, guessing it gets the advantage of additional harmonics changing the tone.
Interesting tone test, between the baritone and the 7 string. It sounds like, through my crappy headphones, that the baritone has more definit mids (maybe upper mids) and seems to cut more. While both sounds great, I like the baritone more.
Keep up the good work!
You sound great on both, definitely makes me want to learn more, thanks
This is a great way to show that transition to 7 string is not simply adding another string. There are so many different levels of intricacies that are brought to the table and some do struggle with it at first. I personally have been playing for 19 years and about 16 or them were on 7 string. I have my 7 for my heavier stuff I want to play or that deeper tone, and a few different 6 string setups in different tunings are they each have a different tone and have their place. Like a 7 string standard and a 6 string in drop A# both have different feels and tones that can be used. While I'm nowhere near as good as him, this is still a great example of jumping to the next string level.
Next up, getting an 8 string and learning to play that beast.
I prefer my 8-string for the same reason. I can still do leads and go for the low stuff too.
As a player who plays both 6, 7, and 8, I find it relatively easy to transition because of the way I view the additional strings and tunings. To me it's just an extension of the octave that I would be playing in 6 string so I more focus on the root note rather than there is just an extra string. I mean there is only 12 notes so it's not like extra notes being added lol. Hope your journey goes well!
Exactly. I got into 7 strings about 2 or 3 years after picking up the guitar for the first time. People all said it was too soon but it never bothered me. All it took was like 60 seconds' embarrassment in a local guitar store haha. I mean, it's just one more string! It's not even burried in the middle of the fretboard; it's the lowest one.
I see it all the time it’s seem like it’s 50/50. I picked up a 7 thinking it would take me a while to get used to it an hour later I was like wtf was I worried about? Kind of came naturally.
You play both three?
@@shawmutt I mainly play 6 and 7 but my 8 string is my homage to my favorite band Meshuggah and wanted to write some funeral doom on it as well.
Jared W The point Mike is trying to make is one about language... “both” is a word that should only be used with regard to two things very specifically. As soon as you mention three or more different options then you shouldn’t use “both” anymore. 🤷🏼♂️
LOVED IT what you did @6.45 ! Huge Help and good spotting !
and you are totaly right about the tones, that was a huge help for me and I now know Im gonna go with the 6 string for the heavy riff guitar )
I agree that the wider neck does something, whether it's how it resonates or subtle adjustments to your fretting hand. I notice I write differently on 6 vs 7 string, even with both in Drop A.
I did something unique with my guitar. I got an ESP LTD guitar that was advertised as a "7-string baritone", but when I got it, it was tuned like a standard 7-string guitar; they only called it a baritone because of it's 27-inch scale length.
So I re-strung it make it what I originally thought it was: I got a set of strings for an 8-string guitar, and used the bottom 7, I tuned the top 6 strings to baritone B-standard, and the 7th to low F# or low E. So I can go as low as an 8-string, but with the distinctive sound of a baritone.
I did exactly the same
I have a 7-string baritone Agile Scepter 30” scale (a discontinued model) and it is always tuned in standard or drop A. Because it is 1) string-through bridge 2) tune-o-matic bridge (has the extra bit of string going back and down through the body) 3) 30” scale 4) reverse-inline headstock, I can’t find strings long enough to fit it except the one custom extra long set Rondo (maker of Agile) offers on their website, and it is a set way thinner on the rhythm end than I am comfortable with, so it has to be tuned in standard to not be floppy. Ironically, the high E string they send is an 8 and is actually too thick and snaps just from tuning to E despite the other strings being too floppy, so I swapped it with a 7 I got from Stringjoy. Overall, despite the issues I’m having finding ~45” strings that will fit it, the guitar sounds absolutely wonderful with the extra long scale length and SD Nazguls! The thin strings cause the sustain to really suffer though... next time I buy a custom set from Stringjoy for my 8-string, I will compare the length to the Agile to see if the strings are long enough!
Sorry for the essay, but maybe you’ll find reading about my unique guitar with unique problems interesting 😂
PLEASE Bea, read this. Great video! But there is a very simple solution to your problem, and I don't recall you mentioning having tried it. Tune the lower 6 strings like your baritone, and leave the highest string as is. That way you have the best of both world. Chord shapes, reflexes, muscle memory from a baritone for the 6 lower strings, and an extra high string to increase lead range!
Thanks Rab. With you and Ariel Posen both sounding great tuned down and now this, I know staying with down tuned 6 is better for me.
I absolutely love your mind, brother! Your chords in just noodling through the video are just amazing and beautiful. I’m in love with your music. I will be checking all your music out, so I’m looking forward to it. You are inspiring me to get back on my music horse and really try to go for it.
Rock on!
Josiah from little old Hemet, CA, USA.
I watched this, as a Baritone player and maker, thinking "ah crap, what if I prefer the sound of the 7 string? I mean he has talked about punchier mids and thats what I like in a guitar tone"...
And then you chugged on the 7 with the Baritone back to back.
I am happy to report I think I made the right decision. For me at least 😊
"Djenty Honk" sounds like a tremendous name for an EP.
As opposed to "Honky Djent" but that works as a pun :V
I am super late to this party, but I thank you so much for this video. I just bought a baritone guitar and already have a 7 string as my main go to and this video cemented why I need both in my life. ❤
I would speculate pickups before the neck size effecting output frequency, but feel, absolutely! I just started experimenting with 7 strings and they are good fun for sure
Rebea......I have been playing 7 string since the 90's.
The large neck has a different feel...and tone...Baritones are good...depends on the person...love your approach.....keep at it...I switch back in forth 6/7 string all the time...cheers mate
Hey man... What's with the... You know... All those ellipses...
You had me at "Karnivool".
Really enjoyed the ambient stuff, inspiring.
Man the tone with you on your sig is fantastic. Enjoy the journey
I wouldn’t give it the “djent” label...
That being said, you just mentioned in the video that you have the Bare Knuckles in the Baritone and the stock PUs in the 7. That’s gonna make a huge difference.
I like the tight sound of the 7 on the chugging. But, I’m sure that the Baritone could do the same if it was the same electronics and woods.
I prefer 7 strings guitars rather than a baritone guitar, because the seven strings has more versatility
Its really the Muscian who plays the instrument. But everyone has a preference
I have started recently learning guitar and I am thinking to add a 7 strings in my arsenal. It feels it could be interesting so it is nice to indeed think that afterall is a personal choice :)
@@armax00 so did you get a 7-string?
I’m not a metal player but the differences, sonically, between the 7 and the Baritone shocked me massively. Great demo🤘
I recently scored a Chapman ml1 modern. Im fairly new to playing guitar but it sounds and plays wonderfully in drop B
Both stunning, do love the baritone sound better, and I'm more a 6 string player so biased. But also, get lost in watching you shred man. Great video as always!!
I think the baritone sounds brighter because of the 28” scale. In the same way, Les Pauls are “thicker” sounding than fat Strats because of the shorter scale length.
That said, I like the brighter sound of the Baritone, I think it’s one of their defining characteristics.
SkinnyMan I’m just going to try and start an argument by putting it out there that as they’re made of different woods is one of the main reasons for the tone differences,
tonewood everybody!
I’m sorry
@@nalonlefournis I would point out the fact that LP's have humbuckers as a much more objectively important factor than any materials or scale length.
Suffy yeah I totally agree, I just mean in the sense of the baritone and 7string
Suffy hence why I said “fat strats” as in strats with humbuckers
im pretty sure 90% of the sound comes from the pickups....but hey people can have their own opinion no matter how stupid is it...its cool..my cool with that
I was thinking on the same thing for a while. But finally i bought my PRS Mike Mushok baritone 1 month ago, and i'm very satysfied. 😁 Its working perfectly between Drop A - F#
I don’t have a Baritone and just the 7, but had the same thoughts as you around riffing and chords, riffing felt good but chords through me off. Then I found the trick to tune the D string down a half step in standard tuning, then the chord shapes for the lower six strings match, and it plays like a Baritone with a high string to add some extra tone. This was a game changer for me as for chords. I then go back to standard tuning on the D when playing leads and it’s like having a lower string to play with.
I chose a 7. I'm mainly a lead player (not that that really matters). The reason for a 7 for me was because I couldn't be bothered downtuning playing other songs.
I bought my Rabea yesterday from Guitar Center... it's on it's way. I'm shitting myself with excitement.
Did you get it yet?
@@EliasOwnage95 Yes I did a couple weeks ago. It's perfect in every way... sounds amazing!!! I am so happy.
seriously could listen to you noodle the ambient stuff all day.
I keep coming back to this video because your ambient playing and tone is so heavenly here I think. With my 8 string I have done some jazzy bass line stuff with it. I covered money with Djent stuff in parts of it in music school with a rock/metal ensemble which was funny. You could tune the B to A for a drop A one fret power chord deal. I have my 8 string with F# for lowest and A on The 7th with sometimes which inspired me to make heavy riffs/licks which I did recently. I liked both guitars tones equal.
Sevens are cool, but I'm always way more comfortable on a six.
Jordan Carlson I believe it’s all relative to what you’re used to playing on. I’ve been playing strictly on my 7- and 8-strings for the last few months and when I went to play my 6-string yesterday, the neck felt so small in my hands that I was uncomfortable! Haha
@@xxXthekevXxx Definitely! I've just never been able to get over that "this neck feels huge" hurdle with 7s and 8s.
Kevin Benoit had the same issue ;D
The baritone by far. More clarity and note definition on your sig.
A lot of that is the stock pickups vs. BKP
pickups and scale length, baritone is an inch and a half longer
I've been playing 7 strings for 10+ years now and they're 'home' to me now for definite.
I find that going back to a 6 makes it feel almost like a different instrument altogether and I tend to write very definitely on 6 & 7 as well. I'm the reverse of you though, i find going back to 6 string messes up my whole idea of scale shapes and I'm expecting to reach the D string when i hit the G instead.
Great video dude.
I've been a baritone guitar player since 2005, I have 2 Baritones a ESP LTD MHB-400 and a Ibanez the Mike Dewolf 27' scale baritone and I'm actually on the verge of purchasing the Chapman Baritone bc I need a 28' scale length baritone and I was VERY IN LOVE with it when I first heard about it from The Bunn from his YT channel a couple of years ago. I was sorta leaning towards of getting the Mike Mushok PRS SE Baritone the silver sunburst but then I saw the Chapman baritone and I did my research and I told myself I will be getting me one VERY SOON, Awesome video bro
Hey, great vid! Have you tried tuning to A E A D F# B E so the 6 lower strings match the 6 string guitar?
pszypulski my opinion. That’s the way to go on a 7.
@@mikieb77 That's fine if you plan on sticking with that, but it's equally gonna mess you up if you're trying to read tabs or play other people's music that dont use this tuning.
maynardburger In that case. Make it your own!
@@maynardburger Maybe, but using what appear to be unconventional methods are what develop styles and characteristics of people's playing. And besides, tabs can always be adjusted to compensate.
In my band atm, I'm learning an opeth song in the original key, but my bass is tuned a full step down. The tabs I'm using I have to adjust accordingly in order to get to the end goal of being able to play the song.
@@maynardburger i switch guitars for that. Always nice to have variety. Looking for a tele next:)
why go with "or" when "and" is on the table?
It all sounds good! Looking forward to more 7-string ambient! :)
One aspect of my LTD baritone that I enjoy is the transition back to a 25.5" scale. My baritone is 27", so it's really strengthened and stretched my reach out a lot, so it feels easier going back to a 25.5"
Nice Karnivool shirt m8! Band does not get enough love imo
ive been playing low tuning so long that the 7 string arriving next week will "feel" like having an extra high string lmao.
5:07 the exact reason why I have the low tuned to A. I can keep the standard tuning and have bigger power chords. Plus I dont need to learn another string, cuz I already know the notes on the regular A string.
That baritone chug is so much better to my ears. So glad you made this video, I've been wanting to go to a baritone for a long time.
The first thing I thought on the 7 vs Baratone was the B was much brighter and as soon as you said it had different pickups I'm sorry Rabea but that makes the test invalid.
1:46
@@gijslammertink662 Yes I heard that as well but asking us to decide between an apple and an orange (or 7 string with pickup A and 6 string with pickup B) was what was Rabea asked us so that's what I told him.
Please... I'll take an 8 strings, fanned fret, baritone archtop with a piezo in the bridge
My man
Lots of feedback there. But hey, that's what gates are for XD
Upvoted immediately upon seeing the Karnivool shirt. Video is quite helpful too!
I've been debating on what type I would want to save up for. This gave me some things to consider, thank you sir.
"this is where my swearing finger would go" lol
Shred Wars with Jared Dines! Gooo
Cool video. So I was in a bit of a quandary myself. I owned a couple of seven strings and liked them, but playing on them was just ok. I always felt like I had to think about what I was doing, instead of just playing. My guitars for my current project Dark Avenue are all 6 strings set up, strung 13-62 and tuned to Drop B, (B-F#-B-E-G#-C#) and I’m super comfortable with them and that tuning. I however have always been intrigued by true baritones, as their tonal/sonic register is still different sounding than a standard scale guitar tuned down. So I sold one of my 7 strings and purchased a 6 string baritone, and I must say I love it. I do feel more at home on it for sure. When I tune it the same as my 6 string standard scale there is a tonal difference for sure, it’s a bit “throatier” sounding if that’s a word lol. But now that I have a true baritone I have started to explore more than just being tuned down low. Since it sits between bass and guitar it has started to open up some sonic creative ideas... I’ll record something in a Drop D tuning, and then play along with it on the baritone in a Drop A (B standard with a drop a to match my drop d guitar) the natural harmonies and solid/full tones when chording are really cool. I’m playing more and more with my baritone and really like it a lot. I do spend a fair amount of time on my other 7.... but to me the 6 still feels like home
I was asking myself this question just now, and OF COURSE Rabea has a video 😎🤘🏼
Don't feel obligated to play a 7 string man. You sound much more creative on your 6.
It sounds like it’s a scale length difference🤷🏼♂️
I've been struggling with this decision over the past month and haven't committed. Thanks for the insightful video Rabea.
This is definitely a cool idea for a video. Love the baritone dude. You make them both sound amazing, but something about that baritone just does it. Especially on the ambient stuff!