How to Play Death Metal With a 7-String Guitar

Seven-string guitars can be seen frequently in many forms of rock music, but they seem to fit in particular with heavy metal's deep, full rhythms and intricate lead passages. Death metal, in particular, with its down-tuned tones and emphasis on dark themes, can be played with a seven-string guitar with great success.
When learning to play death metal with a seven-string, remember that the low string, a B, and the E string have the same interval between them as the high B and E strings. Scales and chords will be mirrored between these two sets of strings.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Transpose one of your favorite rhythm riffs to play it on the low B string. For example, a riff in G minor that you normally play at the third fret of the E string could be played in D minor at the third fret of the low B string.

2. Change the roots of common chords by adding a note on the low B string. You can simply use the tonic root of the chord, such as a C for a C major chord, or you could add interesting harmonies, such as an open low B with an A minor chord, or use the B with an Aminor7 to emphasize the 7th interval.

3. Use heavy downstroke picking on the low B and E strings to create pounding rhythm parts. Moderately paced, purposeful picking will provide massive-sounding foundations for death metal songs. Fast tremolo picking on these strings can be used in small quantities, though many guitarists prefer to save this technique for higher octaves.

4. Add an extra note on the B string to sweep arpeggios during lead passages. Use similar roots as in Step 3.

Tips & Warnings

• The wider neck on a seven-string can make complex chord shapes difficult. Practice hand-stretching exercises to help with hard reaches. The interval between the G and B strings, a major 4th, determines many chord and scale shapes. Although you have an extra string, this interval does not move. Do not move chord shapes on the neck; rather, treat notes on the extra string as being added to the original shape.