What is a fanned fret 7 string guitar? A fanned fret 7 string guitar is a guitar with seven strings, with the frets arranged in a fanned-out pattern. This means that the frets are not parallel to each other, but instead are angled so that the lower strings are longer than the higher strings.
Editor’s Note:Fanned fret 7 string guitars are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer a number of advantages over traditional guitars.
We’ve done the analysis, dug through the information, and put together this fanned fret 7 string guitar guide to help you make the right decision.
| Traditional Guitar | Fanned Fret 7 String Guitar | |
|---|---|---|
| Frets | Parallel | Fanned-out |
| String Length | Equal | Unequal (longer on lower strings) |
| Intonation | Compromised on lower strings | Improved on all strings |
| Playability | Can be difficult for some players | Improved for most players |
| Tone | Can be brighter on lower strings | More balanced across all strings |
Main Article Topics
- Benefits of fanned fret 7 string guitars
- Drawbacks of fanned fret 7 string guitars
- Who should consider playing a fanned fret 7 string guitar
- How to choose the right fanned fret 7 string guitar
- Tips for playing a fanned fret 7 string guitar
1. Extended Range
The extended range provided by the seventh string on a fanned fret 7 string guitar opens up a world of new sonic possibilities for guitarists. The additional low B string extends the guitar’s range by a whole step, allowing players to access notes that were previously unavailable on a standard six-string guitar.
- Enhanced Bass Response: The longer scale length of the seventh string results in a richer, more resonant bass response, adding depth and fullness to the guitar’s overall sound.
- Expanded Chord Voicings: The additional string allows for more complex and extended chord voicings, providing guitarists with a wider harmonic palette to explore.
- New Melodic Possibilities: The extended range enables guitarists to create melodies that span a wider pitch range, adding greater depth and expressiveness to their playing.
- Genre Versatility: The extended range makes fanned fret 7 string guitars well-suited for a variety of genres, including metal, rock, blues, and jazz.
In summary, the extended range provided by the seventh string on a fanned fret 7 string guitar unlocks new sonic possibilities, enhancing the guitar’s bass response, expanding chord voicings, opening up new melodic possibilities, and increasing the instrument’s versatility across genres.
2. Improved Intonation
The fanned frets on a 7 string guitar play a crucial role in improving the intonation of the instrument, particularly on the lower strings. Intonation refers to the accuracy of the guitar’s tuning across the entire fretboard. Traditional guitars often struggle with intonation, especially on the lower strings, due to the increased string tension and longer scale length. However, fanned frets address this issue by adjusting the angle of the frets, effectively shortening the scale length of the lower strings.
- Precise Tuning: The fanned frets allow for more precise tuning, especially on the lower strings, reducing tuning issues and ensuring that each note rings true. This is particularly beneficial for guitarists who play in lower tunings or use extended range techniques.
- Enhanced Harmonic Clarity: The improved intonation on the lower strings results in enhanced harmonic clarity, making chords and melodies sound more in tune and harmonically rich. This is especially noticeable when playing complex chords or arpeggios.
- Reduced String Tension: The shorter scale length of the lower strings reduces the string tension, making them easier to bend and play. This can improve playability and comfort, especially for guitarists with smaller hands or who play in extended playing sessions.
- Consistent Tone: The improved intonation across all strings contributes to a more consistent tone and response from the guitar. This makes it easier for guitarists to play in different positions and techniques without sacrificing intonation or tone.
In summary, the fanned frets on a 7 string guitar significantly improve intonation, especially on the lower strings. This results in more precise tuning, enhanced harmonic clarity, reduced string tension, and a more consistent tone, making it an ideal choice for guitarists seeking an instrument with exceptional intonation and playability.
3. Enhanced Playability
The angled frets on a fanned fret 7 string guitar play a pivotal role in enhancing the instrument’s playability, offering several advantages for guitarists of all levels.
The fanned frets are designed to follow the natural curvature of the hand, making it easier for guitarists to reach and play chords and scales. This is particularly beneficial for complex chords that require significant finger stretching or for guitarists with smaller hands. The angled frets reduce the strain on the wrist and fingers, allowing for more comfortable and extended playing sessions.
The improved playability also extends to lead guitar playing. The angled frets make it easier to play fast and intricate solos, as the frets are positioned in a way that facilitates fluid finger movement along the fretboard. This can improve speed, accuracy, and overall playing technique.
Furthermore, the reduced string tension on the lower strings due to the shorter scale length contributes to the enhanced playability. This makes it easier to bend strings and play vibrato, adding expressiveness and emotion to the guitar playing.
In summary, the angled frets on a fanned fret 7 string guitar significantly enhance playability, making it easier to reach and play chords and scales, reducing strain on the wrist and fingers. This improved playability benefits guitarists of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals, and contributes to a more comfortable and enjoyable playing experience.
| Traditional Guitar |
Fanned Fret 7 String Gu itar | |
|---|---|---|
| Fret Design | Parallel frets | Angled (fanned) frets |
| Playability | Can be difficult for some players, especially with complex chords or small hands | Easier to reach and play chords and scales, reduced strain on wrist and fingers |
| Lead Guitar Playing | More challenging for fast and intricate solos | Improved playability for lead guitar, facilitates fluid finger movement |
| String Tension | Equal tension on all strings | Reduced tension on lower strings due to shorter scale length |
4. Balanced Tone
The unique design of a fanned fret 7 string guitar, with its unequal string lengths, plays a crucial role in achieving a more balanced tone across all strings. This balanced tone is a result of two main factors: the varying string lengths and the reduced string tension on the lower strings.
- Varying String Lengths: The fanned frets result in unequal string lengths, with the lower strings being longer than the higher strings. This variation in string length affects the tension and pitch of each string, contributing to a more balanced overall tone.
- Reduced String Tension: The longer scale length of the lower strings reduces their tension, making them easier to bend and play. This reduction in tension also contributes to the balanced tone, as it allows the lower strings to produce a fuller and more resonant sound without overpowering the higher strings.
The balanced tone achieved through the unequal string lengths and reduced string tension on the lower strings offers several advantages for guitarists:
- Enhanced Clarity and Definition: The balanced tone ensures that each string has its own distinct voice, improving the clarity and definition of chords and melodies.
- Improved Harmonic Response: The more balanced tone allows for richer and more complex harmonic interactions between the strings, enhancing the guitar’s overall harmonic response.
- Greater Versatility: The balanced tone makes the fanned fret 7 string guitar suitable for a wide range of musical genres, from metal to jazz, as it can accommodate different playing styles and techniques.
In summary, the balanced tone achieved through the unequal string lengths and reduced string tension on the lower strings is a defining characteristic of fanned fret 7 string guitars. This balanced tone offers enhanced clarity, improved harmonic response, and greater versatility, making it an ideal choice for guitarists seeking a well-rounded and versatile instrument.
5. Ergonomic Design
The ergonomic design of fanned fret 7 string guitars contributes significantly to their overall playability and comfort, especially during extended playing sessions. The combination of fanned frets and a contoured body offers several advantages for guitarists.
- Fanned Frets: The angled frets on a fanned fret 7 string guitar follow the natural curvature of the hand, reducing strain on the wrist and fingers. This ergonomic design makes it easier to reach and play chords and scales, particularly for guitarists with smaller hands or those who experience discomfort with traditional parallel frets.
- Contoured Body: Many fanned fret 7 string guitars feature a contoured body that conforms to the player’s body, providing a more comfortable playing position. This contouring reduces pressure points and improves weight distribution, allowing guitarists to play for longer periods without experiencing fatigue or discomfort.
- Improved Posture: The ergonomic design of fanned fret 7 string guitars promotes better posture while playing. The angled frets and contoured body encourage the player to sit or stand in a more natural position, reducing back and neck strain.
- Reduced Fatigue: The combination of fanned frets and a contoured body significantly reduces fatigue during extended playing sessions. The ergonomic design allows guitarists to play for longer periods without experiencing discomfort or pain, enhancing their overall playing experience.
In summary, the ergonomic design of fanned fret 7 string guitars, encompassing both fanned frets and a contoured body, provides a more comfortable playing position, reduces fatigue, and promotes better posture. These ergonomic features make fanned fret 7 string guitars an ideal choice for guitarists seeking an instrument that enhances their playing experience and allows them to perform at their best.
6. Visual Appeal
The unique fanned fret design on 7 string guitars serves as a visually striking element, attracting guitarists who value the aesthetic appeal of their instruments.
- Unconventional Appearance: The angled frets create a visually distinctive look that sets fanned fret 7 string guitars apart from traditional guitars with parallel frets, captivating the attention of players who seek an instrument with a unique visual identity.
- Asymmetrical Beauty: The asymmetrical arrangement of the frets adds an artistic touch to the guitar, appealing to players who appreciate the balance and harmony of asymmetrical designs.
- Modern Aesthetic: The fanned fret design aligns with the contemporary aesthetic trends in guitar design, attracting players who prefer modern and visually striking instruments.
- Customizable Appeal: The unique fret design provides opportunities for customization, allowing players to express their creativity and personalize their guitars with different colors, fretboard materials, and inlays.
In summary, the visual appeal of fanned fret 7 string guitars lies in their unconventional appearance, asymmetrical beauty, modern aesthetic, and customizable nature, making them highly appealing to players who seek visually striking and aesthetically pleasing instruments.
7. Genre Versatility
The genre versatility of fanned fret 7 string guitars stems from their unique design and construction, which provides several advantages for guitarists playing in various musical styles.
- Extended Range: The additional low B string extends the guitar’s range, allowing for lower notes and wider harmonic possibilities, making it suitable for genres like metal and rock that often utilize low tunings and heavy riffs.
- Improved Intonation: The fanned frets improve intonation, especially on the lower strings, ensuring accurate tuning and note clarity, which is crucial for genres like jazz and blues that rely on complex chords and harmonies.
- Balanced Tone: The unequal string lengths result in a more balanced tone across all strings, with reduced string tension
on the lower strings, providing a versatile tonal palette that can accommodate the diverse sounds of metal, rock, blues, and jazz. - Playability: The angled frets and contoured body enhance playability, making it easier to reach and play chords and scales, allowing for fast and intricate lead guitar work in genres like metal and rock, as well as comfortable chord progressions in blues and jazz.
Overall, the genre versatility of fanned fret 7 string guitars lies in their ability to provide a combination of extended range, improved intonation, balanced tone, and enhanced playability, making them a suitable choice for guitarists who explore multiple musical styles and demand a versatile instrument.
8. Progressive Technique
The fanned frets on a 7 string guitar necessitate a slight adjustment in playing technique, particularly for guitarists accustomed to traditional parallel frets. However, this adjustment can ultimately lead to enhanced overall technique and improved fingerboard dexterity.
- Adapting to the Angled Frets: The angled frets require guitarists to adjust their finger placement and picking angle to accommodate the fanned design. This adjustment can initially feel unfamiliar, but with practice, it can improve fretting accuracy and picking precision.
- Enhanced Fingerboard Dexterity: The angled frets promote a more natural hand position, reducing strain and improving fingerboard dexterity. The fanned design allows for smoother and faster finger movements, facilitating complex chord voicings and intricate lead guitar playing.
- Increased Flexibility: The adjustment to the fanned frets encourages guitarists to explore different playing techniques and positions. This flexibility enhances their overall technique and versatility, making them more adaptable to various musical styles and playing situations.
- Improved String Bending: The angled frets provide a more ergonomic position for string bending, allowing for wider bends and increased control. This improved string bending technique can enhance expressiveness and add depth to guitar solos.
In summary, while the fanned frets on a 7 string guitar require a slight adjustment in playing technique, they offer significant benefits in terms of enhanced overall technique, improved fingerboard dexterity, increased flexibility, and improved string bending. These benefits make fanned fret 7 string guitars an attractive choice for guitarists seeking to expand their technical abilities and explore new musical possibilities.
9. Investment Value
The investment value of fanned fret 7 string guitars stems from their unique combination of features and the benefits they offer to serious players. These guitars are not only versatile and suitable for a wide range of musical genres, but they also provide several advantages that make them a worthwhile investment.
- Uniqueness and Distinctiveness: Fanned fret 7 string guitars stand out from traditional guitars due to their unique design and extended range. This uniqueness makes them highly sought after by players who want an instrument that sets them apart and allows them to explore new sonic possibilities.
- Versatile Performance: As discussed earlier, fanned fret 7 string guitars excel in various musical genres, from metal and rock to jazz and blues. Their versatility makes them a valuable asset for guitarists who play in multiple styles or want an instrument that can handle a wide range of techniques and tunings.
- Enhanced Playability: The angled frets and contoured body of fanned fret 7 string guitars provide enhanced playability, making it easier to reach and play chords and scales. This improved playability can lead to increased comfort during extended playing sessions and can also facilitate the development of advanced playing techniques.
- Improved Intonation: The fanned frets significantly improve the intonation of the guitar, especially on the lower strings. This improved intonation ensures that each note rings true and in tune, which is crucial for serious players who demand precise and accurate sound.
- Durability and Resale Value: Fanned fret 7 string guitars are often made with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, ensuring their durability and longevity. This durability, combined with their unique features and versatility, contributes to their strong resale value, making them a sound investment for players who may want to upgrade or sell their guitar in the future.
In summary, the investment value of fanned fret 7 string guitars lies in their unique design, versatile performance capabilities, enhanced playability, improved intonation, and durability. These qualities make them a worthwhile investment for serious players who seek an instrument that can meet their demanding musical needs and provide lasting value.
Fanned Fret 7 String Guitar FAQs
The unique design and features of fanned fret 7 string guitars raise several common questions among guitarists. This FAQ section aims to provide informative and straightforward answers to these queries.
Question 1: What are the primary benefits of fanned fret 7 string guitars?
Fanned fret 7 string guitars offer several advantages, including extended range, improved intonation, enhanced playability, balanced tone, ergonomic design, visual appeal, genre versatility, progressive technique, and investment value.
Question 2: How does the extended range of a 7 string guitar benefit players?
The extended range provided by the additional low B string opens up new sonic possibilities, allowing for lower notes and wider harmonic explorations. It enhances bass response, expands chord voicings, and enables new melodic possibilities.
Question 3: How do fanned frets improve intonation on a 7 string guitar?
The angled frets on a fanned fret 7 string guitar adjust the scale length of the lower strings, resulting in more precise tuning and enhanced harmonic clarity. This improved intonation reduces tuning issues and ensures that each note rings true.
Question 4: What are the advantages of the angled frets in terms of playability?
The angled frets follow the natural curvature of the hand, making it easier to reach and play chords and scales. This design reduces strain on the wrist and fingers, enhancing comfort during extended playing sessions and facilitating complex playing techniques.
Question 5: How does the design of fanned fret 7 string guitars contribute to their ergonomic benefits?
Fanned fret 7 string guitars often feature a contoured body that conforms to the player’s body, providing a more comfortable playing position. The angled frets and contoured body work together to reduce fatigue, improve posture, and promote better overall playing experience.
Question 6: Are fanned fret 7 string guitars suitable for various musical genres?
Yes, fanned fret 7 string guitars excel in a wide range of musical genres, including metal, rock, blues, and jazz. Their versatility stems from their extended range, improved intonation, balanced tone, and enhanced playability, making them well-suited for different playing
styles and techniques.
Summary: Fanned fret 7 string guitars offer a unique combination of features that provide numerous benefits to guitarists. From their extended range and improved intonation to their enhanced playability and genre versatility, these guitars are a worthwhile investment for serious players seeking an instrument that meets their demanding musical needs.
Transition: For further exploration of fanned fret 7 string guitars, continue to the next section for a comprehensive guide on choosing the right guitar for your specific requirements.
Tips for Choosing a Fanned Fret 7 String Guitar
Selecting the right fanned fret 7 string guitar requires careful consideration of specific needs and preferences. Here are some valuable tips to guide your decision-making process:
Tip 1: Determine Your Musical Style and Requirements: Identify the genres you primarily play and the techniques you employ. Consider whether the extended range and versatility of a fanned fret 7 string guitar align with your musical goals.
Tip 2: Evaluate Playability and Comfort: Visit a guitar store and try out different fanned fret 7 string guitars. Assess the neck profile, fretboard radius, and overall weight to ensure a comfortable and playable instrument that suits your hand size and playing style.
Tip 3: Consider the Scale Length: The scale length of a guitar influences its string tension and overall feel. Choose a scale length that provides the desired string tension for your playing style and preferences. Longer scale lengths generally offer increased sustain and clarity, while shorter scale lengths offer reduced string tension and easier playability.
Tip 4: Explore Different Body Styles: Fanned fret 7 string guitars come in various body styles, including solid-body, semi-hollow, and hollow-body designs. Each body style imparts a unique tonal character and playing experience. Consider the desired sound and aesthetics when selecting a body style.
Tip 5: Pay Attention to Electronics and Hardware: The pickups, electronics, and hardware components significantly impact the sound and functionality of a fanned fret 7 string guitar. Choose high-quality components that complement your musical style and provide the desired tone and versatility.
Summary: Selecting the right fanned fret 7 string guitar involves careful consideration of your musical needs, playing style, and personal preferences. By following these tips, you can make an informed decision and find an instrument that meets your specific requirements and enhances your musical journey.
Transition: Explore the diverse range of fanned fret 7 string guitars available in the market today and discover the perfect instrument to elevate your playing experience.
Conclusion
In the realm of modern guitar design, fanned fret 7 string guitars stand as a testament to innovation and versatility. With their unique aesthetics and a range of benefits that enhance playability, tone, and intonation, these instruments have captivated the hearts and minds of guitarists worldwide.
From the extended range that opens up new musical possibilities to the improved intonation that ensures accurate and harmonious sound, fanned fret 7 string guitars empower players to explore their musical creativity like never before. Their ergonomic design reduces strain and fatigue, making them a joy to play for extended periods. Furthermore, their genre versatility allows guitarists to navigate diverse musical styles with ease, from the heavy riffs of metal to the intricate harmonies of jazz.
As with any instrument, the choice of a fanned fret 7 string guitar is a personal one, guided by individual needs and preferences. However, the potential benefits of these instruments are undeniable. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an aspiring musician, a fanned fret 7 string guitar can unlock new levels of musical expression and playing enjoyment.
Embrace the allure of fanned fret 7 string guitars, and embark on a musical journey where innovation meets boundless creativity.
