Whats the best way to play a song thats normally In Drop D on a 7?

thedonutman · 02-19-2007, 02:19 PM

I play for rhythm guitar in a band with some friends, and all of our original stuff is in Drop D. So, before I got my 7 string I just played it on my ibanez 6 string.

However, I'd like to use my 7 string more(mainly because it has EMGs in) But I'm not sure how to play the Drop D stuff.

Either, Just play it in BEADGBE tuning with 3 finger powerchords
Or, play in Drop A with or without a capo.

Or some other kind of tuning.

What would you guys reccomend?

I would like to keep the functionality as a 6 string guitar, So I can easily play stuff thats in EADGBE as well.

Is this possible?

noodles · 02-19-2007, 02:20 PM

Tune to BDADGBE and play it. That's how we do it in our band.

Metal Ken · 02-19-2007, 02:21 PM

You crazy dividians with your minor third interval on your bottom two strings ;p

I just adapt the riff to the 3rd fret for the D whenever possible.

NickCormier · 02-19-2007, 02:23 PM

it depends.. if its a heavy/death metal song, and it has alot of usage of riffs involving normally an Open D string... you might be shit out of luck, or least will have to really work on it for awhile. Stuff like many Death songs (Dstandard), are possible to do on a B tuned 7, but might be alittle weird feeling for awhile esp if its a huge stretch between notes (like when chuck does a chuck riff on one string, and like 3-4 diff notes on another string, alternating between the two)

If its songs that dont use it TOO often or the riffs aren't fast or intense, it can be done.. I play lots of Drop-D songs on 7 string, but most arent too hectic use of the D string (on the normal 6)

The Dark Wolf · 02-19-2007, 02:23 PM

I see 3 possibilities -

1. Tune down a whole step - ADGCFAD. It might take some work, but you would at least be in key.

2. Tune to drop A. All your riffs would probably start at the fifth fret, but it might be the easiest route.

3. Tune to a drop/double drop tuning. Tune to drop D, and then tune the B to either A, or to double drop, to G. I actually play my 7 in drop C, and I tune my 7th to drop F. It's more linear that way.

JJ Rodriguez · 02-19-2007, 02:25 PM

Well, it really depends on the song. You could transcribe it to drop A, or you could just play the song on your 7, ie an open D5 power chord for your top 3 strings becomes a power chord at the third fret of your low string on a standard tuned 7, or do what Noodles does. It depends on what would make it easier to play, if it's a lot of riffing with power chords on your top strings, it might be hard to play a power chord at 3 and go to 9-10 for any faster riffs.

Rick · 02-19-2007, 02:28 PM

I tune down a full step anyway so I play the riffs on the "E" string as is.

noodles · 02-19-2007, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Metal Ken

You crazy dividians with your minor third interval on your bottom two strings ;p

I just adapt the riff to the 3rd fret for the D whenever possible.

Unfortunately, we write songs in drop-D that you actually have to play in Drop-D.

Dividians? What, are we Koreshcore or something?

Metal Ken · 02-19-2007, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noodles

Dividians? What, are we Koreshcore or something?

I could think of a plural of division..

Koreshcore...

The Dark Wolf · 02-19-2007, 02:33 PM

Divisionites.

Like Ammonites, Hitties, Jebusites, Hivites, Amalekites...

	sevenstring guitars		sevenstring registry		photo gallery		merch

02-19-2007, 02:19 PM	#1 (permalink)
thedonutman Has a Seven, again Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Sheffield,UK Posts: 674 Real Name: Joe Main Seven: Ibanez RG7620 Rig: Ashdown Fallen Angel Thanked: 11	Whats the best way to play a song thats normally In Drop D on a 7? I play for rhythm guitar in a band with some friends, and all of our original stuff is in Drop D. So, before I got my 7 string I just played it on my ibanez 6 string. However, I'd like to use my 7 string more(mainly because it has EMGs in) But I'm not sure how to play the Drop D stuff. Either, Just play it in BEADGBE tuning with 3 finger powerchords Or, play in Drop A with or without a capo. Or some other kind of tuning. What would you guys reccomend? I would like to keep the functionality as a 6 string guitar, So I can easily play stuff thats in EADGBE as well. Is this possible?

02-19-2007, 02:20 PM	#2 (permalink)
noodles I'm your huckleberry • Super Moderator • Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Woodbridge, VA Posts: 22,035 Real Name: Dave Main Seven: KxK V7 - The Emo Killer Rig: Roadster/GMaj/4x12 Thanked: 306	Tune to BDADGBE and play it. That's how we do it in our band. Noodles Division: American Metal without the suck. sales@kxkguitars.com "Somewhere along the way, the Straight Talk Express lost some wheels..." --Barack Obama on John McCain

02-19-2007, 02:21 PM	#3 (permalink)
Metal Ken Sanctity In Blasphemous Ruin • Super Moderator • Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Florida Posts: 22,476 Real Name: Legion Main Seven: Loomis, C7HR, Giannini 7 Rig: Mesa Rectoverb 50 Thanked: 83	You crazy dividians with your minor third interval on your bottom two strings ;p I just adapt the riff to the 3rd fret for the D whenever possible. Glory and praise to Thee, Satan, on high, Where Thou didst reign, in Hell where Thou dost lie, Vanquished, silent, dreaming eternally. Grant that my soul some day rest close to Thee Under the Tree of Knowledge which shall spread Its branches like a Temple overhead. ~Charles Baudelaire http://www.myspace.com/impurity Brutal Skullfucking Death Metal

02-19-2007, 02:23 PM	#5 (permalink)
The Dark Wolf Shomer Fucking Shabbos! • Super Moderator • Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Toledo, Ohio. USA Posts: 16,500 Real Name: Bowlin' Bob Main Seven: 2001 Ibanez RG2027XVV Rig: GNX/Magicstomp Thanked: 87	I see 3 possibilities - 1. Tune down a whole step - ADGCFAD. It might take some work, but you would at least be in key. 2. Tune to drop A. All your riffs would probably start at the fifth fret, but it might be the easiest route. 3. Tune to a drop/double drop tuning. Tune to drop D, and then tune the B to either A, or to double drop, to G. I actually play my 7 in drop C, and I tune my 7th to drop F. It's more linear that way. http://www.wolf.org

Welcome to sevenstring.org! You are currently viewing the site as a guest which gives you limited access to most features.

Most ad placements do not show to registered members. Register Now!

02-19-2007, 02:23 PM	#4 (permalink)
NickCormier Canada >>> You Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: 1 Posts: 2,211 Thanked: 23	it depends.. if its a heavy/death metal song, and it has alot of usage of riffs involving normally an Open D string... you might be shit out of luck, or least will have to really work on it for awhile. Stuff like many Death songs (Dstandard), are possible to do on a B tuned 7, but might be alittle weird feeling for awhile esp if its a huge stretch between notes (like when chuck does a chuck riff on one string, and like 3-4 diff notes on another string, alternating between the two) If its songs that dont use it TOO often or the riffs aren't fast or intense, it can be done.. I play lots of Drop-D songs on 7 string, but most arent too hectic use of the D string (on the normal 6)

02-19-2007, 02:25 PM	#6 (permalink)
JJ Rodriguez Pantysniffing zombie Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada Posts: 6,084 Main Seven: Ibanez RG7CT Rig: FramusDragon-Norbert Thanked: 40	Well, it really depends on the song. You could transcribe it to drop A, or you could just play the song on your 7, ie an open D5 power chord for your top 3 strings becomes a power chord at the third fret of your low string on a standard tuned 7, or do what Noodles does. It depends on what would make it easier to play, if it's a lot of riffing with power chords on your top strings, it might be hard to play a power chord at 3 and go to 9-10 for any faster riffs.

02-19-2007, 02:28 PM	#7 (permalink)
Rick VP / RHLC © Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 8,104 Real Name: Rick Main Seven: Ibanez RG7420 Rig: Line 6 HD147 Thanked: 26	I tune down a full step anyway so I play the riffs on the "E" string as is. 7StringofAblicK-*This is my footswitch. it changes channels on my amp - just like on a television, but I only have four channels.* http://www.myspace.com/psyclosis Psyclosis page http://www.myspace.com/texamanian My page

02-19-2007, 02:33 PM	#10 (permalink)
The Dark Wolf Shomer Fucking Shabbos! • Super Moderator • Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Toledo, Ohio. USA Posts: 16,500 Real Name: Bowlin' Bob Main Seven: 2001 Ibanez RG2027XVV Rig: GNX/Magicstomp Thanked: 87	Divisionites. Like Ammonites, Hitties, Jebusites, Hivites, Amalekites...

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Mmm... Drop A is fun! ^_^	Karl Hungus	Sevenstring Guitars	34	05-17-2008 04:55 PM
Favorite seven string song to play?	Slayer89	Sevenstring Guitars	43	04-29-2007 04:50 PM
Recommended string guages for Drop A, Bb, B and drop B	omentremor	Gear & Equipment	28	06-12-2006 04:52 PM
Paul Gilbert shows you how to play The Drill Song! ...	Dormant	General Music Discussion	8	05-05-2006 10:53 PM


	Powered by vBulletin 3.7.2 Copyright ©2000 - 2008, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd. LinkBacks Enabled by vBSEO 3.1.0 "777" Logo © Darren Wilson Content © 2008 Sevenstring.org LLC - Privacy Policy Affiliate Links Directory

» Sevenstring Guitars

Whats the best way to play a song thats normally In Drop D on a 7?