Best 7 String Electric Guitar For Beginners
Stop endlessly searching. We've compared the top gear matching best 7 string electric guitar for beginners on specs, real-world value, and player feedback. Here are our top choices for 2026.
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Top pick: Jackson JS22-7 Dinky 7 String Electric Guitar (rated 4.6/5) at $229.99 — Affordable entry to 7 string.
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Jackson JS22-7 Dinky 7 String Electric Guitar★ 4.6/5
An affordable 7 string superstrat built for metal beginners: extended range, high-output humbuckers, a fast thin neck and a hardtail bridge for rock-solid low tunings.
PRS SE Custom 24 Electric Guitar★ 4.9/5
The benchmark sub-$1000 electric: a carved maple-top mahogany body, 24-fret wide-thin neck, and versatile 85/15 S humbuckers with coil-splitting. Pro feel and tone for the money.
Squier Affinity Telecaster★ 4.6/5
Classic Telecaster style and tone at an accessible price. Perfect for rock, country, and blues.
Fender American Ultra Telecaster★ 5/5
The ultimate in precision and performance. Features the unique 'Texas Tea' finish and a lightning-fast roasted maple neck.
At a glance
| Product | Price | Our rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 Jackson JS22-7 Dinky 7 String Electric Guitar | $229.99 | ★ 4.6/5 | Affordable entry to 7 string |
| PRS SE Custom 24 Electric Guitar | $899.00 | ★ 4.9/5 | Stunning build for the price |
| Squier Affinity Telecaster | $289.99 | ★ 4.6/5 | Authentic Tele 'twang' |
| Fender American Ultra Telecaster | $2,199.99 | ★ 5/5 | Silent electronics for studio use |
Ratings are ReviewsGuitar.com editorial scores (5-point scale, single expert review). Prices last checked 2026-07-11; verify current price at the retailer.
Choosing a 7-String Guitar as a Beginner
A 7-string adds a low B below the standard six, opening up heavier riffs and extended range. If it's your first, a few things make the jump much smoother.
Scale length for tight lows
That low B string needs tension to stay clear and punchy. A longer scale (25.5" or a baritone/multi-scale) keeps it tight; too short and the low string feels floppy and sounds muddy.
Neck width and comfort
A 7-string neck is wider to fit the extra string. Look for a thin, flat profile (the superstrat shape many beginners find comfortable) so chords and fast runs don't feel like a stretch.
Pickups for clarity under gain
High-output humbuckers keep the low string defined under heavy distortion, where weaker pickups turn to mush. This matters most if you're playing metal, which is where most 7-strings live.
Bridge and tuning stability
A hardtail (fixed) bridge keeps things simple and tuning-stable, which is ideal for a beginner switching between standard and dropped tunings on the low string.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 7-string guitar harder for a beginner?
Not dramatically. The fundamentals are the same as a 6-string; you just have an extra low string and a slightly wider neck. If you mostly want the heavier, extended range for metal, starting on a 7-string is perfectly reasonable — just expect a short adjustment to the wider neck.
What tuning does a 7-string use?
Standard 7-string tuning adds a low B below the usual EADGBE, giving you B-E-A-D-G-B-E. From there many metal players drop the low B to A for even heavier riffs. The extra string is all about extended low-end range.
Do I need a longer scale length on a 7-string?
It helps a lot. A 25.5" or longer scale keeps that low B string tight and articulate rather than loose and muddy. Beginners on a budget 7-string with a standard scale will be fine in standard tuning, but the longer the scale, the better the low string behaves when you drop-tune.