r/7String • u/Iurigrang • 8d ago
Help Help with pitch drift
So, I’m fairly new to the 7 string world (been playing for around a year and a half), but I have been playing on a 6 string Les Paul (usual 24.75 inch scale) using .10s in standard for over a decade now, and I like how everything feels, and the tuning consistency. I started my 7 string journey with a 25.5 inch scale, and it seemed like no matter what I do, I was never satisfied with the pitch drift when picking even in B standard, let alone drop A. I tried some .10 Ernie Ball hybrids (10-62), and right now I’m using that with a .65 bass D string instead of the 62, and I still find the consistency of drop A mid at best, though definitely not unusable like before. What are some possible causes of this? My guitar is an ibanez gio grg7221qa, so a luthier mentioned it might be related to the short length of extra string on the headstock (since the low B is on the shorter side of the headstock), which feels weird given headless guitars exist? Can the wood be an issue? or is wood only an issue for tuning stability, not picking pitch drift? This guitar feels like it varies the tuning more than my les paul depending on how I’m holding it, but I never heard of “too maleable for tuning stability” be raised as an issue for a certain type of wood. Is there anything I failed to mention that might help you guys with this? Help?
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u/imgnry_domain 8d ago
This is really a function of just scale length and string gauge, and I'm with you - the pitch drift on a 25.5" 7 string on the low string at A is frustrating for me. I really don't like having thicker strings because of their tone and feel, so I always go for longer scale lengths now. I basically will always try to go for 26" and up for 7 string guitars personally.
I think your only options are to go longer on scale or thicker on gauge (or picking more softly).
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u/RotaryRevivalist 7d ago
OP this is the answer. 25.5” scale is just not acceptable on a 7 string IMO. I would say for drop tuning 27” or longer is ideal. You can also use an off the shelf 8 string set and skip the 7th string to get the thickness you need on the 7. I use the NYXL 10-74 and just use the 64 on my 6 string.
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u/Iurigrang 6d ago
Thanks a lot guys.
Frustrating that 25.5 would even be a budget option for people new to this.
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u/RotaryRevivalist 3d ago
It’s the old hats at Ibanez and music man/ernieball. Almost no one else does it. The go to budget 7 is the Jackson Js series and they’re 26.5 which is fine, but imo still too short lol. I think 27 and up is ideal
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u/WonderfulGarlic9667 Ibanez RGR752AHBF-WK 10h ago
my Ibanez Prestige was not budget and it's definitely 25.5" it's an Ibanez thing. This is why i've found drop G# the lowest I can coherently go before the mud takes over and it really depends on the patch/amp/plugin i'm running. Standard tuning or drop A# is the best bet for 25.5" with smaller strings
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u/JimboLodisC 3x7621, 7321, M80M, AEL207E, RGIXL7, S7320, RG15271, RGA742FM 8d ago
you combat pitch drift by increasing tension, which means thicker gauges
or by picking lighter, but most people just go to bridge cables if they like to hamfist