AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best 7 String Guitars for Metal 2026
The top pick is Ibanez RGRB720 Iron Label ($1,086). Harley Benton R-457MN LH WH gives you the most for the money at $190. Ibanez K7YIN / K7RGA24M2 James "Munky" Shaffer Signature leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 89 models across 13 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 19, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius400 mm (15.75")
- Strings7-string
The RGRB720-BKF is a serious 7-string workhorse built for modern metal and progressive players. That Wizard II neck is a dream to shred on, and the DiMarzio pickups deliver plenty of aggression. It’s a fantastic option if you need a versatile, high-performance instrument without the premium price tag of some boutique models.
Pros
- Nyatoh body delivers a tight, focused low-end response.
- Wizard II neck profile offers incredibly fast, comfortable playability.
- DiMarzio Activators provide high-output, modern aggressive tones.
Cons
- Nyatoh body, while good, lacks the tonal complexity of mahogany.
- Matt finish can be prone to fingerprints and requires more frequent cleaning.
77AudioFu
Index↓ 15.1%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,278 · Aug 17$1,086 now$1,086€965 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Jackson JS Series JS22-7 DKA HT Dinky Archtop with Amaranth Fretboard
JS22-7 RR Satin Black · Jackson
34 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale673 mm (26.5")
- Frets24 frets
- Strings7-string
- BodyPoplar body
The JS22-7 RR is a solid entry point into 7-string guitars, especially for players getting into heavier genres. The compound radius really helps with shredding, and those pickups provide plenty of gain. It’s a great option for beginner to intermediate players who want a modern, aggressive sound without a premium price tag.
Pros
- Poplar body provides a surprisingly resonant and balanced tone.
- Bolt-on maple neck offers snappy response and easy playability.
- High-output humbuckers deliver aggressive, modern metal tones.
Cons
- Hardware, while functional, feels budget-oriented and may need upgrading.
- Poplar body can be prone to finish checking with extreme temperature changes.
73AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$303 now$303€269 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets24 frets
- Strings7-string
- BodyPoplar body
The GRG7221QA-TKS is a solid choice for beginner to intermediate players looking to explore 7-string territory. It offers a comfortable neck, decent pickups, and a striking aesthetic at a very accessible price point – a great entry into extended range guitars.
Pros
- Quilted maple top adds visual flair and a touch of brightness
- GRG7 neck profile is comfortable and fast for modern playing styles
- Infinity R pickups deliver a surprisingly powerful and versatile output
Cons
- New Zealand pine fretboard can be a bit softer than rosewood or ebony
- Poplar body might lack the resonance of mahogany for some players
73AudioFu
Index↓ 2.2%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$358 · Aug 17$350 now$350€311 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius400 mm (15.75")
- Strings7-string
This guitar fits a budget-friendly 7-string player who wants a sturdy build. The meranti body and bolt-on neck make it solid, while the wide nut helps with comfort. You get thick sound from the two humbuckers, but the plastic nut and heavy hardware are weak points.
Pros
- Affordable 7-string guitar with solid meranti body
- Bolt-on construction ensures stable neck angle
- Large nut width provides comfortable playability
Cons
- Plastic nut lacks the durability of bone
- Black hardware can scratch easily
71AudioFu
Index↓ 3.6%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$618 · Aug 17$595 now$595€529 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Ibanez K7YIN / K7RGA24M2 James "Munky" Shaffer Signature
K7YIN · Ibanez
20 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius400 mm (15.75")
- Strings7-string
This guitar has a special thick body that sounds great. The two humbuckers give you a strong, clear tone for heavy playing. It feels solid with a bolt-on neck and big frets. This fits players who want a unique sound and reliable tuning without extra wiring.
Pros
- Nyatoh body gives a unique, thick resonant tone
- DiMarzio Blaze humbuckers deliver aggressive, clean power
- Lo-Pro Edge 7 tremolo offers smooth, stable vibrato
Cons
- 25.5 inch scale length may feel long for some hands
- No electronics options listed, so output is fixed
71AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,080 now$2,080€1,848 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale673 mm (26.5")
- Strings7-string
- BodyMahogany body
The Omen Elite-7 Charcoal is a seriously capable 7-string, offering a lot of performance for the money. It’s a great choice for players diving into extended-range riffing, from modern metal to djent, who want a comfortable neck and punchy pickups without breaking the bank. The aesthetic is also quite striking with that burl poplar top.
Pros
- Mahogany body provides a warm, resonant foundation for a full sound.
- Diamond Heretic pickups deliver high-output, modern rock and metal tones.
- Thin 'C' neck profile offers comfortable playability for extended sessions.
Cons
- Rosewood fretboard may require occasional oiling to prevent dryness.
- Bolt-on neck construction isn't favored by players seeking a vintage sustain.
67AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$742 now$742€659 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale673 mm (26.5")
- Strings7-string
- BodyMahogany body
The Omen Elite-7 is a solid choice for modern players wanting 7-string capabilities without a premium price tag. The neck profile is a real winner for shredders, and the Diamond Heretics offer a surprisingly versatile range of tones from crunchy rhythm to searing leads. This guitar is perfect for metalheads and progressive rock enthusiasts looking for a reliable workhorse.
Pros
- Mahogany body provides a warm, resonant foundation for a powerful tone.
- Thin 'C' neck profile is comfortable and fast, ideal for technical playing.
- Diamond Heretic pickups deliver high-output, modern rock and metal tones.
Cons
- Rosewood fretboard can be prone to fret buzz if not properly leveled.
- Burl poplar top, while visually appealing, adds minimal tonal contribution.
67AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$764 now$764€679 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale673 mm (26.5")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius400 mm (15.75")
- Strings7-string
This RGDRB71 is a serious contender for modern players—particularly those into progressive metal and djent. The roasted maple neck and DiMarzio pickups offer a fast, aggressive response with great clarity, and the 7-string versatility opens up a whole new world of riffing. It's a well-built instrument offering a lot of performance for the price.
Pros
- Roasted maple neck offers exceptional stability and feel.
- DiMarzio Activator 7s deliver high-output, modern metal tones.
- Ebony fingerboard provides a slick, fast playing surface.
Cons
- Nyatoh body, while functional, lacks the resonance of mahogany or alder.
- Wizard II neck profile can be too thin for players preferring a thicker feel.
67AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,090 now$1,090€969 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale686 mm (27.01")
- Frets24 frets
- Strings7-string
- BodyNyatoh body
This Ibanez RGIXL7 is a shredder's dream – seriously fast and responsive. The Fusion Edge 7 pickups give you that modern, aggressive tone perfect for metal and progressive rock. It's a fantastic option for players wanting 7-string power without a premium-priced tag.
Pros
- Nitro Wizard neck offers exceptional speed and playability.
- DiMarzio Fusion Edge 7 pickups deliver high-output, modern tones.
- Ebony fretboard provides a smooth, fast playing surface and sustain.
Cons
- Nyatoh body offers decent resonance but isn’t as premium as mahogany.
- Bolt-on neck construction limits high-end sustain compared to set-neck designs.
66AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,057 now$1,057€939 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius400 mm (15.75")
- Neck profileD-shape neck
This left-handed R-457MN is a seriously impressive value for the money. The build quality is surprisingly good for the price point, and those pickups have a definite aggressive edge. It's perfect for budding metalheads and rock players looking for a 7-string without a huge investment.
Pros
- Solid poplar body provides a surprisingly resonant and balanced tonal foundation.
- Bolt-on maple neck offers snappy response and comfortable, familiar feel.
- Hi-Gain humbuckers deliver thick, aggressive tones ideal for modern metal and rock.
Cons
- ABS nut can be a weak point; upgrading to Tusq or bone is recommended.
- Poplar body, while good, lacks the premium sustain of mahogany or basswood.
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$190 now$190€169 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 89 7 string guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Ibanez RGR762AHBF PrestigeRGR762AHBF-WK · Ibanez64Stable$1,991€1,769$1,991€1,769Check ↗
- 12
Ibanez JBM27 Jake Bowen SignatureJBM27 Jake Bowen · Ibanez62Stable$1,406€1,249$1,406€1,249Check ↗
- 13
Ibanez RG7420EX StandardRG7420EX-BKF · Ibanez59Stable$683€607$683€607Check ↗
- 14
Schecter Sunset 7 ExtremeSunset -7 Extreme SB · Schecter58Stable$1,281€1,138$1,281€1,138Check ↗
- 15
Ibanez UV70P Steve Vai Signature UniverseUV70P-BK · Ibanez58Stable$1,619€1,439$1,619€1,439Check ↗
- 16
Ibanez ICTB721 Iceman Iron LabelICTB721-BKF · Ibanez56Stable$1,439€1,279$1,439€1,279Check ↗
- 17
Solar Guitars A1.7DBOP Black Open PoreSolar Guitars · 6 finishes56Stable$1,799€1,599$1,799€1,599Check ↗
- 18
Ibanez AZ24047 PrestigeAZ24047-BK · Ibanez55Stable$2,531€2,249$2,531€2,249Check ↗
- 19
Ibanez RGDR4327R PrestigeRGDR4327R-NTF · Ibanez55Stable$2,812€2,499$2,812€2,499Check ↗
- 20
Ibanez RG7421EXL Standard Left-HandedRG7421EX-BKF · Ibanez54↓ 2.8%$584€519$584€519Check ↗
- 21
Schecter Damien-7 MultiscaleDamien 7 Multiscale SB · Schecter54Stable$1,045€929$1,045€929Check ↗
- 22
ESP LTD JS-7 Baritone Jack Simmons SignatureLTD Jack Simmons JS-7 Baritone · ESP54Stable$2,418€2,149$2,418€2,149Check ↗
- 23
ESP E-II Horizon NT-7B HipshotESP54Stable$3,375€2,999$3,375€2,999Check ↗
- 24
Ibanez RGD7521PBRGD7521PB-DSF · Ibanez53Stable$899€799$899€799Check ↗
- 25
Ibanez RGA217P1PBDRLIbanez53↓ 20.8%$1,426€1,267$1,426€1,267Check ↗
- 26
Ibanez RG2027RXL PrestigeRG2027RXL-DTB · Ibanez53Stable$1,946€1,729$1,946€1,729Check ↗
- 27
Solar Guitars A2.7CLN CanibalismoSolar Guitars · 3 finishes52↓ 5.3%$1,012€899$1,012€899Check ↗
- 28
Ibanez RGMS7PB-CBSIbanez49↓ 6.2%$685€609$685€609Check ↗
- 29
Ibanez A527-NSHIbanez · 2 finishes49Stable$2,092€1,859$2,092€1,859Check ↗
- 30
Harley Benton Amarok-7 BKRD Quilted BurstAmarok-7 BKRD Quilted Burst · Harley Benton · 2 finishes48Stable$618€549$618€549Check ↗
- 31
Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-7Hellraiser Hybrid C-7 TBB · Schecter48Stable$1,462€1,299$1,462€1,299Check ↗
- 32
Solar Guitars S1.7C+Solar Guitars · 3 finishes48Stable$1,687€1,499$1,687€1,499Check ↗
- 33
Ibanez AZ447P1QM-COBIbanez48Stable$1,777€1,579$1,777€1,579Check ↗
- 34
Ibanez ICWH727 Wes Hauch Signature IcemanICWH727 Wes Hauch · Ibanez48Stable$10,127€8,999$10,127€8,999Check ↗
- 35
Harley Benton Amarok-7 BKRD Quilted B w/CaseHarley Benton47Stable$640€569$640€569Check ↗
- 36
Solar Guitars T2.7FBB-Flame Black BurstSolar Guitars47Stable$1,012€899$1,012€899Check ↗
- 37
Ibanez RGD721FA-WUFIbanez47↓ 1.8%$1,214€1,079$1,214€1,079Check ↗
- 38
Solar Guitars A1.7FRCLN CanibalismoSolar Guitars47Stable$1,462€1,299$1,462€1,299Check ↗
- 39
Solar Guitars T1.7DBOPSolar Guitars47Stable$1,799€1,599$1,799€1,599Check ↗
- 40
Schecter C-7 SLS Evil Twin SBKSchecter · 3 finishes47Stable$1,799€1,599$1,799€1,599Check ↗
- 41
Solar Guitars VAR1.7SP Silver SparkleSolar Guitars47Stable$1,799€1,599$1,799€1,599Check ↗
- 42
ESP LTD M-207B DX STBLK SatinESP · 2 finishes46Stable$719€639$719€639Check ↗
- 43
Ibanez QX527PB-ABSIbanez46Stable$1,339€1,190$1,339€1,190Check ↗
- 44
Jackson Pro Signature DD WR7 M FYJackson · 2 finishes46Stable$1,574€1,399$1,574€1,399Check ↗
- 45
Ibanez ICMS721-IPT Iceman w/GBIbanez46Stable$1,912€1,699$1,912€1,699Check ↗
- 46
Ibanez SFS727 Stephan ForteIbanez46Stable$3,375€2,999$3,375€2,999Check ↗
- 47
Ibanez RG8527-BREIbanez46Stable$3,375€2,999$3,375€2,999Check ↗
- 48
Harley Benton Amarok-7 BKRD Quilted w/BagHarley Benton45Stable$629€559$629€559Check ↗
- 49
Sterling by Music Man John Petrucci JP70 SBKSterling by Music Man · 2 finishes45Stable$899€799$899€799Check ↗
- 50
Hagstrom Krona-7 SBKHagstrom · 3 finishes45Stable$1,180€1,049$1,180€1,049Check ↗
7 String Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 126 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,270 — half of all 7 string guitars here cost less.
median of 111 models · 44.5 mm (1.75")–48 mm (1.89")
median of 101 models · 648 mm (25.51")–686 mm (27.01")
median of 58 models · 22–24
median of 64 models · 305 mm (12.01")–457 mm (17.99")
How to choose the best 7 string guitars
Low-End Response
A 7-string lives or dies by its low-B string. It needs to be tight, punchy, and articulate - not just a muddy rumble. If the B string feels like it's flailing, it's not going to cut through a dense metal mix.
Pickup Voicing
You're almost certainly going for high-gain tones, but the voicing matters. Do you want a scooped, modern sound, or something with a bit more warmth and vintage character? Passive pickups offer a certain organic breakup, while active pickups provide more headroom and a more aggressive attack.
Neck Profile & Playability
A comfortable neck is crucial for those extended playing sessions and blistering runs. A thin, shred-friendly profile is popular, but it's gotta feel right in your hand. High fret access is also a must - you'll be reaching for those 24th frets, trust me.
Hardware Quality (Tuners & Bridge)
Cheap tuners will have you retuning every other song, especially when dropping to Drop A or lower. A stable, well-intonaed bridge is equally important for sustain and tuning stability across all seven strings.
Overall Construction & Resonance
A well-built guitar will resonate better, sustain longer, and just feel more solid. This isn't just about aesthetics; it impacts the overall tone and responsiveness of the instrument.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're diving into the 7-string world for metal? Smart move - that extended range opens up a whole new dimension of low-end chug and chaotic riffing. But not all 7-strings are created equal; some are just glorified 6-strings with an extra string awkwardly tacked on. This list breaks down the best options for serious metal players, covering everything from budget-friendly shredders to high-end studio weapons.
Don't get seduced by flashy top hats and killer finishes. Seriously. Focus on the neck profile, the bridge stability, and how the low-B string responds.
Budget 7-strings often cut corners on tuners and the lower fretboard radius, which can make playing those lower strings a real chore. Paying a bit more for quality hardware and a comfortable neck is always worth it; it'll save you frustration and money in the long run.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 126 7 string guitars from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Is a 7-string really necessary for metal?
Not strictly. Plenty of incredible metal has been made on 6-strings. But a 7-string unlocks a different level of low-end possibilities and opens up new creative avenues for riffing and soloing.
What tuning should I use on a 7-string?
Drop A is the most common, but Drop B or even Drop G are gaining popularity. Experiment! Just be aware that lower tunings require heavier gauge strings and a more stable instrument.
Are active pickups better for metal?
Not inherently. Active pickups offer more output and headroom, which can be great for high-gain tones, but passive pickups can have a more natural, dynamic response. It's a matter of preference.
What gauge strings should I use?
For Drop A, you're looking at something around 10-58 or 10-60. For lower tunings, you'll need even heavier gauges. String tension is key for playability and tuning stability.
What's the deal with fan fret vs. straight fret 7-strings?
Fan fret spacing compensates for the longer scale length of the low strings, improving playability. Straight fret necks are cheaper to manufacture but can feel awkward when playing the lower strings. It's a personal preference, but fan fret is generally preferred by serious players.
