15 Best 7 String Guitars for Any Budget

If you’re serious about playing metal or djent guitar, then 6 strings just aren’t going to cut it for certain songs. Eventually, you’re going to need to upgrade to a 7 string guitar to get the gut-wrenching, detuned chugs that we metalheads know and love.

But navigating the world of 7 string guitars can be very difficult if you’ve never owned one before. Since they aren’t nearly as common as a typical 6 string guitar, it can be hard to know what to look for. And once you know what features you’re looking for, it’s even harder to find the right 7 string in your price range (since these guitars tend to be more expensive than 6 strings)

So, in this article, I’ll be reviewing 15 different 7 string guitars in multiple price ranges to fit any budget. Whether you have $200 or $1,500 to spend, I’m sure you’ll be able to find something that fits your needs.

With that said, here are my picks for the 15 best 7 string guitars for any budget:

• Schecter Banshee Elite-7 FR-S 7-String
• ESP LTD EC-1007 Eclipse Evertune 7-String
• Ibanez RGA71AL Axion
• PRS Paul Reed Smith SE SVN 7-String
• Sterling by Music Man JP70
• ESP LTD EC-407 7-String
• Schecter Damien Platinum 7
• ESP LTD EC-257 7-String Electric Guitar
• Schecter Omen Extreme-7 Electric Guitar
• Ibanez RG7421PB 7-String Electric Guitar
• Jackson X Series Dinky DKAF7 Multi-Scale
• Schecter C-7 DELUXE 7-String Electric Guitar
• Jackson JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS22-7 DKA HT 7-String
• Ibanez GRG 7 String Solid-Body Electric Guitar

Best 7 String Guitars Under $1,500

If you’re looking for a guitar at this price range, then you likely already have an idea of what you want as a player.

In this price range, you’re really looking at the best of the best in terms of quality (obviously excluding custom shop options).

In terms of picking the right one for you, you’ll need to pick out the guitar that has the distinguishing features that you’re looking for.

Are you looking for a guitar with a thin neck, Floyd Rose tremolo system, thin body? Do you need a guitar with a specific set of pickups for your playstyle like a sustaniac? Active vs Passive pickups?

Most guitars in this price range will be well built and be feature-rich. It’ll just be up to you to decide based on your personal preferences and needs as a player.

With that said, here are a couple of standouts for me for the best 7 string guitars in the $1500 range:

• Schecter Banshee Elite-7 FR-S 7-String
• ESP LTD EC-1007 Eclipse Evertune 7-String
• Ibanez RGA71AL Axion

Overview

Schecter has been around for 40 years. This Banshee Elite model is a solid example of why Schecter has risen to the top in its level of quality and design in the guitar world.

Specs

• Body: Swamp Ash Body w/Flamed Maple Top
• Neck: Reinforced Maple/Walnut Multi-ply Neck
• Bridge: Floyd Rose 1500 Series Bridge
• Pickups: Schecter USA SuperCharger Mach-7 Bridge Pickup, Sustainiac Neck Pickup

Why It’s Good

This guitar just feels good. The build is solid, it has excellent fit and finish, and feels a little heavy – in a good way. From the moment you pick it up, you can feel quality and attention to detail. The fret edges, body contours, satin finish on the back, and components are all top-notch. You’ll be surprised that this guitar didn’t cost twice the price.

Who It’s Good For

This guitar is a great choice for anyone looking for a solid 7-string guitar, with a professional-level of feel and quality, but appreciates a more modest price point. For fans of the music that use this model and Schecter guitars in general, the choice is obvious which guitar they should choose in the 7-string world. This guitar can not only perform well in the hands of a professional but is a joy to play for players of any level. The Floyd Rose bridge is sure to keep your strings in tune while letting you take full advantage of every aspect of tremolo use.

Overview

ESP has a been a brand associated with many excellent players in the past, dating all the way back to ESP’s beginnings in 1996, and has been well-known for delivering a premium gear with a variety of options and trim levels. Iconic guitar tones from Metallica, George Lynch, and many others are due to ESP’s expertise in guitars and tone.

Specs

• Body: Mahogany with Maple Cap
• Neck: 3-piece Mahogany neck
• Bridge: Fixed
• Pickups: EMG 81–7H/60–7H pickups

Why It’s Good

Having a more-traditional Les Paul-type look, this guitar has the best of both worlds: classic and modern. The tone from the iconic EMG active pickups can handle any level of gain you throw at it, and the mahogany body and neck gives a different feel and tone than typical Adler/ash body and maple neck guitars. The classic styling and modern version of a classic tone make this an extremely versatile guitar for any style of music.

Who It’s Good For

If you like the classic look and tone of a Les Paul, but want a more-modern 7-string version of it, then you needn’t look any further. This ESP LTD EC-1007 Eclipse Evertune is what you’ve been looking for. The mahogany body and neck paired with the active EMG pickups ensure that players from various styles will be happy with this versatile guitar.

Overview

Ibanez is an iconic brand, making custom guitars for everyone from Frank Gambale, to Stevie Vai, Joe Satriani, and countless other influential guitarists. Their expertise in making extremely-playable guitars, with solid features, beautiful style, versatile tones, and at a reasonable price, make their guitar hard to beat. This RGA71AL Axion is no exception.

Specs.

• Body: Double Cutaway Nyatoh Body with Flamed Maple Top
• Neck: Nitro Wizard 5-piece Panga Panga/Walnut Neck Massacar Ebony Fretboard and 24 Jumbo Sub-Zero Treated Frets
• Bridge: Gibraltar Standard II-7 Bridge and Gotoh MG-T Locking Tuners
• Pickups: Dual Bare Knuckle Aftermath Pickups with Coil-Tap Switch

Why It’s Good

Always reliable to create amazing guitars, Ibanez made sure this guitar had no competition to its list of features for this guitar. The Ibanez Wizard neck has always been considered one of the easiest and fastest necks available on electric guitars, is the favorite of Steve Vai and many others. Add in the Gibraltor bridge, locking Gotoh tuners, Aftermath pickups (with coil-tap), and a very slick design, this guitar can’t be topped in any class.

Who It’s Good For

For guitarists that love fast necks, versatile tones, an outstanding bridge, and a very classic look and design, this Ibanez Axion is a guitar that they should absolutely look into. Scales are played effortlessly, almost anyone tone is easily found, and the confidence that your guitar will stay solidly in tune are key points that make this guitar a winner in all categories.

Best 7 String Guitars Under $1,000

If you’re willing to shell out about $1000 for a 7 string guitar, then you’re likely a more advanced player.

Once you start looking at high-end guitars in this price range, I would say that you’re getting the best bang for your buck in terms of price and performance.

While the guitars are still lean on the affordable/budget range from manufacturers, you really won’t be making too many compromises in terms of features. Sure, these guitars are typically made overseas rather than in the United States, but you really won’t be making any huge quality sacrifices.

Once you start spending more than $1000 on a 7 string guitar, you’ll quickly start seeing diminishing returns in terms of how much better the expensive guitars are. As a result, these guitars are an excellent value.

With that said, here are my picks for the best 7 string guitars under $1000:

• PRS Paul Reed Smith SE SVN 7-String
• Sterling by Music Man JP70
• ESP LTD EC-407 7-String
• Schecter Damien Platinum 7

Overview Paul Reed Smith makes some excellent guitars, and they’ve definitely earned their status as one of the best guitar-makers around. A perfect combination of Les Paul and Stratocaster tones make their guitars a favorite among players of many styles. This SE SVN 7-string model is yet another gem in their lineup.

Specs

• Body: Mahogany with beveled flame maple veneer top
• Neck: Maple with rosewood fretboard
• Bridge: String-through plate style
• Pickups: 85/15 “S” 7-String

Why It’s Good

The combination of a mahogany body and maple top gives this guitar a very full but crystal-clear tone. Their popular Wide Thin neck makes this great guitar a joy to play. Fans of PRS guitars usually love their signature flying bird fretboard inlays, and this guitar shows these inlays off very nicely, making it instantly-noticed among a sea of guitars.

Who It’s Good For

Being such a versatile guitar in styling and tone, this guitar would be a great purchase for any style of playing, especially those that want versatility and playability. This is truly a guitar that can handle anything you throw at it, and do a great job playing with any band in any style.

Overview

Music Man has long been a maker of custom guitars for many professionals that want what they consider a “perfect” guitar. Steve Lukather, Steve Morse, and John Petrucci are just some of the iconic players that chose Music Man as their guitar maker of choice.

Specs

• Body: Mahogany, with extra arm contours
• Neck: Rosewood fretboard
• Bridge: Sterling premium “Modern Tremolo” by Music Man
• Pickups: Custom-designed to John Petrucci’s specs

Why It’s Good

This guitar was built to sound great and play fast. The mahogany body and custom pickups do a great job of helping get John Petrucci’s signature tone and the extra arm contour makes playing on this much easier and more comfortable than most guitars. Add the Sterling tremolo bridge, and you’re ready to play as loud and fast as you’re able to, and sound amazing doing it!

Who It’s Good For

A signature guitar from John Petrucci, the fast neck, comfortable body, and non-nonsense features make this a guitar that does one thing great: ROCK OUT! Fans of Dream Theater and John’s playing will not be disappointed by this outstanding guitar. Players wanting a good price point will be amazed by how much quality and playability they are getting from the Sterling series of guitars from Music Man.

Overview

ESP, a long-standing maker of custom guitars, introduced their LTD line in 1996. With a focus to take their world-renowned rock and metal guitars, and make a line that provides professional features and quality at a more reasonable price point, this LTS EC-407 is the epitome of that mindset.

Specs

• Body: Mahogany with maple cap
• Neck: 3-piece maple with Pau Ferro fingerboard
• Bridge: Fixed
• Pickups: Active EMG 81–7/707

Why It’s Good

A no-nonsense guitar with one purpose – to provide killer tone, in a sleek all-black design, and not break the bank. The active EMG pickups on this guitar are iconic for creating the rock and metal tones you’ve heard for years, and the mahogany body ensures that you’ll have no problem getting a great tone, every time. The tuners and bridge make sure you stay in tune while playing for hours on end, and the body cutout means fast and easy access to the upper frets for those screaming leads.

Who It’s Good For

Simple. Clean. Rockin’. This guitar appeals to anyone that wants a solid performer, a simple yet stunning and understated design, and at an affordable price. This guitar can take you where you want to go, and beyond, no matter what style you play, or what level of playing you’re currently at.

Overview

Schecter has once again done a great job making an amazing, solid performer with pro features and styling, all at a price the everyday musician can afford. This versatile guitar can hang with the best of them and will grow with your playing over the years.

Specs

• Body: Mahogany body
• Neck: 3-piece maple with rosewood fingerboard
• Bridge: Tune-o-Matic fixed
• Pickups: EMG 81–7/85–7

Why It’s Good

Having a classic Stratocaster-type body design, you have full access to the upper frets of this guitar, allowing you easy access to shred to your heart’s delight. Pair that with the venerable EMG 81–85 combo of pickups, and you have the perfect mix of style, tone, and playability. The silver control knobs mean you’ll have no trouble making adjustments on a dark stage, or at a dimly-lit rehearsal.

Who It’s Good For

Fans of Stratocasters will immediately love this guitar, as well as any player that wants a great, pro-level guitar with amazing tone, and simple styling but with the subtle flair of fretboard inlays. This guitar will feel great in your hands and sound great through any amp.

Best 7 String Guitars Under $500

Let’s face it. $500 is about the sweet spot in terms of how much most people are willing to pay for a guitar.

7 string guitars in this price range are a significant step up from your typical beginner guitars in terms of quality without breaking the bank.

If you’re an intermediate level player and are looking to graduate from your first electric guitar, then the following guitars will be an excellent step up.

While their quality and features aren’t the best of the best when compared to the more expensive options on the list, they still nail all of the fundamentals with flying colors.

They will definitely last you for years as you become an advanced player, so you won’t need to worry about getting a new guitar for a while. In addition, it’s actually worth upgrading the actual features on these guitars, such as the pickups or hardware rather than getting a whole new guitar because guitars in this price range have solid construction.

Here are my picks for the best 7 string guitars under $500:

• ESP LTD EC-257 7-String Electric Guitar
• Schecter Omen Extreme-7 Electric Guitar
• Ibanez RG7421PB 7-String Electric Guitar
• Jackson X Series Dinky DKAF7 Multi-Scale
• Schecter C-7 DELUXE 7-String Electric Guitar

Overview

ESP hits another home run with the LTD EC-257. This solid-performer gives you a classic style with a modern tone, the perfect combination to bring the best out of your playing and keep you inspired for years to come.

Specs

• Body: Mahogany
• Neck: 3-piece mahogany
• Bridge: Tune-o-Matic fixed
• Pickups: ESP-designed

Why It’s Good

Being able to stay in tune can be a challenge on some guitars. The Tune-o-Matic fixed bridge on this guitar makes staying in tune simple and easy. The ESP-designed pickups were made to give you the tone you’re looking for, at any level of gain, and for any style of playing. The combination of mahogany body and neck provide a solid, thick tone that will serve up great tone through any amp you play it on.

Who It’s Good For A classic Les Paul-style design, this guitar is for a player that appreciates traditional but also wants something modern. This guitar nails that, giving you a beautiful, single-cutaway body, with a more modern satin finish, and modern shredding pickups to balance it all out. Tuning is fast and easy and stays in tune effortlessly with the Tune-o-Matic bridge.

Overview

It’s hard not to love Schecter guitars. Their combination of great styling, solid features, fit and finish, along with their affordable pricing makes their guitars a favorite from beginning student to working band to professional touring musicians. This Omen Extreme does not disappoint on any level.

Specs

• Body: Mahogany body with quilted maple top
• Neck: Maple with rosewood fretboard
• Bridge: Tune-o-Matic fixed
• Pickups: Schecter Diamond Plus pickups

Why It’s Good

Schecter knows how to make excellent guitars, no doubt. At first glance, you’ll notice the professional styling and features. Holding it will remind you how a quality guitar feels. Playing it confirms why Schecter is at the top of the list among guitar makers. Many believe the combination of maple necks and mahogany bodies are the perfect balance for a versatile guitar, and that versatility can be heard when you plug this guitar in. The Diamond Plus pickups allow you tones from pristine cleans, to down and dirty grunge, to searing metal gain, with the benefit of a fixed bridge to keep your guitar in tune.

Who It’s Good For

This all-around great guitar is for anyone that wants it all: beautiful design and finish with fretboard inlays, double-cutaway body, dual humbuckers designed for high gain, and a stable tuning system. Pick a style of music, and this guitar easily plays along with you.

Overview A great guitar for the price that combines classic tones and features with a great-looking and unique finish!

Specs

• Body: Mahogany
• Neck: Mahogany with jatoba fretboard
• Bridge: Fixed
• Pickups: Sapphire Blue humbuckers

Why It’s Good A classy rendition of their shredding guitars, this model included a beautiful finish on it, giving you great tone and playability, and being a little flashy – in a good way.

Who It’s Good For

This guitar would be perfect for the player that wants classic Ibanez tone and features but also wants a beautiful finish on it in a unique design.

Overview

A favorite among guitarists of rock and metal, Ibanez knows how to appeal to them, making solid guitars, simple but great designs, and solid features. Also known for their lean and fast necks, this RG7421 will inspire you to play your best and give you the tones you have in your head.

Specs

• Body: Mahogany
• Neck: Maple with jatoba fretboard
• Bridge: Fixed
• Pickups: Humbuckers

Why It’s Good

Ibanez took their time to put this model together, making sure all components made sense, meshed well together, and that the final product was something the player would love and play for many years. The signature Ibanez dual-cutaway opens up possibilities for upper-fret playing, while the fixed bridge means you don’t have to worry about staying in tune. The dual-humbucking pickups let you go from clean and chimey to loud and mean, and anything in between.

Who It’s Good For

This guitar would appeal to not only fans of Ibanez, but anyone that wants a simple, versatile guitar that does what it’s supposed to do: play easy, play well, not hold you back.

Overview

Grover Jackson is an icon among guitar makers, and his custom guitars have been a favorite among the elite of players for decades. Just looking at this guitar lets you know this is nothing ordinary. Put this guitar in your hands and you won’t want to let it go. Definitely unique for many reasons, this guitar subtly stands out among the crowd without being flashy.

Specs

• Body: Mahogany
• Neck: Multi-scale neck
• Bridge: Fixed
• Pickups: Dual Jackson humbuckers

Why It’s Good

The unique multi-scale neck was specifically built for comfort and speed when playing down-tuned guitars, never holding you back. The unique design of the body, the hot Jackson humbuckers, the unique bridge, and neck all equal a one-of-a-kind guitar that not only looks and feels great but sounds amazing doing it all.

Who It’s Good For

Some people want simple, some want flashy. This guitar appeals to those that love the unique, the modern, the cutting-edge, and the elite of guitars. Versatile in tone, this instant classic will keep you playing for hours and hours on end, not wanting to put it down.

Overview

Just when you thought Schecter has done it all with their guitars, they release another fantastic model. This C-7 Deluxe is another winner for guitar players of any style, any level, any reason.

Specs

• Body: Basswood body
• Neck: Maple with rosewood fretboard
• Bridge: Fixed
• Pickups: Schecter Diamond Plus pickups

Why It’s Good

A simple but classic-looking guitar, this C-7 Deluxe will do it all for you. The combination of a basswood body and maple neck gives you a solid foundation to build from. The Diamond Plus pickup and specially-designed to give you a great variety of sonic possibilities. The fixed bridge means no fuss keeping your guitar in tune, with solid reliability. Knob controls are a close touch away, allowing you to adjust your tone while you’re playing effortlessly, and the pickup selector opens up even more possibilities.

Who It’s Good For

If you like a solid, reliable guitar, versatile tone, and a clean classic look, you’ll want to check out this guitar. This guitar can easily fit in with any style in your musical journey, and provide years of easy, inspiring playing.

Best 7 String Guitars Under $300

If you’re new to the world of metal and djent and are looking to a good entry point into the world of 7 string electric guitars, then these guitars are a great place to start.

Since 7 string guitars are typically more expensive than comparable 6 string guitars, it can be difficult to find decent 7 strings while on a tight budget.

However, put together a list of guitars from reliable brands that offer excellent quality for the price.

While these guitars may be lacking in the features department, they still sound great and provide everything you need from a 7 string guitar. These also make for great picks if you only plan on using a 7 string in certain situations and don’t plan on making them your primary guitar.

If you’re looking for an affordable 7 string to be your primary guitar, then I would probably suggest investing in something closer to the $500 if you’re still on a tight budget.

That said, here are some of the best 7 string guitars under $300:

• Jackson JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS22-7 DKA HT 7-String
• Ibanez GRG 7 String Solid-Body Electric Guitar

Overview

Jackson does it again with this fantastic guitar at a working-level price. There are no corners being cut on this guitar, and you’ll notice that once you pick it up and play it. Never to be outdone by their competitors, this JS Series Dinky is a rock star all around, and won’t disappoint even the more discerning player.

Specs

• Body: Poplar body
• Neck: Maple with amaranth fretboard
• Bridge: Fixed
• Pickups: Jackson high-output humbuckers

Why It’s Good

A high-quality guitar with select components and clean design is a must-have for any guitar player. Give that guitar a price under $200 and the choice is easy to make. Jackson did a great job of putting this JS22–7 together to give you the best of all things, in a simple format, and at a price any guitar player can afford. Expect reliability, tone, ease of playing, and an enjoyable guitar to play all around.

Who It’s Good For

Guitar players who want a great guitar for a working price, are hard-pressed to find a better deal than this Jackson Dinky. Solid and versatile, you’ll be able to take this to any rehearsal, any show, anywhere. You’ll be confident that your guitar will not only keep up with you but will let you go as far as you want.

Overview

Few guitar makers are as experienced with creating rock and metal monsters as Ibanez. With the GRG, Ibanez combines decades of expertise to give you a solid, reliable shredder that can take you where you want and beyond!

Specs

• Body: Poplar
• Neck: Maple neck
• Bridge: Hot Ibanez pickups
• Pickups: High-output Infinity R pickups

Why It’s Good

Humbucker, fast maple neck, fixed bridge, all under $200. What’s not to love about this guitar? Maple necks are always regarded as super comfortable and fast to play on, letting your fingers glide around the neck. Played through these high-output humbuckers and you have endless hours of jamming, shredding, songwriting, recording, performing, or anything else you want to do with this great guitar.

Who It’s Good For

Looking for a solid guitar that plays fast, that won’t put you in debt? Look no further! This Ibanez lets you play anything you want, keeps you in tune, and allows you to get almost any tone you want, and do it effortlessly. When you hold this guitar in your hands and play it, you’ll instantly know why Ibanez is a king among guitar makers, and why this guitar, in particular, is so popular.

Conclusion

I hope you found this guide helpful!

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, hopefully, you found something on this list that meets all of your needs as a player.

Good luck and keep djenting!