The seven string guitar (Violâo Sete Cordas )is played in Brazil as part of the Choro, Pagode or Samba de Mesa. A typical Choro ensemble consists of a cavaquinho, a Violao Sete Cordas, a pandeiro and a solo instrument like saxophone or german flute. Within this instrumentation the Violao Sete Cordas provides not only the harmonies, but also the typical, melodious bass lines. Some guitar players are identified with this instrument so deeply that their personal name becomes a part of the specific instrument name. One of the most popular is the Dino Sete Cordas. The instrument provides two commonly used musical scales. The lowest seventh cord is either tuned to a C or H. The other 6 cords are tuned like a 6 string guitar.
