8 String Guitars

8 String Guitars have been steadily rising in popularity over the past decade. They typically feature an extended range allowing for lower notes thanks to a longer scale length that keeps string tension consistent. The most common tuning for an 8 string guitar is the same as a standard tuning but with the two extra strings (lower strings) being tuned to F# and B. Some bands such as Deftones utilise drop tunings on an 8 string, meaning the F# is dropped to an E for even lower tunings.

A fixed bridge tends to be favoured for 8 string guitars due to their dependability and better tuning stability. Although they have a wider neck, it is surprising how quickly they feel normal to play. Modern guitarists tend to favour these instruments for heavy riffing without sacrificing the notes needed from the higher strings for lead playing. 8 String Guitars are made by brands including Ibanez, Schecter, Ibanez, Jackson, Strandberg, Solar and Cort. Options include multi scale offerings and some with Fishman Fluence pickups. If you are looking to explore lower tunings or want to play along to your favourite 8 string songs then these guitars are the ideal way to achieve your goals.

8 string guitars are an entirely new world of sounds, and have been around in some form or another much longer than many think. Over the years 8 string guitars have taken many forms with electric, acoustic, and semi-hollow guitars popping up before Ibanez released the first mass produced 8 string in 2007 and set the blueprint for what we know today. With the wide popularity of bands like Meshuggah, Animals as Leaders, and Periphery, major guitar brands have developed their own styles and specifications for 8 strings which has led to a large variety.

Why Should I Choose an 8 String Guitar?

• Quickly becoming the new norm for contemporary and prog styles
• Huge range of new tones and textures
• The ability to create new alternate tunings