The Top 5 Best 8 String Guitar Options Today
Unveiling the top contenders for the best 8 string guitar! Explore options for all budgets & playing styles. Shred with confidence!
There are many reasons why someone might want to consider playing an 8 string guitar.
One reason is that the extra strings provide more range and possibilities for chords and melodies. Another reason is that the thicker strings can provide a beefier, fuller sound for heavier styles of music.
Finally, the extra strings can also be helpful for players who want to create deep basslines or complex harmony parts.
While not for everyone, the best 8 string guitars can be a versatile and powerful tool for the right musician. If you're looking to extend your range or add some extra firepower to your sound, then an 8 string electric guitar featuring the right pickups for metal might just be what you need.
Just be sure to do your research and find an instrument that is well suited to your skill level and musical style, and falls comfortably within your personal price range. With a little bit of practice, you'll be shredding on that extended range in no time.
Read on to find the best 8 string guitars for you and your situation.
Ibanez RG Multi-Scale 8-String Electric Guitar
Why it Rocks
Ibanez RG Multi-Scale 8-String Electric Guitar
The Ibanez RG8 is one of the best electric guitars for metal thanks to its unique multi-scale construction. This design allows for better intonation and tuning stability along the neck, as well as a more comfortable playing experience.
The 27" scale keeps low strings sounding tight while powering through huge thick chords (or even playing bass lines), and the tuning possibilities are endless.
What Else
The RG features a Basswood body with through-stringing, the famous slim and ultrafast Wizard III five-piece maple and walnut neck, and a Jatoba fretboard that produces rich a mid range and a crisp high end.
The Ibanez IBZ active pickups (specifically designed for 8-string guitars) produce an incredibly clear, fat low end, but also sparkling highs, which can be even further refined using the tone controls. The Gibraltar Standard II bridge is fixed and offers maximum sustain. All things considered, the Ibanez RG8 is an incredible offering at this price point.
Jackson JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS32 DKA
Why it Rocks
From Jackson's most affordable family of models, this 8-string has a lightweight but solid body design, and it doesn't sacrifice build quality or performance.
The JS Series guitars feature dual Jackson custom humbuckers that deliver hard-hitting, high-gain tone. The compound-radius amaranth fingerboard feels great for both rhythm guitar and lead playing. And the double-locking Floyd Rose licensed tremolo provides epic stability that can stand up to serious abuse. The JS Series is also built with a slender graphite-reinforced maple and walnut neck for a fast feel and long-term reliability.
So if you're looking for an affordable, high-performance guitar, the Jackson JS Series is a great option.
What Else
The Dinky Arch Top Body with 1-piece Bolt-On Maple Neck with Graphite Reinforcement and Scarf Joint is a great guitar for anyone looking for a high-quality instrument.
The 25.5" scale length and 12"-16" compound radius amaranth fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets and pearloid sharkfin inlays make it easy to play, while the Jackson high-output humbucking pickups with 3-position blade plus master volume and tone controls give you a huge range of sounds to work with.
The Jackson sealed die-cast tuners, Floyd Rose licensed Jackson double locking tremolo, and Jackson Floyd Rose nut make it a great guitar for anyone looking for a durable instrument that will last a lifetime.
Schecter Omen-8
Why it Rocks
When it comes to pure, unadulterated metal tones, it's hard to beat a good set of overwound pickups.
And that's exactly what you'll find on the Schecter Omen-8. These pickups are designed for one thing and one thing only: shredding through some of the heaviest riffs imaginable. If you're looking for a guitar that can keep up with your most punishing riffs, then this is the axe for you.
But it's not all about power and aggression with the Omen-8. This guitar is also equipped with Custom Schecter hardware, which ensures that it can perform at the highest level day in and day out. From the precision-cut bridge to the sturdy tuning machines, every element of this guitar has been designed for optimal performance.
And finally, the Omen-8 features a killer tonewood combo that balances rich sound with serious sustain. The mahogany body and maple top work together to create a beefy tone that will fill any room, while the rosewood fretboard adds warmth and depth along the neck.
Viewed by some as a (significantly) more affordable version of the Schecter Banshee Elite 8, this Schecter is worth checking out.
What Else
This 8-string solid body guitar is a top-of-the-line instrument that is perfect for beginners, or any musician looking for entry into the world of 8-string guitars.
The maple neck and rosewood fingerboard provide a smooth, comfortable playing experience for both novice and experienced players alike.
The body is made of basswood, providing a rich, full sound. The guitar is also loaded with custom hardware, including a hardtail bridge and a pair of Schecter Diamond Plus pickups.
Someday you may want to fork out the additional cash for a Schecter Banshee Elite 8 - but until that day comes, the Omen-8 will serve your purposes just fine.
Schecter C-8 MS Silver Mountain
Why it Rocks
When it comes to 8-string guitars, the Sonic Seducer humbuckers featured on this guitar have a serious tone that is perfect for heavier styles of music, providing high-output sound with tons of articulation.
But one of the best things about them is the coil-tap feature. This allows you to split the coils and get a brighter, clearer sound, while the push-pull control allows for a full array of single-coil tones. All in all, it's a great value for a pro-quality 8-string.
What Else
Designed for modern playing styles, the Silver Mountain features a slim body style, thin neck, and fast action for a comfortable feel.
The mahogany body of the guitar provides a resonant blend of warmth and sustain, while the set-through mahogany neck provides sustain and definition of notes.
The fast-playing multi-scale ebony fingerboard has 24 extra-jumbo stainless-steel frets along the neck, and the Hipshot 8-string multi-scale fixed bridge provides maximum sustain and solid intonation.
And to top it all off, the eye-catching Silver Mountain body finish and aggressive-looking black hardware make this guitar look as good as it sounds.
Jackson X Series Soloist Archtop SLAT8
Why it Rocks
The Jackson X Series Soloist Archtop SLAT8 is unquestionably one of the best 8 string guitars out there, as it has all the features that you would expect from a high-end guitar, but at a fraction of the price.
This guitar is built with a mahogany body and maple top for a rich, full sound. The 24-fret rosewood fingerboard gives you plenty of room to explore, while the EMG active humbucker pickups deliver an incredible range of tones, from shimmering highs to crushing lows.
But what really sets this guitar apart is its playability. The Soloist Archtop SLAT has a 12"-16" compound radius fretboard, which means that it's comfortable to play both rhythm and lead parts. The contoured heel also makes it easy to reach the upper frets.
And finally, the Floyd Rose licensed tremolo system ensures that you can keep your tuning stable even when you're playing the most aggressive riffs.
What Else
Tailor-made for down-tuned playing, the 26"-28" length multi-scale setup and neck-through construction result in exceptional sustain and resonance, even for highly technical players. Bascially, if you're looking for a high-end build quality guitar that won't break the bank, then the Jackson X Series Soloist Archtop SLAT is the perfect axe for you.
FAQs About the Best 8 String Guitars
Is an 8 string guitar hard to play?
An 8 string electric guitar can be more difficult to play than a standard 6, but it ultimately depends on the player's ability and experience. Some guitarists find that an 8 string adds an extra layer of complexity and nuance to their playing, while others find it overwhelming and difficult to manage. Ultimately, it's up to the individual musician to decide whether or not an 8 string is right for them.
What is the tuning of an 8-string guitar?
Standard tuning for an 8-string guitar is A D G B E A. This tuning is the same as a standard 6-string, but with two higher strings (the 8th and 9th) added to the top of the range. These strings are usually tuned an octave higher than their corresponding notes on a standard 6. For example, on a standard 6, the high E is tuned to vibrate at 440Hz. On an 8-string, that same string would be tuned to vibrate at 880Hz (440 x 2).
However, you can also try setting an 8 string at (from lowest to highest) F B E A D G B E, if you prefer.
What are the best brands of eight-string guitars?
Some of the best brands of eight-string guitars include Ibanez, Jackson, ESP, and Schecter. These companies all build quality instruments that are designed to withstand the rigors of heavy use. When choosing an 8 string, it's important to consider your budget and playing style. If you're a beginner, you might want to start with a less expensive model from one of these brands.
But if you're a more experienced 8-string guitarist who is looking for a top-of-the-line instrument, then you'll want to spend more money on a higher-end model from one of these manufacturers.
No matter what your skill level or budget is, there's an 8 string guitar out there that's perfect for you.
Can I use a regular guitar amp with an eight-string?
Yes, you can use a regular guitar amplifier with an eight. However, keep in mind that the extra strings will require more power to drive them, so you may need to consider upgrading to a larger amplifier if you plan on playing at high volumes. Additionally, the extra strings may also require you to adjust your EQ settings to compensate for the increased range.
Do all eight-string guitars have a Floyd Rose?
No, not all eight-string guitars have a Floyd Rose tremolo system. However, many of them do, as this type of bridge is well suited for the heavy string gauges typically used on these instruments. If you're not familiar with the Floyd Rose, it's a type of bridge that allows you to raise or lower the pitch of your strings by depressing a lever. This can be useful for creating vibrato effects or for simply changing the tuning of your guitar on the fly.
Do I need to buy new strings for an eight-string guitar?
Yes, you will need to buy new strings for an eight. The extra strings require a higher tension, so regular six-string sets will not work. Additionally, the thicker gauges typically used on these instruments can wear out your strings faster than usual, so you may need to change them more often. When buying strings for an eight, be sure to get a set specifically designed for that guitar.
How do I restring an eight-string guitar?
The process for restringing an eight is the same as for a six, but with a few additional steps.
First, you'll need to remove the old guitar strings and clean the neck and fretboard before installing the new ones.
Next, it's important to correctly route the strings through the bridge and tuning pegs. Be sure to consult your owner's manual or a professional luthier if you're unsure how to do this.
Finally, once all of the strings are in place, you'll need to stretch them on the neck and tune them up to pitch.
Again, consulting your owner's manual or a professional luthier can be helpful if you're unsure of how to do this properly.
How many octaves does an 8-string guitar have?
Eight octaves. The extra two strings on an eight simply extend the range of the instrument by two octaves. This can be useful for certain styles of music that require a wider range, but it's important to note that not all styles of music will benefit from the extended range.
Additionally, the increased number of strings can make the instrument more difficult to play, so it's important to consider your skill level before making the jump to an eight.
What are some famous songs that use an eight-string guitar?
"The Black Dahlia" by Avenged Sevenfold, "In Waves" by Trivium, and "Sleepwalker" by Megadeth are all popular songs that use an eight-string. These songs make use of the extended range and heavy string gauges that are characteristic of this type of guitar. If you're a fan of metal or hard rock, then you've probably heard an eight-string before.
Whether you're a metalhead or a classical musician, an eight-string can be a useful addition to your arsenal. These instruments are capable of producing a wide range of sounds, from the heaviest of metal riffs to the most delicate of classical passages. If you're looking for a guitar that can do it all and really make the most of volume and tone, then an eight-string might just be what you need.
Why do 8 string guitars have slanted frets?
The slanted frets on an 8-string guitar are there to accommodate the extra strings. The guitar fretboard is wider at the nut end than at the bridge end, so if the frets were straight, they would not be in line with the strings. By angling them, the manufacturer can ensure that all of the strings are in line with each other on the guitar, which makes playing and tuning them much easier.
What is the advantage of a multi-scale guitar?
Multi-scale guitars are designed with fret spacing that is wider at the lower end of the neck and narrower at the higher end. This allows for a more comfortable playing experience when performing chords and melodies on the lower strings, while still preserving the string tension and intonation when playing higher up on the guitar neck.
Additionally, multi-scale guitars offer a greater range of tonality than traditional "single-scale" guitars. By widening the fret spacing on the lower strings, you can achieve a warmer, fuller tone, while retaining clarity and precision when playing higher up on the neck. Multi-scale guitars are becoming increasingly popular among guitarists of all styles due to their unique design and versatile sound.
Is an 8 string guitar a baritone?
No, an 8 string guitar is not a baritone. A baritone guitar has a larger body via the longer scale length on the neck and lower pitch than a standard guitar, while an 8 string electric guitar typically has the same scale length and pitch as a standard 6 string.
Who made the first 8 string guitar?
There is some debate over who made the first 8 string guitar, but it is generally accepted that the credit goes to Antonio de Torres Jurado. Jurado was a Spanish luthier who is considered to be the father of the classical guitar. He made guitars with both 7 and 8 strings in the mid-19th century.
In modern times, Ibanez was the first company to mass-produce electric 8 strings, and they were most highly popularized by Meshuggah.
Who uses an 8-string guitar?
The best 8 string guitars are popular among metal and hard rock guitarists because they offer a wider range of notes than a standard 6 string. This allows for more sonic possibilities when creating heavy guitar riffs and solos. Some well-known 8 string guitar players include Tosin Abasi of Animals as Leaders, Misha Mansoor of Periphery, and Fredrik Thordendal of Meshuggah.
Summary
There isn't necessarily a "right" time to get an 8-string guitar. Some people find them useful for playing heavier styles of music, while others prefer them for more melodic or chord-based playing. We've covered our favorites out of the best 8 string guitars above, but just to summarize, here they are again:
Best for the Money: Ibanez RG8
Best Budget Option: Jackson JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS32
Best for Beginners: Schecter Omen-8
Best for Tonal Variety: Schecter C-8 MS Silver Mountain
Best Overall: Jackson X Series Soloist Archtop SLAT8
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