Many of us have fond memories of the music our parents played, and for some, that music was played on a guitar. Perhaps it was a particular song that was played repeatedly, or maybe it was just the sound of the guitar itself that captured our attention.
Whatever the case may be, there's something special about the music that our parents played on their guitars. It's a connection to their past, to their youth, and to their own musical influences. For some, it may even inspire a love of music and an interest in learning to play the guitar themselves.
The music that our parents played on their guitars is a part of our own musical journey and is something that we can carry with us for a lifetime. For me, it was the music my dad played on his guitar. Playing guitar was his pass time.
After hearing it and seeing how a guitar can practically sing to you, I fell in love with the instrument! I learned about the different kinds of guitars and I found one that was very interesting. The 8 string guitars.
If you're a guitarist looking for a challenge or simply want to expand your tonal range, an 8-string guitar may be just what you need.
These instruments have been around for several decades, but have gained significant popularity in recent years, particularly in heavy metal and progressive rock circles.
In addition to the standard six strings, 8-string guitars offer two additional bass strings that provide a much deeper and fuller sound.
However, playing an 8-string guitar requires a slightly different technique and mindset than playing a traditional 6-string guitar. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at 8-string guitars, their history, construction, and some tips for playing them.
How We Choose the Best 8 String Guitars For You
If you're in the market for an 8-string guitar, you may feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available on Amazon.
So I decided to lend a helping hand. To do this, I analyzed hundreds of reviews and ratings from verified purchasers to determine which 8-string guitars are the most popular and well-regarded by actual players.
I looked for guitars that offer a balance of quality craftsmanship, tone, playability, and value. I also took into account various guitar brands and price points to suit different budgets and preferences.
After analyzing this data, I've compiled a list of the top 8-string guitars on Amazon, which I will share with you in this blog post.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting with 8-string guitars, I
'm confident you'll find a guitar on this list that will meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
We hope you find your next favorite thing from the list below! We selected each product with care and thought. Some may have been sent to us for review but all opinions in this article are ours- we know that's why Techi-Becky Reviews was created so readers could get an honest opinion on anything they were curious about online without having worry if it would be negative or not helpful towards their needs because every single piece of content submitted goes through rigorous scrutiny by professional editors who only publish items backed up by research evidence when possible.FYI — Techi-Becky Reviews may collect a share of sales or other compensation from being an Amazon Associate, we earn commissions from qualifying purchases from links on this page if you decide to buy something (that's how we stay in business) Thanks for reading!!!
Becky's Choice:
The BT-258E Deluxe 8-string Baritone guitar produces a mesmerizing, harp-like sound by layering low-end harmonies in a melodic manner.
It features Guild's renowned jumbo body shape and pressed back construction, which together create a deep, full-frequency baritone voice.
Additionally, the guitar is equipped with two octave strings that provide an extra touch of brilliance to the overall sound.
With its unique combination of construction and tonal features, the BT-258E Deluxe is a top-notch guitar that delivers a rich and captivating musical experience.
Techi-FunFacts:
The 8-string baritone guitar is designed to produce a symphonic tone with its unique tonal features. Its arched rosewood back projects whole low-frequencies, while the solid spruce top ensures that the high-frequency octave strings blend in gorgeously.
This combination makes it ideal for playing in an ensemble or as a standalone instrument. The guitar is tuned B-E-a-A-d-D-F#-B, which is five steps down from a standard guitar.
Its deluxe appointments include rosewood back and sides, bound neck and body, Fishman GT-1 pickup system, and a perfectly glossed polyurethane finish.
The natural wood used for the guitar has a unique spirit and varies greatly in color richness and wood grain.
Hence, the product shipped may appear lighter or darker in color than the product shown here. Overall, the 8-string baritone guitar is an excellent choice for musicians looking to explore new tonal possibilities.
Becky's Choice:
The ESP LTD EC-258 8-String Electric Guitar in Black Satin finish is a top-quality instrument designed to deliver a rich and versatile tonal experience.
Its body is crafted from mahogany, which provides a warm and resonant sound with excellent sustain. The guitar also features a comfortable three-piece mahogany neck with a thin U-shaped profile, making it easy to play even at high speeds.
The fingerboard is made from roasted jatoba, which enhances the guitar's natural sustain and provides a smooth playing surface. The EC-258 is equipped with a pair of ESP-designed humbucking pickups, which deliver a powerful and dynamic sound that's perfect for heavy styles of music.
The guitar's 8-string configuration allows for a wide range of tonal possibilities, making it a popular choice among metal and prog players.
Other features include a string-thru body design, black hardware, and a sleek Black Satin finish that adds to the guitar's overall aesthetic appeal.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting with extended-range guitars, the ESP LTD EC-258 is an excellent choice that's built to last.
Techi-FunFacts:
- Mahogany body: The guitar's body is crafted from mahogany, a tonewood that provides a warm and resonant sound with excellent sustain.
- 3-piece mahogany neck: The guitar has a comfortable three-piece mahogany neck with a thin U-shaped profile, making it easy to play even at high speeds.
- Roasted jatoba fingerboard: The fingerboard is made from roasted jatoba, which enhances the guitar's natural sustain and provides a smooth playing surface.
- ESP-designed humbucking pickups: The guitar is equipped with a pair of ESP-designed humbucking pickups, which deliver a powerful and dynamic sound that's perfect for heavy styles of music.
- 8-string configuration: The guitar's 8-string configuration allows for a wide range of tonal possibilities, making it a popular choice among metal and prog players.
- String-thru body design: The guitar features a string-thru body design, which enhances sustain and helps to maintain tuning stability.
- Black hardware: The guitar's black hardware adds to its sleek and stylish appearance.
- Black Satin finish: The guitar has a Black Satin finish that gives it a sleek and modern look.
Becky's Choice:
The Ibanez RG Multi-Scale 8-String Electric Guitar is an exceptional instrument that combines innovative design with high-quality construction.
Its multi-scale design is one of its standout features, which features a longer scale length for the bass strings and a shorter scale length for the treble strings.
This unique thin u shape design allows for optimal string tension and intonation, resulting in an excellent playing experience.
The guitar's body is crafted from lightweight yet sturdy basswood, providing a resonant and well-balanced tone.
The neck is made from maple and features a thin profile, making it easy to play even at high speeds. The guitar is equipped with two powerful and dynamic humbucking pickups, which deliver a range of tonal possibilities that are perfect for heavy and modern styles of music.
The guitar's 8-string configuration provides a wide range of tonal possibilities, making it a popular choice among metal and prog players.
Other features include a fixed bridge, black hardware, and a sleek black finish that adds to the guitar's overall aesthetic appeal.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting with extended-range guitars, the Ibanez RG Multi-Scale 8-String Electric Guitar is an excellent choice that's built to last.
Techi-FunFacts:
The Ibanez RGMS8 is a right-handed 8-string electric guitar that's designed to provide exceptional performance and tonal versatility. Its Jatoba fretboard has a reddish brown color that produces a rich mid-range and crisp high end, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of playing styles.
The guitar's Mono-Rail bridge is designed to minimize cross-talk between strings, ensuring that each note rings out with clarity and precision.
The Ibanez Array pickups are another standout feature of this guitar, delivering a super tight tone with low noise that handles down-tuning perfectly.
Whether you're a metal shredder or a prog enthusiast, the Ibanez RGMS8 is a top-tier choice that's built to handle the demands of modern playing.
Becky's Choice:
The Gold Tone Electric Guitar, 8-String, Natural (Mandocello) is a unique and versatile instrument that combines elements of a guitar and a mandolin.
This 8-string electric guitar features a natural finish and is designed to provide a rich and full sound, making it ideal for a variety of genres, including folk, country, and bluegrass.
The guitar's body is made from solid spruce and solid maple, providing a warm and resonant tone.
Its 22-fret rosewood fingerboard is comfortable to play and features dot inlays for easy navigation. The guitar's 8 strings are arranged in pairs, with each pair tuned to the same pitch.
This tuning, known as an octave mandolin tuning, allows for a wide range of melodic possibilities and makes the instrument perfect for lead playing or accompaniment.
The guitar is also equipped with a piezo pickup, which delivers a clear and dynamic tone when amplified.
The Gold Tone Electric Guitar, 8-String, Natural (Mandocello) is an excellent choice for players looking for a unique and versatile instrument that delivers a rich and full sound.
Techi-FunFacts:
- Top: Made of Solid Spruce for a warm and resonant tone
- Back and Sides: Made of Maple, which adds brightness and clarity to the guitar's sound
- Fingerboard: Made of Rosewood, which is durable and provides a smooth playing surface
- Bridge: An adjustable Ebony bridge that enhances the guitar's sustain and tone
Tuners: Sealed Guitar-Style tuners that provide accurate and stable tuning, ensuring that your guitar stays in tune for longer periods of time.
Becky's Choice:
The Ibanez RG8 8-String Electric Guitar in White is an exceptional instrument that offers players an extended range of notes to play with.
The guitar features a solid basswood body and a fast and thin 5-piece maple and walnut neck that offers a comfortable grip and easy access to all 24 jumbo frets on the fingerboard.
The fingerboard is made of rosewood, a popular tonewood known for its warmth and richness, and is adorned with white dot inlays that serve as position markers.
The guitar is also equipped with two IBZ-8 humbucking pickups, which deliver a powerful and dynamic tone that can handle a wide range of genres, from heavy metal to jazz.
The guitar's fixed bridge and precise tuning machines ensure stable and accurate tuning, while the sleek white finish gives the guitar an eye-catching look.
The Ibanez RG8 8-String Electric Guitar in White is a high-quality instrument that offers players an expanded range of notes to explore and is suitable for players of all skill levels.
Techi-FunFacts:
The Ibanez RG8 8-String Electric Guitar in White is an exceptional instrument that offers players an extended range of notes to play with.
The fingerboard is made of rosewood, a popular tone wood known for its warmth and richness, and is adorned with white dot inlays that serve as position markers.
The guitar is also equipped with two IBZ-8 hum bucking pickups, which deliver a powerful and dynamic tone that can handle a wide range of genres, from heavy metal to jazz.
The guitar's fixed bridge and precise tuning machines ensure stable and accurate tuning, while the sleek white finish gives the guitar an eye-catching look.
The Ibanez RG8 8-String Electric Guitar in White is a high-quality instrument that offers players an expanded range of notes to explore and is suitable for players of all skill levels.
Things to Consider When Buying a 8-String Guitar
Scale Length:
The scale length of an 8-string guitar is longer than that of a standard 6-string guitar to accommodate the additional strings. Longer scale lengths can help provide better intonation, a more defined low-end, and better string tension.
Body Shape:
The body shape of the guitar can affect its sound and playability. Some 8-string guitars feature traditional body shapes, while others feature more modern designs. Consider what type of music you'll be playing and what body shape would be most comfortable for you.
Tonewoods:
Tonewoods play a significant role in the guitar's overall sound. Consider the type of wood used for the body, neck, and fingerboard when making your decision. Some popular tonewoods include solid mahogany body, maple, rosewood, and ebony.
Pickups:
The pickups on an 8-string guitar can make a big difference in the sound. Some guitars come with humbuckers, while others have single-coil pickups. Consider what type of music you'll be playing and what type of pickup would be most suitable for that style.
Price:
8-string guitars can range in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Consider your budget and what features are most important to you when making your decision.
- Brand Reputation: The brand of guitar you choose can impact the quality and overall experience of playing your instrument. Consider reputable brands that have a history of producing high-quality guitars.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when purchasing an 8-string guitar. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned musician, an 8-string guitar can provide a unique and expanded range of notes to play with.
Best 8 String Guitar-FAQs
What are 8 string guitars good for?
8-string guitars are primarily designed for musicians who want to expand their range and experiment with new musical styles. Here are some of the benefits of playing an 8-string guitar:
- Expanded Range: The extra strings on an 8-string guitar give musicians access to a wider range of notes, providing more versatility and potential for new musical ideas. baritone scale length, that keeps those bass strings nice and tight.
- Unique Sound: The extended range of an 8-string guitar can create unique and distinctive sounds that are not possible on a 6-string guitar. This makes it an excellent choice for genres such as metal, jazz, and experimental music.
- Chord Progressions: The additional strings on an 8-string guitar allow for more complex chord progressions and harmonies, providing musicians with new creative possibilities.
- Soloing: The extended range of an 8-string guitar provides more notes for soloing, allowing musicians to create more intricate and complex melodies.
- Down-tuning: 8-string guitars are often tuned down, which can create a heavier and more aggressive sound by maintain string tension that is well-suited for genres such as metal and progressive rock. Neck pickup & Locking tuners can also help.
Overall, 8-string guitars offer musicians more versatility, a wider range of notes, and the ability to experiment with new sounds and styles.
Are 8 string guitars hard to play?
Playing an 8-string guitar can be more challenging than playing a traditional 6-string guitar, especially if you are not used to playing extended range instruments. However, with practice and dedication, most guitarists can learn to play an 8-string guitar.
The main challenges of playing an 8-string guitar include:
- Wider neck: 8-string guitars typically have a wider neck than 6-string guitars, which can be more difficult for players with smaller hands. It may take some time to get used to the wider spacing between the strings, bolt on maple neck can be of some help.
- Additional strings: The extra strings on an 8-string guitar can be overwhelming at first, especially if you are not used to playing extended range instruments. It can take some time to learn how to use the additional strings effectively and integrate them into your playing.
- Down-tuning: Many 8-string guitars are tuned down, which can make the strings feel looser and require more finger strength to play effectively.
- Technique: Playing an 8-string guitar often requires different techniques than playing a 6-string guitar, such as tapping and sweeping. It may take some time to master these techniques and incorporate them into your playing.
Overall, playing an 8-string guitar requires practice, patience, and dedication. With time and effort, most guitarists can learn to play an 8-string guitar effectively.
What is a 8 string guitar called?
An 8-string guitar is simply called an 8-string guitar. However, depending on its specific tuning and design, it may be referred to as an 8-string electric guitar, 8-string acoustic guitar, or 8-string classical guitar.
Additionally, there are some specific types of 8-string guitars that have their own names, such as the 8-string baritone guitar, 8-string bass guitar, or 8-string mandolin.
Is it worth getting an 8 string guitar?
Whether or not it's worth getting an 8-string guitar depends on your personal preferences and playing style.
If you're a guitarist who enjoys playing metal, progressive rock, jazz fusion or other genres that require extended range and lower tuning, an 8-string guitar can be a great investment. The extra strings allow for a wider range of notes and chords, as well as the ability to play basslines and chords simultaneously.
However, if you mainly play more traditional genres like folk, country or pop, an 8-string guitar may not be necessary or suitable for your style. It can also be more challenging to play due to the wider neck and additional strings.
It's important to try out different guitars and talk to experienced players before making a decision. If you're interested in an 8-string guitar, consider renting or borrowing one to test it out before making the investment.
Ultimately, the decision to get an 8-string guitar depends on your musical preferences and needs.
Who popularized the 8 string guitar?
The 8-string guitar has been around for quite some time, but it was not until the early 2000s that it gained popularity in modern music. One of the guitarists who popularized the 8-string guitar in the metal scene is Meshuggah's Fredrik Thordendal, who began experimenting with extended-range guitars in the 1990s. You can also take a look at Schecter Guitar research.
Tosin Abasi of Animals as Leaders is another influential player who has helped bring the 8-string guitar into the mainstream. Other notable guitarists who have contributed to the popularity of the 8-string guitar include Javier Reyes of Animals as Leaders and Misha Mansoor of Periphery.
Best 8 String Guitar
The 8-string guitar is a versatile and powerful instrument that can add a whole new dimension to your playing. Whether you're a metal shredder, a jazz enthusiast, or a progressive rocker, an 8-string guitar can help you unlock new possibilities and explore fresh musical ideas.
From extended range to unique tonal characteristics, the benefits of playing an 8-string guitar are clear.
With so many excellent options on the market today, it's easier than ever to find the perfect 8-string guitar for your needs and budget. So why not give it a try and see how it can enhance your playing and take your music to the next leve. Make sure to Tap the GREEN button and start playing like you always dreamed!
Thanks for Techin-IN!
Becky.
