8-Strings Electric Guitars

Are you looking for an 8-string electric guitar that gives you massive low-end, modern clarity and more creative freedom?

Then an 8-string electric guitar is the right choice if you want deeper riffs, extended chords and a sound that goes far beyond a standard 6-string instrument. Whether you play djent, progressive metal, deathcore, modern metal, fusion, ambient music or cinematic guitar parts, an 8-string guitar opens a wider musical space with power and precision.

Why choose an 8-string electric guitar?

An 8-string electric guitar adds two extra low strings to the familiar guitar layout, giving you more range for heavy rhythm work, wide voicings and bass-like movement. It is especially useful for players who want deep tunings without losing the higher strings needed for leads, chords and melodic playing.

What makes an 8-string guitar different from a 7-string guitar?

A 7-string guitar usually adds one low B string, while an 8-string electric guitar adds another lower string, often tuned to F#. This gives you even more low-end depth, but it also requires better muting, accurate picking and a guitar setup that keeps the lowest strings clear.

8-string electric guitars at a glance

Which tuning is common on an 8-string electric guitar?

The most common tuning for an 8-string electric guitar is F#-B-E-A-D-G-B-E. This keeps the standard six-string tuning on the upper strings and adds a low B and an even lower F#.

What is drop E tuning on an 8-string guitar?

Drop E tuning lowers the eighth string from F# to E, creating a deep octave relationship with the normal low E string. This tuning is popular for modern metal because it gives huge power-chord shapes and extremely heavy low-end movement.

Is an 8-string electric guitar only for metal?

No, although 8-string guitars are strongly connected with modern metal, they can also be used for fusion, jazz, ambient, soundtrack work, experimental rock and progressive music. The extra low strings can create deep drones, wide clean chords, bass lines and atmospheric textures.

Is an 8-string guitar good for beginners?

An 8-string electric guitar is usually better for players who already have some experience with guitar technique, muting and tuning control. A motivated beginner can still start with one, but the wider neck, extra strings and low tuning demand more patience than a standard 6-string guitar.

Is an 8-string guitar good for advanced players?

Yes, advanced players often choose 8-string guitars because they offer a large range for riffs, chords, tapping, hybrid picking and modern songwriting. A good 8-string model can become a powerful tool for studio production, live performance and creative composition.

Which music styles fit 8-string electric guitars?

8-string guitars are especially strong in djent, progressive metal, deathcore, metalcore, technical metal and modern instrumental music. They can also be used for dark ambient layers, fusion harmony, extended clean voicings and cinematic guitar arrangements.

Music styles for 8-string electric guitars

Which pickups are best for 8-string electric guitars?

Most 8-string electric guitars use humbuckers because they keep the low strings powerful, focused and less noisy under gain. Active humbuckers are tight and controlled, while passive humbuckers can feel more dynamic and organic.

Should you choose active or passive pickups?

Choose active pickups if you want a modern, compressed and precise sound for high-gain rhythm playing. Choose passive pickups if you prefer more touch sensitivity, wider dynamics and a more natural response.

Pickup types for 8-string electric guitars

What does extended range mean?

Extended range means that the guitar offers more notes than a standard 6-string instrument. On an 8-string guitar, this usually means two additional low strings for deeper riffs, bigger chords and wider arrangements.

What is a multiscale 8-string guitar?

A multiscale 8-string guitar uses different scale lengths for different strings, usually longer on the bass side and shorter on the treble side. This helps the lowest strings stay tight while the higher strings remain comfortable for bends, chords and leads.

Are fanned frets difficult to play?

Fanned frets may look unusual at first, but many players adapt quickly because the angle can follow the natural movement of the hand. They are especially useful on 8-string guitars because they help balance string tension across a very wide tuning range.

Which scale length is best for an 8-string guitar?

A longer scale length helps the lowest strings sound tighter, clearer and more stable. If you want low F#, drop E or even lower tunings, a long scale or multiscale design is usually more practical than a short scale.

Scale length guide for 8-string guitars

Should you choose a fixed bridge or tremolo?

A fixed bridge is usually the best choice for 8-string guitars because it offers stable tuning, strong sustain and easier maintenance. Tremolo systems are less common on 8-string models because the extra strings and low tuning make setup more demanding.

Why are individual bridge saddles useful?

Individual saddles help each string intonate more accurately, which is especially important on extended-range guitars. They also support balanced string spacing, clear attack and better control over the low strings.

What is a headless 8-string guitar?

A headless 8-string guitar has no traditional headstock and uses a compact tuning system near the bridge. This can improve balance, reduce overall length and make the wide instrument feel more manageable on stage or while travelling.

What body shape works well for an 8-string guitar?

Modern double-cut, Super-Strat, ergonomic offset and headless body shapes are common because they support upper-fret access and playing comfort. A good 8-string body should balance well, feel stable and give your picking arm enough room.

Common 8-string guitar designs compared

Why do many 8-string guitars have 24 frets?

24 frets give you two full octaves per string and make the instrument even more flexible. Combined with the two extra low strings, 24 frets create a huge range for rhythm, lead, tapping and chord melody ideas.

What neck profile is best for 8-string guitars?

Many players prefer a thin C, D or modern speed neck because the neck is naturally wider than on a 6-string guitar. The best profile is one that lets your hand relax while still giving enough support for clean muting and accurate fretting.

How important is muting on an 8-string guitar?

Muting is extremely important because the extra low strings can create unwanted noise if they are not controlled. Good palm muting, fretting-hand muting and clean picking technique help the guitar sound tight instead of muddy.

What strings do you need for an 8-string electric guitar?

The right string gauge depends on scale length, tuning and playing style. Lower tunings usually need heavier low strings, while higher strings should still feel comfortable for bends, vibrato and lead playing.

How important is intonation on an 8-string guitar?

Intonation is very important because deep low strings can sound unclear if the guitar is not adjusted correctly. A good setup helps chords, riffs and high notes stay in tune across the full fingerboard.

Important 8-string guitar terms explained

Tuning and range

Low F# string

The low F# string is the lowest string in standard 8-string tuning. It gives you the deep range that makes 8-string guitars powerful for modern heavy music and cinematic textures.

Drop E

Drop E lowers the eighth string to E for extremely deep power chords and heavy riffs. It is popular in modern metal because it creates a huge low-end foundation.

Extended range

Extended range means the instrument has more pitch range than a standard guitar. On an 8-string model, this range is mainly created by adding two extra low strings.

String gauge

String gauge describes string thickness. Heavier gauges can tighten low tunings, while lighter gauges can make bends and lead playing easier.

Construction and playability

Multiscale

Multiscale means the low strings have a longer scale length than the high strings. This can improve low-string clarity while keeping the treble side comfortable.

Fanned frets

Fanned frets are angled frets used on multiscale instruments. They make different scale lengths possible across one fingerboard.

Neck width

Neck width is wider on an 8-string guitar because the instrument needs space for eight strings. A comfortable neck shape helps the wider fingerboard feel natural.

Low action

Low action means the strings sit close to the frets. It can make fast playing easier, but it must be adjusted carefully so the low strings do not buzz too much.

Which 8-string guitar is best for djent?

For djent, choose an 8-string guitar with tight pickups, a stable fixed bridge, strong intonation and a scale length that keeps the lowest string firm. A multiscale model is especially useful because it supports the percussive attack and clarity this style needs.

Which 8-string guitar is best for progressive metal?

For progressive metal, look for clear pickups, 24 frets, smooth upper-fret access and enough tonal flexibility for clean, crunch and high-gain sounds. Coil-split options and dynamic passive pickups can be helpful if your music changes between heavy riffs and atmospheric passages.

Which 8-string guitar is best for deathcore and metalcore?

For deathcore and metalcore, choose powerful humbuckers, tight low-end response and hardware that stays stable under strong picking. A fixed bridge, heavier string gauges and a professional setup are especially important for breakdowns and aggressive rhythm work.

Which 8-string guitar is best for fusion and clean playing?

For fusion and clean playing, focus on note separation, pickup clarity and a neck that feels comfortable for complex chord shapes. A guitar with dynamic passive pickups or flexible switching can give you warm cleans, bright textures and expressive lead tones.

Which 8-string guitar is best for recording?

For recording, choose an 8-string guitar with stable tuning, accurate intonation, low noise and pickups that keep the low strings defined. Clear tracking is important because layered low-tuned guitars can quickly sound muddy if the instrument is not precise.

Buying guide by player type

Which 8-string electric guitar should you buy for home practice?

For home practice, choose an 8-string guitar that feels comfortable, stays in tune and does not make the learning process harder than necessary. A fixed-bridge model with a clean pickup layout is often the most practical starting point.

Which 8-string electric guitar should you buy for live gigs?

For live gigs, choose a guitar with reliable tuning hardware, clear pickups and a body shape that feels balanced while standing. If you use very low tunings, a backup guitar or a carefully prepared setup can make performance much safer.

Do 8-string guitars work well with pedals?

Yes, 8-string guitars work very well with overdrive boosts, distortion, noise gates, delay, reverb, pitch effects, compressor and modulation pedals. For heavy styles, a noise gate and tight overdrive can help the low strings stay clear and controlled.

Which amplifier works well with an 8-string electric guitar?

An 8-string guitar works best with an amplifier, modeller or pedal setup that keeps bass frequencies tight instead of boomy. High-gain amps, cabinet simulations, EQ control and modern modelling systems are very useful for extended-range tones.

How important is a professional setup?

A professional setup is especially important on an 8-string electric guitar because the wide neck, low tuning and thick strings need accurate adjustment. Neck relief, string height, intonation, nut slots, pickup height and string gauge all affect clarity and comfort.

What accessories do you need with an 8-string guitar?

Useful accessories include suitable 8-string sets, a precise tuner, strong picks, a comfortable strap, a stable stand, a cable and a matching case or gig bag. Players using low tunings should also consider setup tools, heavier strings and a noise gate for controlled high-gain sounds.

Buying checklist for 8-string electric guitars

Which brands are popular for 8-string electric guitars?

Popular 8-string guitar brands include names such as Ibanez, Schecter, ESP LTD, Jackson, Legator, Cort, Strandberg, Solar and other modern extended-range manufacturers. These brands often focus on multiscale construction, high-output pickups, 24 frets, stable bridges and body designs made for heavy and technical styles.

Which price range makes sense?

Entry-level 8-string guitars are suitable for players who want to explore extended range without a large investment. Mid-range and premium models usually offer better pickups, more stable hardware, smoother fretwork, improved tuning systems and more refined playability.

How do you compare different 8-string guitar models?

Compare scale length, pickup type, bridge design, neck profile, body shape, fret count, weight, tuning stability and included accessories. The best 8-string guitar is not only the heaviest-looking model, but the one that fits your tuning, technique and sound goal.

Why buy an 8-string electric guitar from Musikhaus KORN?

At Musikhaus KORN, you can compare 8-string electric guitars by brand, price, body style, pickup system, bridge type, color, availability and practical specifications. This helps you find the right instrument for djent, progressive metal, deathcore, ambient layers, recording sessions or modern extended-range playing.

What is the easiest way to find your ideal 8-string guitar?

Start with the tuning and music style you want to play, then choose the scale length, pickups and bridge system that support that sound. Once those basics are clear, details like multiscale layout, neck profile, body shape and finish become much easier to decide.

Find your 8-string electric guitar and unlock a deeper sound world

An 8-string electric guitar is the right instrument if you want more range, heavier riffs, wider harmony and a modern sound with serious low-end power. From tight drop E rhythm parts and progressive chord voicings to cinematic drones, clean textures and technical metal lines, the right 8-string guitar gives your music more depth, more control and more creative freedom.