Best 8-String Electric Guitars – Guide and Reviews Of Some Great Models

Last Updated: March 06, 2018 In our latest update to this article on the best 8-string models around, we made just one single change – replacing the Ibanez M80M Meshuggah Signature with the cost-effective ESP LTD EC-258.

If you’re on the hunt for an awesome guitar, we can certainly help you out! Welcome to our guide to buying the best 8-string guitars; giving you everything you need to know about this versatile instrument. You’re probably aware that an 8-string guitar is much less common in the mainstream guitar world than a 6-string guitar is, but the extra two strings add an extended tonal range that can really open the door to whole new world of music. This is why adventurous musicians love them. Because, while these guitars are commonly associated with heavy rock and metal, they are also favored by some jazz, classical and solo musicians who take advantage of this instrument’s awesome tonal range. However, in this article we’ll be mainly focusing on models made for metal, which help metal musicians find the deepest, darkest tones needed for a seriously heavy sound. Bands and artists such as Meshuggah, GWAR, Deftones, Korn, and the virtuoso Tosin Abasi either exclusively use 8-strings or regularly incorporate them into their music. And, after reading this article, perhaps you will too! Make sure to check out our chart below, which highlights five awesome guitars that give a good snapshot of what’s popular across several price ranges. Then be sure to check out our handy guide that follows the chart.

Top 5 Electric Guitars With 8 Strings:

Of course, there are more than five modern 8-string models, but the five we’ve listed will give you a general idea of what’s popular and what offers good value for money in this market.

8-String Guitars: The Lowdown

Just like a 7-string guitar, the concept of an 8-string guitar is pretty easy to grasp. In most cases, when talking about modern electric guitars, there are simply two extra strings at the bass end of the fretboard – an F# and B, ahead of your usual E-A-D-G-B-E. However, some shredders prefer to remove that low F# string and add a high A as the eighth string, for more melodic versatility in the treble registers. This is the standard tuning, allowing you to play everything you could on a 6- and 7-string guitar, although some guitarists like to tune the lowest string (F#) to a low E, which gives the guitar three different E strings, making for a very full sound indeed. Physically, unlike comparing a 6-string and 7-string guitar, there’s certainly a more obvious difference in size between a 6- and 8-string guitar. Just put these two guitars side-by-side and there’s no mistaking the 8-string! While the body size and construction will pretty much be the same size, the neck and scale length is noticeably bigger. For example, take a Jackson Dinky 6-string, and a similar Dinky 8-string. The 6-string model has a nut width of roughly 1.69” while the 8-string’s nut width is around 2.16” – a big difference in the hands. As for scale length, you will typically find that such guitar has a bigger scale length, usually of a few inches to keep the tension tight – around 26.5” to 28” compared to 25.5” of a 6-string, although every manufacturer and model is different. Popular opinion is that, when it comes to eight strings, the longer the scale length the better. We agree. Things just play better and sound clearer when you drift into the 28” to 29” scale length.

8-String Guitars: Pros and Cons

Pros

• Much bigger tonal range compared to 6- and 7-string guitars
• Lower tunings sound awesome
• You can play anything that you can on a 6- or 7-string guitar
• The majority of guitars on sale are of higher quality than what you’d find in a the 6-string market

Cons

• Huge necks tend to be less comfortable for players with smaller hands
• The choice is very limited compared to other guitars
• Playing 6-string songs on an 8-string can be an awkward experience

I’m a Beginner – Should I Buy One?

Are you just starting out on the guitar? A word of warning – do not buy an 8-string guitar to learn on. It’s a complicated instrument, and would serve little purpose to a complete beginner. Even if you love heavy rock and metal, consider starting with a 6-string to learn guitar fundamentals first, before complicating things with an 8-string. Trust us, you’ll be a better, less frustrated musician in the long-run.

Should I Buy Used or New?

Considering how expensive some 8-string guitars can be, buying second-hand is a good route to a bargain. However, be careful – whatever your budget, when dropping cash on a used guitar, make sure it is in full working order, with functional electronics and no damage – obvious or hidden. If possible try the guitar out before you buy – don’t go on photos alone. If you are purchasing used, make sure to go with a reputable guitar store (either physical or online) that has a clear returns policy, should something go wrong. We’d also suggest you avoid buying from thrift stores and flea markets, but seriously – when was the last time you saw an 8-string guitar in a flea market?!

The Final Word

Buying an 8-string guitar is a big step – it’s not something you do unless you either play the heaviest styles of music, are a keen jazz player, or are very much into experimentation. Perhaps a mix of all three! We’ve established that it’s harder to play and there’s a little extra theory to get to grips with than compared to guitars with less strings, but if you’re feeling ready to tackle this beast the rewards can be awesome. Whatever your budget, make sure to do some proper research before diving in for the first 8-string guitar you see. If possible, try out some of the models on your shortlist, otherwise read reviews and watch videos of your models in action – YouTube is full of them! Good luck in the hunt for your perfect instrument!