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The extra string on the 8 string guitar enables players to delve into new sonic realms. The additional string can either be a lower bass string or an octaved string. There are two main types of 8-string guitars: the 8-string electric guitar and the 8-string acoustic guitar.
8 string electric guitar is more popular among metal and djent players. The extra lower string enables the players to have a more profound and richer sound. The additional string is useful for drop tuning. This makes the 8-string electric guitar a preferred choice for rhythmic and percussive guitar playing. The 8-string electric guitar has two pickups. It can either be with an H-H pickup configuration or an H-S-H pickup configuration. Some 8-string guitars have three pickups. It is mainly for players who want more tonal options. The H-H pickup configuration has a wide tonal range with more low-end rumble compared to an H-S-H pickup configuration. The H-H pickup configuration is more common but the H-S-H configuration is more versatile.
On the other hand, the 8-string acoustic guitar is not as common but still offers unique tonal possibilities. It features a higher-pitched string that is often made of nylon material. The additional string adds to the richness and depth of the guitar's sound, making it more versatile for various musical genres. The 8-string acoustic guitar can either have a classic nylon or a steel string construction.
In addition to the regular body style, some manufacturers make 8-string guitars with a cutaway and double cutaway designs. The double cutaway design allows players to access the higher frets easily, while the single cutaway provides a traditional aesthetic appeal. There are also 8-string guitars with unique body shapes such as the SG, Flying V, and Explorer.
In addition to the standard 8-string electric and acoustic models, there are also some other variations that are worth noting. For instance, the baritone 8-string guitar has a longer scale length, which is about 27 to 28 inches. This longer scale length lowers the pitch of the guitar. The 8-string guitar with a tremolo system allows players to do whammy effects. There are also 8-string bass guitars which have a higher number of strings compared to the standard guitar.
8 string guitars are used in various music styles. Many guitarists see the 8 string guitar as an excellent addition to the family of guitars. Below are some common usage scenarios.
Extended range applications
Guitars with eight strings offer extra tonal choices. It is a very good option for musicians who want to explore more notes and chords. The additional strings can be very helpful when playing complex progressions. It also aids in the playing of intricate scales in different music styles, such as jazz and metal. The low G string complements the high G string, which is the highest string in a standard six-string guitar.
Metal and heavy music
The eight-string guitar is popular in metal and heavy music. The low string gives it a deep, growling sound that is very desirable for drop tuning. This sound is clear and very crisp, which helps to eliminate muddiness. The extra string allows musicians to play riffs that are more technical and complex with ease. This has led to the creation of new styles of music, such as djent.
Lower tuning
Guitars with eight strings can be tuned to lower notes. It can be used to achieve a very low tuning without losing the guitar's playability. The additional string will make it easy for guitarists to play scales and chords. This is because, when playing with lower tuning, the intervals between strings are larger. The additional string maintains the standard interval distance between the lower strings.
Jazz and fusion
Many guitarists use the eight-string guitar for fusion and jazz. This is because, with the additional string, guitarists can explore new harmonies and play complex chord progressions. The two types of guitars—jazz guitar and regular guitar—can be combined to create new sounds. The extra string adds depth to chord voicings and enables players to play bassline accompaniments and melodic leads.
Orchestral and classical music
Classical and orchestral guitarists also use the eight-string guitar. The extra string gives guitarists the tonal range found in string orchestras. This allows classical guitarists to add depth and richness to their playing style. It also provides an additional string for basslines and melodic leads. With the eight-string guitar, classical guitarists can play complex pieces with ease and precision.
Knowing how to choose an 8-string guitar is very important, especially for those who want to buy the right one for themselves or those who want to understand what a good guitar is and how to select it if they want to customize it.
The first thing that should be considered when choosing an 8-string guitar is the body style because the body style also determines how comfortable the user will be when playing it and how sound will be affected. The different body styles are the solid body that is mostly used in electric guitars, the semi-hollow body that has a sound like the acoustic one but with an electric one, and the hollow body that amplifies the sound acoustically without a pickup.
Another thing to consider is the neck because it is very important for the playability and sound of the guitar. It is important to choose a well-constructed neck that will not bend or warp and a guitar that has a good neck joint. Because guitarists use their hands to hold the neck, the width and thickness of the neck must also be considered, as a wider neck will make it more easy to play chords while a thinner neck will make it easier to play fast licks and scales.
Another thing to consider is the tonewoods because it affects the sound and playability. A guitar made with good-quality tonewood will have a good sound and will last a long time. The type of wood used for the body and soundboard is different, and it is usually harder to find a guitar with a solid wood body and a solid wood soundboard.
Another important thing to consider is the pickup. An electric guitar uses a pickup to convert the vibration of the string into an electric signal. The type of pickup will determine the sound of the guitar, and the single-coil and humbucker pickups are the most popular ones. Single-coil has a bright and crisp sound, while humbucker has a thick and warm sound.
Finally, the cost of the guitar must be considered. It is important to buy a guitar within a budget range, as a guitar that is too expensive will be difficult to sell, and one that is too cheap will not have a good sound.
8 string guitars come in various designs, each offering unique playing experiences and tonal possibilities. Here are some of the key designs, along with their functions and features:
Standard 8-String Guitar
This design is an extended version of the 6-string guitar, featuring two additional strings. Typically, it has a scale length similar to that of a standard guitar, with 22 to 24 frets. The extra strings can be tuned to either an octave lower or higher or in a double course. This configuration provides a richer harmonic and tonal complexity. Additionally, it enhances the depth of sound. This design is commonly used in metal and progressive music to enrich the sound of rhythm and lead parts.
Harp Guitar
An 8-string harp guitar has additional bass strings attached to the body of the guitar. These strings resonate sympathetically, producing a fuller and more complex sound. This design is inspired by traditional harp guitars. It's used in solo acoustic performances to create orchestral-like sounds. The extra bass strings are typically tuned to resonate with the standard guitar strings, adding depth and richness to the sound.
Mandoguitar
This design combines elements of a guitar and a mandolin. It features eight strings arranged in four courses, with each course is consisting of double strings. The strings are tuned an octave apart and can be played like a guitar or a mandolin. This design offers a unique sound that is brighter and more jingly than a standard guitar. It's used in folk, bluegrass, and world music to add a distinct flavor to the arrangements. Additionally, the doubled strings can create interesting harmonies and textures.
Extended Range Guitar
This design is similar to a standard 8 string guitar but with a longer scale length. It features 7 to 8 fretted strings and may have additional unfretted bass strings. This configuration provides a wider range of notes and tonal possibilities. It's used in jazz, fusion, and experimental music to explore complex chord progressions and melodic lines. The longer scale length allows for greater note clarity, especially in lower registers.
Custom-Ordered Guitar
This design is made according to the specifications and preferences of the player. It can feature various wood types, inlays, body shapes, and hardware. Custom 8 string guitars can be tailored to suit individual playing styles and musical genres. They offer the flexibility to incorporate specific features that enhance playability and aesthetics. Additionally, a custom guitar can have unique tonal characteristics based on the selected materials and construction techniques.
What is an 8 string guitar good for?
The 8-string guitar adds new dimensions to sound and harmony and is especially useful in genres like metal, jazz, and world music. Its extended range allows for more intricate chord progressions and melodies, making it a valuable tool for crafting complex and unique musical pieces.
What is the difference between a 6-string guitar and an 8-string guitar?
An 8-string guitar has two additional strings, often tuned to lower notes or paired with existing strings at an octave interval. This provides a wider tonal range and allows for more complex harmonies and bass notes compared to the 6-string guitar, which is limited to a narrower range.
How many strings does a guitar have?
A standard guitar has 6 strings, but some variations exist, including the 12-string guitar, which has 12 strings, and the 8-string guitar, which has 8 strings.
