An 8-string guitar is a guitar with eight strings instead of six, typically adding a lower-pitched string to expand the instrument’s range.
For the full breakdown, see our best 8 String Bass Guitar guide.
If you’ve ever wondered what an 8-string guitar is, the short answer is that it takes the standard six-string design and stretches it further. Most commonly, the extra strings extend the lower register, giving you deeper, heavier tones than a standard guitar can produce. This design has become a staple in modern metal and progressive rock, where guitarists use it to access bass-like notes while keeping the full six-string range intact above it.
Why Do Guitarists Use Eight Strings?
The main reason players pick up an 8-string guitar is expanded range. By adding a lower string, the instrument reaches into territory normally reserved for bass guitars, allowing a single player to cover both rhythm and low-end parts without changing instruments. The trade-off is physical — moving between a 6-string and an 8-string takes real adjustment.
Fanned-fret and multiscale designs exist specifically to balance string tension across this wider range. Because the low strings need more length to stay clear and tight, builders like Ibanez use proportional scale lengths rather than a single measurement. This equalizes tension across the strings and keeps the low notes from sounding flabby.
How Is an 8-String Guitar Tuned?
There is no single universal tuning for 8-string guitars; the tuning depends on the style of music and the specific model. The most common standard tuning is F♯–B–E–A–D–G–B–E, which adds a low F♯ below a standard guitar’s low E.
But many models ship with custom tunings from the factory. Before you start playing, check the manufacturer’s listed factory tuning for your specific model — assuming all 8-strings use the same tuning is a common and frustrating mistake.
What Specifications Matter Most?
Specs vary widely between 8-string models, so verifying three things before buying will save you from a purchase you regret: scale length, nut width, and bridge type. These directly control string tension, playability, and how different the instrument feels from a standard 6-string.
| Model | Scale Length | Nut Width |
|---|---|---|
| Ibanez RGIF8 | 25.5″–27.2″ multiscale | 55 mm |
| Harley Benton MultiScale-8 | 648–686 mm multiscale | 56.6 mm |
| Touch Guitars AU8 | 34″ straight scale | String spacing 10.5 mm |
Wider nuts and longer scales feel noticeably different from a standard guitar. If you’re just starting on 8-string, know that your old 6-string case probably won’t fit, and factory string gauges are custom — typically heavier on the low end, like the.009/.011/.016/.024/.032/.042/.059/.080 set Ibanez ships on its multiscale models.
For setup, the manufacturer’s listed factory tuning and gauge are your baseline. Adjust only within the builder’s supported scale and tension range, since the multiscale construction is engineered around specific string tension.
FAQs
Is an 8-string guitar harder to play than a 6-string?
Yes, initially. The wider neck stretches your fretting hand further, and the extra strings take time to mute properly so you don’t accidentally ring out unwanted notes. Most players adjust within a few weeks of regular practice, but the physical difference is real.
Can I use standard 6-string guitar strings on an 8-string?
No. Standard 6-string sets lack the two extra strings entirely, and 8-string factory sets use custom heavier gauges on the low end. Using mismatched strings either leaves you missing notes or creates tension problems that throw off the setup.
Do I need a special amplifier for an 8-string guitar?
Not necessarily. Many modern amps and amp modelers handle low tunings fine, but older or cheaper amps may sound muddy with the extended low range. A decent overdrive pedal and a speaker that reproduces low frequencies well make a bigger difference than amp type.
References & Sources
- Wikipedia. “Eight-string guitar.” Background on extended-range guitar design, tunings, and history.