8-String Electric Guitars at Roxy Music
An 8-string electric guitar is an extended-range instrument featuring two additional low strings—commonly tuned to F# and B—beneath the standard six. This expanded range delivers crushing low-end power, extended chord voicings, and new creative pathways for metal, progressive rock, jazz fusion, cinematic scoring, and experimental music.
Key Features of 8-String Guitars
- Extended Range: Two extra strings provide deeper bass notes, massive low-end response, and expanded harmonic possibilities.
- Versatility: Ideal for heavy rhythm work, intricate melodic lines, and ambient soundscapes.
- Neck Design: Wider fretboards and reinforced necks for stability under lower tunings.
- Pickups: Often equipped with high-output humbuckers or active systems designed for clarity on low strings.
- Scale Length Options: Many 8-strings use extended scales (26.5" to 28") to maintain tension and clarity on ultra-low notes.
Why Choose an 8-String Electric Guitar?
8-string guitars are perfect for players pushing musical boundaries. They offer:
- Heavier Sound: Deliver earth-shaking, down-tuned riffs popular in metal and djent.
- Chord Complexity: Excellent for jazz voicings, wide-interval shapes, and modern harmony.
- Creative Freedom: Combines the upper range of a guitar with the lower frequencies of a bass—expanding both rhythm and lead capabilities.
Popular 8-String Guitar Brands & Models
- Ibanez RG / Iron Label Series: Fast necks, modern ergonomics, and tight low-end clarity.
- Schecter Omen / Hellraiser 8: Powerful, aggressive tones with rock-solid tuning stability.
- ESP-LTD H-200 & EC-258 8-Strings: Built for high-gain, high-output playing styles.
- Jackson Soloist 8: Sleek designs with excellent low-string articulation.
Whether you're exploring ultra-low tunings, cinematic scoring, or complex progressive compositions, 8-string electric guitars offer unmatched sonic versatility and inspiration.
Explore related styles: 7-String Guitars · Baritone Guitars · Solid-Body Guitars · Used & Vintage Electrics