The 8-string guitar evolved from musicians’ desire to expand the range of the traditional 6-string guitar. It has gained popularity in genres like progressive metal and jazz due to its extended lower and upper range, providing more options for both rhythm and lead playing.
So, if you decided to tackle the beast that is the 8-string guitar, I say congratulations, or maybe I should say, good luck. It’s a journey that promises to be as rewarding as it is challenging. Let’s get into what makes this instrument tick and how you can conquer it.
The 8-String Guitar Essentials
First off, let’s talk about the anatomy of this monstrosity. An 8-string guitar has, you guessed it, eight strings. Usually, the extra strings are tuned to F# and B below the standard low E string.
The neck is wider, the fretboard longer, and if you thought your hand stretches were impressive before, you’re in for a surprise.
Tuning and Setup
Standard Tuning
The typical tuning for an 8-string is F#-B-E-A-D-G-B-E, while D-A-D-G-A-D is standard for a regular guitar. It’s like adding a couple of bass strings to your regular 6-string setup, or even a 7-string setup, which means you can get those thunderous low notes while still playing your favorite licks on the upper strings.
Alternate Tunings
Feeling adventurous? Try out some alternate tunings:
- Drop E: E-B-E-A-D-G-B-E
- Drop D: D-A-D-G-B-E-A-D
- Open Tunings: Various configurations for specific chord voicings and slide playing.
Setup
Proper setup is crucial. The wider neck and additional strings mean guitar intonation and action adjustments are a must.
Plus, using the right string gauges for those lower strings is essential to maintain proper tension and tone. If you ignore this, your guitar will sound like a dying cat. Trust me, I’ve been there.
Techniques
Chords and Arpeggios
Playing chords on an 8-string can feel like trying to hug a tree. New chord shapes incorporating the lower strings are a necessity.
And arpeggios? Yeah, they’re not just for classical guitarists anymore. Practicing arpeggios across all eight strings will improve fluidity and finger strength.
Scales and Modes
Familiarizing yourself with scales and modes that utilize the full range of the instrument is non-negotiable.
Practice scales on the lower strings to get comfortable with the extended fretboard layout. Modes like Ionian, Dorian, and Phrygian will become your new best friends, especially if you’re into progressive metal or jazz.
Picking Techniques
Adapting your picking technique is another hurdle. Hybrid picking, which combines pick and fingers, works well for complex passages.
Economy picking and sweep picking are also worth mastering for those fast, fluid runs across multiple strings. And string skipping? It’s like playing hopscotch with your fingers – challenging but rewarding.
Practice Routine
Warm-Ups
Start your practice sessions with warm-up exercises that cover all eight strings. Chromatic exercises, finger stretches, and basic scales are great for getting your hands ready and improving dexterity.
Metronome Practice
A metronome is your best friend here. Developing timing and rhythm is critical. Start slow and gradually increase the tempo as you get more comfortable. Focus on playing cleanly and accurately at each speed.
Repertoire Building
Learning songs and pieces that utilize the 8-string’s range is practical and motivating. Progressive metal bands like Meshuggah and Animals as Leaders are excellent examples of how to incorporate the 8-string guitar into music. Learn from the masters.
Musical Applications
Genre Exploration
The 8-string guitar isn’t just for metalheads. Sure, it excels in progressive metal and djent, but it also shines in jazz and even classical music. Explore different styles to see how versatile this instrument can be. You might be surprised at what you find.
Composition
Use the extended range for composing new music. The lower strings can provide deep, resonant bass lines, while the upper strings offer traditional lead and rhythm possibilities.
Experiment with different tunings and chord voicings to find unique sounds. Your audience will thank you for it.
Learning Resources
Books and Guides
There are several excellent books and guides available. “Complete Mode Diagrams for Eight String Guitar” by Rob Silver is a valuable resource for scales and modes.
Online Lessons
Websites like MusicRadar and Guitareo offer tutorials and lessons specifically for the 8-string guitar. These resources often include video demonstrations and tabs, which can be incredibly helpful if you’re a visual learner.
Community and Forums
Joining online communities and forums such as Reddit’s r/Djent or dedicated guitar forums can provide support and advice from other 8-string guitarists.
Sharing experiences and tips can accelerate your learning process. Plus, it’s always nice to know you’re not alone in your struggle.
Songs That Will Test Your 8 String Guitar Skills
These songs and bands are known for their intricate use of the 8-string guitar, pushing the boundaries of metal and progressive music.
Animals as Leaders
- “Waves of Babies”
- “Nephele”
- “Earth Departure”
- “Crescent”
Periphery
- “Ji”
- “Four Lights”
- “Stranger Things”
- “22 Faces”
Meshuggah
- “Demiurge”
- “Combustion”
- “Rational Gaze”
Deftones
- “Diamond Eyes”
- “CMND/CTRL”
Hacktivist
- “Unlike Us”
After the Burial
- “Mire”
Haken
- “Invasion”
- “Darkest Light”
Unprocessed
- “Abandoned”
Final Thoughts
Mastering the 8-string guitar is not for the faint of heart. It’s a challenging but rewarding journey that opens up new musical possibilities.
By grasping its unique characteristics, adopting suitable techniques, and maintaining a structured practice routine, you can unlock the full potential of this instrument.
It doesn’t matter if you aim to play progressive metal, jazz, or anything in between, the 8-string guitar offers a rich palette of sounds that can enhance your musical expression.