8 String Guitar Vs. 7 String Guitar – A Guide By Zager
Are you a six-string purist, hesitant to venture into the world of extended-range guitars? Or are you already familiar with the seven and eight-string beasts and wondering what all the fuss is about? Whatever your knowledge or interest, this article will shed light on the mysterious world of extended-range guitars.
We’ll explore their unique features, weigh the pros and cons, and answer some of the most common questions surrounding these unconventional instruments. So buckle up and get ready to expand your musical horizons!
Seven and eight-string guitars are unique in offering one or two additional low strings compared to traditional six-string guitars. These extra strings give the player access to a broader range of notes and chords without down-tuning. This makes them particularly appealing to metal guitarists.
However, playing these instruments can be more challenging due to the increased complexity of the fretboard. A more limited selection of available tabs may require a deeper understanding of music theory to utilize fully.
What is the Difference Between 7 and 8-String Guitars?
To better understand why certain players favor seven and 8-string guitars, it’s important to delve into their unique features and how they differ from standard 6-string guitars. These differences include changes to the tuning, nut width, scale length, neck profile, and frets.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these aspects.
Nut Width
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To accommodate the additional strings on seven and 8-string guitars, they typically have a wider nut width than 6-string guitars. This prevents the lines high e string from being too close together, making it challenging to play individual lines.
However, the wider fretboard resulting from a larger nut width may be problematic for some players. In particular, they may find it difficult to play lower notes due to the need for finger stretching. This issue is typically more pronounced when playing while standing up than when playing chords sitting down.
Neck Profile
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In general, seven and 8-string guitars typically have a thinner neck profile than their 6-string counterparts. This design feature is meant to offset the broader fretboard that comes with having more strings. The narrower neck profile allows for faster playing of heavy strings, ideal for rapid riffs and power chords.
However, while some players prefer the flatter, wider neck radius resulting from the thinner profile, others may feel weak or thin. Ultimately, the choice of neck profile comes down to personal preference for playability.
Frets
When you examine a seven or 8-string guitar, you may notice some differences in the frets compared to a 6-string guitar. Generally, the frets on seven and 8-string guitars are broader and may even be fanned. The fanned fret design lets you lower the bottom string tension even on the higher strings and increase the pressure on the lower lines.
This setup has two main benefits: it makes bending the higher lines easier and enhances the depth and fullness of the bass lines.
Scale Length
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Let’s spice things up and turn this into a rockin’ discussion about the differences between 6, 7, and 8-string guitars!
So, imagine you’re jamming with your buddies, and you notice that one of them has a guitar with an extra string or two. You might ask yourself, “What’s the deal with these multi-stringed beasts?”
One of the most significant differences between 6, 7, and 8-string guitars, besides having more strings, is the scale length. This is the distance between the headstock’s start and the guitar’s bridge. Most 6-string guitars have a scale length of 24 to 26 inches, while seven and 8-string guitars typically have a scale length of 27 inches or more.
This longer scale length affects playability, and your arm might have to stretch farther to play lower notes on the fretboard. But, hey, the extra stretch is worth it for those who like to rock hard!
And to compensate for the extra strings, seven and 8-string guitars usually have a wider fretboard with a larger nut width, giving you more room to shred those riffs. But beware! Some players might struggle to play on these wider necks, especially standing up.
But fear not! To make up for it, seven and 8-string guitars tend to have a thinner neck profile, making it easier to shred and play quick riffs and power chords. Plus, wider and sometimes fanned frets give you more control over your playing and a deeper, fuller sound.
So, there you have it, folks! The low-down on the differences between 7 and 8-string guitars. So, which one are you going to shred next?
Are 7 and 8 String Guitars Harder to Play?
Imagine yourself as a guitar player, strumming away on your trusty six-string guitar, when suddenly you hear the distinct sound of a seven or eight-string guitar being played nearby. You can’t help but feel a twinge of curiosity and maybe even a little bit of intimidation.
How does that extra string or two affect the playability of the guitar? Well, the truth is, playing a seven or 8-string guitar can be quite a challenge. Not only do you have to learn how to utilize the extra strings, but the longer scale length, wider fretboard, and tighter string spacing can make it even more challenging to play.
Let’s not forget the struggle to palm mute over a larger surface area. No wonder you won’t see many beginners or intermediate guitarists rocking a seven or 8-string guitar. But for those up for the challenge, the reward can be a fuller sound and the ability to play more complex chords and riffs. So, are you ready to take on the challenge and expand your musical horizons with a seven or 8-string guitar?
Pros and Cons
With the knowledge you have gained about the distinctions between 7, and 8 strings, it’s time to delve into the advantages and disadvantages of owning those additional strings.
Pros
Adding strings to a guitar provides various benefits, such as playing extra notes and creating intricate arpeggios. These strings also allow players to explore lower letters without constantly adjusting their guitar’s tuning.
Additionally, the extra strings can offer new playing positions, enabling smoother movement across the fretboard and opening up new possibilities for creative expression.
Cons
Seven and 8-string guitars can pose a challenge for most guitarists due to their complexity. Finding tabs and tutorials specific to these guitars can also be tricky. Mastering the full potential of a seven or 8-string guitar requires a deeper understanding of music theory.
What To Buy?
So, you’ve caught the seven or 8-string bug, and now you’re wondering whether you should take the plunge and get an 8-string guitar. But hold your horses! Before you start shredding away on that extra string, let’s consider your options.
As a guitarist used to playing on six strings, jumping straight to an eight-string guitar can be intimidating. That’s why it’s generally recommended to start with a 7-string guitar. It’s easier to play, has more tabs available, and lets you get used to having that extra string before going all in. Unless you’re a songwriting maestro who craves that additional range, most players will be happy with the different capabilities a 7-string guitar offers. So take your time, experiment, and find the right fit.
Who Plays It?
Who are the badass guitarists that wield seven and 8-string guitars like they’re a piece of cake? While not too many players use them, most of those who do come from the metal scene.
If you’re curious, here’s a list of some of the most famous guitarists spotted shredding on seven and 8-string guitars: Steve Vai, Stephen Carpenter from Deftones, Alex Wade from Whitechapel, James Shaffer from Korn, and John Petrucci from Dream Theatre.
Who Makes Them?
When crafting seven and 8-string guitars, the metal guitar manufacturers are leading the charge. Below are some of the top brands well known for producing these kinds of instruments.
Ibanez
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If you’re a guitar enthusiast, chances are you’ve heard of Ibanez. These guys are practically the rockstars of guitar manufacturing, catering to players of all levels and styles. But when it comes to metal music, Ibanez takes the cake.
Their RG and JEM series hashave been the go-to choice for many top metal players and guitarists, including some of the biggest names in the biz. Whether you’re a beginner on a budget or a seasoned pro looking for a custom masterpiece, Ibanez covers you.
SCHECTER
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Get ready to enter the world of metal guitar manufacturers, where Schecter reigns supreme! With a focus on producing top-quality, mid-high-end electric guitars, Schecter has earned a reputation for excellence in the metal scene.
Their iconic Hellraiser model, available in 6, 7, and 8-string versions, is a staple for any metal guitarist looking for a guitar with a long scale length, jumbo frets, and loaded powerful EMG pickups. If you want to take your metal playing to the next level, Schecter is a brand you can’t ignore.
JACKSON
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You’ve probably heard of Jackson guitars if you’re a metalhead. They’ve built a solid reputation for crafting some of the most iconic metal guitars in the industry. From the sleek Soloist to the powerful Dinky, these guitars are designed to handle the heaviest riffs easily. Plus, they come in a range of prices, so there’s a Jackson guitar for every metalhead out there!
Chords oOn Sseven and 8-String Guitars
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Ah, the extra string challenge! Don’t fret, though; playing open chords on a seven or 8-string guitar requires a bit of tweaking. With that extra lower string, you’ll need to move your fingers around to get those chords sounding just right.
Don’t worry; tons of resources are available to help you! As for power chords, they’re a bit easier. You can still play them in standard tuning; mute that extra 7th or drop tune the 8th string. But why stop there? You can also use those extra strings to develop killer power chord variations that will take your playing to the next level.
When to Use?
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It’s no secret that metal is one of the genres that heavily relies on using seven and 8-string guitars. Why, you might ask? Well, most metal guitarists love to explore the lower end of the frequency spectrum, and that’s where these guitars come in handy.
By having that extra string or two, you don’t have to tune down to play those low, heavy riffs. This means you can keep the rest of the lines in standard tuning, allowing you to use still the higher register for melodies, solos, and arpeggios.
Well, butter my biscuits and call me a noodle! You’ve just reached the end of this article about seven and 8-string guitars. Aren’t you feeling like a total rockstar now?
Hopefully, you’ve learned a thing or two about these beasts of instruments and are ready to shred like the pros. Keep on strummin’, and don’t forget to let those extra strings sing!
FAQs
What Is the Advantage oOf An 8-String Guitar?
Eight-string guitars are less common than 6- or 7-string guitars and are used by some jazz, rock, or classical guitarists. It can be played at eight strings with a wider tonal range and variations, nonstandard tunings (like minor-third tuning), or both.
What Is the Point oOf 7 And 8-String Guitars?
Pro 7 /8 string guitar. This extra string will allow the player to add notes that are helpful to the arpeggio. Playing low notes can be done quickly without down-tuning your instrument. The additional line allows playing in different places, allowing easy movement around the fretboard.
What Is the Advantage oOf a 7-String Guitar?
A 7-string guitar expands your notes range without altering the tone of a 6-string guitar. The 7-string instrument provides additional options for choosing the chord and finger placement. Tell me the reasons behind that. Seven-string guitars are used as low-pitched notes in heavy music. August 1920.
Are 8-String Guitars Hard to Play?
Almost everyone finds the seven and 8-string guitars harder than 6-string guitars. The lower strings of 6 strings need learning rather than playing. The guitar has a broad tone palette tuned to standard guitar tunings.
