When you have an eight-string guitar to play, you have two more than the usual six or an additional one over the Russian 7-string design.
The eight-string guitar is an uncommon construction. You’ll find it used most often in the metal, jazz, or classical genres.
When you play on eight strings, you’ll find that the guitar delivers a greater tonal range for more creativity and flexibility. This design also offers more alternative tunings to produce unique chords and harmonies individually or with a band.
My favorite tuning for my Ibanez RG8 is the Drop D, which is D-A-D-A-D-G-B-E on the eight-string guitar. It opens some power chords to play while delivering a more versatile lower range for my playing style.
What Is Your Favorite Tuning on an 8-String Guitar and Why?
Most 8-string guitars perform well when using a drop tuning variation. The most common one is Drop A, which uses E-A-E-A-D-G-B-E. Another choice would be the Drop D, or D-A-D-A-D-G-B-E. If you want more range within the lower register while keeping the higher strings clear, try using a Drop A-flat instead.
The choice for your tuning depends on what the guitar wants to play. Some instruments tend to be a little chunky when using the Drop A or Drop D tuning option, which means you’ll want to look for an alternative choice.
For an Ibanez guitar in the RG series, you might consider an F-standard tuning with the scale of F-Bb-Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb for better support in the minor chords.
That option is a slight modification of David Maxim Micic’s tuning, which used all eight flats instead of starting on the natural tone.
You can stay with the standard tuning if you prefer more attack, especially in the metal genre. In today’s music, everyone tends to take things down a step to reduce the treble.
That means anything classical or jazz would work well-tuned as A-D-G-C-F-Bb-Eb-Ab or E-A-D-G-C-F-Bb-Eb.
Once you get beyond three flats in your scale, it’s tougher to create the classical or jazz sounds you want from an eight-string instrument.
As for my favorite tuning, I have my Kiesel set at E-B-E-A-D-G-B-E. When I want to switch things up, I like to do an E to D tuning on the instrument because that sets up the bottom four strings to replicate a standard bass. In that instance, you’d have E-A-D-G-C-F-A-D.
■ Why Play an Eight-String Guitar Today?
Learning how to play an eight-string guitar is suitable for your overall playing skills. It’s always a great idea to discover something new to improve your technique and style.
When you pick up something like a lap steel guitar, you’ll end up reading more information about music theory.
A lap steel guitar is one of the most affordable new instruments you can start playing right now. Not only will it help you with your picking and fingerboard technique, but it can also introduce new sounds and styles into your composition.
A lap steel guitar is a bit of a strange instrument, especially when playing an eight-string model. Instead of holding it like an electric or acoustic, it’s placed in your lap horizontally.
Artists like Gabriel Davion, Joseph Kekuku, and James Hoa helped to bring this style into the modern consciousness.
Most people don’t remember this fact, but the first electric guitar was a lap steel model in the 1930s called the “Frying Pan.”
Instead of putting your fingers on the fret area, you’ll use a glass slide to create the tones you want for your music. That process improves your overall technique, as does the need to mute the strings when playing.
■ What Lap Steel Guitar Should I Add to My Collection?
You have two choices to consider when playing the lap steel guitar. There is a budget-friendly option that can let you see if you like it and a gig-ready model that works well for recording or stage work.
Let’s start with the entry-level model. The SX Lap 2 Ash NA Electric Lap Steel Guitar comes with a free detachable stand that lets you stand to play the instrument.
It’s a full-size piece with 36 frets, although you only get six strings with this model. It features a standard P90 pickup and diecast chrome controls and tuners.
The guitar comes tuned to standard G, although several alternatives are worth pursuing with this unique instrument.
My favorite lap steel guitar is the Gretsch G5700. It’s been in my collection for a while because I fell in love with how the incorporated mahogany creates unique tones and intonations throughout the instrument.
Although it’s not a pro-level instrument, you can still take it to small gigs to have a great time because it is tons of fun to play.
It’s a well-built piece that delivers a sound that doesn’t get any better for the price.
History of the Eight-String Guitar
When most people think of an eight-string guitar, they picture a pedal or lap steel instrument. These designs were introduced to country music in the 1940s when luthiers standardized the design to accommodate the classic E9 Nashville chord.
Another popular tuning option for steel guitars is the C6 chord, although that choice is typically reserved for a jazz configuration.
It wasn’t until Meshuggah, a Swedish progressive metal band, started using eight-string guitars that the design gained in popularity outside the country realm.
Even though the group was founded in 1987, they are still active and had their last release in October 2016. A ninth studio album has been on its way since 2019.
Other artists who helped bring the eight-string guitar into the limelight include Animals as Leaders, Asesino, and Scar Symmetry.
You can get an eight-string guitar with three different body types: solid, hollow-body, and scale length. Each has the same advantages you’d receive from guitars with standard string configurations.
The last build option is typically the best because the lower strings tend to play up a semitone when depressed.
After all, you’re changing the tension of the tuning. Ibanez uses a bridge design that offsets the back seventh and eighth for more adjustment.
If you prefer the solid-body style, the electric eight-string guitar plays like most other instruments within that design.
You’ll receive more of an acoustic feeling with the hollow body, and a few specialty instruments even give you the classical or acoustic guitar experience.
Problems Associated with Playing the Eight-String Guitar
The primary issue I’ve faced when playing an eight-string guitar involves tuning stability. It doesn’t matter whether I’m playing an Ibanez, a Kiesel, or something created by hand because the problem remains the same.
Tuning problems always occur in the lower strings. This happens because the guitar’s neck is a little too short for the sound that needs to play when you have a straight string design.
There isn’t enough room to create stability even on the Agile Intrepid, where the tuners move up and down along the top triangle.
The best way to correct this issue is to install a slanted saddle. By increasing the string length and setting an appropriate tension, you can eliminate the issue.
The only problem with that approach is that there isn’t a mass-produced eight-string guitar with that design.
Even then, the extended string tends to have improper intonation unless you’re purchasing a high-quality product. I prefer the D’Addario EXL 110-3D for an electric guitar and Elixir’s Phosphor Bronze .011-.052 with Nanoweb coating for acoustic models.
Additional issues to review before purchasing an eight-string guitar involve uneven spacing for the floating bridge or equipping it with an incorrect gauge. Both concerns can lead to potential damage to second-hand instruments.
What Do I Play When I Need an Eight-String Guitar?
Ibanez is the primary manufacturer of eight-string guitars for the modern musician. Although other brands provide options, including ESP and Schecter, the most consistency comes from models like the RG8. You’ll get the standard look and feel of the instrument while benefitting from the increased tonal range.
I have a white Ibanez RG8 eight-string guitar in my collection for those moments when I need extra depth and clarity to my compositions.
I love this instrument because the basswood construction delivers warmth and emotion throughout the entire register.
The saddle has a slight angle to it so that the lower strings can keep the correct tension without having a semitone issue when playing. The rosewood fretboard is beautiful, delivering a classic look with the dot inlays.
Although the RG8 is cheaper than the multi-scale series instruments from Ibanez (and there is an eight-string model in that collection), I prefer how the humbuckers produce a broad frequency range in several alternate tunings.
It is an ultra-playable guitar that will deliver plenty of fun moments, whether you play alone or in a band.
Don’t forget about the strap, case, and other accessories if you purchase an eight-string guitar!
Since some hard cases are specifically designed to support the six-string setup, you’ll need to review the products before purchasing to ensure they work with an instrument like the Ibanez RG8.