When it comes to extended-range guitars, where does the limit really lie? While seven-string guitars have become standard, and eight-strings have gained popularity when used appropriately, the idea of a nine-string guitar raises some eyebrows. According to Matt Heafy of Trivium, a nine-string might be a step too far.
In a recent discussion with Metal Hammer, alongside Matt Tuck of Bullet for My Valentine, Heafy shared his thoughts on the nine-string guitar:
“That thing is silly! I don’t think it’d fit Trivium or Bullet, but it’s so much fun to play.”
Heafy, who is well-known for his love of extended-range guitars, isn’t a stranger to the world of seven-string instruments. In fact, one of his signature guitars with Epiphone is a Custom Les Paul seven-string, which, despite its unique 3+4 headstock design, is a powerhouse of a guitar.
For those who might think that a seven-string guitar would limit Heafy’s tonal possibilities, he clarified in a past interview that his signature model actually features a slightly longer scale length than typical Les Paul guitars.
“I actually did increase the scale subtly,” he explained last year. “You almost can’t tell, but it’s 25.5″ instead of the 24.75″, the traditional. The six-string is still 24.75″, this is 25.5″ just to get that extra resonance in the low string.”
While Heafy is no stranger to pushing boundaries with his gear, it seems that a nine-string guitar is where he draws the line.
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