What Is an 8 String Guitar Called?

The world of guitars is rich and diverse, and the 8-string guitar stands out as a unique and fascinating instrument. It offers expanded sonic possibilities and challenges the boundaries of traditional guitar playing. Understanding what an 8-string guitar is called and its distinct characteristics is crucial for both guitar enthusiasts and musicians looking to explore new tonal landscapes. With its additional strings, it brings a whole new dimension to the art of guitar music.

The Name: 8-String Guitar

The most straightforward and commonly used name for this instrument is simply the “8-string guitar.” This name clearly indicates the number of strings it possesses, which is double the number of strings on a standard 6-string guitar. It is a descriptive term that allows musicians and instrument makers to easily identify and classify this particular type of guitar. For example, when musicians are discussing their gear or searching for an 8-string guitar in a music store, they can simply use this name to convey their needs.

Alternative Names: Octave Guitar

Another name that is sometimes used for the 8-string guitar is the “Octave Guitar.” This name emphasizes the relationship between the additional strings and the octave. The extra strings are often tuned an octave lower than the corresponding strings on a 6-string guitar. For instance, the two additional low strings might be tuned to lower pitches that add a deep and resonant bass foundation. This name gives a sense of the unique harmonic and tonal qualities that the 8-string guitar can produce, with the ability to reach lower octaves and create a more expansive sound.

Construction and Design

Body Style

The body of an 8-string guitar can come in various styles similar to 6-string guitars. It can be a solid body, like those used in electric guitars for rock and metal music, which provides sustain and a focused sound. Or it can have a hollow or semi-hollow body, which gives a warmer and more acoustic-like tone, suitable for jazz and some softer musical genres. For example, a solid body 8-string guitar might be favored by a metal guitarist who wants a powerful and aggressive sound, while a jazz musician might opt for a semi-hollow body for a more mellow and nuanced tone.

Neck and Fretboard

The neck of an 8-string guitar is usually wider than that of a 6-string guitar to accommodate the additional strings. The fretboard may have a similar material, such as rosewood or maple, but the wider neck requires a different playing technique. The guitarist needs to be more precise in finger placement to avoid accidentally muting or hitting the wrong string. The fretboard might also have additional inlays or markings to help the player navigate the wider neck and find the correct notes.

Tuning Options

Standard Tuning

There is no one-size-fits-all standard tuning for an 8-string guitar. However, a common tuning is similar to a 6-string guitar but with two additional low strings. The standard 6-string tuning is E, A, D, G, B, E. For an 8-string guitar, it might be extended to something like F#, B, E, A, D, G, B, E. The two additional low strings (F# and B) add a deeper and more complex bass element. This tuning allows for a seamless transition from 6-string to 8-string playing, as many of the chord shapes and playing techniques can be adapted.

Drop Tunings

Drop tunings are also popular with 8-string guitars. For example, a Drop F# tuning might be used, where the lowest string is tuned down to F#. This tuning is favored in heavy metal and some experimental music genres. It enables the guitarist to play extremely low and powerful riffs, creating a sense of heaviness and intensity. The other strings can be tuned relative to the dropped low string to form chords and melodies that fit the desired musical style.

Playing Techniques

Chord Formation

Forming chords on an 8-string guitar is more complex than on a 6-string guitar. The additional strings require the guitarist to consider more notes and finger placements. For example, a simple major chord like a C major chord will have more possible voicings. The guitarist can use the extra strings to add bass notes or extensions to the chord, creating a richer and more harmonically complex sound. However, it takes practice to find the most comfortable and effective chord shapes.

Single-Note Playing

When playing single notes, the wider neck and additional strings offer more options for melody and lead lines. The guitarist can switch between the regular 6-string range and the lower octave strings to create interesting melodic patterns. For instance, a lead guitarist might start a solo on the higher strings and then move down to the lower octave strings for a dramatic effect, adding a sense of depth and contrast to the solo.

Musical Genres and the 8-String Guitar

Metal Music

The 8-string guitar has found a significant place in metal music. Bands like Meshuggah have popularized the use of 8-string guitars to create complex and heavy riffs. The ability to play extremely low and fast-paced riffs gives metal music a new level of intensity and aggression. The deep bass notes can shake the listener’s core, while the higher strings can still provide the shredding and melodic elements typical of metal solos.

Experimental and Progressive Music

In experimental and progressive music, the 8-string guitar is used to break musical boundaries. Musicians can create unique chord progressions, unusual melodies, and complex harmonies. The additional strings allow for a greater exploration of sonic textures and a departure from traditional musical norms. It can be used to create ambient soundscapes, dissonant passages, and unexpected musical twists.

Conclusion

The 8-string guitar, whether called simply that or the Octave Guitar, is a remarkable instrument. Its unique construction, diverse tuning options, challenging playing techniques, and suitability for specific musical genres make it a favorite among adventurous musicians. Whether you’re a metalhead looking to create the heaviest riffs or an experimental artist seeking new sonic frontiers, the 8-string guitar offers a world of possibilities. With its ability to expand the tonal palette and push the limits of guitar playing, it continues to evolve and inspire in the ever-changing landscape of music.

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