The world of guitars is vast and diverse, with various types and configurations designed to meet the creative needs of musicians. Among these, the 8 string guitar stands out as a unique and versatile instrument. So, what is an 8 string guitar called? It is simply referred to as an 8 string guitar in most musical contexts. However, its significance goes far beyond just its name.
The 8 string guitar, as the name implies, features two additional strings compared to the standard 6 string guitar. This extra pair of strings expands the instrument’s sonic capabilities, offering a wider range of notes and chords. Musicians have been drawn to the 8 string guitar for its ability to add depth, richness, and complexity to their music. Whether it’s in the realm of rock, metal, jazz, or even classical music, the 8 string guitar has found its place and made a distinct mark.
In the following sections, we will explore the origin, construction, playing techniques, and more aspects of the 8 string guitar to gain a comprehensive understanding of this fascinating instrument.
Origin and Development of the 8 String Guitar
The concept of an 8 string guitar has been around for quite some time. Historically, luthiers and musicians have experimented with different string configurations to expand the sonic palette of the guitar. In the early days, 8 string guitars were often custom-built instruments, crafted to meet the specific needs of individual players.
Early Experiments: Some of the earliest attempts at creating an 8 string guitar can be traced back to the 19th century. Luthiers in Europe, particularly in Spain and Italy, were known for their innovative approach to instrument design. They added extra strings to the traditional 6 string guitar, aiming to create a more full – bodied sound. These early 8 string guitars were not as standardized as the modern versions. The additional strings were sometimes tuned in unique ways, and the overall construction varied from one instrument to another.
Modern Revival: In the latter half of the 20th century, there was a resurgence of interest in the 8 string guitar, especially in the rock and metal music scenes. Guitarists began to realize the potential of the extra strings for creating heavier, more complex riffs and chord progressions. Manufacturers like Ibanez and ESP started producing mass-market 8 string guitars, making them more accessible to a wider range of musicians. This led to a significant increase in the popularity of the 8 string guitar, with many well-known guitarists incorporating it into their arsenals.
The Construction of an 8 String Guitar
The construction of an 8 string guitar is similar in many ways to that of a 6 string guitar, but with some key differences to accommodate the extra strings.
Body
The body of an 8 string guitar is typically larger than that of a 6 string guitar. This is to provide enough space for the wider neck and the additional strings. The larger body also contributes to a more resonant and full-bodied sound. Different body shapes are available, including the traditional solid-body shapes like the Stratocaster-style or Les Paul-style, as well as semi-hollow and hollow-body designs. Each body shape has its own unique tonal characteristics. For example, solid-body 8 string guitars are often preferred in high-gain genres like metal because they can handle distortion well without feedback issues. Semi-hollow and hollow-body 8 string guitars, on the other hand, offer a warmer, more acoustic-like tone, making them suitable for jazz and blues.
Neck
The neck of an 8 string guitar is wider to accommodate the extra strings. This wider neck requires a different playing technique, especially for chord formations. The fretboard may also be longer to maintain proper intonation across the wider range of strings. Some 8 string guitars feature a compound radius fretboard, which means the radius of the fretboard changes along its length. This design allows for better playability, especially when performing bends and chords in different positions on the neck.
Strings
The 8 string guitar has two additional strings, usually tuned lower than the lowest string on a 6 string guitar. The most common tuning for an 8 string guitar is F#, B, E, A, D, G, B, E, from the lowest to the highest string. However, many guitarists also use alternative tunings to achieve different sonic effects. The strings themselves are typically made of materials such as nickel-plated steel, stainless steel, or even coated strings for longer lifespan and reduced corrosion.
Playing Techniques for the 8 String Guitar
Playing an 8 string guitar requires a combination of traditional guitar techniques and some new approaches to fully utilize its capabilities.
Chord Playing
Chord formations on an 8 string guitar are more complex due to the additional strings. Guitarists often need to develop new fingerings to play chords that incorporate the extra strings. For example, power chords can be extended to include more notes, creating a thicker and more powerful sound. Open chords also need to be adjusted to account for the wider neck. Some players use a hybrid approach, combining traditional 6 string chord shapes with additional notes from the extra strings to create unique voicings.
Lead Playing
In lead playing, the 8 string guitar offers a wider range for soloing. Guitarists can access lower notes for a more menacing sound or use the higher strings for intricate melodies. Bends, legatos, and tapping techniques can be applied across the entire range of the 8 strings. The extra strings also allow for more complex arpeggio patterns, adding depth and complexity to lead lines.
Rhythm Playing
For rhythm playing, the 8 string guitar can create a wall-of-sound effect. The lower strings can be used to play heavy, driving riffs, while the higher strings add clarity and definition. Palm muting, a technique where the guitarist uses the edge of the picking hand to mute the strings slightly, is commonly used on 8 string guitars to create a tight, percussive rhythm sound.
Notable 8 String Guitarists and Their Contributions
Over the years, several notable guitarists have helped popularize the 8 string guitar and showcase its potential.
Tosin Abasi
Tosin Abasi, the guitarist of the progressive metal band Animals as Leaders, is one of the most well-known 8 string guitarists. His playing style is characterized by complex polyrhythms, intricate tapping, and innovative chord voicings. Abasi’s music often combines elements of jazz, metal, and progressive rock, pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved on an 8 string guitar. His solo albums and work with Animals as Leaders have inspired countless guitarists to pick up the 8 string guitar and explore its capabilities.
Misha Mansoor
Misha Mansoor of Periphery is another influential 8 string guitarist. He is known for his use of the 8 string guitar to create heavy, djent-style riffs. Mansoor’s songwriting often features complex time signatures and layered guitar parts. His playing has had a significant impact on the modern metal and progressive metal scenes, with many bands emulating his approach to using the 8 string guitar in a heavy music context.
The 8 String Guitar in Different Music Genres
The 8 string guitar has found its way into various music genres, each adapting it to their own unique style.
Metal and Hard Rock
In metal and hard rock, the 8 string guitar has become a staple. The lower strings allow for heavier, more aggressive riffs. Bands like Meshuggah, known for their complex polyrhythmic metal, use the 8 string guitar to create a wall of sound that is both intense and rhythmically intricate. The 8 string guitar’s ability to produce low, booming notes is perfect for the heavy, distorted sound that defines these genres.
Jazz
In jazz, the 8 string guitar offers a wider harmonic palette. Jazz guitarists can use the extra strings to play more complex chords and voicings. The warmer tone of some 8 string guitar models, especially semi – hollow and hollow-body ones, also suits the jazz aesthetic. Guitarists may use the 8 string guitar to play comping patterns that are richer and more harmonically diverse than what can be achieved on a 6 string guitar.
Progressive Music
Progressive music, which encompasses elements of rock, jazz, classical, and other genres, has embraced the 8 string guitar wholeheartedly. Progressive bands often require an instrument that can handle complex time signatures, multiple key changes, and elaborate arrangements. The 8 string guitar, with its extended range and ability to play complex chords, fits the bill perfectly. It allows progressive musicians to create music that is both challenging and rewarding for both the player and the listener.
Conclusion
The 8 string guitar, with its unique name and even more unique capabilities, has firmly established itself as an important instrument in the world of music. From its humble origins in experimental luthiery to becoming a staple in various music genres, the 8 string guitar has continuously evolved and adapted. Its construction, with a larger body, wider neck, and additional strings, is designed to provide a wider sonic range. The playing techniques for the 8 string guitar, whether it’s chord playing, lead playing, or rhythm playing, require a blend of traditional and new approaches. Notable guitarists like Tosin Abasi and Misha Mansoor have helped popularize the instrument, and it has found its place in diverse music genres such as metal, jazz, and progressive music. As musicians continue to explore and innovate, the 8 string guitar will undoubtedly continue to play a significant role in shaping the future of music.
