Ever wondered how a classically trained pianist ended up revolutionizing eight-string guitar? Sarah Longfield transformed extended-range guitar playing by merging her classical piano background with groundbreaking eight-string techniques, developing a distinctive style that treats the guitar like a piano. After discovering guitar at age 12, she went on to form The Fine Constant in 2012 and partner with .strandberg* for her signature 8-string guitar, while sharing her innovative methods through platforms like JamPlay and Skillshare. Her journey from classical musician to modern innovator continues to shape contemporary guitar playing. Read on to discover how her pioneering approach is reshaping the future of extended-range guitar.
Musical Journey and Development
Sarah Longfield transformed from a classical musician into an innovative modern guitar player through dedication and self-teaching.
Her musical evolution began with traditional instruments like violin and piano before discovering her passion for guitar at age 12.
Her eight-string guitar mastery showcases her ability to create progressive metal soundscapes through complex compositions.
Her natural talent led her to master seven-string guitars, while developing her skills through online learning.
Her creative growth materialized in early recordings 'Zeal' and 'Par Avion', which demonstrated her technical prowess and eventually sparked the creation of The Fine Constant band in 2012.
Her innovative playing style and online presence led to successful collaborations with Rob Scallon, creating popular metal covers on ukulele.
The Piano-Guitar Connection
Piano training directly influenced Sarah Longfield's innovative guitar technique.
Contemporary guitar trends continue evolving through pioneering artists like Longfield who challenge conventional playing methods.
Her distinct musical approach combines piano fingering patterns with guitar playing, enabling multilayered compositions that blend bass lines, chords, and melodies simultaneously.
This fusion of instrumental elements allows Longfield to translate piano counterpoint and harmonic concepts to extended range guitars, resulting in complex arrangements that demonstrate mastery across both musical domains. Her unique style deliberately avoids traditional tapped arpeggios while approaching the guitar more like a piano.
Teaching Through Technology
Sarah Longfield revolutionizes online guitar education through digital teaching platforms. Her educational presence connects multiple digital spaces, including JamPlay and Skillshare, where she focuses on advanced guitar instruction.
Her interactive course format creates an engaging learning environment for students at every skill level. Longfield develops comprehensive lessons covering complex techniques like tapping and polyrhythmic patterns while breaking down her original compositions. Her video content transforms challenging pieces like "First Flight" and "Tydes" into manageable segments, enabling guitar students globally to access and understand sophisticated playing methods through systematic learning approaches.
Gear and Performance Evolution
Longfield's gear evolution centers on innovative equipment choices that enhance her musical capabilities. Like progressive metal pioneer Tosin Abasi, she continues to push technical boundaries with extended-range guitars.
Her instrumental foundation builds on a .strandberg* 8-string guitar, which combines a chambered Basswood body with Fishman Fluence Modern pickups. This setup merges with advanced technology and traditional instrument design, allowing her to push creative boundaries in her performances and compositions. Her signature model features the distinctive Black Doppler artwork finish that defines her aesthetic vision.
- Engl Powerball II amp head paired with Headrush pedalboard
- Custom "Black Doppler" design with specialized electronics
- Logic Pro X for professional recording and mixing
- Integration of diverse instruments including cello and modular synth
Breaking Traditional Guitar Boundaries
Sarah Longfield breaks traditional guitar boundaries by treating the guitar like a piano and developing unique playing techniques.
Her distinctive approach emerges from her piano training and self-taught guitar journey, leading her to reject conventional tapping methods associated with Eddie Van Halen. Instead, she crafts intricate melodies using multiple fingers simultaneously, drawing direct parallels to piano playing techniques. Her signature sound is amplified through the Strandberg Boden Metal guitar designed specifically for her playing style.
Much like multimedia pioneer Kaki King, Longfield enhances her innovative style by weaving electronic elements and orchestral textures into her compositions, expanding the sonic possibilities of guitar-based music beyond traditional limits.
