Meshuggah and Animals as Leaders lead the 8-string guitar movement in modern music. Tosin Abasi masters complex techniques, while Fredrik Thordendal innovates in progressive metal. Deftones employs F# and B tuning across genres. Guitar manufacturers develop specialized hardware for extended-range instruments, expanding tonal possibilities for musicians.
Key Points
- Meshuggah leads the evolution of heavy metal through 8-string guitar innovation and technical mastery.
- Animals as Leaders advances progressive metal by combining 8-string guitars with innovative fingerpicking methods.
- Deftones bridges musical genres by implementing 8-string guitars with unique tuning approaches.
Origins of 8-String Guitar Bands
8-string guitars emerged during John Dowland's time in the late 16th century and evolved into modern metal instruments.
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While 8-string guitars are predominantly associated with contemporary metal music, their historical origins date back to the Renaissance period of the late 16th century.
Italian classical virtuosos Giulio Regondi and Luigi Legnani pioneered these extended-range instruments, developing innovative playing techniques and compositions.
The 8 string guitar purpose includes achieving deeper bass notes and expanded tonal range for more complex compositions.
The evolution of 8-string guitars continued through various musical traditions, notably appearing in American music when lap steel guitarists adopted them in the 1940s.
The Swedish metal band Meshuggah later revolutionized the instrument's use in the late 20th century, establishing the 8-string guitar as a defining element of modern progressive metal through their distinctive downtuned sound and complex rhythmic patterns.
The modern 8-string guitar's breakthrough came when Paul Galbraith and Rubio created their innovative design in 1994, setting the stage for future mass production.
Pioneering Artists and Their Impact
Meshuggah's revolutionary approach to metal music in the early 2000s fundamentally changed the landscape of heavy music through their pioneering implementation of 8-string guitars and polyrhythmic compositions.
Their technical innovation directly influenced virtuoso guitarist Tosin Abasi, who elevated the instrument's capabilities through his intricate fingerpicking techniques with progressive metal band Animals as Leaders.
Stephen Carpenter of Deftones further expanded the instrument's sonic palette, demonstrating how extended-range guitars could bridge multiple genres from alternative metal to shoegaze. The band's unique approach to utilizing F# and B tuning created a signature sound that influenced countless modern metal acts.
These groundbreaking artists haven't only transformed modern guitar pedagogy but have also established new paradigms for extended-range instrumentation, inspiring subsequent generations of musicians to push technical and compositional boundaries.
Technical Innovations Through Extended Range
Technical innovations enable guitarists to maximize musical potential through extended range instruments.
The expanded range of 8-string guitars requires mastering specialized techniques and adapting to wider neck dimensions. Players must develop proficiency in hybrid picking techniques, combining traditional plectrum use with fingerstyle approaches for enhanced articulation and tonal control. String skipping techniques prove vital when navigating the expansive fretboard range. Metal musicians increasingly choose 8-string guitars for their extended low-end capabilities.
The extended range demands meticulous attention to equipment setup, including precise string tension calibration and optimized action height. Proper string gauge selection becomes critical, typically ranging from .009 to .080, to maintain consistent tension across all strings.
Bridge and nut adjustments must accommodate the increased string mass while preserving intonation accuracy. When exploring lower registers, specialized amplification and EQ settings help preserve note definition and prevent muddy frequencies.
These technical considerations work together to ensure optimal playability and tonal clarity across the instrument's extended range.
Genre-Crossing Musical Applications
Musicians across diverse genres have embraced 8-string guitars, transcending traditional stylistic boundaries between metal, jazz, and experimental music.
Progressive metal bands like Periphery and Meshuggah demonstrate technical mastery through complex polyrhythms and extended-range compositions, while jazz and classical performers harness the additional strings for expansive chord voicings and harmonic exploration.
Major-thirds tuning has become a popular choice for many experimental musicians exploring new sonic territories.
Modern artists including Deftones and Hacktivist merge these extended-range capabilities with alternative rock and rap-metal approaches, creating innovative soundscapes that showcase the instrument's versatility. Extended range instruments allow guitarists to explore deeper bass frequencies while maintaining standard guitar tunings in higher registers.
The cross-pollination of techniques has led to new hybrid styles where metal's intensity meets jazz harmony and experimental textures, establishing the 8-string guitar as a versatile tool for musical innovation rather than a genre-specific instrument.
Modern Masters of 8-String
8-string guitar playing has evolved through pioneering musicians who established modern extended-range techniques and applications.
Several influential bands and guitarists have revolutionized the modern 8-string guitar landscape. Meshuggah's Fredrik Thordendal and Mårten Hagström pioneered the polyrhythmic djent style, incorporating complex time signatures and low-tuned riffs. The band's groundbreaking album ObZen in 2008 showcased the full potential of 8-string guitars in extreme metal.
Animals as Leaders' Tosin Abasi elevated the instrument's potential through advanced finger-tapping, sweep picking, and hybrid techniques. Deftones' Stephen Carpenter developed a signature approach focused on atmospheric soundscapes and textural layering, while After the Burial's progressive metal innovations combine technical precision with melodic complexity, inspiring contemporary extended-range guitarists.
Future of Extended Range Guitar
Extended range guitars advance through technological innovation and design evolution to expand musical possibilities beyond traditional limitations.
As extended range guitars continue evolving, manufacturers are implementing sophisticated design elements like asymmetric neck profiles, advanced carbon fiber reinforcement, and ergonomic body contours.
The integration of multiscale fretboard systems addresses string tension optimization, while specialized bridge hardware accommodates additional strings with enhanced intonation accuracy.
Modern ERG designs feature active electronics systems, custom-wound pickups, and enhanced sustain characteristics through neck-through construction methods.
Musicians across genres, from progressive metal to contemporary jazz, increasingly adopt these instruments for their expanded tonal range and compositional flexibility.
The growing accessibility of ERGs stems from improved manufacturing processes, resulting in better balance, reduced weight, and more intuitive string spacing.
These advancements, coupled with specialized string gauges and advanced fret materials, make extended range instruments more approachable for players transitioning from traditional six-string guitars.
The future development trajectory points toward further refinements in ergonomics, materials science, and digital integration capabilities, ensuring ERGs continue to evolve as versatile tools for modern musical expression.
Extended range guitars incorporate longer scale lengths of up to 28 inches to accommodate the extremely low frequencies of their additional strings.
FAQs
How Much More Expensive Are 8-String Guitars Compared to 6-String Guitars?
You'll spend $200-2000 extra for an 8-string guitar versus a 6-string. Looking to upgrade? Your budget impact will be less with starter models, but prepare for bigger price jumps on premium custom builds.
What String Gauges Work Best for Maintaining Proper Tension on 8-Strings?
For optimal tension on your 8-string guitar, use .010-.074 strings in standard tuning. If string floppiness frustrates you in drop tunings, switch to .009-.090 sets for better playability and response.
Are 8-String Guitars Significantly Heavier Than Traditional Electric Guitars?
You'll find 8-string guitars add only minimal weight compared to regular electrics. Worried about neck strain? Don't be – despite their wider necks and longer scale lengths, most models stay comfortably manageable for players.
Can Beginners Start Directly With 8-String Guitars Instead of 6-String?
You could start with an 8-string guitar, but you'll struggle unnecessarily. Your hands will battle the wider neck, your mind will feel overwhelmed by extra strings, and your progress will slow. Master 6-string basics first.
Do 8-String Guitars Require Special Amplifiers or Effects Pedals?
No, you don't need special amps for 8-string guitars, but your tone will suffer without proper equipment. Your amp needs strong bass response, and dedicated 8-string gear helps capture those low notes with clarity.
The Bottom Line
8-string guitars continue pushing musical boundaries beyond traditional limits. From modern metal's thunderous riffs to progressive fusion's intricate textures, these extended-range instruments demonstrate lasting innovation. Their growing adoption by artists proves they're more than a trend in guitar evolution.
