7-String, 8-String, & 9-String Guitars 101 - Extended Range Guitar Lesson

When you think of a guitar, what comes to mind? In most cases, it’s an acoustic or electric instrument with 6-strings. But there’s a growing guitar-niche in which guitars begin magically growing extra strings and traveling into bass guitar territory. Mostly, that space is the many subgenres of metal, however, these days, it’s becoming more and more common to see them in rock, jazz, and other more popular styles. In this lesson, Andrew Baena joins us to give you the rundown on extended range guitars.
These guitars typically sport 7-strings, 8-strings, 9-strings, and sometimes even more! And they give a guitar player the ability to go extra low. That usually means having the bass tuned even lower, or ditched altogether. It’s important to note that there is a difference between “extended range” guitars and “extended scale” guitars.
While extended range guitars give you the ability to go lower through having access to more strings, extended scale guitars have a greater distance between the nut and saddles. This gives you more room to tune the guitar lower. Both are good options for reaching lower notes, and the right choice comes down to what you prefer and what your specific needs are.
Ready to level up your playing? Get personal coaching tips and structured lessons: enjoy your free 7-day trial to Guitareo!
► guitareo.com/t...
Just getting started on the electric guitar? Get free access to our 6-video course here 😎
► www.guitareo.c...
Check out Andrew Baena's KZbin channel here:
► / @baenacarcosa
Follow us:
►Facebook: / guitareoofficial
►Instagram: / guitareoofficial
►TikTok: / guitareoofficial
► The Riff Blog: www.guitareo.c...
#guitarlesson #guitarplayer #guitareo

[@MusoraMedia]

Ready to level up your playing? Get personal coaching tips and structured lessons: enjoy your free 7-day trial to Guitareo! ► guitareo.com/trial

[@jchristensen9971]

How or what is it you use to get that tone?

[@BaenaCarcosa]

Thanks so much for having me, guys!

[@flywayen2135]

what strings do you use on all your guitars

[@Pokeoakestcg]

Thanks for the info. I subbed to your channel directly. I hope to hear more of your Agile guitars, I've been contemplating their 7 stringsmed guitars.

[@flywayen2135]

you dont have that many guitars i know someone who bought over 40 cause he thinks he needs new ones

[@jazzalmenasmusic]

Andy, what about the figurine atop the monitor, tho?

[@joseplays5221]

What’s a good multi-scale length for a nine string?

[@dbo4506]

I’ve literally thought multi scale guitars were the most pointless thing ever.... turns out it’s exactly what I’ve been looking for 😂

[@IceCubeNETWORK873]

D Bo they look cool to!

[@apoplexiamusic]

i was feeling the same when i decided to start playing again. I tried an Ibanez 7-string fanned fret and didn't really like the feel, but i was basically starting from a beginner level having not played for around 9 years. I got a 26.5" scale length 7-string and i am still struggling with the lover frets as i have smaller hands. This week i got a fanned fret 8-string Harley Benton from Thomann and i really like the feel in the lower frets as they aren't as large, and the same goes for playing on the higher strings and higher frets since the frets are smaller and stretched are much easier :D

[@Cyclobomber]

@@apoplexiamusic Mostly the same here, I decided to try 7-string after not playing guitar for about 10 years (and only 6stg) and I got a Harley Benton 7-stg fanfret just to see (since I live in Europe, CS would have been a breeze, also because when I read it gave better overall string tension I tought "makes sense") and while I'm still getting used to it to some degree, it's actually super comfortable and feels great. Now I'm kinda thinking of multiscaling all my axes, I love it.

[@apoplexiamusic]

@@CyclesAreSingularities it is the Fanfret 8 QBB, but a 2017 deko model

[@katyungodly]

I just got my wife her first multiscale guitar for early Christmas and she loves it, says she immediately got used to it, wasn't an adjustment.

[@jordanpurcell5161]

27” and 7 strings are what I keep buying. That 27” has a sweet spot in drop A. 🔥🔥

[@EpicStuffMan1000]

*laughs in Drop D and Whammy DT*

[@mihailmilev9909]

@@EpicStuffMan1000 what is that perhaps?

[@shouldabeengone]

@@mihailmilev9909 a pedal that allows you to downtune electronically instead of actually tuning your guitar lower

[@TheBanana93]

I wish I had known about it when I got my 7 string. Its 25.5 and drop G is just too floppy and buzzy drop A is bearable

[@B31L]

@@TheBanana93 just go up in string thing

[@origin199]

Therapist: “Fanned fret Les Paul isn’t real, it can’t hurt you” Fanned fret Les Paul: 3:34

[@nurikkulanbaev3628]

The ugliest thing i have ever seen

[@jakelikesdjent1725]

@@nurikkulanbaev3628 IMO it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever laid my eyes on in my entire existence

[@waltervt]

Not a Les Paul though, just a single-cutaway guitar.

[@mesarosmm]

Disgusting thing. I love it!!

[@TheBanana93]

@@waltervt Les paul style

[@KeyanHoushmandLive]

Can really notice everything getting more professional after you decided to go full time, keep it up dude

[@jacob2343432]

The longer the scale the more tension on the string, meaning when you drop low with a longer scale, the string won’t be as wobbly than a shorter scale

[@alecrisser12]

My initial reason for wanting an 8 string was just so that I could go lower without having to tune differently. So, more strings, but that doesn't just mean going lower without down tuning, it means I can achieve two octaves in a single fretting position.

[@randyeppyt]

I need a murdered out 7-string in my life.

[@joefelkins7930]

Who else came for Andrew?

[@MaryjaneDaniel]

Oh shiz guys, it's Andrew Banana Montana!

[@louisanthony266]

I play a fanned fret 8 string. In particular it’s an Ibanez rgms8. I love it, possibly the most fun I’ve had on guitar. Super comfortable and helps me be more creative.

[@stevecourt346]

I tried G# on my Jackson for a bit and although it sounded preeeeetty cool using baritone strings. That longer scale would make it so much more satisfying imo! To me drop B seems perfect for that nice low tuning but you also get a nice sharp sound 😁

[@funnyperson4027]

Drop F# and F are cool too. Vola makes some cool melodic riffs with that tuning

[@feydrinend]

7 Strings Life style

[@corbinsmith6777]

You don’t need to order custom pickups for da feet guitars, just take the baseplate off of the original pickups and put them on the new ones. Works with any pickup as far as I’m aware.

[@andrewmcbride88]

Super helpful. It took me a week or so to put this info together from multiple sources before finding this video that really sums it up and points you in the right direction. Decided for a longer scale length 6-string guitar over an 8-string because I don't play much lead

[@SynthChris]

I’d recommend checking out The Bunn’s channel for more baritone 6-string content if you decide to go with that option

[@Game4Lord]

Rabea Massaad is also a killer baritone 6 player.

[@CorbenEdward]

When I first got my 8 string (26.5" scale), the standard tuning of it and even dropped E just made me feel like it was the wrong guitar. So I tuned it so the Low string is G# (better intonation) in the middle (strings 7 - 2) I have C# standard tuning, and then a High D# on the 1st string for a cool accent on all my chords. *the D# makes it sound really emo lol* Now I use all 8 strings.

[@TheBanana93]

Oh man that hurt my head reading that god knows how you played it.

[@blahblahsen1142]

i did the opposite of adding more strings for range extension. after a fun lil powertool accident that fucked my left hand i converted all my 6-string guitars to 5 string and instead of drop tuning the low string 4 notes instead of the standard 3, i space all the strings 4 notes apart each string. you end up with a 6-string range on a 5-string guitar. the strings are now physically further apart and also musically further apart in pitch. i do have a 6-string fretless bass but its more for goofing

[@KordTaylor]

Really nice. Thank you. I just wish you had more playing demos in a few styles. Thank you 👏🏻

[@magmarok8209]

Found out that I need a seven string tuned ADADGBE for extended range chords with the joe pass style for how I play.

[@lokilaufeyson3983]

this was sooooo helpful thank you good sir!!

[@aniketacharya512]

yOu CaN jUsT tUnE LoWeR. I have a Floyd rose man 😂

[@justusdaniel3913]

😭😭 same here😭

Get a tremol-no guys. It's magic. Thanks me later.

[@Fragments_Ov_Shattered_Malice_]

Time to buy a digitech drop

[@TheKris7string]

Just want to say that pickups are built to accommodate standard tuning, or near standard. Dropping a six string to drop F will work but your pickups will struggle with the signal. ERG pickups are designed for the lower notes and will make a noticeably better signal. Just saying it’s worth mentioning.

[@nikok8329]

Great video! I would love to see more extended range guitar content!

[@nerdyism2523]

Saving up for an 8 string so I can learn BFG Division and finally be worthy of entering the world of TRUE CHADS.

[@Average-JOE555]

Literally this. Mick Gordon started this I wanna play the doom soundtrack so fucking bad and possibly add in my own take to it.

[@fredshred8397]

Very informative and valuable video material. :) Thank you. Will share my experience with you and the audience and hope it will be informative for others. I had JacksonX Series SLAT7 MS Soloist Archtop with 25.5" - 27" Multi-Scale/Fan Fret Length, String gauge: 13-17-30-42-54-64-74 in Drop G tuning. At first it was in Drop A tuning and then I lowered it to Drop G later. I ended up selling it. Currently I own ESP E-II Horizon NT-7 EverTune with 25,5 Scale Length, String gauge: 13-17-30-42-54-64-74 in Drop A tuning. As you see, both have String gauge: 13-17-30-42-54-64-74, because all the thinner ones I tried in 65 to 70 range as the lowest string, the 7'th string went always sharp and out of tune, so I had to put thicker string on as the 7'th one. I have not yet tried the drop G tuning with E-II and 25,5 scale length to see, whether the 74 will do the trick or not. I had to buy the 8 string set package to keep those beasts in tune and without getting sharp, the 7 string packages did not work for me from those options I had on the table. Until now, 7 strings is enough for me in terms of sound and of course I have been thinking about 6 string baritone, the 8 string guitar reminds me the basketball sound, so I have had currently no desire to own one, although I tried the 8 string Jackson but choose the 7 string one. The 8 string guitar neck is like a log/timber, but again I have played the 6 string so much, that the 7 string neck was definitely better for me. But again you already explained well in the video. :) But again, it's very good that we as musicians and guitarists have so many options on the market and everyone can choose what they need. Hope this information will be informative. :) Cheers Andrew (Y)

[@ryancronk6762]

Been playing a 7 since forever ago use to think an 8 was ridiculous. Been playing a legator 7 for about 4 years now and hands down my favorite guitar I've ever owned actually just ordered another legator but in an 8 and super stoked to give it a try 🤙 also love the low tuning without sacrificing high strings

[@funkingitup1805]

It's a really good video. The only thing it needed was a segment where you hit the lowest pitch string on a 6, 7, 8, 9 string guitar in standard tuning to show the difference in pitch.

[@njg4606]

Man, I follow your channel and this video is filling in the gaps of all the research I’ve been doing myself. Awesome, thank you. Ps also your 9 string vs the 5 string bass video was suuuuuper (exactly what I was looking for) helpful.

[@patientmental875]

Somebody explain this to Ibanez because the majority of 7-strings they have made since going into production are all 25.5

[@cbarriay]

there is such misconception about extended range around, that this video is amazing, thanks so much.

[@fgcapps72]

The advantage of having a low sounding B while keeping the normal tuning led me to searching out a 7 string. I enjoy the sound of chords brought out by having the extra string. It takes up more sonic space than a 6 string without losing the highs by tuning down.

[@stringsforfingers]

Where was this video when I was getting into extended range guitars?? Great job, Andrew!

[@jeffreyodell9994]

Brother Baena is an extended range evangelist 💪

[@Hiro.the.God.]

I just bought a 7 string, and it has ended my hunt for red October. I just couldn’t find a 6 string I liked. I’m hooked on 7 now.

[@katyungodly]

I've got a 30" 7-string I've been tuning to standard, definitely gonna try a lower tuning next time I restring it!

[@arisianfitness2868]

Thank you for this video

[@CarlosSaulRodriguezA]

There are some fanned frets 7's and 8's Harley bentons in Thomann for just 300 and they are pretty decent and gorgeous looking

[@MusoraMedia]

They definitely look intriguing

[@JoeizzleReghzizzle]

Legator seems to have great deals on their fanned fret 7s. I picked mine up in March for 50% off, originally $650.

[@CarlosSaulRodriguezA]

@@JoeizzleReghzizzle Yeah they usually have good prices. I just remembered Agile guitars too, fair cheap and decent quality with tons of options (to be honest, i won't buy Agile cause i don't like 'em too much, but they could be a really good option anyways)

[@JoeizzleReghzizzle]

@@CarlosSaulRodriguezA I used to want an Agile when I was younger, but that's was because they had the only 9 string I could find. From what I've heard the quality has gone down hill a bit, but I could be wrong though since I haven't played one in like 10 years.

[@CarlosSaulRodriguezA]

@@JoeizzleReghzizzle exactly, agree. That's what i meant without being too hater to agile since i don't have one to prove it

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

GuitarLessons 10 String Guitars (G#, C#, F#, B, E, A, D, G, B, E) as well as 11 String Single Course (adds on High A) Guitars, & even Doubled Course versions like a 14 String (like a 7 String but with) etc, which are cool. Interestingly there are extended range Basses that go an Octave below those Extended range Guitars so low that it's lower than the frequency we can hear. Extended range Guitars are great because it makes transposing songs to every key alot easier to accommodate the ranges of other instruments, vocalists, or even both especially on church gigs.

[@armaang96]

Exactly the video I needed today❤

[@matthewmerrill1433]

drop E is possible with drilling the tuner head a little and using a bass string, not everyones pick but works for me

[@MiraComoTeExplico]

you can change the pickups for whatever pickup on a Strandberg. the pickup slot is just angled

[@wallthemart]

Another tip to make a more financially responsible decision 1. Do you have multiple 6 strings? you're balls deep in, go for thicker strings and let the chonkiest one be the djent stick (if you cant make it work then thats when u know you actually 'deserve' your extended range.) 2. You have 1 solid 6 string guitar and love it, but the music you like is getting lower and lower. Go for it! You can keep the 6 string in uncommon tunings and play your 8 string and practice better muting technique, picking, etc by practicing on easy 6 string songs but using the 8. It is very practical for a 2nd guitar.

[@MetalVideoGamer]

i brought my first 8 strings at thomann for 175 CAD + 75 CAD shipping.

[@Vlad-bo8py]

me too xD Harley Benton 160€ incl shipping

[@notoriusdrifter40]

@@Vlad-bo8py how does it perform?

[@Millstudios-Ally]

Who built the fan fret beast at the end ..it’s a beaut !!

[@blakejones6648]

Nice video - would definitely like to know more about approaching the playing side

[@DocStrange30]

Man, lots of great info in this vid! Thx duder!!!

[@joesmith942]

I don't play, know nothing, did not realize this was a thing. So thanks. It was interesting.

[@gwugluud]

Just my 7-string sounds too muddy to me, lol. Oddly, this $20 dirt box I bought off Temu just to be stupid, “The Riffer”, is the only way I’ve found that when I tried my 7 with it, the tone was clear and sharp. A very “crisp” distortion box. And surprisingly good.

[@ZachComa]

I have a Hagstrom Fantomen (25.5") that plays perfect in drop A or B standard. It just needed 14-68 strings and the nut slots widened to accommodate the thicker strings.

[@palanthis]

That Solar is GORGEOUS! Also, I don't think these are weird numbers and terms. If you are considering spending hundreds of possibly thousands of dollars on a specialized guitar, you should know this stuff first. I used to cycle competitively. If you just want to ride a bicycle, get some exercise and some fresh air, sure, you can go buy an bicycle and probably be fairly happy. If you want to start racing, you need to know frame size, rake angles, materials, geaing, etc. It matters when you are going to be dropping thousands on a race bike.

[@NeoRichardBlake]

10:33 Harley Benton has Fan Fret 7 string and 8 string guitars for less than $200 USD. FYI. :D The parallel fret versions cost even less. I'm super tempted by those prices. Even if they're not great, as long as they're fine instruments, it'll give you a good idea if you want to play ERG for a very low upfront investment.

[@michaellohr7683]

Very nice, very informative, very balanced!

[@808BassMetal]

Andrew why don't you have an Ormsby?

[@WittyName44]

After the Burial album cover screen saver -> expertise confirmed.

[@onaucc9899]

What's your oppinion on buying an 8 string, just to "have" the extra string? I'm pretty sure that a 7 string would fit my needs right now. But i'm not 100% sure that i'll never need an 8th string.... you now? Plus i'm trying to combine electronic music with metal. The thing is: in the range where (normal) guitars sound good, electronic elements usually sound whack af. So i'll definitely need a 7 or 8 string.... Question is: Aside from the wider neck: is there a downside to having that extra string?

[@katyungodly]

I did drop E on a 25.5" but I needed like 80 or thicker on that low string

[@andymatthews752]

Note that if you go too heavy on the string gauge you may need to make changes to the nut.

[@glennmattison3180]

What brand is that 8 string Jazzmaster? That thing is awesome!

[@zAvAvAz]

thanks

[@jordanpurcell5161]

I feel like there is a sound difference using the same tuning but different scale length. Drop A on my 25.5 scale 7 doesn’t have the punch my Drop A does on my 27” Almost piano like.

[@josuastangl7140]

There's definately more definition on a longer scale, less muddy.

[@brCharlieNagy]

sounds reeeally good. What amp or amp model you use, please ?

[@fabiopoll6382]

Great video!!!!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

GuitarLessons They should make Fanned Fret Multi-Neck Guitar

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

EMG makes special pickups for them too.

[@dougarnold7955]

Great info. Thanks.

[@anthonyferrell1798]

Oooohhh, that intro was tasty af broski!

[@theriffdjenerator2213]

Having 6,8,and 9 flavours, whilst you can have a 6 string extended range. I don't feel the pickups reflect the intent. Am I wrong? Is this subjective. Having specifically wound pickups for lower tunings and resonances sounds better than regular 6 string pickups with longer scale. They don't seem to handle it anywhere near as well.

[@azmiraclegirl441]

True tempered frets for true kvlt metal! Edit: but legit, are true tempered frets worth it? I feel like you'll give the most straight forward answer :)

[@twinborn6028]

If you are a tone snob/tuning snob then yes. If you think not having true perfect intonation is ok then dont go for it.

[@Gary-zq3pz]

What about playing jazz improv on 8 string? There's a lot of tonal range to play with.

[@davidluoma01]

Riff at the intro just kills it for me. Is that a complete song?

[@claytonbrown9637]

What was that tune at the beginning? Chuggy goodness!🤘🏻💀🤘🏻

[@ThatBeTheQuestion]

Personally, I wouldn't tune a 6 string any lower than A#, and even that's pushing it. Beyond that tuning, you really need to start upping the gauge of your strings and for tunings that low, the thicker strings weigh more and can cause havoc on the neck.

[@randyeppyt]

I've done drop B on a 6-string with 12-58s. Needed a quarter turn truss rod adjustment and some work on the nut, and that was it. I don't think it was much additional tension at all because the notes are much lower. Felt like similar tension to 11-52s in D Standard, or 10-48s in E Standard.

[@Nosh69696]

Just get a bigger scale length

[@Sanya_paket]

If it is my first guitar, and I want to play riffs in drop A (like Slipknot), should I buy a 7-string or a 6-string?

[@freezingjazzy]

If you're just gonna play Drop A slipknot riffs, go ahead. They have Drop B riffs too so that's a hurdle you'd have to get over. I'd say go with a 6, then buy some thick strings. That way you can tune between Drop B and Drop A easily.

[@RedEnergySounds]

Great video and channel, thanks for the info. I'm thinking about buying an 8 or a 9 string guitar. The reason is, that I want to play some stuff that I can't play with my 6 string definitely. 1) So based on what you say, a 30 inch guitar will be really stiff when soloing, for example, when bending the thin E B G strings right? So we can definitely say that an 8 or a 9 string do not carry a 6 string within the 6 lower strings. So at what scale you think a guitar stops being "soloable". 2) This, and also is it REALLY hard for the fingers to reach the low C# string on the 9 strings (let's say 63mm at nut)? 3) Given all my concerns do you think it would be better to, let's say, buy an 8 string of 28 inches and when I want to play heavier stuff, maybe tune it down to reach a 9 string? Or go yolo and buy a 9 directly? Thanks

[@kennethbaggett5478]

I’ve got a pair of 13. on a strat because Stevie

[@johnsguitarmusicanddemos]

I like this video a lot but one of the things that I disagree about is putting thicker strings on a six string guitar. I was going to do that to my Gibson SG but you could only put strings on it that are so thick before you have to modify the nut or the bridge.

[@naruto199797]

Wish something like this was around when i started playing 7 got a 25.5 scale 7 string i had to use a 70 because when i tuned to A the low string was always to floppy now i got my schecter its a lot better at keeping the tension i want on the lower string without using a massive string

[@frankbongiovanni4028]

great video dude👍

[@Fistful0fSteel]

I have a 27“ multiscale and couldn’t dream of tuning it to E even with .80s on there…..

[@TheShmrsh]

Extended range and scale guitars are so beautiful and fanned frets even more cool , its a shame that it's so pricey at this point all because of ac dc fans around the world

[@thomassojka1324]

Hi, what VST plugins do you use to edit the sound of guitars? The sound on video is amazing..... Thank you so much for the reply....

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Extended range Guitars have a scale length that's typically the same as that of a Baritone Guitar.

[@stndrd3608]

Many 7 strings have 25.5“ sadly :/ and there are 8 strings with just 26.5“ and I really don’t get what the manufacturers of those are thinking 😂

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@stndrd3608 I think a 25.5 in Scale Length extended range Guitar could be good for someone with tiny hands.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@stndrd3608 It can vary depending on the preference. 25.5 in scale extended range Guitars have really special gauged strings & the shorter scale might make them great for people who have tiny hands due to a rare condition.

[@JamminJohn13]

Well since you referenced my bois in the Ghost Inside, and are so informational= Subscribed!~ Represent* MIchigan`

[@VegaIllusion]

As an 8-string player, I can recommend a 7-string guitar to any guitarist, unless they have a specific reason, such as rhythm playing, to not get one. Every thing above 7-strings is basically 2 instruments in one.

[@VictorHurtubia]

Can I tune a 26.5" in Standard E to play some classic ones?

[@THEshaggyrogers]

Well yes if you ignore that low B or A whatever you’ve tuned that 7th string to your basically in E standard

[@johngacy6367]

Why does the active pickups make a difference in multi scale vs passive?

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Fanned frets actually balance out the tension.

[@skarnertheband2165]

@thebunn

[@MusoraMedia]

The Bunn is a cool dude who writes some rad tunes.

[@jackillin]

HB from Thomann do a fan-fret 8-string ridicously cheap - maybe good for a project guitar to mod the pups etc..

[@schiribeats]

It was really fun messing around with my 8 string but I think 7 str ist defo enough for me

[@pitchwayne]

Do you have suggestions on strings to put on my existing 6 string?

[@MusoraMedia]

I personally like D'Addario and Rotosound strings.

[@brandonmack8573]

I tuned my jackson dinky 6 to drop g# The strings are the same gauge as my acoustic strings though lol top 56- 13

[@SuperRicoPico]

Gr8 vid. Thanks. Do you know of a multi-scale guitar (8 string) with 24.75 scale on high strings?

[@SebastianCoDe]

I have an question: going from a 6 string guitar to an 7 one was a challenge due to the finger space and fret .... from 7 to 8 is the same?

[@TheLowest]

Is there any reason in getting an 8 string or 9 string at all? Because personally don't see the point in an 8 string. 7 strings with thick strings can get down to like Drop D#, and are easier to play without having to mute as many strings while playing which any lower than that just becomes a pain in the ass to mix. Also 30" baritone guitars are always better for getting below the D# range anyhow and tend to sound a hell of a lot cleaner.

[@patricksacre1901]

So does the intonation change when you go from .60 string to let's say a .80 or something like that? I use a .60 for drop C and I'm having trouble with intonation below A. If I get like a .80 is it easier to intonate below A?

[@guitorgan]

I've accessed 7 or 8 sites on 7 string guitar and they all are hammering some acid rock with a ton of overdrive. I guess a 7 string is just made for acid rock and that's it...right. Is there anyone out there who can demo it by playing blues, or country or something OTHER than "Blow me out of the water" overdrive!?

[@Noppafemma]

before i bought an 8 string i played in drop e and f on a 25 inch scale lenght 6 string with normal strings and drop g on a lespaul those were some sloppy strings