-
Strandberg Boden Metal NX 8 8-String Guitar Black Granite with Gig Bag
$1,629.00 - $2,295.00Many players have embraced the Metal series guitars as their vessel of expression since its introduction in 2017, but even the most celebrated products can be improved. One of the most requested features in recent t...12 Payments of $135.75
h m s
-
Strandberg Boden Original N2.8 8-String Electric Guitar with Gig Bag
$2,699.00A decade of .strandberg* Original evolution The Original series guitars were the first serial-produced instruments offered by .strandberg*, and 2025 marks perhaps the most significant year yet for this monumenta...12 Payments of $224.92
h m s
-
Legator G8FSS Ghost 8 Super Shred Electric Guitar
$1,099.99Legator G8FSS-PFM Ghost 8 Super Shred Electric Guitar Enter the next evolution of performance with the Legator G8FSS Ghost 8 Super Shred. This headless, multi-scale 8-string is designed for modern players who dem...12 Payments of $91.67
h m s
-
Schecter Damien Platinum 8 String Electric Guitar
$949.00Beefy, high output grunt with remarkable playability and stunning visual touches. The Schecter Damien Platinum 8-String Electric Guitar is a unique axe that features Platinum multi-ply binding and Platinum bat fin...12 Payments of $79.08
h m s
-
Ernie Ball Music Man John Petrucci Majesty 8 8-String Guitar with Mono Case
$3,800.00 - $4,249.00The 2025 John Petrucci Majesty is the result of John’s unwavering demand for high-performance, innovation, and playability. One of the most well-balanced and advanced instruments available, the Majesty features a ne...12 Payments of $250.00
plus $800.00 downh m s
-
Legator N8FSS-BQM Ninja 8 Multi-Scale Guitar
$1,099.99Introducing the new Legator Ninja Multi-scale Super Shred Series, engineered for guitarists who crave unparalleled speed, precision, and versatility. This guitar features a lightweight, ergonomic body that ensures c...12 Payments of $91.67
h m s
-
Schecter C-8 Multi Scale SLS Elite Evil Twin 8-String Electric Guitar
$1,359.00 - $1,599.00The C-8 MS SLS Elite Evil Twin has looks that kill, and with its satin black top and rusty grey back and side finish it’s sure to turn heads and steal the show! The 25.5" – 27” multiscale neck is constructed from 7-...12 Payments of $133.25
h m s
-
Schecter Damien-8 Multiscale 8-String Guitar
$899.00The Schecter Damien-8 Multiscale has looks that kill, and with its haunting appointments it’s sure to turn heads and steal the show! The 25.5" – 27.5” multiscale neck is constructed from maple and has been shaped to...12 Payments of $74.92
h m s
-
Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C8 Electric Guitar
$1,249.00The Hellraiser Hybrid C-8 is everything you want in an 8-string. Great playability, looks and, of course, a big beefy tone. Schecter gives the guitar an Ultra Thin-C set Maple 3-piece neck with a 24 fret Ebony finge...12 Payments of $104.08
h m s
-
Schecter PT8MS Black Ops 8-String Guitar Satin Black Open Pore
$1,399.00Simple, precise, and powerful. The Schecter PT Black Ops is crafted with meticulous attention to detail and is a declaration of sonic dominance. Engineered for performance, the PT Black Ops boasts cutting-edge fe...12 Payments of $116.58
h m s
-
Schecter PT8MS Black Ops Left Handed 8-String Guitar Satin Black Open Pore
$1,449.00The left handed 8-string PT Black Ops is simple, precise, and powerful. The Schecter PT Black Ops is crafted with meticulous attention to detail and is a declaration of sonic dominance. Engineered for performance...12 Payments of $120.75
h m s
-
B.C. Rich SZA824ET 8-String Guitar
$2,299.00B.C. Rich guitars always stuck out of the crowd for their uniqueness and innovative solutions. This 50th Anniversary of the company brings another bold push toward the future of modern guitar making. All B.C...12 Payments of $191.58
h m s
Skip to Content
Get FREE shipping on all orders!
Fast FREE shipping on all orders!
8 String Electric Guitars
Venture into uncharted tonal territory, where no note is out of bounds. The extended range of an eight-string guitar from AMS opens new sonic vistas for the adventurous player.
Go Beyond the Standard — Explore the World of 8-String Electric Guitars
When six strings start feeling a little... limiting, it might be time to step things up. An 8-string electric guitar opens up a whole new level of low-end power, extended range, and creative freedom for players who are craving more. Whether you’re dialing in heavy riffs, complex chord voicings, or just chasing sounds that don’t exist on a standard setup, this is where things get interesting.
At American Musical Supply, we’ve pulled together a solid lineup of 8-string guitars from brands that define modern extended-range tone — Ibanez, Schecter, ESP, Jackson, and more. You’ll find multiscale necks, killer pickups, slick finishes, and tone options that hit way harder than your average axe. If you’re ready to stretch out and go deeper, your next 8-string electric is waiting.
What Makes an 8-String Electric Guitar Different?
There’s more to an 8-string electric guitar than just the two extra strings. 8-strings are engineered for serious range, precision, and clarity — especially when you're tuning down low and still need every note to punch through.
- Extended Scale Length: Most 8-string guitars use a longer scale length to handle lower tunings without sacrificing tension. That means tighter low-end, smoother intonation, and fewer floppy strings.
- Multiscale/Fanned Frets: A lot of modern 8-strings feature multiscale (or “fanned”) frets, which improve string tension and ergonomics. Each string sits at its ideal length while keeping your hand position natural.
- High-Output Pickups: You’ll usually find active or high-output humbuckers designed to keep the low strings clear and defined. Whether you're chugging or soloing, every note stays tight and articulate.
- Reinforced Necks & Bridges: With more strings comes more tension — modern 8-strings often use multi-piece necks, stronger hardware, and rock-solid bridges to take the pressure.
Some of Our Favorite 8-String Electric Guitars
Whether you’re stepping into extended range for the first time or upgrading to something worthy of your pedalboard, these are the 8-string electric guitars AMS players keep coming back to.
Ibanez RGDMS8 Multi-Scale 8-String Electric Guitar
Ibanez's RGDMS8 is a favorite for modern metal players. Its 26.7"–25.5" multiscale neck keeps low strings tight and highs buttery-smooth. The Fishman Fluence Modern pickups bring unmatched clarity and aggression, perfect for complex riffs that can cut through a dense mix. Add a sleek matte finish and ergonomic contours, and you've got a serious tone machine that feels as good as it sounds.
Schecter Omen Elite-8 Multi-Scale 8-String Guitar
Don’t let the price fool you — you don't want to take the Omen lightly. The poplar burl top gives it boutique looks, while the 25.5"–27.5" multiscale neck provides optimal string tension and intonation.
Schecter’s Heretic-8 humbuckers dish out balanced output across all eight strings, so you’re not sacrificing clarity for chug. It’s a go-to for players who want high-end performance without blowing their entire pedalboard budget.
Jackson DKAF8 Dinky Multi-Scale 8-String Electric Guitar
Jackson's DKAF8 is all about precision and speed. With a 26"–28" multiscale maple neck, you get rock-solid intonation and less string flop — even in drop-E territory.
The arched top, compound radius fingerboard, and lightweight mahogany body keep it fast and comfortable, while dual Jackson blade humbuckers bring the clarity you need when every note matters. Perfect for players blending technical playing with full-bodied tone.
Schecter C-8 Multi-Scale SLS Elite Evil Twin 8-String Electric Guitar
A high-performance machine made for players who demand the best. The C-8 SLS Elite features a swamp ash body with a striking satin black finish, a 25.5"–27" multiscale neck for flawless playability, and Fishman Fluence Modern pickups that switch between active crunch and vintage-style voicing. It’s got neck-thru construction, stainless steel frets, and a Hipshot bridge — because no detail was skipped.
Where 8 Strings Really Thrive
8-string electric guitars weren’t made for subtlety — they were made to shake the room. These extended-range beasts shine brightest in heavy genres like progressive metal, djent, and deathcore, where that extra low end adds serious depth to rhythm sections and breakdowns. Think Meshuggah, Animals as Leaders, and any band that makes your subwoofer beg for mercy.
But don’t box them in.
8-strings are also right at home in jazz fusion, experimental rock, and film scoring, where complex voicings and wide harmonic range are key. The added strings open the door for lush chords, piano-like layering, and deep drones that go beyond what six strings can handle.
Basically? If your music lives outside the lines — or in a lower octave — an 8-string guitar is for you.
Frequently Asked Questions: 8-String Electric Guitars
Curious about 8-string electric guitars? Take a peek at our helpful FAQs for more helpful information and insights.
Do I need to relearn the guitar to play an 8-string?
Not at all. The top six strings are usually tuned the same as a standard guitar, so everything you already know still applies. You’re just gaining two extra low strings — kind of like adding bonus material to your usual playing.
Is an 8-string electric harder to maintain or set up?
It can be slightly more involved, especially when it comes to intonation and string tension. But if you're used to doing basic setup on a 6- or 7-string, it's nothing wild — just a bit more fine-tuning.
Will a standard amp handle an 8-string guitar?
Most amps can handle it, but a setup with good low-end response (or a full-range modeling rig) will sound way better. If your current amp struggles with clarity below drop-D, it might be time to upgrade.
Your Next 8-String Guitar Is Waiting
Whether you're chasing brutal low-end riffs or exploring uncharted sonic space, an 8-string electric guitar opens the door to something bigger. AMS has the gear, the brands, and the flexible payment plans to make it happen — no stress, no hassle. Check out our entire selection today!
