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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.
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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.
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.
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'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.
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'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.
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.
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.
Curious about 8-string electric guitars? Take a peek at our helpful FAQs for more helpful information and insights.
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.
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.
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.
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!
