6 String vs 8 String Guitar: Which One Should You Play?
When you think about guitars, it’s no longer just about choosing between electric or acoustic. These days, the 6 string vs 8 string guitar debate is where things get interesting.
Most players still stick with 6 strings over 80%, in fact. But here’s the twist: more and more musicians are picking up 8-strings, and that number has doubled in just five years.
Why the shift?
It’s not just about two extra strings. It’s about the sound you want, the way you play, and what kind of music you’re making.
If you’re thinking about switching things up or just want to know what makes these guitars different, this guide will walk you through everything plain and simple.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- How each guitar differs in tuning, feel, and purpose
- Which one suits your style and skill level
- What to expect in cost, weight, and learning curve
- Practical advice from players who’ve made the switch
Let’s break it down simply and clearly so you can make the right call for your music.
What is The Difference Between 6 String and 8 String Guitars?
At first glance, the difference between a 6 string vs 8 string guitar seems obvious, two extra strings. But those extra strings come with deeper changes in tuning, feel, and even mindset.
Tuning and Range
When considering the 8 string vs 6 string guitar, the primary differences emerge in tuning, playability, and musical application. A 6-string guitar follows the standard tuning: E-A-D-G-B-E. This setup covers most musical needs from blues and rock to pop and folk.
An 8-string guitar, on the other hand, usually adds a low B and a low F# below the standard low E. This creates a massive tonal range, making it perfect for metal, djent, and experimental genres. You get both crushing lows and clean highs in one setup.
Pro Tip: Think of a 6-string as a storyteller, and an 8-string as a full orchestra. One gives you structure, the other gives you options.
Neck Width and Playability
Adding strings means a wider neck. For many players, the 8-string can feel bulky, especially for smaller hands. The frets on an 8-string are also spaced differently to handle tension. It’s not harder, it’s just different.
Musical Application
The 6-string guitar is versatile and widely used across all styles rock, blues, jazz, classical. The 8-string shines in genres that need low-end power or complex textures progressive metal, math rock, ambient music.
| Feature | 6-String Guitar | 8-String Guitar |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Tuning | E-A-D-G-B-E | F#-B-E-A-D-G-B-E |
| Neck Width | Slim and traditional | Wider, more space between strings |
| Music Style Fit | Rock, blues, pop, folk, country | Metal, djent, prog, experimental |
| Learning Curve | Beginner-friendly | Intermediate to advanced |
| Fretboard Feel | Familiar to most players | Requires hand adaptation |
So the core difference between 8 string and 6 string guitars isn’t just about having more notes, it’s how those notes affect your playing.
Which One Is Easier to Learn: 6 String or 8 String?
Let’s talk about skill levels. If you’re just starting out, you might wonder if jumping straight into an 8-string setup will fast-track your progress. Here’s what you need to know when considering a 6 string vs 8 string guitar for a new player.
For Beginners
The 6-string guitar wins for simplicity. There’s less to memorize, less finger stretching, and tons of tutorials available. You can learn chords, scales, and songs faster because most lessons are built around 6 strings.
The 8-string guitar introduces complexity. It’s like learning piano with two extra octaves, you have more to work with, but you must know how to use it well. You’ll spend more time understanding muting techniques, string skipping, and alternate tunings.
String Tension and Mistakes
More strings = more chance for error. Hitting a wrong string on an 8-string is easier if your hand isn’t trained. Also, because the neck is wider, reaching the right frets cleanly takes practice.
- Expert Insight: “I teach both types. Beginners almost always learn faster and with less frustration on a 6-string. You need time to build muscle memory, and a wide fretboard slows that down.” – Tom Hernandez, guitar instructor, Nashville Guitar Academy
Practical Example
Let’s say you’re learning Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters.” On a 6-string, you’ll find dozens of step-by-step guides. On an 8-string, you’d need to re-adapt the piece unless you’re playing songs specifically arranged for 8 strings.
| Learning Area | 6-String Guitar | 8-String Guitar |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner-Friendly | Yes | Not ideal |
| Chord Learning Curve | Easier shapes and positions | Requires adaptation |
| Video/Online Lessons | Widely available | Limited, niche-focused |
| Mistake Tolerance | More forgiving | Demands clean playing |
If you’re starting your journey, go 6-string. If you’ve mastered that and want to level up your sound range, the 8-string is waiting.
What Styles of Music Work Best for Each Guitar?
This might be the real deciding factor for you. When comparing a 6 string vs 8 string guitar, your personal style shapes your sound, and your sound shapes your gear.
6-String Guitar Styles
If you’re into rock, blues, funk, country, or classical, the 6-string guitar gives you everything you need. Chord voicings, solos, strumming patterns, it’s built for broad musical language.
You can play The Beatles, Taylor Swift, Jimi Hendrix, BB King, or John Mayer all on the same guitar.
8-String Guitar Styles
The 8-string guitar lives where music gets heavier and deeper. Bands like Meshuggah and Animals as Leaders helped make it popular. It gives metal players that extra punch on the low end. It also works well in progressive rock and jazz fusion, where extended chords and layered sounds matter.
Analogies Help: A 6-string is like a racecar on city streets agile, fast, and sleek. An 8-string is like a monster truck on a dirt track powerful, wide, and loaded with potential.
Crossover Possibility
Yes, you can play blues on an 8-string and metal on a 6-string. But the comfort and sound won’t be the same. Each tool has its sweet spot.
| Genre | Best Fit Guitar | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Blues | 6-String | Better string spacing for bends/slides |
| Djent/Metal | 8-String | Lower tuning, chugging riffs |
| Pop | 6-String | Simpler chord structures |
| Ambient/Experimental | 8-String | More range for effects and textures |
| Jazz Fusion | Both (depends on chords) | Depends on complexity and voicing |
Think about what you love to play. Your choice should match your sound.
What Does Each Guitar Cost and How Does It Affect Value?
Cost matters. When weighing the 6 string vs 8 string guitar, you’ll find they aren’t just instruments, they’re investments in your music.
Average Price Ranges
- 6-String Guitar: Entry-level models start around $150. Mid-range options (like a Fender Player Strat) go for $700–$1,000. Pro models range up to $3,000.
- 8-String Guitar: Entry-level options start at $400. Mid-tier models (Ibanez RG, Schecter) range from $800 to $1,500. High-end 8-strings, like Strandberg or Kiesel, go well over $3,000.
Hidden Costs
With 8-string guitars, you’ll likely need:
- A wider gig bag or case
- A high-gain amp that handles low-end tones
- Heavier strings, which cost more
- Setup costs to handle string tension
Pro Tip: Budget not just for the guitar, but for the gear it needs to sound great. An 8-string through a small practice amp won’t deliver its full sound.
| Cost Breakdown | 6-String (Est.) | 8-String (Est.) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Guitar | $150 – $300 | $400 – $600 |
| Mid-Range Guitar | $700 – $1,000 | $800 – $1,500 |
| Pro Setup + Strings | $75/year | $120+/year |
| Gig Bag/Case | $50 – $100 | $80 – $150 |
You get more tone from an 8-string but you also spend more to support it.
Is an 8-String Guitar Worth It if You Already Play a 6-String?
Let’s say you’re an intermediate player. You’ve spent time on scales, tone control, maybe played gigs. The question of 6 string vs 8 string guitar becomes highly relevant here. Is switching worth the effort? Is switching worth the effort?
When It Makes Sense
- You’re writing or playing progressive metal or experimental music
- You’ve hit a ceiling with your 6-string in terms of creative range
- You enjoy technical playing, tapping, and odd time signatures
If you’re looking for new inspiration or writing for film, games, or complex soundtracks, that low B and F# give you more harmonic space.
Contrarian Insight: Some guitarists say 8-strings are just a fad. But for others, they’re a permanent upgrade. It depends on your goals, not the hype.
When to Hold Off
- You’re still perfecting technique on 6 strings
- You don’t have the amp or pedalboard to support low tunings
- Your style doesn’t require extended range
Remember, more strings won’t fix bad tone, sloppy technique, or weak phrasing.
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?
The 6 string vs 8 string guitar debate comes down to one thing: what do you need right now in your musical journey?
Choose a 6-string if:
- You’re starting out
- You play standard rock, blues, folk, or pop
- You want easier learning, more gear options, and a lighter instrument
Choose an 8-string if:
- You want more range and complexity
- You play heavy genres or experimental music
- You’re ready to expand your technique and gear
Next Step: Try both at a local music store. Feel the difference. Don’t just watch demos, test it yourself. That’s how you know what fits your hands and your sound.
The right guitar isn’t about how many strings it has, it’s about how it makes you play.
Before you decide, it helps to know what an 8-string guitar is used for and why some players choose it over the standard 6-string.
FAQ: 6 String vs 8 String Guitar
Q1. Is an 8-string guitar harder to play than a 6-string?
Yes, but not in a bad way. In the 8 string vs 6 string guitar comparison, the 8-string has a wider neck and extra low strings, so your hands need to stretch more. It takes time to adjust, especially for clean picking and muting. If you’re used to a 6-string, you’ll notice the difference right away. But with practice, it becomes second nature.
Q2. Can you play regular songs on an 8-string guitar?
You can! An 8-string can play all the same notes as a 6-string and then some. The extra strings just add more low-end range. So if you want to play regular songs, you still can. Just stick to the top six strings if needed. Many players use the extra strings only when a song calls for it.
Q3. What’s the point of an 8-string guitar?
The main reason to use an 8-string is range. You get lower notes that a 6-string can’t reach, which is great for heavy riffs, complex chords, or layered music. It opens new doors for genres like metal, djent, ambient, and jazz fusion. Some players also love the challenge and creative freedom it brings.
Q4. Do I need a special amp or pedals for an 8-string?
Not necessarily, but it helps. An 8-string puts out more low-end frequencies, and not all amps can handle that without getting muddy. Look for amps with good bass response and consider using an EQ pedal or a noise gate. If you’re playing metal or anything with deep chugs, your gear matters more than ever.
Q5. Are 8-string guitars only for metal?
Nope. While most people associate 8-strings with metal bands like Meshuggah, they’re also used in jazz, fusion, film scoring, and experimental music. It’s all about how you use the extra range. Some artists even use it for solo fingerstyle or ambient looping.
Q6. Will switching to an 8-string mess up my 6-string playing?
Not at all as long as you practice both. In fact, learning on an 8-string can sharpen your technique, especially with finger control and note clarity. Just keep in mind that the wider neck and string layout can take time to adjust back and forth.
Q7. Is an 8-string guitar worth the extra money?
That depends on your goals. If you’re exploring heavier styles, extended tunings, or writing music with a wide dynamic range, it could be a great investment. But if you’re mostly playing chords, covers, or standard solos, a 6-string may serve you better and cost less.
