@@kylanexists4811 I have that guitar and it's not terrible, but the lowest strings suffers a little bit for the scale being shorter than what you would normally want for an 8 string. I put a 09-80 string set on it and keep it in F# Standard most of the time because that's the best tuning to keep it in at that scale length.
The best advice on here is honestly roll the low end off, Seriously, I mean if you want mud that's cool, but if you want it to be a sound that's defined, turn the bass down... a lot.
@@charlesmayberry2825 most specifically making sure the the area around 250Hz-750Hz in a mix is not too cluttered and has proper definition is critical to the musicality of a mix. This is often a question of note selection / arrangement. There is an area of two octaves between 250Hz and 1kHz, and that is where the majority of the music lives.
Hey man big ups to you. I bought a 7 string as my first instrument. And I bought a 6 string as well to really learn on but I really like noodling around on my 7 and since the 7 is what I want to play mainly I figured I would get it right away so that way it didnt seem so foreign when I finally learn and get on the 7 full time. At least that was my thought.
heres a fun trick you can do. tune it like a 7-string(ignoring the lowest, hear me out) in C, so you get a higher range, and then throw a 125 bass string on the low end and tune to C an octave down. you basically now have a 7-string in a fairly heavy C with your own bass player. the advantages are that you can learn 7-strings and the low C is just an octave right next to it so those act like 1 string and never sound muddy together. you need a set that goes VERY light like an 8 for the high string. C still sounds badass in power chords and that distorted bass string adds punch to it, plus for Djenty stuff you have the octave without skipping a string or needing to mute, just bump back and forth from big C to little C. you can literally do powerchords with that low string and it never gets muddy because its just a tight C with the bass accompaniment also it makes people think you can play an 8, when really you just learned a 7 and a redundant low. and let's be honest, a C1 in a 125 guage is gonna sound way bigger than any drop E bullshit. now just get that guy with a subcontrabass in C0 and you got a band.
The palm muting tip blew my mind, i always wondered why my 8 string chugs were always so boomy and not as percussive as they are in songs by my fave bands, idk why i never tried moving my hand forward a bit, problem solved!
I feel you man. I recently got my first floyd rose guitar and I noticed my palm muting technique isn't working that well with the floyd rose bridge. Still trying to get it down
When it comes to strings, I personally believe that Horizon Devices Progression Tension are the best for 8 strings. Especially if you enjoy alternate tunings on the higher strings. They seem to feel smoother than anything else I’ve played and they actually change the sound of the guitar tremendously, as they offer clarity on a completely different level than other strings.
Rather than switching out your tuners, you can just unwind the end of your thick low strings (like the 7th and 8th). It adds a couple steps to your stringing setup when changing strings, but you don't have to buy separate tuning pegs like this.
@@caloomface Just cut the tip of a string where it's wound then use pliers to partially unwind it (but no too much so the whole string doesn't come undone lol). If you have Instagram or Facebook I can make a video and DM it to you real quick. @rock_god_ on IG
Good tips there for 8-string Trey. The main thing I found when I got my first 8-string was adapting my muting technique for the guitar as you pointed out. Once you get it an 8-string is a very rewarding instrument to play.
/-\lien 8string schecter Ibanez LTD jusmped on this bandwagon like 2 years ago... Cort makes guitar that will be cheap with mass market appeal... so they aren’t going to be bold right off the bat.
@@avisaiko5354 Its build in Indonesia, indeed. But its not sloppy, or anything, its build very decent, especially the neck is super IHMO, it feels really nice and smooth. I know that Thomann has this model and they ship to quite a few countries, you could try there.
I use my RG8 (regular 27" scale lenght) for my lead stuff because I really like the feeling of it. Lot of people find me weird for that reason but I really like the spacing between the frets, plus, I have big hands so it porlly helps.
The “e a e a d g b e “ tuning was an idea I had in 1989. I was a beginner luthier and an intermediate guitarist. Amateur bass player. DAMN! Yet now I will build “MY” 8 string idea. Thank you for helping me solve some riddles in my design. And reawakening my idea.
This is kinda bullshit because he says their isn’t many guitar string packs available for 8 string however their is plenty of the same gauge sets mentioned that are available by other brands BUT this video is sponsored by Ernie Ball and I highly recommend not using their 8 strings packs their low gauge dies very quickly in my experience and my other 8 string friends can agree. Daddario makes plenty of 8 string packs. I use the 9-84 set and they are great.
What universe are you in where the 74 breaks easily? I use a 74 for my B string (tuned down to Bb) and it works amazingly, both as a Bb on my 8 and 7 strings.
There aren’t many* but yes. I agree. I put new ernies on my 8 and I didn’t play it for a few weeks and went back to it and it sounded like garbage already after like a day or two.
I have 5 8-strings. My main axes are tuned to open C# minor, with a custom 10.5-110 kalium set. They both have locking tuners, and had to be drilled a little bit to accommodate them. They have 28" scale lengths. Lots of great tips for beginner 8-string players here. SO many cool things that you can do with these guitars. I honestly feel like anybody who shits on extended range instruments is probably intimidated by them, and can't handle the idea of having to rethink the way they've conventionally played guitar all their lives.
Exactly! They express their inability to play an extended range guitar by bashing and making negative comments but deep inside, they just don't know how to play such an amazing instrument.
The guitar shop guy who used to change my string did a neat trick - he unwound the thickest string a couple centimeters at the tuner so it would fit the whole.
I’m a young guitarist, and have been playing for 5 years now, but I’m so happy to have watched this video. Though I knew all of the info on scale length and such, I loved how you described it all and I know it would absolutely help tons of people to understand the mechanics of a guitar from this video. Thank you for this! Excited to dip into 8 string territory this Christmas!
I buy my strings from Stringjoy, they offer pre-set packs, and a custom gauge pack builder where you pick each string gauge for yourself. They also have an amazing string tension calculator. And the strings sound great and stay in tune! I got bored with my 8 string in standard tuning and wanted to tune up to an A# to play some Nevermore. So basically a 7 string tuning with a high G#. I had the 80-9 pack you showed on already and went from 150ish lbs of total tension to 235 total lbs. My high G# string broke immeadiatly on the way to pitch with 28 lbs on a 9 gauge... After looking up my set up on the tension calculator, I had to frankenstein a compromise with 6, 8, and acoustic strings I had, with the tension calculator as my guide. Ended up with a 64-46-36-24w-16p-13-10-9. Finally, I used Stringjoys calculator to tailor a custom set I built for this tuning within the 150 lb total string tention standard for my guitar/scale length, which is now a custom 68-7 set with perfect tension pattern. I cannot beleive how important string tension was for any type of tuning, and an 8 string will force you to learn all sorts of new things you would never have considered before, if you're like me anyways...
Imagine this: my first 8 string guitar was a 25.5". Always been a total nightmare to play low stuff, and couldn't figure out why, until some time later I found out the importance of scale lenght. Going multiscale since then.
what?!! why? you could adjust your tuning on that length and i mean you could have your custom tuning-there are no limits dude. Im sorry you think like that man.
Just got my first 8 string today, I've been playing 6 string for 22 years (Since I was 10), and maybe 2 years on a 7 string so I decided to just go for it. I got an Agile Chiral Nirvana in Oceanburst, it's also my first headless guitar. I'm def a little intimidated by how dummy thicc the neck is but I'm in love with it either way and cannot wait to start writing some sick music with it!
You mentioned about wrapping your thumb around on a 6 string, the guitar teacher I was given at college used to give me grief for doing that. Nice to know I'm not alone in the thumb wrap
Thank you brother, love the channel. Very informative I know that when I do obtain a 7 or 8 string I plan on keeping it tuned to its standard tuning. Keep the vids coming love em.
thank you for the educational video. I have the Cort 7 string and absolutely love it. just got an Agile 8 string wow what a beast. but now I know what I need to do thanks to you .👍
Drop E on an 8 sounds great with a normal bass' low E. a 5-string bass with the low B is good too, and you still just play the normal low E on the bass in octave unison with the low E on the drop E 8-string. This is what 'shuggah does, except in F standard. It is a great tight sound, don't always be thinking the bass has to be a whole octave lower than the guitar at all times. E1 on a guitar and E1 on a bass sound very different.
few tips on this video: StringJoy is a company that makes completely custom string sets with literally anything you can think of. Also, with the low strings, you can unwrap them to reveal the inner wires or inner coil depending on the gauge, then they'll fit through the peg. :)
Personally, I love my Agile 8 string, because of the very long scale, almost 29”. This allows for much thinner strings which is good for me, I like the sloppy tone of a slightly slim string. I HATE the higher strings though, just too stiff and too much tension, I have to use 8s or 9s for the high E. I no longer play it in F# standard. I double the high E, and then basically have it in Drop A like a normal 7 string. I use 9-54
I like 9-90 for F# standard on a 26.5-28" scale, I've found 80 to be far too floppy (i order a custom set from stringjoy) for drop E I get a 105 and unwind some of the string at the end to fit it in the tuner
Hey man. I just want to say thank you very much for the tips. I recently bought a really nice 8 stringer for 150 bucks. That's something you just can't pass up. But I was worried about the gauge of string. And you happen to help me figure it out. It won't be perfect, using the Ernie's you mentioned, but it'll be better than the BS that the owner before me has put my baby through. Thank you so much, now I'm going to be looking for a multi scale to shred on
Good video, but I have to disagree about using an 8 gauge string for a high E on a 26.5" scale guitar. I have one on my 7 string right now and it feels perfect...bends without too much effort and isn't floppy.
My first guitar, is a fixed 27 inch scale Ibanez RG8 1P-05. I can notice slightly the difference in tension between the high string in the low string, although any string on my 8 string is easier to fret than any string on the Washburn I started with. It still has the strings that it came with, and they seem work well with my main play style. I tend to slap the low strings between strumming the high ones. I have a set of light top heavy bottom strings that I plan to try next so I can see what it's like with more equal tension.
That Cort guitar that you are holding looks like a cool guitar. I really like the finish that it has. Cool headstock as well. I have been thinking of getting a multiscale for my next guitar. String tension is really a big deal and it feels really bad when you have floppy strings. I would imagine that it plays great otherwise why would you have it? On my current 7 string i have found over time that i have been moving towards using heavier strings as they actually feel better, they don't go sharp if you pick too hard, and they seem to hold tune better but i am not sure why. I have been going up on gauge even on the high strings currently using a 12 for the high string, then a 17, 24, 32, 42, 54, and finally a 74. I have to say that i can't believe how much better the guitar is with the heavier strings. I started with a low string of only 60, then over time when it was time to do a string change i tried a few gauges until i landed on the 74 which it tight but just barely tight if that makes sense. I have had to buy mixed packs to get what i wanted so unfortunately there has been some waste but i now see many packs that are close to this spec with the exception of the low string. And your idea of getting the single tuner for the low string is great, same for the saddle if available, the nut you will have to file but if you do get the right file and work slowly and check your work frequently as it really doesn't take much to resize the nut. Good luck and Cheers!
i actually started with 8 string but wish i knew all this before i bought it now that i'm changing strings. also can't belive how much differnce the styrofoam made
Stringjoy custom gauge sets are the answer to string gauge. They have a great calculator for string tension and you can customize the tension based on how you are going to tune it. Regarding tuners, Tone Ninja locking tuners allow up to .086" size strings in the tuner. Hipshot will custom drill tuners up to 0.090" at the factory if you add that customization to your order from their site.
10:16 The Tuning I use is half step down tuning cause I find that w/ a longer scale & thinner strings I can easily get a Stevie Ray Vaughn sound w/o having to deal w/ Thicker strings on a shorter scale.
Tune your g down to an F# like a barritione. It makes more sense when playing chord progressions with your low B at the bass. You get cool voicings this way when playing in the higher register as well. Think VOLA tuning just with the extra high e.
Ok, now I may need some expert advice to save my day. I have an 8 string arriving in the mail tomorrow, my first ever non-6 string guitar (yep, straight into the deep end, against all the advice of those wiser than me! hey, look, I wanted a Strandberg with at least 7 strings, and the 2nd hand Strandberg market in the UK is absolutely DRY. it was an 8 string or nothing!) I ordered a set of string in advance, my go-to have always been Elixir coated strings as they sound fresh for literally WEEKS if not months. I wasn't aware of the impact that multi-scale has on the string gauge you need, I picked up a set of 0.10 to 0.74, but now I hear that a better recommended set is 0.9 to 0.80, i.e. lower to higher (makes sense now I think about it) Have I made a horrible mistake by buying fixed scale length strings for a multi-scale guitar? If so, I won't even try them, I'll return them for a different set. Sucks though because I really love Elixir strings, never ever tried a different brand that comes even close to the longevity of Elixir coated strings (ppl complain about fraying, I have NEVER had that problem)
The tone tip is definitely gonna help me out. Tone depends on the person. I mean, I already have My bass half down and Treble up normally. Tapping on 8 string is cool too, it’s like a Chapman stick
I started playing 4 months ago and I'm a djent crazy. I started with a 6 strings Hellraiser, but soon bought a PRS Holcomb 7-strings. The PRS is the best guitar I ever heard. But I need something louder and went for an Omen-8 (26.5 scale) but it's unconvincing. So I traded for a 8 strings Hellraiser (28 scale) I'll soon get.
I just pulled the trigger 2 says ago on a Run 14 Ormsby Goliath GTR 8 string in Ermine White w/gold hardware. It is multiscale with fanned frets. It is my 2nd guitar. My first is a Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid FR-S 6 string in Ultraviolet.
This is a great video for anyone considering getting an 8-string! I saw a video with someone playing lead guitar on a cover of a Pretenders song, using an 8-string, and thought, "ooh, I need one of those!" After watching this video, however, I really think I want a 7-string, not 8. The 7th string would give me all the lower notes that I typically need when playing guitar, without having to tune down. It's like the equivalent of a 5-string bass! And I'd much rather play a 5-string bass than a 6-string bass!
I also have that 8 String Guitar, but I tune mine down a Half step so that it's easier for me to sing the high notes without pushing my vocal to where I'd hurt myself.
Whoop go me. I have a multi scale 8 string turning up this Tuesday. I just so have happened to have bought thoughs Ernie Ball strings you suggested ready to go on. Buzzin.
The other thing to consider is how limited the pickup selection is. It’s a lot harder to find a completely satisfying pickup set just because you’ve got so many frequencies to cover. It’s a series of compromises just like any other gear choices :/
THANK YOU! All that is very instructive, and quite counterintuitive when you're used to mixing "classic" 6 string guitars. I'd be awesome to have the approach used on bass, and how you manage guitar + bass in a "djent" mix
Got the 8 Ibanez IEGS8 (9-65) high end to low end is perfect on my Schecter Omen-8, but sometimes for low tuning it doesnt give that much lows so i swapped the low 3 strings with D'Addario EXL140-8 (10-74)..lows sound awesome now with sweet highs
It's funny on the 8-string I ended up getting I don't much of that string noise from behind the nut and even when I've got the gain cranked with plenty of distortion on, if I pick the strings behind the it comes out clean. I guess whoever made that part (and I have no idea who made this instrument :D ) must have really known what they were doing. I'll still look into trying one of those felt straps 'cause it does tend to get noisier with more gain stages and eventually I'm gonna want to start trying pedal combinations :)
These Guitars are great for Church Gigs cause you can now transpose on the fly & have a more useful note range. These Guitars need really light strings (9s) cause their scale length is often the same as a Baritone Guitar at 27 inches.
I own a 7 string bass. And really wish it was a multi scale. Its also hard to find strings for it. There are only a few brands that even make them. And when I do find them. They're like $60 bucks a set. Sweet looking guitar by the way. I really like the finish of that beauty
When I got my 8 strings Kiesel, they provided me with a .64 for the lowest string (I asked it to be tuned a whole step down, from low E to high D). The two bottom strings were part of a different set than the other six and died pretty quickly. The tuner, however, allow to use a max gauge of .74, you need to drill it if you want to get a heavier string; this, for a guitar of such a price tag, is a bit of a let-down
@@RockStarOscarStern634 I find it to be a more reasonable tuning on an 8 strings. If you want to chug the lowest open string, in standard tuning you'll find yourself around an F#m, which is not very friendly for a singer
I urge anyone who has a 27.5” scale (non multi scale) in standard tuning with a drop E to give this combo a try E-8g B-11g G-16g D-24g A-32g E-42g B-52g F#/DropE- 68g I accomplish this with an individual 8g string, a pack of 7 string SUPER slinky’s for 7 string (the pink pack) and a single 68g If you can buy the 74g individually, D’Addario sells a 14-68g baratone set that you can ge the 68 from. I’m used to playing 10-58g on my 7 strings and this makes it feel right at home. I’d really like to try a 70 since 68 does have a little bit of flop in drop E, but still sounds great! Coming from a Jackson js328 (27.5” scale)
“26.5” scale guitar is a nightmare”
It’s ok, squier strat tuned to drop E, he didn’t mean it I still love you
Fender scale is 25.5, not 26.5
BinarySounds clearly that’s not what I meant
@@BinarySounds i think you missed the joke here.
Jackson JS Series JS32-8 is a 26.5 and I'm looking at that and I'm new completely to guitar but i am a fast learner
@@kylanexists4811 I have that guitar and it's not terrible, but the lowest strings suffers a little bit for the scale being shorter than what you would normally want for an 8 string. I put a 09-80 string set on it and keep it in F# Standard most of the time because that's the best tuning to keep it in at that scale length.
The best advice on here is honestly roll the low end off, Seriously, I mean if you want mud that's cool, but if you want it to be a sound that's defined, turn the bass down... a lot.
Applies to bass guitar also
@@weareallbeingwatched4602 that's very good to know, and I appreciate the comment :)
@@charlesmayberry2825 most specifically making sure the the area around 250Hz-750Hz in a mix is not too cluttered and has proper definition is critical to the musicality of a mix. This is often a question of note selection / arrangement.
There is an area of two octaves between 250Hz and 1kHz, and that is where the majority of the music lives.
wrong, bass 10 mids 0 treble 10 gain 10
@@tfwnoyandere surely you mean bass +10 mids -10 treble +10, gain +15
Just bought my first 8 string.
its also my first guitar.
and just my second instrument.
but i like tosin abasi :D
DiePixelkrieger I’m excited younger players are carrying this on.
DiePixelkrieger you poor soul
Hey man big ups to you. I bought a 7 string as my first instrument. And I bought a 6 string as well to really learn on but I really like noodling around on my 7 and since the 7 is what I want to play mainly I figured I would get it right away so that way it didnt seem so foreign when I finally learn and get on the 7 full time. At least that was my thought.
You're a bass player
Good luck buddy hope you doing great with it '
heres a fun trick you can do. tune it like a 7-string(ignoring the lowest, hear me out) in C, so you get a higher range, and then throw a 125 bass string on the low end and tune to C an octave down. you basically now have a 7-string in a fairly heavy C with your own bass player. the advantages are that you can learn 7-strings and the low C is just an octave right next to it so those act like 1 string and never sound muddy together. you need a set that goes VERY light like an 8 for the high string. C still sounds badass in power chords and that distorted bass string adds punch to it, plus for Djenty stuff you have the octave without skipping a string or needing to mute, just bump back and forth from big C to little C. you can literally do powerchords with that low string and it never gets muddy because its just a tight C with the bass accompaniment also it makes people think you can play an 8, when really you just learned a 7 and a redundant low. and let's be honest, a C1 in a 125 guage is gonna sound way bigger than any drop E bullshit. now just get that guy with a subcontrabass in C0 and you got a band.
man after my own heart.
can u play motorhead then
wtf
Loool! Kevin from SaidTooMuch?
Only thing with that is the tuning peg being able to accommodate for the size of the string
The palm muting tip blew my mind, i always wondered why my 8 string chugs were always so boomy and not as percussive as they are in songs by my fave bands, idk why i never tried moving my hand forward a bit, problem solved!
I feel you man. I recently got my first floyd rose guitar and I noticed my palm muting technique isn't working that well with the floyd rose bridge. Still trying to get it down
D'addario has a 9-80 set as well, it's really good
They sound way better than Ernie Ball too
Use their tension calculator. It's a great tool
are these good for
D# G # E# A# D# G# B# E#
(Drop G# with a low D#, the tuning after the burial uses)
I use this on my 7 strings omitting the 9s
Yogurt Lurker does that work fairly well? Was actually thinking about doing the same lol
11:25 As a man, I do actually have a 6th finger that can sit right above the nut.
I don't know anywhere else a man's 6th finger can rest.
@@RFMulJr I enjoy the good ole mushroom stamp
I know it's quite the late reply, but DAMN, you made me spit out my beer lol
Nut singular? Charles, nut singular!?
When it comes to strings, I personally believe that Horizon Devices Progression Tension are the best for 8 strings. Especially if you enjoy alternate tunings on the higher strings. They seem to feel smoother than anything else I’ve played and they actually change the sound of the guitar tremendously, as they offer clarity on a completely different level than other strings.
Hears Meshugga once
Me: *I need an 8 string right now, immediately*
I’m glad I found this video, at least now I know what I’m in for
I love Meshuggah. But what got me into 8 string was Batushka.
Literally me
i got an 8 string for infant annihilator, i found out meshugga used them about a week after
bruh exactly
I remember hearing all meshuggah up to Nothing all in one evening and I'll never forget that experience hearing such fucking controlled carnage
Rather than switching out your tuners, you can just unwind the end of your thick low strings (like the 7th and 8th). It adds a couple steps to your stringing setup when changing strings, but you don't have to buy separate tuning pegs like this.
Have you seen any good videos on how to do that effectively?
@@caloomface Just cut the tip of a string where it's wound then use pliers to partially unwind it (but no too much so the whole string doesn't come undone lol). If you have Instagram or Facebook I can make a video and DM it to you real quick. @rock_god_ on IG
@@WraithVanglorious or maybe have them tapered. The newer string sets are properly tapered these days
Good tips there for 8-string Trey. The main thing I found when I got my first 8-string was adapting my muting technique for the guitar as you pointed out. Once you get it an 8-string is a very rewarding instrument to play.
My first 8-string is on its way. Your video gave me a really good set of ideas about what to expect and work on. Thanks!
That's a sexy Cort.
Didn't know that model existed.
It's a 2019 model in just brand new, I could get one for me too and it's a beast!
@@DerecX0 2018 buddy
ROBBIE REDRUM really stepping up their game
ROBBIE REDRUM I thought it was a Kiesel tbh
/-\lien 8string schecter Ibanez LTD jusmped on this bandwagon like 2 years ago... Cort makes guitar that will be cheap with mass market appeal... so they aren’t going to be bold right off the bat.
Yesterday I had the 7-string version of that guitar delivered and damn!... Im in love! :P
Maarten Franken what kind of guitar is it
@@jessfreeman3272 Cort KX-500, you should check it out if you have the chance. Very nice guitar, especially for that price
Maarten Franken ok thx I will definitely check it out
This is made in Indonesia, but I can't find it in my country
@@avisaiko5354 Its build in Indonesia, indeed. But its not sloppy, or anything, its build very decent, especially the neck is super IHMO, it feels really nice and smooth. I know that Thomann has this model and they ship to quite a few countries, you could try there.
I use my RG8 (regular 27" scale lenght) for my lead stuff because I really like the feeling of it. Lot of people find me weird for that reason but I really like the spacing between the frets, plus, I have big hands so it porlly helps.
I’m getting the rg8 is it a good guitar?
The “e a e a d g b e “ tuning was an idea I had in 1989. I was a beginner luthier and an intermediate guitarist. Amateur bass player. DAMN! Yet now I will build “MY” 8 string idea. Thank you for helping me solve some riddles in my design. And reawakening my idea.
This is kinda bullshit because he says their isn’t many guitar string packs available for 8 string however their is plenty of the same gauge sets mentioned that are available by other brands BUT this video is sponsored by Ernie Ball and I highly recommend not using their 8 strings packs their low gauge dies very quickly in my experience and my other 8 string friends can agree. Daddario makes plenty of 8 string packs. I use the 9-84 set and they are great.
I like DR Black Beauties, but I don't think that they come in an 8 though, just 7.
What universe are you in where the 74 breaks easily? I use a 74 for my B string (tuned down to Bb) and it works amazingly, both as a Bb on my 8 and 7 strings.
There aren’t many* but yes. I agree. I put new ernies on my 8 and I didn’t play it for a few weeks and went back to it and it sounded like garbage already after like a day or two.
And Rotosound sells 7&8 strings separately. Economical choice. Good tone and acceptable durability.
SilverDoesMC strings dying doesn’t mean breaking. The overall tone dies in the strings.
Haha. "...Djentle..."
13:44
Reminds me Of Stevie T!
I knew I wasn't the only one that heard that. You know he was thinking it
i read this as i heard it
I don't play 8 strings, but I'm glad you have helped out so many that want to play extended range guitars. Also, thank you for calling Messugsh metal!
I have 5 8-strings. My main axes are tuned to open C# minor, with a custom 10.5-110 kalium set. They both have locking tuners, and had to be drilled a little bit to accommodate them. They have 28" scale lengths.
Lots of great tips for beginner 8-string players here. SO many cool things that you can do with these guitars. I honestly feel like anybody who shits on extended range instruments is probably intimidated by them, and can't handle the idea of having to rethink the way they've conventionally played guitar all their lives.
Exactly! They express their inability to play an extended range guitar by bashing and making negative comments but deep inside, they just don't know how to play such an amazing instrument.
15:50 illustrates so well why extended range guitars exist.
what do you recommend for a decent 8 string set up, I just bought one and I have no clue what to get for it. like amps, pre amps, pedals and pick ups
The guitar shop guy who used to change my string did a neat trick - he unwound the thickest string a couple centimeters at the tuner so it would fit the whole.
I’m a young guitarist, and have been playing for 5 years now, but I’m so happy to have watched this video. Though I knew all of the info on scale length and such, I loved how you described it all and I know it would absolutely help tons of people to understand the mechanics of a guitar from this video. Thank you for this! Excited to dip into 8 string territory this Christmas!
I buy my strings from Stringjoy, they offer pre-set packs, and a custom gauge pack builder where you pick each string gauge for yourself. They also have an amazing string tension calculator. And the strings sound great and stay in tune!
I got bored with my 8 string in standard tuning and wanted to tune up to an A# to play some Nevermore. So basically a 7 string tuning with a high G#. I had the 80-9 pack you showed on already and went from 150ish lbs of total tension to 235 total lbs. My high G# string broke immeadiatly on the way to pitch with 28 lbs on a 9 gauge... After looking up my set up on the tension calculator, I had to frankenstein a compromise with 6, 8, and acoustic strings I had, with the tension calculator as my guide. Ended up with a 64-46-36-24w-16p-13-10-9.
Finally, I used Stringjoys calculator to tailor a custom set I built for this tuning within the 150 lb total string tention standard for my guitar/scale length, which is now a custom 68-7 set with perfect tension pattern.
I cannot beleive how important string tension was for any type of tuning, and an 8 string will force you to learn all sorts of new things you would never have considered before, if you're like me anyways...
Man, you don't say. I've got this Cort 8 string arriving tomorrow and I'm now very concerned about string tension lol
Imagine this: my first 8 string guitar was a 25.5". Always been a total nightmare to play low stuff, and couldn't figure out why, until some time later I found out the importance of scale lenght. Going multiscale since then.
what?!! why? you could adjust your tuning on that length and i mean you could have your custom tuning-there are no limits dude. Im sorry you think like that man.
@@shanuprateek777 Why? Physics, you muppet. Watch the damn video.
@@shanuprateek777 Yeah, you could tune it to BEADGBEA
@@shanuprateek777What if he wanted to play the lower notes? Fucking idiot
Great video 😊 I'm currently playing six strings but considering 8-strings for playing extended scales and arpeggios.
Never owned a guitar beyond 6. Very interesting advice that was. Many thanks. I enjoyed it!
Just got my first 8 string today, I've been playing 6 string for 22 years (Since I was 10), and maybe 2 years on a 7 string so I decided to just go for it. I got an Agile Chiral Nirvana in Oceanburst, it's also my first headless guitar. I'm def a little intimidated by how dummy thicc the neck is but I'm in love with it either way and cannot wait to start writing some sick music with it!
I personally don’t like the look of headless guitars
The thickness kind of intimidates me a quit, I confess. But, until then I'm enjoying my lovely RGMS7.
You mentioned about wrapping your thumb around on a 6 string, the guitar teacher I was given at college used to give me grief for doing that. Nice to know I'm not alone in the thumb wrap
Thank you brother, love the channel. Very informative I know that when I do obtain a 7 or 8 string I plan on keeping it tuned to its standard tuning. Keep the vids coming love em.
I really love latest videos. Educational and helpful. Keep up the good work Treyzinator!
thank you for the educational video. I have the Cort 7 string and absolutely love it. just got an Agile 8 string wow what a beast. but now I know what I need to do thanks to you .👍
What a great video, answered all my questions in one stop. TY man great job.
Drop E on an 8 sounds great with a normal bass' low E. a 5-string bass with the low B is good too, and you still just play the normal low E on the bass in octave unison with the low E on the drop E 8-string. This is what 'shuggah does, except in F standard. It is a great tight sound, don't always be thinking the bass has to be a whole octave lower than the guitar at all times. E1 on a guitar and E1 on a bass sound very different.
few tips on this video: StringJoy is a company that makes completely custom string sets with literally anything you can think of. Also, with the low strings, you can unwrap them to reveal the inner wires or inner coil depending on the gauge, then they'll fit through the peg. :)
A 3 year old video that is exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks man good stuff
Personally, I love my Agile 8 string, because of the very long scale, almost 29”. This allows for much thinner strings which is good for me, I like the sloppy tone of a slightly slim string. I HATE the higher strings though, just too stiff and too much tension, I have to use 8s or 9s for the high E.
I no longer play it in F# standard. I double the high E, and then basically have it in Drop A like a normal 7 string. I use 9-54
I like 9-90 for F# standard on a 26.5-28" scale, I've found 80 to be far too floppy
(i order a custom set from stringjoy)
for drop E I get a 105 and unwind some of the string at the end to fit it in the tuner
Stringjoy is life
That’s crazy haha I use 10 - 62 for drop F# and it works just fine on a 27 inch scale.
stringjoy is amazing. My .85 unwound and popped out of my floyd rose and they replaced it for free no problem (priority shipping too)
I just took strings off but I love the fact that your adding more😂
Hey man. I just want to say thank you very much for the tips. I recently bought a really nice 8 stringer for 150 bucks. That's something you just can't pass up. But I was worried about the gauge of string. And you happen to help me figure it out. It won't be perfect, using the Ernie's you mentioned, but it'll be better than the BS that the owner before me has put my baby through. Thank you so much, now I'm going to be looking for a multi scale to shred on
Oh No! I've avoided going below standard E for 25 years, but this video makes it look super fun. Might have to get an 8 String now.
Gr8 video m8!
what tips would you have for a 17 or 18 string guitar?
Are you just joking?
I think its called a harp.. 🎼
Use lute tabs
Look for bass tips
IceCubeNETWORK873[YT] Jared Dines and Stevie Ts djentars
I have 10-80 heavys on my 8 string and sounds awesome
Cheers mate. I thought I was going mad with my 7 string. Found string noise all over the show and the angle of my palm mute needed changing
I have a 26.5 scale 7 string tuned down to F standard with a 74 gage on the B and it works fine.
Good video, but I have to disagree about using an 8 gauge string for a high E on a 26.5" scale guitar. I have one on my 7 string right now and it feels perfect...bends without too much effort and isn't floppy.
My first guitar, is a fixed 27 inch scale Ibanez RG8 1P-05. I can notice slightly the difference in tension between the high string in the low string, although any string on my 8 string is easier to fret than any string on the Washburn I started with. It still has the strings that it came with, and they seem work well with my main play style. I tend to slap the low strings between strumming the high ones. I have a set of light top heavy bottom strings that I plan to try next so I can see what it's like with more equal tension.
Thanks dude! Your video helped indeed! Used some of your tips on my latest 8th string song. Cheers and keep the great content coming! 👍
That Cort guitar that you are holding looks like a cool guitar. I really like the finish that it has. Cool headstock as well. I have been thinking of getting a multiscale for my next guitar. String tension is really a big deal and it feels really bad when you have floppy strings. I would imagine that it plays great otherwise why would you have it?
On my current 7 string i have found over time that i have been moving towards using heavier strings as they actually feel better, they don't go sharp if you pick too hard, and they seem to hold tune better but i am not sure why. I have been going up on gauge even on the high strings currently using a 12 for the high string, then a 17, 24, 32, 42, 54, and finally a 74. I have to say that i can't believe how much better the guitar is with the heavier strings.
I started with a low string of only 60, then over time when it was time to do a string change i tried a few gauges until i landed on the 74 which it tight but just barely tight if that makes sense. I have had to buy mixed packs to get what i wanted so unfortunately there has been some waste but i now see many packs that are close to this spec with the exception of the low string.
And your idea of getting the single tuner for the low string is great, same for the saddle if available, the nut you will have to file but if you do get the right file and work slowly and check your work frequently as it really doesn't take much to resize the nut. Good luck and Cheers!
Cort...hell yes. I'm glad Cort is keeping up with the trends, but I love their viva gold ii series, though discontinued. Love Cort.
i actually started with 8 string but wish i knew all this before i bought it now that i'm changing strings.
also can't belive how much differnce the styrofoam made
My first guitar was a 25.5" scale Gstyle ES800 Amazon Brand Guitar. And it is my favorite guitar I've had.
Smart dude. That was helpful as I transition from bass and guitar to an eight string.
Thank you for taking the time to explain. :)
Stringjoy custom gauge sets are the answer to string gauge. They have a great calculator for string tension and you can customize the tension based on how you are going to tune it. Regarding tuners, Tone Ninja locking tuners allow up to .086" size strings in the tuner. Hipshot will custom drill tuners up to 0.090" at the factory if you add that customization to your order from their site.
Quite informative... Expected as always. Nice Job mate
10:16 The Tuning I use is half step down tuning cause I find that w/ a longer scale & thinner strings I can easily get a Stevie Ray Vaughn sound w/o having to deal w/ Thicker strings on a shorter scale.
Excelent video, Trey. Very useful information.
I use a 9,12,15,24,32,44,58,90 and it has really even tension for drop e on a 27" scale 16lbs on plain strings, 19lbs on wound
Tune your g down to an F# like a barritione. It makes more sense when playing chord progressions with your low B at the bass. You get cool voicings this way when playing in the higher register as well. Think VOLA tuning just with the extra high e.
2:05 The Orpharion is like that too
Thank you man, just got a cort kx508ms and this really helped me transition
One of the best examples of music on a 8 string, Ihsahn's 3rd album "After".
I haven’t heard that one but I LOVE Arktis
@@treyxaviermusic Every Ihsahn album is worth it, especially After.
The Meshuggah scale AKA "Jimmy, what you do with the clothesline!"
I just Bought a used 080r 4 day ago waiting for it to come in the mail I am excited
Ok, now I may need some expert advice to save my day. I have an 8 string arriving in the mail tomorrow, my first ever non-6 string guitar (yep, straight into the deep end, against all the advice of those wiser than me! hey, look, I wanted a Strandberg with at least 7 strings, and the 2nd hand Strandberg market in the UK is absolutely DRY. it was an 8 string or nothing!)
I ordered a set of string in advance, my go-to have always been Elixir coated strings as they sound fresh for literally WEEKS if not months. I wasn't aware of the impact that multi-scale has on the string gauge you need, I picked up a set of 0.10 to 0.74, but now I hear that a better recommended set is 0.9 to 0.80, i.e. lower to higher (makes sense now I think about it)
Have I made a horrible mistake by buying fixed scale length strings for a multi-scale guitar? If so, I won't even try them, I'll return them for a different set. Sucks though because I really love Elixir strings, never ever tried a different brand that comes even close to the longevity of Elixir coated strings (ppl complain about fraying, I have NEVER had that problem)
The tone tip is definitely gonna help me out.
Tone depends on the person.
I mean, I already have My bass half down and Treble up normally.
Tapping on 8 string is cool too, it’s like a Chapman stick
Thank you very much! Great tips!
8'S GR8 M8.
He's holding one of the best priced high quality guitar in the world. I want it (Cort KX508MS) sooooo baaaaaaaadlllyyy fffuuuuuuccckkk.
My RGMS8 is on delivery vehicle right now and I'm jumping out of my skin... Too hard to wait any longer!!!
I started playing 4 months ago and I'm a djent crazy. I started with a 6 strings Hellraiser, but soon bought a PRS Holcomb 7-strings. The PRS is the best guitar I ever heard. But I need something louder and went for an Omen-8 (26.5 scale) but it's unconvincing. So I traded for a 8 strings Hellraiser (28 scale) I'll soon get.
I just pulled the trigger 2 says ago on a Run 14 Ormsby Goliath GTR 8 string in Ermine White w/gold hardware. It is multiscale with fanned frets. It is my 2nd guitar. My first is a Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid FR-S 6 string in Ultraviolet.
This is a great video for anyone considering getting an 8-string!
I saw a video with someone playing lead guitar on a cover of a Pretenders song, using an 8-string, and thought, "ooh, I need one of those!"
After watching this video, however, I really think I want a 7-string, not 8. The 7th string would give me all the lower notes that I typically need when playing guitar, without having to tune down. It's like the equivalent of a 5-string bass! And I'd much rather play a 5-string bass than a 6-string bass!
Also the lower strings are often tapered which bypasses the need to have an extra tuner
You got them flying fingers, Dude
you don't need to drill out the tuners, you just rip the winding off the string with plyers where it goes into the tuner hole, job done!
I also have that 8 String Guitar, but I tune mine down a Half step so that it's easier for me to sing the high notes without pushing my vocal to where I'd hurt myself.
Whoop go me. I have a multi scale 8 string turning up this Tuesday. I just so have happened to have bought thoughs Ernie Ball strings you suggested ready to go on. Buzzin.
Love your content. The intro music doesn’t do your mixing ability justice. Just throwing it out there. Thanks again for the inspiration and knowledge.
The other thing to consider is how limited the pickup selection is. It’s a lot harder to find a completely satisfying pickup set just because you’ve got so many frequencies to cover. It’s a series of compromises just like any other gear choices :/
Thanks that was super helpful
Wow! I’m loving that guitar!
great info man
THANK YOU! All that is very instructive, and quite counterintuitive when you're used to mixing "classic" 6 string guitars.
I'd be awesome to have the approach used on bass, and how you manage guitar + bass in a "djent" mix
Got the 8 Ibanez IEGS8 (9-65) high end to low end is perfect on my Schecter Omen-8, but sometimes for low tuning it doesnt give that much lows so i swapped the low 3 strings with D'Addario EXL140-8 (10-74)..lows sound awesome now with sweet highs
Will you review this 8 string beast?)
It's funny on the 8-string I ended up getting I don't much of that string noise from behind the nut and even when I've got the gain cranked with plenty of distortion on, if I pick the strings behind the it comes out clean. I guess whoever made that part (and I have no idea who made this instrument :D ) must have really known what they were doing.
I'll still look into trying one of those felt straps 'cause it does tend to get noisier with more gain stages and eventually I'm gonna want to start trying pedal combinations :)
There should be MORE 30 scale 8 string guitars. Multiscale or not 30 for the 8 string is just AWESOME.
These Guitars are great for Church Gigs cause you can now transpose on the fly & have a more useful note range. These Guitars need really light strings (9s) cause their scale length is often the same as a Baritone Guitar at 27 inches.
I literally thing there was not one wrong tip in this tutorial! Great video! I wish it was 50 minutes long!
I’m literally waiting for my DKAF8 to be delivered, perfect timing eh?
Same. Legator Ninja NRA on its way.
What color did you get?
@@VicSellsPeace i got the Stained Mahogany finish
Excellent tips, thanks !
I own a 7 string bass. And really wish it was a multi scale. Its also hard to find strings for it. There are only a few brands that even make them. And when I do find them. They're like $60 bucks a set. Sweet looking guitar by the way. I really like the finish of that beauty
The best example of metal band using 8 string guitars is archspire. Tech death metal. So good.
When I got my 8 strings Kiesel, they provided me with a .64 for the lowest string (I asked it to be tuned a whole step down, from low E to high D). The two bottom strings were part of a different set than the other six and died pretty quickly. The tuner, however, allow to use a max gauge of .74, you need to drill it if you want to get a heavier string; this, for a guitar of such a price tag, is a bit of a let-down
Unwind the string my dude. No need to drill.
Unless the string is properly tapered. So why whole step down Tuning?
@@RockStarOscarStern634 I find it to be a more reasonable tuning on an 8 strings. If you want to chug the lowest open string, in standard tuning you'll find yourself around an F#m, which is not very friendly for a singer
@@MichaelSnidaro Yes F# Minor is way too high for the singer. So that lower tuning is way more Singer friendly
Unless that singer has practiced singing high enough
Great! Thanks!!!
God bless you...thank you for excellent instructions explanations advice on 8 string...
I urge anyone who has a 27.5” scale (non multi scale) in standard tuning with a drop E to give this combo a try
E-8g
B-11g
G-16g
D-24g
A-32g
E-42g
B-52g
F#/DropE- 68g
I accomplish this with an individual 8g string, a pack of 7 string SUPER slinky’s for 7 string (the pink pack) and a single 68g If you can buy the 74g individually, D’Addario sells a 14-68g baratone set that you can ge the 68 from.
I’m used to playing 10-58g on my 7 strings and this makes it feel right at home. I’d really like to try a 70 since 68 does have a little bit of flop in drop E, but still sounds great! Coming from a Jackson js328 (27.5” scale)
Trey you area BEAST and you are not allowed to leave TH-cam EVER!
Er Go Nomics! yes!