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The Best 8 String Classical Guitar / Nylon String Guitars
Guitars have always been more than just instruments—they’re an extension of the Musicians themselves. The 8 string classical guitar, with its expanded tonal range and versatility, has emerged as a fascinating evolution in the guitar family.
Whether you’re an experienced guitarist or a curious beginner, this blog aims to be your comprehensive guide to understanding this intriguing instrument. So let’s get started, shall we?
Before that don’t forget to check out the list of best classical guitars for beginners.
Ortega Guitars RCE159-8
When it comes to combining tradition with modern innovation, the Ortega Guitars RCE159-8 is a prime example. This model is a symphony of carefully selected materials and advanced electronic features, making it an ideal choice for the discerning musician who is deeply rooted in traditional techniques but appreciates contemporary amenities.
Features
| Top | Solid Cedar |
| Back and Sides | Walnut |
| Preamp | Ortega MagusGo-8 |
Highlights
- Spanish heel construction
- 12-hole bridge
- Tecwood fretboard
Turkowiak Guitars 8-String
Artistry meets ergonomic design in the Turkowiak 8-String guitar. This model offers a unique blend of customization and comfort, redefining the classical guitar for the modern age. The high-quality materials and unique features like the elevated fretboard and proprietary bracing pattern make it a perfect match for professional players seeking both performance and comfort.
Features
| Soundboard | Double top |
| Armrest | yes |
| Fretboard | Elevated |
Highlights
- Choice of different woods for customization
- Ergonomically designed for comfort
- Proprietary bracing pattern
- Custom made Turkowiak guitars
Thomann Classica Fusion 8-String Classical Guitar
Thomann’s Classica Fusion 8-String guitar makes the unique features of an 8 string accessible to a broader audience. Designed to offer a balanced sound without sacrificing affordability, this model comes with a cutaway design and a Fishman preamp, making it an alluring choice for beginners or musicians on a budget.
Features
| Top | Solid Engelmann spruce |
| Back and Sides | Sapele |
| Fretboard & Bridge | Dark acacia |
Highlights
- Top-notch material for the price
- Affordable price point
- Balanced sound
Stoll Guitars 8 String Classical Guitar
The Stoll Guitars 8-String Classical guitar is where high-end craftsmanship meets musical innovation. With customizable features like fanned frets and a built-in pickup, this model is the epitome of versatility and quality. It’s designed for those who seek an unparalleled playing experience and wish to push the boundaries of what a guitar can achieve.
Features
| Design | Cutaway |
| Frets | Fanned |
| Pickup | Built-in |
Highlights
- Multi-scale fretboard for tonal balance
- High-quality materials
- Customizable options
Discover more high-end classical guitars from Taylor, Alvarez, Cordoba, Martin, and many more budget-friendly options!
The Origins of 8-String Classical Guitars
Early Beginnings: The Genesis of the 8-String
While nylon string guitars have a history dating back centuries, they truly began to catch the public’s attention in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Designed initially for musicians wanting more tonal options, these guitars soon found fans among jazz and avant-garde artists as well.
Pioneers and Innovators: The People Behind the Strings
Among the early trailblazers, jazz guitarist Ralph Patt is often lauded for popularizing the major-thirds tuning on 8-string classical guitars. Classical musicians have also embraced the 7th and 8th extra low strings, which give them an extended register for greater musical expression.
Essentially, these innovators saw the 8-string guitar as a canvas that offered more room for their musical artistry.
Unique Features of 8-String Guitars
Extra Strings and Their Unique Purpose
An 8-string classical guitar isn’t just your standard guitar with extra strings tacked on. Those additional two strings, usually tuned to B and E, significantly expand the instrument’s tonal range.
This extended range allows musicians to dive into deeper bass notes or reach higher melodic notes, offering unparalleled versatility in compositions and performances. So, are you ready to push your musical boundaries?
Specialized Fretboards: More Than Just Extra Space
The fretboard on an 8-string guitar is designed to accommodate the extra strings comfortably. Wider than a typical 6-string fretboard, it allows for intricate finger positioning and chord structures. This unique design facilitates complex playing techniques, making it a go-to for musicians looking to push the envelope.
But it’s not just about the size; the fretboard design often includes advanced features like scalloped sections for better finger control.
The Tone and Versatility: A Sonic Landscape
The tonal range of an 8-string classical guitar is one of its standout features. Its broad sonic palette can accommodate anything from heavy metal chugs to classical arpeggios. The extended low-end range is ideal for metal and rock genres, while the added high strings can offer brighter tones suitable for jazz and classical compositions.
In essence, the 8-string classical guitar is a multi-genre powerhouse.
Cutting-Edge Features: Cutaways, Fanned Frets, and Pickups
Not to be overlooked are specialized features like cutaways, fanned frets, and pickups, exemplified in models like the Stoll 8-string classical guitar. Cutaways provide easier access to higher frets, fanned frets offer better string tension and ergonomics, and high-quality pickups ensure amplified sound quality.
These innovations elevate these nylon string classical guitars from musical instrument to a work of engineered art.
Construction and Craftsmanship
The Essence of Materials: Wood, Metal, and More
Quality materials are at the heart of any great 8-string guitar. Different types of wood, such as mahogany, rosewood, or maple, contribute to the instrument’s overall tone and durability. Premium metals for frets and tuning pegs also play a pivotal role. The material choice impacts not just the guitar’s longevity but also its tonal quality, so it’s crucial to pay attention to what your guitar is made of.
Handmade Models: The Artistry of Zebulon Turrentine
Handmade guitars, like those crafted by Zebulon Turrentine, offer a level of craftsmanship that mass-produced models can’t match. Each guitar is a unique masterpiece, tailored to produce superior sound quality and playability. If you’re someone who values the human touch in your instrument, handmade is the way to go.
Meticulous Craftsmanship: Where Skill Meets Sound
Building an 8-string guitar requires immense skill and precision. The alignment of the frets, the curve of the guitar’s body, and the installation of the pickups—all have to be done with meticulous attention to detail. A well-crafted 8-string guitar is not just an instrument; it’s a work of art that brings the player closer to musical nirvana.
8-String Classical Guitars Vs. Modern Versions
Classical vs. Electric: A Tale of Two Guitars
While both classical and modern electric 8-string guitars share the common feature of having eight strings, they serve different musical purposes and have distinct characteristics. Classical 8-string guitars are often made from exotic woods and are used mainly in classical and flamenco music. In contrast, electric 8-string guitars are constructed with electronics and are more prevalent in genres like rock, metal, and jazz.
Variations in Playing Techniques
Playing techniques can differ significantly between these two versions of the 8-string guitar. Classical guitars are typically played fingerstyle, with the player plucking the strings using their fingertips or fingernails. Electric 8-string classical guitars, however, can be played both fingerstyle and with a pick, accommodating a variety of styles such as tapping and slap-and-pop techniques.
The Drew Henderson Factor
When discussing classical 8-string guitars, it would be remiss not to mention Drew Henderson. An accomplished guitarist, Henderson’s performances on the 8-string classical guitar have become benchmarks in the genre. His interpretations of pieces, particularly those by Weiss, showcase the depth and expansiveness that the extra strings bring to classical music.
Indeed, Henderson’s work is a testament to the classical 8-string classical guitar’s capabilities and historical significance.
Mastering the 8-String: Technique and Tuning
Unique Playing Techniques for 8-String Guitars
Mastering the 8-string guitar requires a grasp of unique techniques that go beyond what a typical 6-string demands. With two extra strings, players have an expanded canvas to experiment with finger tapping, extended chords, and sweeping arpeggios. But it’s not just about adding complexity; it’s about harnessing the extended range to enhance musical expression.
The Impact of Tuning Variations
The tuning of an 8-string classical guitar can dramatically affect its sound and playability. While the two extra strings are generally tuned to B and E, different tunings like drop E or open C can open up entirely new sonic possibilities. These variations not only affect the instrument’s tonal color but also the kinds of chords and scales that can be played.
Popular Songs and Performances Featuring 8-String Guitars
Iconic Songs That Shine on Eight Strings
The 8-string classical guitar has found its way into a variety of genres, featuring iconic songs that range from metal anthems to jazz classics. Songs like “CAFO” by Animals As Leaders and “Bleed” by Meshuggah have showcased the sonic capabilities and dynamic range that only an 8-string guitar can provide.
Memorable Performances: The Weiss Legacy
One cannot discuss 8-string classical guitars without noting performances of pieces by the composer Sylvius Leopold Weiss. Often played on classical 8-string guitars, these compositions demonstrate the instrument’s range and versatility. Musicians like Drew Henderson have brought Weiss’s work to life, adding a new layer of depth and richness that only an 8-string can offer.
Mastering the 8-String: Technique and Tuning
Techniques That Amplify Your Playing
The 8-string guitar offers an expanded toolbox of techniques that go beyond conventional guitar playing. Techniques like tapping, sweeping, and slapping can be elevated to new heights thanks to the additional strings. For instance, you can execute extended sweep arpeggios that incorporate the low B and high E strings, enriching your sound with bass strings and treble accents. The question then becomes: What new musical avenues can you explore with these techniques?
The Alchemy of Tuning
Tuning is a transformative process that moulds the guitar’s sonic identity. Commonly, the 8-string guitar’s extra strings are tuned to a low B and a high E, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Musicians often venture into alternate tunings like Drop E, Open C, or even more exotic tunings. Each option brings a distinct timbre and expands the possibilities for chord voicings, enabling you to explore a myriad of musical styles. Have you ever tried alternate tunings on your 8-string?
Popular Songs and Performances Featuring 8 String Guitars
Soundscapes Across Genres
The 8-string guitar shines across a range of musical genres. From the complexity of “CAFO” by Animals As Leaders to the heavy groove in “Bleed” by Meshuggah, this versatile instrument leaves an indelible mark. But the 8-string’s influence isn’t limited to just metal or progressive rock. Jazz musicians and classical guitarists have also leveraged its extended range to create intricate and captivating compositions.
A Classical Resonance: Weiss Reimagined
Pieces by Sylvius Leopold Weiss, often performed on 8-string guitars, highlights the instrument’s potential. Musicians like Drew Henderson play Baroque music in the modern age, utilizing the 8-string’s expanded range to add depth and dimension to these timeless compositions. Which Weiss piece has captivated you the most?
Buying Tips for Beginners
Essential Considerations for Your First Purchase
Entering the world of 8-string guitars requires some thoughtful consideration. Look for features that align with your musical goals, whether that’s a robust electric model for metal or a finely crafted version. Additionally, the guitar’s construction materials, such as the type of wood and metal used, should suit your tonal preferences.
Financing Your Musical Journey
If an 8-string guitar feels like a hefty investment, various financing options can ease the burden. Some retailers offer 0% financing for up to 18 months, allowing you to pay off your guitar over time without additional interest. This option makes it easier to invest in a quality instrument that will stand the test of time.
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