The decision of why a guitarist would buy an 8 or 7 string guitar is rooted in the desire for expanded range and tonal possibilities. Both 7 and 8 string guitars offer additional lower notes, which can greatly enhance the depth and complexity of the music being played. For guitarists exploring genres like metal, djent, progressive rock, and jazz, these extended-range instruments open up new creative avenues and allow for more innovative compositions.

The primary motivation for purchasing an 8-string guitar is the additional range it provides. With two extra strings, an 8-string guitar typically adds a low F# and a low B, expanding the lower register and enabling guitarists to play deeper, heavier, and more complex chord voicings. This is particularly appealing to musicians who play heavy metal, progressive metal, and djent, as it allows for the creation of incredibly heavy and complex riffs and chords.

On the other hand, a 7-string guitar offers an extended lower range with the addition of a low B string, which is a perfect compromise between the traditional 6-string guitar and the more expansive 8-string version. This makes it ideal for guitarists who want to explore lower tunings and heavier music without the added complexity of an 8-string instrument.

Several renowned guitar brands produce high-quality 7 and 8 string guitars. Ibanez, for example, is a leading manufacturer known for its diverse range of extended-range instruments, including the popular RG and Iron Label series. Schecter Guitar Research is another prominent brand in the extended-range guitar market, offering a wide selection of 7 and 8 string models tailored to the needs of modern guitarists. Additionally, brands such as ESP, Jackson, and Strandberg have also made significant contributions to the development of 7 and 8 string guitars, each offering their own unique take on these instruments.

Many accomplished musicians are known for their proficiency with 7 and 8 string guitars. Tosin Abasi of the band Animals as Leaders is widely recognized for his virtuosic 8-string guitar playing, which has significantly contributed to the popularity of extended-range instruments in progressive metal and djent music. Misha Mansoor, the guitarist for the band Periphery, is another prominent figure in the modern metal scene known for his masterful use of 7 and 8 string guitars. Other notable musicians include Stephen Carpenter of Deftones, who has been influential in popularizing 7-string guitars in alternative metal, and jazz fusion virtuoso Charlie Hunter, who has demonstrated the expressive potential of the 7-string guitar in a variety of musical contexts.

The additional strings on 7 and 8 string guitars expand the instrument’s range, allowing for lower notes and extended chord voicings. On an 8-string guitar, the standard tuning typically includes F#, B, E, A, D, G, B, and E, with the additional low F# and B strings providing a deep and resonant foundation. Meanwhile, a 7-string guitar is typically tuned to B, E, A, D, G, B, and E, adding the low B string to the traditional tuning of a 6-string guitar.

In conclusion, the decision to purchase a 7 or 8 string guitar is driven by the desire for expanded tonal possibilities and extended range. These instruments have become essential tools for musicians exploring heavy metal, djent, progressive rock, and jazz, enabling them to create music that is interesting and fun to play.