“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

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.

Just bought my first 8 string. its also my first guitar. and just my second instrument. but i like tosin abasi :D

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!

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.

D'addario has a 9-80 set as well, it's really good

11:25 As a man, I do actually have a 6th finger that can sit right above the nut.

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.

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

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.

I really love latest videos. Educational and helpful. Keep up the good work Treyzinator!

That's a sexy Cort. Didn't know that model existed.

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!

Yesterday I had the 7-string version of that guitar delivered and damn!... Im in love! :P

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.

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.

What a great video, answered all my questions in one stop. TY man great job.

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.

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 .👍

Thanks dude! Your video helped indeed! Used some of your tips on my latest 8th string song. Cheers and keep the great content coming! 👍

Excelent video, Trey. Very useful information.

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!

Haha. "...Djentle..." 13:44

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.

Quite informative... Expected as always. Nice Job mate

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.

Thank you very much! Great tips!

Excellent tips, thanks !

Very useful stuff man, thanks

Never owned a guitar beyond 6. Very interesting advice that was. Many thanks. I enjoyed it!

Thank you for taking the time to explain. :)

Gr8 video m8!

Thank you man, just got a cort kx508ms and this really helped me transition

Wow! I’m loving that guitar!

Thanks that was super helpful

Great video 😊 I'm currently playing six strings but considering 8-strings for playing extended scales and arpeggios.

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.

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

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

Perfect video. Thank you.

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.

great info man

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.

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.

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 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...

My first guitar was a 25.5" scale Gstyle ES800 Amazon Brand Guitar. And it is my favorite guitar I've had.

A 3 year old video that is exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks man good stuff

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!

great breakdown

Great! Thanks!!!

God bless you...thank you for excellent instructions explanations advice on 8 string...

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 have 10-80 heavys on my 8 string and sounds awesome

I just Bought a used 080r 4 day ago waiting for it to come in the mail I am excited

Smart dude. That was helpful as I transition from bass and guitar to an eight string.

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 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.

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.

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. :)

THANK YOU!

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

I literally thing there was not one wrong tip in this tutorial! Great video! I wish it was 50 minutes long!

I just took strings off but I love the fact that your adding more😂

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.

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

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 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

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.

had the issue with my strings got the ESP m1008 and it of course has locking tuners. The original strings I used were stock, and NYXL's that were the same as that, I forget the gauge by my guess was the low end was in the 74 range. The 80 doesn't fit with the locking tuners, BUT! Magically I had the idea to clip and uncoil the wire to where I could set the string! works great, now to find a decent tuning I like. I've been loving the 8 over the 7, which I had one years ago, but went back to 6 until I got this 8. I had some decent tunings I made with the lighter strings but they were far too light. Hopefully I come up with something equally dope!

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!

Thanks for the video, very informative and nice playing! The fret wraps were new to me, have they been in use for 7s and 8s for a while?

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.

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.

That tone !!!!!!

2:05 The Orpharion is like that too

Great video man! I liked it a lot, thanks for those tips and tricks!

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

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.

Trey you area BEAST and you are not allowed to leave KZfaq EVER! Er Go Nomics! yes!

Also the lower strings are often tapered which bypasses the need to have an extra tuner

You're a boss bro

I have a 26.5 scale 7 string tuned down to F standard with a 74 gage on the B and it works fine.

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

I’d love to see you make more videos like this one. Awesome job!

Hit up string joy. I have a 72 tuned to F# on a 27.5 scale and it’s perfect

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.

Will you review this 8 string beast?)

Nice!

Nice guitar

I put bass strings on the low end and sub in a six string set on the high. Ive got a fanned fret 8 string so the tension is like you said, but i find that for what is essentially standard tuning for 8 string guitar (E B E A D G B E) even an 80 isnt enough, i generally use a 95 for the lowest string and a 60 for the low B

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.

what tips would you have for a 17 or 18 string guitar?

i need too see this 2 years ago

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

Bought it

Been looking for a cheaper but high performance 8 string. Just found it. 👍🤘

You got them flying fingers, Dude