At .strandberg*, our extended-range guitars lie close to our hearts. These advanced models make it possible to venture further musically, and we’ve always loved bringing them from an idea to a finished product. In this article, we cover why you should make the jump from a traditional 6-string guitar to a 7- or 8-string.
And there are 4 compelling reasons to do so:
- Reach lower tonalities
- Play new chords with ease
- Move up to advanced genres and to
- Experience the multiscale frets
Reach lower tonalities
With the addition of one or two extra strings, a 7- or 8-string guitar provides musicians with the capacity to explore deeper and richer low tonalities. This enhancement not only expands the instrument’s range but allows for more nuanced and layered compositions.
Whether you’re a composer seeking to add depth to your arrangements or a performer wanting to deliver a fuller sound, these extended-range guitars cater to that desire, making them a versatile choice for various musical settings.
Play new chords with ease
One of the notable advantages of having additional strings is the ease it brings to chordal playing. With more strings at your disposal, you can craft unique voicings, create denser harmonies, and experiment with extended chords without having to stretch your fingers across the entire fretboard. This ease facilitates not just creativity but also physical comfort, especially for those who might struggle with wider stretches on a 6-string.
Move up to more advanced genres
The introduction of 7- and 8-string guitars has revolutionized genres such as progressive metal, jazz, and djent. These instruments provide the extended tonal range required for the intricate riffs and complex chordal structures characteristic of these genres. For musicians looking to delve into these advanced musical territories, a 7- or 8-string guitar becomes not just an asset but a necessity. It’s a gateway to uncharted musical landscapes, beckoning players to explore and innovate.
Feel even more benefits of multiscale frets
A distinctive feature of our guitars is the multiscale fret design. Multiscale instruments fan out their frets to accommodate varying scale lengths for each individual string. This design acknowledges that lower notes often resonate better on a longer scale with increased tension, while higher notes benefit from a shorter scale for easier bends without compromising tone or intonation.
At Strandberg Guitars, we meticulously determine the optimal scale lengths and neutral points based on tone, ergonomics, and playability. For instance, the layout for the original Boden 8, designed for Tosin Abasi of Animals as Leaders, was set to ensure that the frets complement the natural movement of the guitarist’s arm along the neck, which maximizes playing comfort.
In Conclusion
The transition to a 7- or 8-string guitar opens up a world of musical possibilities. Whether it’s the allure of deeper tonalities, the ease of chordal play, the excitement of exploring new and advanced genres, or the ergonomic advantages of our multiscale designs, there’s a compelling case for making the switch.
Click here to view our 7-string guitars
Click here to view our 8-string guitars
Read more about “behind the scenes” for extended-range guitars here
Read more about “behind the scenes” for multiscale guitars here
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