What Are Extended Range Guitars and What Can You Do With Them?

Extended range guitars are not your everyday six-stringed instruments. With their seven, eight, or even nine strings, they offer a broader range of sounds that can transport musicians to new realms of musical exploration. Imagine delving into the depths of lower pitches, conjuring bass-like riffs that rumble through the listener’s soul. And then, with a flick of your fingers, ascend to the thrilling peaks of higher tones, sending shivers down the spines of all who listen.

But it’s not just versatility that makes extended range guitars so enchanting - it’s the ability to do it all on a single instrument. When you can blend the rhythmic thump of bass-like chords with soaring solos that dance across the fretboard, the possibilities are almost endless.

As music has evolved over the years, forcing guitarists to seek brave and imaginative new sounds, extended range guitars have become increasingly common. Nowadays, they are the trusted companions of professional musicians who crave a broader sonic palette in genres ranging from cerebral progressive metal and jazz to the sledgehammer heaviness of djent and metalcore.

Different Types of Extended Range Guitars - 6, 7, 8 & 9 String Models

The extended range family is fascinatingly diverse, with different variants catering to distinct musical needs. The 6-string guitar may remain the classic choice, resonating with tradition and nostalgia; it’s the starting point for many. Still, many guitarists are seeking extra strings to take their playing to new levels.

Baritone Guitar

The baritone guitar is the perfect blend of familiarity and discovery. A six-stringer with a difference, it features a longer scale length that allows for lower tunings, imbuing your music with a rich, deeper tone that traditional guitars often struggle to achieve. Usually tuned from B to B, baritone guitars allow musicians to explore a broader canvas, making it a popular choice among those who enjoy jazz, blues, and even heavy metal.

If you’re eager to add a new flavour to your music, the baritone guitar is a tempting prospect that promises to add depth and texture to your compositions.

7-String Guitar

The 7-string guitar is the next step in the extended range family, the addition of an extra string giving musicians an even greater scope for creativity. Initially popular in jazz, this model has now carved out a significant niche within the vibrant world of heavy metal, thanks to its ability to reach lower tonal depths. The added string, usually tuned to a low B, allows for a wider range of notes, adding a potent, heavy crunch that metal enthusiasts relish.

The appeal of the 7-string guitar extends far beyond its sonic capabilities. It also enables a more complex and intricate playing style, pushing musicians to further their technical prowess and explore new compositional possibilities. For those who crave a richer, more robust sound and relish the challenge of mastering an additional string, the 7-string guitar is an enticing proposition.

8-String Guitar

A titan in the world of modern extended range guitars, the 8-string guitar is an enchanting instrument that pushes the boundaries of musical expression. Adding an extra string typically tuned to a low F# or E, the 8-string guitar propels music-making into an entirely new territory. It has found a particular home in progressive metal, jazz, and experimental rock, allowing musicians to craft ground-breaking compositions with a broad range of notes and a profound, resonant tone.

The 8-string guitar is a powerful tool that invites musicians to challenge their abilities and venture into uncharted musical waters. As with the 7-string, the 8-string requires skill and dedication to master, but the rewards are immense. The rich and immersive sound offers an incredible depth of tone that can transform your music into an entirely new beast.

If you’re a musician with a taste for the unconventional who relishes the thrill of exploring new sonic landscapes, the 8-string guitar could be just what you’re looking for.

9-String Guitar

In the Cold War that is guitar tone and heaviness, it was inevitable that eight strings wouldn’t suffice for long! The 9-string guitar, a veritable juggernaut in the sphere of extended range guitars, is a compelling instrument that truly stretches the sonic spectrum. This daunting yet intriguing creation adds yet another string, typically tuned to a low C#, propelling the musician into eccentric realms of musicality.

With its adoption in progressive metal and experimental music, the 9-string broadens melodic and harmonic possibilities, presenting an expansive playground for the audacious guitarist. With its thunderous resonance, the lower string grants a unique depth, while the added range invites creative chord formations and intricate riff structures.

Conquering a 9-string guitar is no small feat; it demands intense dedication, a robust understanding of scales and chords, and an adventurous spirit. However, if you’re looking to position yourself at the cutting edge of musical expression and you’re willing to put in the work, the rewards are plentiful!

Pros & Cons of Extended Range Guitars

Entering the world of extended range guitars is undoubtedly intriguing, but it’s not without challenges! On the upside, these guitars offer unparalleled harmonic depth and range, unleashing creative opportunities for the daring musician. With their distinct tunings, the additional strings add layers of richness, complexity, and versatility to your musical canvas, allowing you to explore novel chord formations, unusual scales, and inventive riff structures. Furthermore, the extra string choices offer a unique edge for genres like progressive metal and experimental music, where the interplay of melody and dissonance creates an immersive sonic experience.

However, on the downside, the extensive range of these guitars can be a daunting challenge to master, demanding dedication, a confident understanding of music theory, and a leap of faith into the unconventional. The larger neck can also be physically challenging to handle, potentially impacting playing comfort and speed.

Despite these obstacles, for those willing to invest the time and effort, the rewards of mastery over these unusual instruments are immense, offering an exciting journey of musical creativity and innovation.

How To Choose the Right Extended Range Guitar for You

Selecting the right extended range guitar can be a thrilling yet daunting task. The key is to balance your musical goals with practical considerations. First, reflect on your stylistic preferences. Are you drawn towards the brooding resonance of progressive metal or the intricate rhythms of jazz fusion? The genre you’re keen to explore might influence your choice of instrument.

Also, consider the physicality of the instrument. Extended range guitars come in different shapes and sizes, each with its own ergonomic considerations. It’s crucial to find a guitar that feels comfortable to hold and play. Finally, don’t overlook the importance of quality manufacturing. A guitar’s craftmanship can heavily influence its sound quality, durability, and overall playability. It’s worth investing in an instrument crafted with care and precision.

Getting Ready to Rock Out With Your Extended Range Guitar

Once you’ve selected your perfect extended range guitar, it’s time to focus on mastering the art of playing. Start by exploring the standard tuning, understanding the unique chord shapes, and familiarising yourself with the expanded fretboard. Don’t be afraid to experiment with alternate tunings, though - this can open up a world of new harmonic possibilities. Practice scales and exercises to build your dexterity and precision.

Gradually, as your comfort with the instrument increases, venture into more complex pieces and improvise solos. Remember, patience and persistence are key - mastering an extended range guitar is a marathon, not a sprint. But with dedicated practice, you’ll soon be able to coax mesmerising melodies from your guitar, taking your musical journey to new heights!

To get you started on your extended range guitar journey, here are some fantastic 7, 8, and 9-string guitar songs you can sink your musical teeth into!

Korn - “Blind” (7-string)

Fear Factory - “Linchpin” (7-string)

Muse - “Citizen Erased” (7-string)

Lacuna Coil - “Our Truth” (7-string)

Steve Vai - “Weeping China Doll” (7-string)

Deftones - “Diamond Eyes” (8-string)

Meshuggah - “Rational Gaze” (8-string)

Sleep Token - “The Offering” (8-string)

Emmure - “Smokey” (9-string)

Deftones - “The Spell of Mathematics” (9-string)

Find Your Extended Range Guitar

So, is an extended range guitar for you? If you’ve decided to take the plunge and explore life beyond six strings, it’s time to find your new guitar! Head over to our Finder tool, enter your requirements, such as price and number of strings, and find out just how easy it is to uncover the perfect axe for you.