So you’ve got a new 8 string and you want something real to play on it. Those two extra strings stretch your low end way down, so one guitar can cover chunky chords and bass-heavy riffs at once.
A quick word on the title, because these aren’t true first-day songs. They’re 8 string tracks that a player new to eight strings can take on, assuming you already have some six-string footing.
We’ve picked five, including Meshuggah’s “Rational Gaze” and Twelve Foot Ninja’s “Collateral.” Each one trains your picking hand and your grip on those deep, heavy strings.
If you’re truly starting from zero, our 2-chord beginner guitar songs are a better first stop. Otherwise, here are the songs.
Beginner 8 String Guitar Songs
1. Rational Gaze - Meshuggah
This song is signature eight-string Meshuggah, but it’s easy enough for a newer player to pick up. The riffs and licks can be challenging, but if you take your time and practice enough, you’ll catch on.
You’ll also benefit from playing along with the recording so you can hear exactly what the rhythm guitar is doing. Chord changes and fast picking are the name of the game, so you need to prepare your fingers and hands for that.
One mistake can throw off the whole groove, so be careful and start slow.
2. Unlike Us - Hacktivist
This rock-leaning track is great for newer eight-string guitarists because it leans on straightforward chords and melodies. That’s one reason so many players choose it as an early song to learn.
It’s a little hard to play up to speed because the fast picking style takes over before your fingers are ready. Listen to it carefully and drill some fast picking so you can get it right.
3. The Fractal Effect - After the Burial
The Fractal Effect is another excellent song for newer eight-string players. It has a lot of creative chords and rhythms, and the tones are lovely.
With this song you can even learn some great bass lines, and it’s fun to play. It’s a fairly challenging track, but don’t let that stop you from learning it.
You’ll eventually be able to play it, especially if you practice consistently.
4. Bleed - Meshuggah
This song is simply an enjoyable one to play. It has a ton of cool little riffs, and it uses a lot of techniques you’ll need to learn anyway.
Keep practicing it until you can play it cleanly. It isn’t that hard once you get it down, but you should start early so your fingers get used to the repetitive picking.
This is a strong choice for one of your first songs.
5. Collateral - Twelve Foot Ninja
This song uses a lot of different techniques, and it’s great once it lives in your muscle memory. Keep practicing and you’ll get the hang of it in no time.
It’s a great song for developing alternate picking. It’s more of a challenge than some of the others, but it’s one to add to your arsenal.
This was one of the first songs I learned on eight strings, and I knew I had to add it to my repertoire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these actually beginner songs?
Not in the absolute sense. These are accessible 8 string songs aimed at players who already have basic guitar skills and want to get comfortable on the extended range.
Each one isolates techniques like alternate picking, palm muting, and tight rhythm playing without being as demanding as the full catalogues these bands are known for.
Should a complete beginner start on an 8 string guitar?
It isn’t the ideal first instrument. A wide neck and eight strings can feel overwhelming if you’ve never played guitar, and bad habits are harder to unlearn later.
Start on six strings, get comfortable with chords and basic rhythm, then move up. If you want a gentle entry point, try these 4 string guitar songs for beginners first.
How is an 8 string guitar tuned?
The most common standard tuning adds two lower strings to a standard six-string guitar, giving you F# and B below the usual low E. Many of the songs above were written around that low F#, which is exactly why they showcase what the extra range can do.
Always double-check the specific tuning a band uses before learning a song.
What techniques do I need to play these songs?
The big ones are tight alternate picking, palm muting for chunky low-string riffs, and clean chord changes timed to a metronome. Playing along with the original recordings helps you internalize the rhythm and feel.
Start each song slowly, then gradually increase the tempo as your accuracy improves.
Final Thoughts
These eight string songs are a great next step for players who want to expand their repertoire and get comfortable on an extended-range guitar. They’re challenging but a lot of fun to learn, and each one builds technique you can carry into your own playing.
Work through them one at a time, lean on the recordings, and use a metronome to keep your timing honest. Master the low-string riffs and clean picking here, and you’ll have a solid framework on which to build everything you play next.
Take a look at these 4 string guitar songs for beginners too.
