An 8 string hands you a low F# for djent, metal, and modern prog. Pick the wrong one, though, and that bottom string feels floppy and turns to mush as soon as you dig in.
Scale length is the spec that saves you here, since a longer scale of 27 inches or more keeps those thick strings tight and clear instead of loose. After that, the pickups and neck feel decide whether the guitar is a joy or a fight.
We narrowed the field to four 8 strings from makers who really understand the format, from a multi-scale Jackson down to a wallet-friendly beginner pick. Each is ranked on tone, build, scale length, and value.
To finish the rig, see our picks for the best amp for 8 string guitar, the best strings for 8 string guitars, and proper 8 string guitar tuning. The comparison chart is next.
Quick Comparison Chart
| # | Product | Our Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
Jackson X Series Soloist SLATX8Q | ★★★★★ | Check Price |
| 2 |  |
Ibanez RG8 | ★★★★☆ | Check Price |
| 3 |  |
ESP LH408 Kit 8-String Guitar | ★★★★☆ | Check Price |
| 4 |  |
Gstyle 8 String Electric Guitar | ★★★★☆ | Check Price |
Scale Length Is the Real Story
The Jackson Soloist’s multi-scale build and the ESP LH408’s straight 27-inch scale solve the same problem two different ways: keeping a low F# from going floppy. The Ibanez RG8 leans on its fast RG neck and stays the value benchmark.
The Gstyle is the wildcard, a burl-topped budget eight for testing the extended-range waters before committing serious money.
1. Jackson X Series Soloist SLATX8Q
Jackson X Series Soloist SLATX8Q
Multi-scale 8 string Soloist with a quilted maple top, fast neck, and a deep trans black burst finish.
Pros
- Multi-scale build tightens up the low strings
- Quilted maple top boosts resonance and looks
- Slim, fast neck suited to technical players
- Premium feel at a mid-range price
Cons
- Multi-scale frets take adjustment to get used to
- Higher price than entry-level 8 strings
The Jackson X Series Soloist SLATX8Q sits at the top of this list thanks to its multi-scale construction, which staggers the fret spacing so the low strings get a longer scale for tight, defined low end while the high strings stay comfortable. The quilted maple top isn’t just for show, it adds a layer of resonance that gives the guitar a lively, focused voice.
Add the slim, fast Soloist neck and you have an instrument built for technical players who want to shred without fighting the fretboard.
2. Ibanez RG8
Ibanez RG8
Affordable 8 string RG with a meranti body, dual humbuckers, and a fast Maple/Walnut neck for any genre.
Pros
- Trusted Ibanez RG shape and playability
- Two humbuckers cover clean to high-gain tones
- Maple and walnut neck stays fast and stable
- Strong value for an entry-level 8 string
Cons
- Stock pickups may need upgrading for metal
- Jatoba fingerboard is plainer than premium woods
The Ibanez RG8 is the value benchmark in the extended-range world, and for good reason. It carries the legendary RG body shape with a fast Maple and Walnut neck, a meranti body, and two humbucking pickups that handle everything from clean passages to heavy gain.
While the stock pickups are the first thing many players eventually swap, the platform itself is rock solid and makes an ideal first 8 string or a reliable workhorse for the price.
3. ESP LH408 Kit 8-String Guitar
ESP LH408 Kit 8-String Guitar
27-inch scale metal machine with EMG 808 pickups, an ebony-style board, and a full starter accessory kit.
Pros
- Active EMG 808 pickups deliver tight metal tone
- Long 27-inch scale keeps low strings clear
- Mahogany body and 24 XJ frets for fast play
- Bundle adds gig bag, tuner, stand, and cable
Cons
- Active EMGs require a 9V battery
- Black sunburst finish shows fingerprints
The ESP LH408 is the most metal-focused option here, built around a 27-inch scale and a set of active EMG 808 pickups that deliver the tight, aggressive tone that djent and modern metal demand. The mahogany body and 24 extra-jumbo frets keep fast playing comfortable, and the LTD fixed bridge holds tuning well under heavy picking.
Best of all, it ships as a full kit with a gig bag, tuner, strap, stand, and cable, so a beginner can plug in and start playing right away.
4. Gstyle 8 String Electric Guitar
Gstyle 8 String Electric Guitar
Budget 8 string with a burl poplar top, okoume body, 24 frets, and an ebony-style fretboard for beginners.
Pros
- Eye-catching burl poplar veneer top
- 24 frets and composite ebony board for easy play
- 2-way adjustable truss rod for setup tweaks
- Low entry price for first-time 8 string buyers
Cons
- Lesser-known brand with mixed quality control
- Usually needs a setup out of the box
The Gstyle 8 String is the budget pick for anyone curious about extended-range playing who doesn’t want to spend much to find out. It features a striking burl poplar veneer top over an okoume body, 24 frets, and a composite ebony fretboard on a bolt-on maple neck.
A 2-way adjustable truss rod lets you dial in the action, though like most guitars in this price bracket it usually benefits from a proper setup before it plays its best.
Video Reviews
More demos worth a watch:
Final Thoughts
For the best all-around 8 string guitar, the Jackson X Series Soloist SLATX8Q is our top pick. Its multi-scale design and quilted maple top give it both the tight low-end clarity and the fast, comfortable feel that serious players want, and it delivers a genuinely premium experience for the money.
If you’re buying your first 8 string and want the safest value, the Ibanez RG8 is the easy recommendation. It’s the most trusted budget platform out there, and even if you upgrade the pickups down the road, the guitar underneath will keep up.
Metal players who want the heaviest tone straight out of the box should look hard at the ESP LH408 with its EMG 808s and full accessory kit.
Whichever you choose, remember that scale length and a good setup matter more than almost anything else on an 8 string. Pair your new guitar with the right amp and a fresh set of heavy strings, get the tuning dialed in, and you’ll have an extended-range rig that sounds tight and powerful.
