Best 7-String and 8-String Guitars for Metal and Progressive Playing

The best 7 string guitars for metal and progressive playing are the Ibanez Gio GRG7221QA for the lowest-cost entry, the Jackson JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS22-7 for a locking-nut-free metal workhorse, and the Ibanez RGMS7 or Schecter Omen Elite-7 when you want a multi-scale or mid-tier upgrade. If you want to go lower again, the Jackson JS32-8 and the Schecter Omen Elite-8 Multiscale cover 8-string territory. A seventh string adds a low B below the usual low E, and an eighth adds a low F sharp, which is why these guitars dominate heavy, djent and progressive styles.

Extended-range guitars are not just regular guitars with extra strings. The longer scale, wider neck and heavier strings all change how the guitar feels, and the wrong choice can leave a low string flabby or a neck uncomfortable. This guide ranks 7-string and 8-string guitars by scale length, neck width, pickups and tuning stability, and includes a worked tension calculation so you can see why scale length matters.

Our top picks

Top pickIbanez GRG 7-String Solid-Body Electric Guitar

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Also greatIbanez Standard RGA742FM Electric Guitar

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Also greatIbanez RGDRB71 Iron Label 7 String Right

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Also greatIbanez Axion Label RGD71ALMS 7-string Electric Guitar

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Key takeaways

• A 7-string adds a low B (about 30.87 Hz); an 8-string adds a low F sharp (about 23.12 Hz), so scale length and string gauge matter far more than on a six-string.
• Longer or multi-scale (fanned-fret) designs keep low strings tight without making treble strings too stiff.
• For the same string and pitch, a 27 inch scale gives roughly 12 percent more tension than a 25.5 inch scale.
• Hardtail bridges are the default for extended-range guitars because they keep low-string tuning stable.
• Budget 7-strings are a sensible way to learn whether you need the extra string before spending more.

Quick comparison: best 7 string guitars and 8-string options at a glance

What changes when you add a seventh or eighth string

A standard six-string is tuned E A D G B E. A 7-string adds a low B, giving B E A D G B E. An 8-string adds a low F sharp below that, giving F# B E A D G B E. The low B has a fundamental of roughly 30.87 Hz and the low F sharp about 23.12 Hz, which is close to the lowest notes a four-string bass reaches. That explains why extended-range guitars sit in the territory where tone, tuning and pickup choice become more demanding.

Lower pitches need more mass or more tension to sound firm. Makers handle this by using thicker strings, longer scale lengths or both. A typical 7-string set, such as an Ernie Ball 7-String Regular Slinky at 10 to 56 or a D’Addario NYXL set at 11 to 64, adds a heavy low string rather than just another plain one. The neck is also wider to fit the extra strings, and a few models add a longer scale to stop the low B from sounding loose.

Worked example: why scale length changes feel

String tension for a given string and pitch grows with the square of scale length. Moving from a 25.5 inch scale to a 27 inch scale multiplies tension by (27 divided by 25.5) squared, which is about 1.12, so a 12 percent increase. Moving from 25.5 to 26.5 inches gives (26.5 divided by 25.5) squared, about 1.08, or an 8 percent increase. A tighter low string is easier to play cleanly, which is why 8-string guitars commonly use 27 inch or longer scales. Multi-scale guitars give the low strings the longer scale and the high strings a shorter one, so the treble side is not overly stiff.

1. Ibanez Gio GRG7221QA: Best first 7-string

• 7 strings · RG-style body with dual humbuckers (HH) per the listing
• Maple fingerboard on the GRG7221 family · transparent black sunburst finish on the QA
• Also sold in a bundle with amp, gig bag and accessories

Best for: players who want to try a 7-string without spending much, especially if they already like the Ibanez RG shape.

Skip if: you want a longer scale or a premium build for gigging.

Pros

• Lowest-cost entry to a major brand’s 7-string line
• Familiar RG body and thin neck shape
• Bundle versions simplify buying for new players
• Easy upgrade path for pickups and hardware

Cons

• Entry-level hardware and pickups
• Low B can feel less tight than on longer-scale guitars

2. Jackson JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS22-7: Best budget metal 7-string

• 7 strings · arch top Dinky body · hardtail (HT) bridge in the listing
• Satin Black finish · also sold in a bundle with cable, tuner and strap
• Jackson 7-strings typically use a longer scale than six-strings; confirm the exact figure on the listing

Best for: metal and hard rock players who want an aggressive shape and a fixed bridge for stable low-string tuning.

Skip if: you want a tremolo, a multi-scale neck or boutique build quality.

Pros

• Hardtail bridge keeps tuning steady in drop tunings
• Recognisable metal styling
• Affordable for a branded 7-string
• Large aftermarket for modding

Cons

• Stock pickups are basic
• Specification details can vary by production year

3. ESP LTD M-207B DX: Best lower-mid hard rock 7-string

• 7 strings · LTD M-207B DX in Crimson Satin
• Part of ESP’s LTD range, which targets rock and metal players

Best for: players who want a recognised metal brand and a no-fuss 7-string.

Skip if: you need a multi-scale neck or want the lowest possible price.

Pros

• ESP has a long history in metal guitars
• Satin finish feels smooth under the hand
• Fits both rhythm and lead work
• Established dealer support

Cons

• Check the listing for exact pickups and scale length
• Priced above the entry models

4. Ibanez RGMS7: Best for a tight low B with comfortable treble strings

• Seven-string multi-scale (fanned-fret) design
• Mahogany body and jatoba fingerboard, according to the listing
• Dual humbucker pickups

Best for: players who want the benefits of a longer bass-side scale without a stiff treble side.

Skip if: fanned frets feel unfamiliar and you prefer straight frets.

Pros

• Multi-scale layout tightens the low B
• Mahogany body adds warmth and weight
• Ibanez support and a wide dealer network
• Strong mid-tier option

Cons

• Fanned frets take a short time to adapt to
• Slightly heavier than basswood alternatives

5. Schecter Omen Elite-7: Best modern mid-tier 7-string

• 7 strings · Omen Elite series, offered in Charcoal, See-Thru Blue Burst and Black Cherry Burst
• A Multiscale version of the Elite-7 also exists in the same line

Best for: modern rock and metal players who want a stylish 7-string with a well-known brand name.

Skip if: you want the cheapest 7-string or a vintage-style look.

Pros

• Several finishes and a multi-scale option in the family
• Established metal brand with wide dealer presence
• Mid-tier build quality
• Suits many extended-range styles

Cons

• Check the exact scale length and pickups on the listing
• Priced above entry models

6. Jackson JS Series Dinky JS32-8: Best first 8-string

• 8 strings · Dinky body in Satin Black · amaranth fingerboard, per the listing
• Part of Jackson’s JS series for metal players

Best for: players who want to try an 8-string without moving to a premium tier.

Skip if: you want a multi-scale neck or boutique hardware.

Pros

• One of the more accessible branded 8-strings
• Familiar Dinky shape and thin neck feel
• Metal-friendly styling
• Good base for pickup swaps

Cons

• Check the exact scale length on the listing
• Stock pickups may need upgrading for tight low-end

7. Schecter Omen Elite-8 Multiscale: Best for djent and progressive playing

• 8-string multi-scale (fanned-fret) guitar · Black Cherry Burst finish
• Omen Elite series styling

Best for: progressive, djent and extended-range players who want an 8-string with tight low strings.

Skip if: you have never played a 7-string, since an 8-string is a bigger jump.

Pros

• Multi-scale design suits an 8-string’s low F sharp
• Established brand support
• Modern look and mid-to-upper-tier build
• Suitable for both rhythm and lead work

Cons

• Priced at the upper-mid end of this list
• Wide neck requires adaptation

Also consider

• Ibanez RG8: a classic 8-string with mahogany body, 24 frets and a hardtail bridge, per the listing.
• Ibanez Iron Label RGDRB71: 7-string with nyatoh body, roasted maple neck and ebony fingerboard, per the listing. An upper-tier build.
• AKLOT multi-scale 7-string and 8-string guitars: fanned frets from about 25.5 to 27 inches on the 7-string and 25.5 to 27.5 inches on the 8-string, per the listings. Very low cost, with basic fit and finish.
• Yuemiya 8-string fanned fret: 25.5 to 28 inch multi-scale, mahogany body with a burl top, per the listing. A low-cost option for experimenters.

How We Chose

This is a research-based list: we did not personally use the products. We reviewed maker pages, retailer listings and published reviews to build a spread of 7-string and 8-string guitars at different budget tiers. We prioritised hardtail or stable bridges, multi-scale options and recognised brands, limited each brand to two main picks and avoided quoting prices. Where listings do not state the scale length, the table says so and we recommend confirming it before buying.

Buying guide: choosing a 7-string or 8-string guitar

Scale length and multi-scale

Standard 25.5 inch scale works for a 7-string if you use a heavy low string and accept a slightly softer feel. Longer scales (26.5 to 27 inches) tighten the low B, and 8-string guitars commonly use 27 inches or more. Multi-scale designs give each string its own scale, with the low strings long and the high strings shorter. The fanned frets take a short time to adapt to, but many players find the angled hand position comfortable.

String gauges and tunings

Common 7-string sets include 10 to 56, 11 to 58 and 11 to 64, such as the Ernie Ball 7-String Regular Slinky, Ernie Ball 7-String Power Slinky and D’Addario NYXL 7-string set. Heavier low strings tighten the feel but make bends harder. Choose a set that matches your scale length and tuning.

Neck width and shape

Extended-range necks are wider to fit the extra strings. A thin, flat neck helps fast playing but can feel unfamiliar if you are used to a six-string. Try a 7-string with your usual hand position before deciding. The extra width is usually on the bass side and comes naturally after a short practice period.

Pickups for low strings

High-output humbuckers, passive or active, keep the low strings clear and tight. Pickups designed for six-strings can sound flabby on a low B, so look for pickups specified for 7- or 8-string use.

Bridge: hardtail versus tremolo

Hardtail or string-through bridges are the norm for extended-range guitars because low strings need stable tension. A tremolo is harder to keep in tune and can limit how low you can go. If you want vibrato on an extended-range guitar, look for a locking design and be ready for extra setup.

Amp and cabinet considerations

Extended-range tones need a tight, high-headroom amp or a modeler with a good low-end cut. Using too much gain can blur the low strings, so a tube-screamer style overdrive in front of the amp, a bass-cut and a noise gate are common tools.

Budget thresholds

Entry tier: a 7-string with basic pickups and a hardtail bridge. Lower-mid tier: better pickups and nuts, branded finishes. Mid tier: multi-scale designs and improved hardware. Upper end: premium woods and active pickups. For a first extended-range guitar, spend only what you need to find out whether you like the format.

Best 7 string guitars for metal versus best 7 string guitars for progressive playing

Both styles use the same instrument, but they ask for different things. Metal rhythm playing leans on tight palm-muted low-B riffs, so a hardtail bridge, high-output pickups and a stable tuning matter most. Progressive playing leans on clean articulation, wide chords and lead lines across a bigger range, so comfortable neck width, clear pickups and a balanced scale matter more. Here is how the picks line up.

8-string guitars: what the eighth string adds and costs

An 8-string guitar gives you a low F sharp that sits near the bottom of a bass’s range. That opens up huge-sounding chords, chugging riffs and lines that blend guitar and bass roles. It also asks more of everything else: the neck is wider, the strings are heavier, and your amp and speaker need to handle very low frequencies without turning to mush. Most 8-strings use a scale of 27 inches or longer, and many beginners find the first few weeks awkward as they learn where the eighth string sits.

• What it adds: a lower register, thicker chords and the ability to play bass parts and guitar parts at once.
• What it costs: more weight, a wider neck, heavier strings and more careful amp settings.
• Who should wait: players who have not yet used a 7-string, since each extra string raises the learning curve.
• Who benefits most: djent, progressive and experimental players who regularly hit the bottom of a 7-string’s range.

Setting up a new 7-string: a practical checklist

1. Fit the right strings. Use a dedicated 7-string set that matches your tuning, such as 10 to 56 for standard B tuning or 11 to 64 for drop tunings.
2. Stretch the strings. Heavier strings take longer to settle, so stretch gently and retune several times.
3. Check the nut slot for the low B. The thickest string needs a wider, deeper slot, otherwise it can buzz or bind.
4. Set the neck relief. Heavy strings pull the neck forward, so a small truss rod adjustment may be needed.
5. Intonate the bridge. Adjust each saddle so the low B is accurate at the twelfth fret; the heavy string often needs the saddle further back.
6. Adjust pickup height. Set the low-string side slightly farther from the strings to avoid a boomy response.
7. Dial in the amp. Reduce bass, increase mids a little and add a noise gate if gain is high.

Playing tips that matter more on an extended-range guitar

• Mute the unused strings. With more strings, sympathetic ringing is more noticeable, so use your fretting hand and palm to keep unused strings quiet.
• Practise string skipping slowly. A wider neck makes accurate jumps from the low B to the middle strings harder at first.
• Use a lighter picking hand on the low B. Too much force on a heavy string causes flub and buzz; a controlled attack sounds tighter.
• Learn the fretboard map. A 7-string shifts the familiar shapes, so spend time on scale patterns before relying on muscle memory.
• Record yourself. Low frequencies can sound very different in a room than on a recording, so check your tone with headphones or monitors.

Most players find that after a few weeks the extra string feels natural, and many say they reach for the low B constantly once they discover how much it adds to riffs and chords.

Is a 7-string right for you? A quick decision guide

• You play drop tunings on a six-string and keep hitting string limits: a 7-string with a heavier low B is the natural step.
• You mostly play lead and clean parts: you may not need the seventh string, but it can add range for chords and bass-line fills.
• You want to play djent or progressive metal: consider a 7-string first and an 8-string once you know you need more.
• You play in a band with a bass player: low strings on a 7- or 8-string can overlap the bass, so coordinate tunings and tones.

Which one should you buy?

• Cheapest first 7-string: Ibanez Gio GRG7221QA.
• Budget metal workhorse: Jackson JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS22-7.
• Hard rock brand option: ESP LTD M-207B DX.
• Multi-scale 7-string: Ibanez RGMS7.
• Modern mid-tier 7-string: Schecter Omen Elite-7.
• First 8-string: Jackson JS Series Dinky JS32-8.
• Serious djent or progressive 8-string: Schecter Omen Elite-8 Multiscale.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best 7-string guitar for metal?

The Jackson JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS22-7 and the Schecter Omen Elite-7 are strong choices for metal because of their hardtail or stable bridges and metal-friendly design. The Ibanez RGMS7 suits players who want a multi-scale feel.

Is a 7-string harder to play than a 6-string?

The neck is wider and the extra string adds a new thing to avoid with your picking hand, but most players adjust within a few weeks. A good first 7-string has a thin neck and a comfortable shape.

What are the best 8-string guitars for djent?

Multi-scale 8-strings such as the Schecter Omen Elite-8 Multiscale suit djent because the long bass-side scale keeps the low F sharp tight.

Do I need special strings for a 7-string?

Yes. Use a dedicated 7-string set with a heavy low B. Common choices are 10 to 56, 11 to 58 or 11 to 64, depending on your scale length and tuning.

Can I tune a 6-string down instead of buying a 7-string?

You can, but a six-string tuned very low usually needs heavy strings and can feel floppy. A longer-scale extended-range guitar keeps the low string tight and still lets you play normal-register parts on the upper strings.

What is a fanned fret guitar?

A fanned-fret or multi-scale guitar has frets that angle across the neck, giving longer scale lengths on the bass strings and shorter ones on the treble strings. It improves tension balance across the strings.

Should I get a 7-string or an 8-string as my first extended-range guitar?

Most players are better served by a 7-string first. It adds a useful low B with a smaller jump in neck width and string weight, and it lets you find out whether you need the extra range before committing to an 8-string. If you already know your music lives below low B, an 8-string with a long or multi-scale neck is reasonable.

Will my existing pedals work with a 7-string?

Yes. Pedals work the same way, but low-string notes can overload distortion and fuzz pedals. A tighter overdrive, a bass-cut setting and a noise gate usually keep the low B clear.

Are left-handed 7-string guitars available?

Some models are, but availability is limited. Check the specific listing before you buy.

Sources

Ibanez product pages; Jackson and Schecter product pages; ESP Guitars product pages; Ernie Ball and D’Addario string set specifications; Guitar World; Guitar.com; retailer specification listings.

Last updated: October 2026