Best 8 String Guitars for Modern Metal 2026

Perfect 8 string guitars for modern-metal - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: January 21, 2026 • Next update: January 28, 2026

PRICE RANGES: Under $300 Under $500 Under $2,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Djent For Progressive Metal For Experimental For Modern Metal For Extended Range For Ambient

BRANDS: Harley Benton

Jackson JS32-8 Dinky DKA SBK AH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Jackson JS32-8 Dinky DKA SBK AH

by Jackson

Experimental Djent Progressive Metal

Key Feature:

• Maximum extended range

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal possibilities
• Great for complex arrangements

✗ CONS

• Significant learning curve
• Complex string management

Jackson JS32-8 Dinky DKA SBK AH8-String Electric GuitarBody: PoplarBolt-on neck with graphite reinforcement: Maple and...

⭐ 5.0/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 457343

$472

Buy at Thomann View Details

ESP LTD EC-258 Black Satin - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

ESP LTD EC-258 Black Satin

by ESP

Djent Progressive Metal Modern Metal

Key Feature:

• Modern metal capabilities

✓ PROS

• Excellent for experimentation
• Great for complex arrangements

✗ CONS

• Very wide neck profile
• Complex string management

ESP LTD EC-258 Black Satin8-String Electric GuitarBody: Mahogany3-Piece Set-Thru neck: mahoganyFretboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.8/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 431684

$659

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QEB Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QEB Bundle

by Harley Benton

Ambient Modern Metal Experimental

Key Feature:

• Unique tonal possibilities

✓ PROS

• Great for complex arrangements
• Unique tonal possibilities

✗ CONS

• Complex string management
• Significant learning curve

Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QEB Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QEB*8-String Multiscale...

⭐ 4.4/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 561137

$466

Buy at Thomann View Details

Cort KX508MS II Marina Blue Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Cort KX508MS II Marina Blue Burst

by Cort

Modern Metal Djent Experimental

Key Feature:

• Modern metal capabilities

✓ PROS

• Great for complex arrangements
• Modern metal capabilities

✗ CONS

• Complex string management
• Limited mainstream applications

Cort KX508MS II Marina Blue Burst8-String Multiscale Electric GuitarKX SeriesBody: OkoumeTop: PoplarBolt-on 5-piece...

⭐ 4.6/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 539947

$989

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton R-458FFB LH Roasted MultiScale - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton R-458FFB LH Roasted MultiScale

by Harley Benton

Experimental Modern Metal Djent

Key Feature:

• Excellent for experimentation

✓ PROS

• Excellent for experimentation
• Unique tonal possibilities

✗ CONS

• Requires specialized skills
• Significant learning curve

Harley Benton R-458FFB LH Roasted MultiScale8-String Multiscale Electric GuitarLeft-handed modelProgressive SeriesBody:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 570062

$285

Buy at Thomann View Details

Strandberg Boden Standard NX 8 Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Strandberg Boden Standard NX 8 Blue

by Strandberg

Progressive Metal Djent Extended Range

Key Feature:

• Maximum extended range

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal possibilities
• Maximum extended range

✗ CONS

• Complex string management
• Very wide neck profile

Strandberg Boden Standard NX 8 Blue8-String Electric GuitarBody: Solid boxwoodTop: Flamed maple veneerNeck:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 532627

$2,034

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QBB Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QBB Bundle

by Harley Benton

Extended Range Ambient Djent

Key Feature:

• Modern metal capabilities

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal possibilities
• Excellent for experimentation

✗ CONS

• Significant learning curve
• Requires specialized skills

Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QBB Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QBB*8-String Multiscale...

⭐ 4.6/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 561134

$464

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez FTM33-WK Fredrik Thordendal - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Ibanez FTM33-WK Fredrik Thordendal

by Ibanez

Djent Extended Range Ambient

Key Feature:

• Unique tonal possibilities

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal possibilities
• Great for complex arrangements

✗ CONS

• Significant learning curve
• Very wide neck profile

Ibanez FTM33-WK Fredrik Thordendal8-String Electric GuitarFredrik Thordendal (Meshuggah) Signature ModelBody:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 406157

$2,265

Buy at Thomann View Details

Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-8 TBB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-8 TBB

by Schecter

Ambient Djent Progressive Metal

Key Feature:

• Unique tonal possibilities

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal possibilities
• Modern metal capabilities

✗ CONS

• Complex string management
• Very wide neck profile

Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-8 TBB8-String Electric GuitarBody: MahoganyQuilted maple topEbony fretboard3-Stripe maple...

⭐ 4.4/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 474251

$1,506

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez RG5328-LDK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.8/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Ibanez RG5328-LDK

by Ibanez

Djent Progressive Metal Extended Range

Key Feature:

• Modern metal capabilities

✓ PROS

• Great for complex arrangements
• Maximum extended range

✗ CONS

• Significant learning curve
• Complex string management

Ibanez RG5328-LDK8-String Electric GuitarBody: AshBolted neck: Maple / wengeSet Makassar ebony fretboardNeck profile:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 456257

$2,155

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QBB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.7/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QBB

by Harley Benton

Djent Experimental Progressive Metal

Key Feature:

• Maximum extended range

✓ PROS

• Great for complex arrangements
• Modern metal capabilities

✗ CONS

• Requires specialized skills
• Significant learning curve

Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QBB 2020 DLX8-String Multiscale Electric GuitarBody: PoplarTop veneer: quilted maple5-Piece...

⭐ 4.7/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 461579

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton R-458MN WH Progressive w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.6/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton R-458MN WH Progressive w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Djent Extended Range Progressive Metal

Key Feature:

• Unique tonal possibilities

✓ PROS

• Excellent for experimentation
• Great for complex arrangements

✗ CONS

• Complex string management
• Significant learning curve

Harley Benton R-458MN WH Progressive w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton R-458MN WH Progressive...

⭐ 4.6/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 539827

$226

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars A1.8SVART - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.5/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Solar Guitars A1.8SVART

by Solar Guitars

Extended Range Experimental Progressive Metal

Key Feature:

• Modern metal capabilities

✓ PROS

• Maximum extended range
• Great for complex arrangements

✗ CONS

• Significant learning curve
• Requires specialized skills

Solar Guitars A1.8SVART8-String Electric GuitarBody: AlderNeck-thru-body: MapleFingerboard: EbonyFluorescent Luminlay...

⭐ 4.5/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 584883

$1,649

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton R-458MN WH MultiScale - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.7/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton R-458MN WH MultiScale

by Harley Benton

Experimental Extended Range Progressive Metal

Key Feature:

• Unique tonal possibilities

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal possibilities
• Excellent for experimentation

✗ CONS

• Limited mainstream applications
• Significant learning curve

Harley Benton R-458MN WH MultiScale8-String Electric GuitarProgressive SeriesBody: PoplarBolt-on maple neckFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 427252

$219

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton R-458BK MS w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.5/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton R-458BK MS w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Djent Experimental Extended Range

Key Feature:

• Great for complex arrangements

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal possibilities
• Great for complex arrangements

✗ CONS

• Limited mainstream applications
• Significant learning curve

Harley Benton R-458BK MS w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton R-458BK MultiScale*8-String Electric...

⭐ 4.5/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 539140

$244

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best 8 String Guitars

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced 8 string guitars typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

Related Best Lists

POPULAR

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

TOP

Best 8 String Guitars for Modern Metal 2026

Jackson JS32-8 Dinky DKA SBK AH

ESP LTD EC-258 Black Satin

Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QEB Bundle

Cort KX508MS II Marina Blue Burst

Harley Benton R-458FFB LH Roasted MultiScale

Strandberg Boden Standard NX 8 Blue

Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QBB Bundle

Ibanez FTM33-WK Fredrik Thordendal

Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-8 TBB

Ibanez RG5328-LDK

Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QBB

Harley Benton R-458MN WH Progressive w/Bag

Solar Guitars A1.8SVART

Harley Benton R-458MN WH MultiScale

Harley Benton R-458BK MS w/Bag

How to Choose the Best 8 String Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Best Lists

Best ST Style Guitars

Best Humbucker Pickups

Best Distortion Pedals

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

Best 4/4 Size Classical Guitars

Cookie Preferences

Essential Cookies

Analytics Cookies

Functional Cookies

Marketing Cookies