Looking for the best 8-string guitar songs? This is the guide for you!
Ready to dive into the wild, riff-packed world of 8-string guitar songs? Strap in, because we’re about to explore some of the most mind-blowing tracks that showcase the sheer power and versatility of these beastly instruments.
From the bone-crushing heaviness of Meshuggah to the intricate melodies of Mestis, these songs push the boundaries of what’s possible on eight strings.
Whether you’re a seasoned metalhead or just curious about what makes these extended-range guitars so special, this list is your ticket to a sonic adventure filled with technical wizardry, raw emotion, and riffs that hit like a ton of bricks.
Crank up the volume and dive in!
Best 8-String Guitar Songs
I could very easily have listed several songs from the same powerhouse bands. So, in the interests of keeping things interesting, I have picked my favorite track from each band.
If you like what you hear, make sure to check out the rest of these bands’ repertoires to find a raft of additional killer tracks.
Periphery – “Stranger Things”
Dive into “Stranger Things” by Periphery, where the 8-string work is a masterclass in intricate riffage and soaring melodies. The song’s guitar lines weave through heavy grooves and ethereal leads, creating a soundscape that’s both mind-bending and oddly familiar. So good that Netflix made a whole TV show based on it! Ok, not really…
Animals as Leaders – “Nephele”
“Nephele” by Animals as Leaders is a wild ride through a storm of technical wizardry. Tosin Abasi’s 8-string prowess shines as he blends dizzying sweeps and taps with jazz-infused interludes, making this track a true testament to the boundary-pushing capabilities of modern progressive metal.
Hacktivist – “Unlike Us”
Hacktivist’s “Unlike Us” hits hard with its nu-metal energy and aggressive 8-string riffs. The combination of rap verses and crushing guitar lines creates a unique fusion that’s both rebellious and infectious, driving home a powerful message of individuality and defiance.
Deftones – “Diamond Eyes”
“Diamond Eyes” by Deftones showcases Stephen Carpenter’s deft (see what I did there?) touch with the 8-string guitar. The song’s lush textures and heavy, downtuned riffs create a mesmerizing contrast, perfectly capturing the band’s signature blend of dreamy atmospheres and raw power.
After the Burial – “The Fractal Effect”
In “The Fractal Effect,” After the Burial brings an avalanche of syncopated rhythms and melodic intricacies. The 8-string work is precise and relentless, offering a dizzying array of riffs and breakdowns that keep listeners on their toes and headbanging in sync.
Dream Theater – “Awaken The Master”
Dream Theater’s “Awaken The Master” is a progressive metal epic with John Petrucci’s 8-string Music Man Majesty at its heart. The song journeys through complex time signatures, soaring solos, and crushing riffs, showcasing Petrucci’s unparalleled technical skill and emotive expression.
Fear Factory – “Soul Hacker”
“Soul Hacker” by Fear Factory fuses industrial metal aggression with groove-laden 8-string riffs. Dino Cazares’ guitar work delivers mechanical precision and brutal power, creating a relentless drive that perfectly complements the song’s futuristic and dystopian themes.
Archspire – “Bleed The Future”
Archspire’s “Bleed The Future” is a frenetic display of technical death metal mastery. The 8-string riffs are blazingly fast and intricately detailed, pushing the boundaries of speed and complexity while maintaining an astonishing level of clarity and precision.
Sleep Token – “The Summoning”
In “The Summoning,” Sleep Token blends haunting melodies with crushing 8-string riffs to create an ethereal yet heavy sound. The dynamic guitar work shifts seamlessly between delicate passages and bone-crushing breakdowns, capturing the band’s unique blend of metal and ambient elements.
Mick Gordon – “BFG Division”
“BFG Division” by Mick Gordon is a thunderous anthem from the DOOM video game soundtrack. The track’s relentless riffs and industrial edge create an adrenaline-pumping experience that perfectly captures the chaos and intensity of the game. This is the song that gets me fired up like no other, definitely a track that needs to be on your gym playlist.
Volumes – “The Mixture”
Volumes’ “The Mixture” serves up a cocktail of groove and aggression, with its 8-string riffs hitting like a sledgehammer. The song blends djent-inspired rhythms with melodic hooks, creating a sound that’s as infectious as it is heavy. It’s a testament to the band’s ability to seamlessly merge complex musicianship with raw emotion.
Coheed and Cambria – “Gravity’s Union”
“Gravity’s Union” by Coheed and Cambria is a sprawling epic that showcases their progressive rock prowess. Claudio Sanchez’s use of the 8-string guitar adds a deep, resonant layer to the track, weaving intricate patterns that dance between soaring vocals and thunderous rhythms. It’s a rollercoaster ride through the band’s signature blend of storytelling and technical brilliance.
Haken – “Darkest Light”
Haken’s “Darkest Light” is a prog-metal powerhouse, with 8-string guitar riffs that are as dark as they are dynamic. The track features mind-bending time signatures and intricate harmonies, creating a sonic tapestry that’s both complex and captivating. It’s a showcase of the band’s ability to push the boundaries of metal while maintaining a gripping narrative.
Meshuggah – “Do Not Look Down”
“Do Not Look Down” by Meshuggah is a relentless assault of polyrhythmic precision. The 8-string guitars churn out chugging, off-kilter riffs that create a sense of controlled chaos, driving the song forward with an almost mechanical intensity. It’s a quintessential example of Meshuggah’s groundbreaking approach to extreme metal.
Mestis – “Media Noche”
“Media Noche” by Mestis is a masterclass in instrumental virtuosity. Javier Reyes’ 8-string work is fluid and expressive, blending Latin-inspired melodies with progressive metal complexity. The song’s rich textures and rhythmic intricacies create a soundscape that’s both soothing and exhilarating, showcasing Reyes’ unique musical vision.
Rob Scallon – “Anchor”
Rob Scallon’s “Anchor” is a melodic journey anchored by the deep, resonant tones of the 8-string guitar. The track weaves intricate fingerstyle passages with powerful, emotive riffs, creating a sound that’s both intimate and expansive. It’s a beautifully crafted piece that highlights Scallon’s exceptional technical skill and emotional depth.
Chelsea Grin – “Bleeding Sun”
Chelsea Grin’s “Bleeding Sun” is a brutal onslaught of deathcore ferocity. The 8-strings deliver crushing riffs and searing leads, creating a dark, menacing atmosphere that’s relentless from start to finish. It’s a testament to the band’s ability to combine technical precision with raw, unbridled aggression.
The Acacia Strain – “Bitter Pill”
“Bitter Pill” by The Acacia Strain is a slab of crushing doomcore, with 8-string axes that lay down some of the heaviest riffs imaginable. The song’s slow, methodical pace builds a sense of impending doom, while the guitars’ downtuned assault creates a wall of sound that’s both oppressive and oddly cathartic. It’s a heavy-hitting track that leaves a lasting impact.
So there you have it, a killer lineup of 8-string guitar anthems that’ll blow your mind and rattle your bones. From Periphery’s eerie grooves in “Stranger Things” to the relentless fury of The Acacia Strain’s “Bitter Pill,” each track is a testament to the sheer power and versatility of the 8-string guitar.
These songs push the boundaries of what metal and progressive rock can be, mixing in technical wizardry, raw emotion, and riffs that hit like a freight train.
Whether you’re into the intricate melodies of Mestis’ “Media Noche,” the aggressive fusion of Hacktivist’s “Unlike Us,” or the industrial grind of Fear Factory’s “Soul Hacker,” there’s something here to make your ears perk up and your heart race.
So crank up the volume, let those low-end riffs shake your soul, and get lost in the sonic mayhem. This is more than just music; it’s an experience, a journey through the heavy, the melodic, and the downright mind-blowing world of 8-string guitar songs.
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