If you’ve ever gone looking for a left-handed 8-string guitar, you already know—it’s almost like trying to find a unicorn. They’re rare. Mysterious. Elusive. Somehow, in 2025, lefty players are still getting the short end of the low end.
But don’t worry, I’ve got you! This guide rounds up the best left-handed 8-string guitars you can actually buy right now. No “special order only” nonsense.
Whether you’re into prog, metalcore, ambient weirdness, or just like making the floor rumble with your low F#, there’s something in here for you.
What to Know Before You Buy a Lefty 8-String
Before you dive headfirst into the deep, low-tuned world of lefty 8-strings, it’s worth taking a minute to get your bearings. These guitars aren’t just regular axes with two extra strings slapped on—they come with their own quirks and tradeoffs.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what actually matters before you click “buy” on that shiny new lefty.
Why Even Bother With 8 Strings?
In a word: range.
A lefty 8-string guitar opens up sonic territory that standard guitars just can’t touch. Want to drop into bass territory without switching instruments? Want those low, growling chugs and clean, high lead lines in the same breath? An 8’s got you. It’s perfect for metal, prog, ambient, djent, experimental—basically, anything where the low end is part of the vibe.
That said, they’re not just for metalheads. Plenty of players use them for cinematic scoring, looping, jazz, or even just to get weird and create something new and interesting.
Scale Length: The Low-End Lifeline
This is a big one. A standard 25.5” scale might feel familiar, but on an 8-string, it can turn your low F# into a floppy mess. Longer scale lengths—like 27″ or even 28″—keep those lower strings tight, punchy, and in tune. Some players prefer multiscale (fanned fret) setups, where the bass side is longer than the treble side for better tension balance.
Not everyone needs a baritone-length neck, but if you’re planning on tuning down, it makes a huge difference. Check out my in-depth scale length guide to find out all you need to know.
Pickups: Active vs Passive
Pickups are your voice. Active pickups (like EMGs or Fishman Fluence) are tight, clear, and great for high-gain stuff. They’re the go-to for metal tones that cut through a mix.
Passive pickups, on the other hand, can offer more warmth, character, and dynamic response—great if you’re chasing nuance or want to do more than just crush riffs.
Multiscale Guitars: Fanned Frets
Multiscale guitars look wild, but there’s function behind the form. The longer bass string length helps keep low tunings feeling tight, while the shorter treble side keeps bends and chords feeling natural.
It’s not for everyone—there’s a learning curve—but once you get used to it, it can feel incredibly ergonomic.
Where To Buy 8-String Lefty Guitars?
In the next section, I have listed several of my favorite 8-strings, sorted by budget. However, feel free to browse the full range of 8-string models at the following recommended stores for a wider choice.
Shop 8-String Guitars At:
Sweetwater
Guitar Center
Thomann
Best Left-Handed 8-String Guitars Available Now
Here are my top picks for the best left-handed 8-string guitars for beginner, intermediate, and advanced players this year. The guitars are arranged from the cheapest to the most expensive, and I am confident that there is a solid option available for all budgets and musical tastes.
Disclosure: If you decide to purchase a guitar using the links in this article, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
Harley Benton R-458MN LH
Available To Buy At:
Thomann
Harley Benton is a superb first port of call when looking for budget southpaw guitars. So, it should be of no surprise to anyone that the brand offers the most affordable left-handed 8-string guitar on the market in the R-458MN LH.
The Harley Benton name doesn’t carry quite as much cachet as the other brands in this list, but with every year that goes by it is edging closer to being more of a household name. Plus, with it being Thomann’s in-house brand, you do get a lot of guitar for the money spent.
I have a Harley Benton in my own collection, and it is honestly a superb guitar.
Main features on this extended range guitar include a lightweight poplar body, a bolt-on maple neck and fretboard, 2 high-gain humbuckers, and a classy gloss white finish. The 26.5″ scale length means that this axe shouldn’t feel too alien – ideal for those looking to dip their toes in the 8-string world.
Key Features:
- Body : Poplar
- Neck : Bolt-On Maple (Speed D Profile)
- Fingerboard : Maple (24 Medium Jumbo Frets)
- Pickups : High-Gain Humbuckers
- Bridge : DLX
- Scale Length : 26.5”
- Controls : Master Volume, Master Tone, 3-Way Switch
Harley Benton R-458FFB LH Multiscale
Available To Buy At:
Thomann
If the Harley Benton above caught your eye but you still yearn for the ergonomics of a multiscale, the brand has you covered! For just a little extra money you can consider the Harley Benton R-458FFB LH.
This model has more or less the same specifications as its cousin above, but adds a 25.5-27.2″ multiscale roasted maple neck and fretboard. You also get a rather snazzy flip-flop finish that changes between greens, blues, and purples depending on the light.
Reviews on this guitar are overwhelmingly positive, with the only negative point being that the pickups are very slightly muddy. An easy fix down the line if you decide that you’d like to tighten up the sound.
Find out how it sounds in the video below, and get a better look at the guitar’s gorgeous chameleon finish!
Key Features:
- Body : Poplar
- Neck : Bolt-On Roasted Maple (Speed D Profile)
- Fingerboard : Maple (24 Medium Jumbo Frets)
- Pickups : High-Gain Humbuckers
- Bridge : DLX
- Scale Length : 25.5-27.2” Multiscale
- Controls : Master Volume, Master Tone, 3-Way Switch
If I were looking for a left handed 8-string electric guitar on a tight budget, this little beauty would definitely be my first choice!
Schecter Omen Elite-8 Multiscale LH
Available To Buy At:
Sweetwater (USA)
Thomann
If you’d prefer your extended-range guitar to be from one of the bigger names, then the lefty Schecter Omen Elite-8 Multiscale is a legit place to start. It’s one of the few left-handed 8s out there that hits that sweet spot between price, playability, and sheer riff potential. You’re getting a full multiscale setup, solid build quality, and tone that’s ready for everything from tight djent chugs to atmospheric cleans.
The multiscale neck (25.5” to 27.5”) is a huge win here. It keeps your low strings tight and punchy while still keeping the higher strings easy to bend. Throw in a fast, thin ‘C’ neck and a smooth rosewood board, and it’s ready for fast, technical stuff or big, chunky chord work.
Tone-wise, it’s packing Schecter’s own Diamond Heretic humbuckers, which are high-output and voiced for clarity and aggression. These are perfect for metal, prog, or experimental players who need definition across all 8 strings.
Key Features:
- Body : Mahogany w/ Poplar Figured Burl Top
- Neck : Bolt-On Roasted Maple (Thin C Profile)
- Fingerboard : Rosewood (24 Jumbo Frets)
- Pickups : Schecter Diamond Heretic Humbuckers
- Bridge : Hipshot Multiscale Fixed
- Scale Length : 25.5-27.5” Multiscale
- Controls : Master Volume, Master Tone, 5-Way Switch
The only slight negative here is that Schecter does not ship the Omen Elite-8 with a gig bag or case to protect your new extended-range beast. No big deal! Check it out at the links above for the best prices on this 8-string guitar for lefties.
Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-8 LH
Available To Buy At:
Guitar Center (USA)
Thomann
?With its premium build and electronics, the left-handed Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-8 is a clear upgrade over the guitars we have so far looked at.
The Hellraiser Hybrid C-8 LH boasts a long 28-inch scale length, ensuring optimal string tension and clarity, especially on the lower registers. Its mahogany body topped with quilted maple not only provides a rich, resonant tone but also adds a touch of elegance with its Trans Black Burst finish.
The ultra-thin ‘C’ shaped maple neck, reinforced with carbon fiber rods, offers stability and a comfortable playing experience, making complex riffs and extended sessions more manageable.?
Equipped with premium EMG 57-8H (bridge) and EMG 66-8H (neck) active humbuckers, this guitar delivers a powerful, articulate sound that cuts through mixes with ease.
The Hipshot hardtail bridge with string-thru-body design enhances sustain and tuning stability, while the Schecter locking tuners ensure your strings stay in tune even during aggressive play. Additional features like the Graph Tech XL Black Tusq nut and 24 X-Jumbo frets on an ebony fretboard further contribute to its premium build quality.
Key Features:
- Body : Mahogany w/ Quilted Maple Top
- Neck : Maple 3-pc w/ Carbon Fiber Reinforcement Rods (Ultra Thin C Profile)
- Fingerboard : Ebony (24 Extra Jumbo Frets)
- Pickups : EMG EMG 57-8H & EMG 66-8H
- Bridge : Hipshot Hardtail String-Thru
- Scale Length : 28″
- Controls : 2 Volume, Master Tone, 3-Way Switch
Custom 8-String Left Handed Guitars
The guitars mentioned above are all readily available to purchase at the time of writing. However, there is obviously a huge number of options out there if you are willing to wait a few months for your ideal axe.
Boutique and custom guitar builders more often than not offer most of their range as left-handed versions if you are prepared to wait. It obviously also helps if you have deep pockets!
Brands that I would recommend looking into include Kiesel, Ormsby, Skervesen, and Mayones. Take a look through my left-handed guitar database where you’ll find many other brands that offer custom left-handed 8 string guitars.
8-String Guitar Tuning
Modern 8-string guitars are generally tuned F?, B, E, A, D, G, B, E. This is exactly the same as standard tuning on a 6-string guitar, but with the addition of a low B on the 7th string and F# on the 8th string.
So, the tuning on a left-handed 8-string guitar would look like this:
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