Best Strings For 8 String Guitar (2024 Update)

A colleague of mine turned me on to these, and in particular to this strange gauge of 9.5 – 44. I had struggled in the past with standard 9s on a guitar with high output pickups and a warble-happy whammy bar. I find these strings to handle really nicely, a perfect amount of slick and grip (finger contact) and they positively scream in my current configuration. I've put them on a guitar that I don't play live often, and I find that the strings don't deteriorate over time with the guitar being left in the case. This is very subjective and a question of personal chemistry. I mean, I've seen players go through a pack of the best "long-lasting" string on the market in one night, so it'll always come down to which material lends itself to your handling. Despite the price tag, I am not sorry that I've purchased those, and I just picked up a few more packs to tide me over the months of session work.Boyan P.

I have been using these strings for about a year now, when I had to drop down to 8 gauge strings due to carpal tunnel in my left hand. I wanted to go with a higher quality string since I would be using such a light gauge. The NYXL series does not disappoint. They are extremely flexible, stay in tune, last a really long time and they sound incredible. I had concerns that I would be sacrificing tone, but this has not been the case. Not only are the strings not aggravating my carpal tunnel, I'm enjoying the ease of playability and wicked vibrato and bends. I wish I had made the switch to these strings much sooner.Jon

This is the first time I tried these D'Addario NYXL strings. I got the nickel wound electric strings, regular light. I think these strings are one of the best I've used. I started playing guitar when I was very young so I've been playing for a lot of years. These nickel wound electric guitar strings are easy to play. The strings are nice on the fingers. Some strings make my finger tips get tuff, but tuff to the point that it affects the preasure I use on the strings. These nickel wound strings don't do that. I have had them on for some time now and none of them broke. I like the tone of the strings. It made tuning the guitar very easy after I strung it. There is something to say about having strings that are easy to string, tune, and have a great tone. If you are playing out some where and a string breaks you need to work kind of fast to get up and playing again. These strings do the trick.penny

My Mitchell MS450 (single cutaway LP style guitar) came with D'Add's, which sounded decent. When I switched them out, I went with the GHS 10's on a hunch based on things I've heard. Great move! Nice, brilliant tone, rings out for eternity if you let them! I have heard that the GHS 9's are really good on Strat style guitars, so GHS might be my go to on my Squier Strat Classic Vibe next string change.Joe

I used 11's from D'Addario for years and I would break a string consistently for every show that I played. I do not know why I kept with D'Addario for so long. I figured I needed to have a heavier string gauge for durability and better tone. Searched around and came across these strings in the heavy gauge, and I could not be happier with them. These strings have great sustain, are durable, do not corrode as quickly as other brands I have used in my professional career playing music, and, despite their heaviness, are easy to play in standard tuning. Along with playing well with a pick and fingers, these strings also sound terrific when playing slide. You can get the same great tones out of these strings that Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks have with their lighter gauges, as well as channeling the fat tones that you hear from Duane Allman from the Fillmore East show. Great Garcia tones can come from these strings as well. Basically what I am saying is that you can still get those classic guitar sounds on these heavy strings without feeling like your losing tone or playing opportunities utilized by the players that inspire you who may use lighter string gauges. These strings also (as far as I know) have a round core instead of a hex core. I think that might be a reason why these strings have so much sustain, especially when you have some distortion or overdrive keeping them warm while playing lead. If you are on the fence about getting these, I recommend you give them a try just see how they work for you. They are no that expensive and its worth it to figure out what works for you as a player. Feeling confidence in the gear you use is so essential to being comfortable on stage. Buy a pack and see what happens. You might find yourself just what you've been looking for.JFromJUNCO

I used to use Boomers for about 10 years, on all my electrics (9s). Until arthritis started creeping in. Switched to EB slinky 8s, and playing became much easier. Everything still had a huge sound, but previous order added a test set of the Boomer 8.5s for my Gibson Les Paul goldtop with P90s. Took a while to get used to the rougher feel compared with the EB 8s. But will probably order another set for the goldtop, and a set for my ES295.Joe S.

i love DR strings. Great tone and never break on a well setup guitar. I do not like 11s, but DRs are the best. People keep recommending 11s for jags. Don't do it, unless you want it to feel like an acoustic. 11s are slow a bulky. However, DRs are great tone.mps

I got these for my 27" scale Agile to tune a whole step down. My set of 9's wouldnt stay intonated, but these worked perfect for what I needed! The only issue was that with the reverse headstock, the lowest string just barely reached the tuning pegsRyan

I have been using Stingjoy string on my 3 Ibanez electric guitars and a 5 string Fender Jazz bass bass for a couple years now. I really cannot comment on the bass strings- I just do not change them often enough. The electric guitars on the other hand I change quite frequently. I have found that the Strinjoy strings make more and a broader sound 'acoustically'- that is with the guitar unplugged, and as I use low to medium output PUPS that 'acoustic' sound translates when plugged in. Over the years I have managed to get a handle on Floyd Rose double locking systems which can offer really solid tuning stability once you do learn how to manage them. With the Stringjoy strings the tuning stability on my FR guitars went from very good to ridiculously solid. Once the a new set of strings are settled in, If I stick to whole tone bends or < and nothing environmental intervenes, I can play 6 plus hours a day and be not need to tune, or if I do it is just to sharpen the high E and perhaps B string occasionally. The tuning stability coupled with the great sound and extended time the strings sound good has made Stringjoy strings my electric guitar strings of choice.Shaun F

This FiveStar review is really more of a projected rating. At the time I ordered the super balanced set, I also ordered a set of Broadways. They are beautiful strings – amazing tone and vibracy. Plus they’ve lasted 3 months- a LONG for all the bending I do. This may be partly because I also decided to use the StringJoy string conditioner, a product Ive always stayed away from. Stringjoys formula is awesome and most importantly safe for the guitar wood and finish (I ran a test on a couple beaters). I’m looking forward to trying the Balanced set- I’ve pieced sets together to get that combination- perfect for taming the loud G string on my Strat. It’s handy that StringJoy makes it so easy to customize your sets. I’ve also tried both of their acoustic strings, in various guages and they’ve all been top notch! Thanks StringJoy! If you’re on the fence about buying these strings, go for it! They are worth the few extra bucks- a nice sonic treat. One of my customers brought a set over to put on his guitar after a set up and Im glad he did- my favorite strings hands down! And I love supporting a local Nashville business.Noah G

These strings have been game-changers for me. They sound awesome on my electrics and acoustics; the custom sizing options make it easy for me to get the exact combo I want; they never break; and I really appreciate the individual packaging—no more fiddling around separating strings before you put them on. I cannot recommend these highly enough.James P

I used them for my multi scale ibanez that I have in drop e and their tension remains great! Good strings if you prefer daddarioRayce

Ive been bouncing back and forth from these and the ernie ball 8 set. I think the D'add's have a crisper tone and the light top heavy bottoms have a good feel. im not sure if its because of summer or the stings themselves, but these stings seem to oxidize quicker. the ernie balls stay newer longer. I guess it boils down to preference. Ernie balls if you like slinky, d'adds for a good tight string crisper sound. i recommend them both. and they fit my agile baritone!Giggity

These strings are great for a nice tight tone. My 8 string came with light guage strings and I like to tune the F# to E and the low string was very floppy and unauditable. These thicker strings work great for it. The low string is a lot tighter and clearer sounding. Works great with 25.5 inch scale.Devis Tater

The first time I used LaBella's was with this 8-string Ibanez RGA-8 I own. I had used D'Adarrio's for two decades and was certain I'd keep them and stay loyal. I enjoy these Labella strings very very much and find them to be my "ideal action" when it comes to electric guitar.Owlish

I bought myself a rare 2014 Ibanez Iron label 8 with dimarzio d-activators and put these strings on and I was very impressed. I've tried Labella strings for my 7 string LTD and they were very good strings so I figured 8s would be good too. I have the low string tuned to E and the next string is tuned to A Then E and A again with the rest being in standard tuning. It holds tension very well and I have not had any broken strings other than the high E which broke due to the bridge being worn in so much on the high E string. The original strings were on the guitar for years so it wore into the metal and made it so that I had to put a small piece of tape in between where the bridge and the high E meets so it didn't cut the string. O really very impressed with these strings and they also have a unique look under certain lighting compared to other strings which I really enjoy.JohnnyAppleShreds

My Mitchell MS450 (single cutaway LP style guitar) came with D'Add's, which sounded decent. When I switched them out, I went with the GHS 10's on a hunch based on things I've heard. Great move! Nice, brilliant tone, rings out for eternity if you let them! I have heard that the GHS 9's are really good on Strat style guitars, so GHS might be my go to on my Squier Strat Classic Vibe next string change.Joe

I used 11's from D'Addario for years and I would break a string consistently for every show that I played. I do not know why I kept with D'Addario for so long. I figured I needed to have a heavier string gauge for durability and better tone. Searched around and came across these strings in the heavy gauge, and I could not be happier with them. These strings have great sustain, are durable, do not corrode as quickly as other brands I have used in my professional career playing music, and, despite their heaviness, are easy to play in standard tuning. Along with playing well with a pick and fingers, these strings also sound terrific when playing slide. You can get the same great tones out of these strings that Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks have with their lighter gauges, as well as channeling the fat tones that you hear from Duane Allman from the Fillmore East show. Great Garcia tones can come from these strings as well. Basically what I am saying is that you can still get those classic guitar sounds on these heavy strings without feeling like your losing tone or playing opportunities utilized by the players that inspire you who may use lighter string gauges. These strings also (as far as I know) have a round core instead of a hex core. I think that might be a reason why these strings have so much sustain, especially when you have some distortion or overdrive keeping them warm while playing lead. If you are on the fence about getting these, I recommend you give them a try just see how they work for you. They are no that expensive and its worth it to figure out what works for you as a player. Feeling confidence in the gear you use is so essential to being comfortable on stage. Buy a pack and see what happens. You might find yourself just what you've been looking for.JFromJUNCO

I used to use Boomers for about 10 years, on all my electrics (9s). Until arthritis started creeping in. Switched to EB slinky 8s, and playing became much easier. Everything still had a huge sound, but previous order added a test set of the Boomer 8.5s for my Gibson Les Paul goldtop with P90s. Took a while to get used to the rougher feel compared with the EB 8s. But will probably order another set for the goldtop, and a set for my ES295.Joe S.

These strings were an excellent buy and added a wonderful tone to my guitar. I would recommend them to anyone interested. Very sturdy set of strings.CHRISTIAN

I'm running these on a 27" scale in drop E. Although I still might prefer an 86 on the low E, this is a nice commercial option for low timings. If you have always played Ernie ball, these are the same tonally.swampmonsterrose

Overall: If you play an 8 string guitar with a 27' scale length, these will hold their grounds. I've experimented with a multitude of different tunings and they've managed to shimmer. I used to be a die hard D'Addario fan. This pack convinced me.Zeek

The 84 give better tone when tuned to a low E, and all the other string tensions in standard tuning are really comfortable. Plus any NYXL set is always has Some of the best quality.Cutter

I use this 7 string set to tune my Jackson 7 string down to G# and they hold perfectly. They'll even hold G if you like our tension a little looser.Detune David

It's a relief to find an 8 string set instead of ordering custom ones. The Dunlop set is well balanced with good tone and the right amount of brightness and bass response.LUIZ

I have never been a huge fan of Dunlop strings based on a single experience I had on a single guitar some 6 years ago. The same strings but for a 6 string set came out of the package with some rust and broke within hours of setting them up. Since I've recently purchased an 8 string I was willing to give anything a try in an attempt to find my ideal tone and feel. These strings by all means blew my expectations out of the water. I figured for the cheapest 8 string set these would be very poor quality strings and I could eliminate them from the large list of options for an 8 string set. When I received these strings by mail I wanted to go ahead and strap them on and tune them up. They tuned relatively quickly and did take about an hour of playing time to actually break in and reach their sweet spot. I would say for tone and feel these strings are slightly above average. Price is exceptional. Life span and tuning stability are both slightly under par. I am not much of a hard picker but I would notice that for certain songs if I was really focusing on the low B string or even the F# from time to time they would go out of tune after a song or two. Overall not bad at all for the price range but not absolutely ideal. In my opinion you should get what you pay for and these being the cheapest set of 8 on the market you get more than what you pay for which merits the 4/5 star rating.Mantis Toboggan

My 8 string is an ESP h-308. I have used Ernie Ball 8 string slinkies, their .74 string fits. I have used D'Addario EXL140 Light Top Heavy/Bottom 8-String sets, their .74 string fits. The sound of these Dunlops is very good, but I can't again order an eight string set and only get seven usable strings 🙁Hammerhole

(Guitar there were placed on is a Tom Murphy Painted and Aged Gibson Custom Shop 1959 Les Paul Standard w/ Brazilian Fretboard) Back in the day, Ernie Ball strings weren't packaged well; they weren't even sealed. If you haven't tried them since their packaging was reinvented, they're definitely worth a look now. Tried D'Addario pure nickel strings, found the wound three to be too low output. I swear the core wire looked like it belonged in acoustic strings. Maybe I got a factory defect, who knows. Gibson strings sound great initially but the 'G' starts to sound dead after a week and the wound strings sound dead and filthy in three weeks. These on the other hand sound marvelous. They sound great out of the package, stay balanced, and sound good for longer than I thought possible.MidnightRiderInTX

I have recently come back to playing the guitar, Sax is my primary instrument but I have had my Gibson RD Standard since 1978. I have since increased my heard of guitars to 10 electric guitars and 3 bass guitars. I have come to favor the Ernie Ball lights and super lights on almost all my guitars. I play the 9's on all of my Stratocaster copies and the super lights on the 3/4 size guitars. I love the feel as far as tone, intonation, flexibility ease of bends and how the strings hold up as a whole. I would definitely recommend to a friend or buy this produce again.Antonio

I have been using the Power Slinkys (11s) for a few years now. I had switched from another brand because the Slinkys made my Strat sound more Straty. After watching a few videos on YouTube about string gauge, I thought I would buy the Regular Slinkys (10s) and see what difference that would make. When I got online to buy I saw that Guitar Center had a sale on 12 packs and since there is a pandemic, I thought it prudent to hoard strings. My logic was that while I may run out of TP, I would never run out of strings for my guitars. Long story short, you cannot go wrong with the tone of 10s. I do like them better than the 11s. They are much clearer in the low end and you get more definition. I have to do less EQing when recording and they just seem to pop better in a mix. The only downside is that they are taking me time to get used to, I play very heavy handed and these are much easier to bend. But I can already see that I have less hand fatigue.Richard

Ive switched from Ernie 9 & 10 to these 9.5 DRs, as the combo of these gauges are perfect (for me). Yes, they cost a few more bucks per set, but all things considered, theyre worth the extra cost. They last long and sound great, so I highly recommend them.scottyspipes

I have been using D'Addario for ages and recently decided to shake things up a bit. I have to say that I am quite impressed. These strings are consistent from set to set, have a good lifespan, feel & sound great. Very good stringsPalagucci

Since I discovered DR, I've been using them for both my 7 and 8 string electric guitars. It's almost as if they were designed for metal players. The tone is nice and bright and beautifully sustained. The strings are also very strong, even on the thinnest gauges. Now all that's left is for DR to make longer strings for extended range guitars, which I'm probably gonna suggest to them in an email.ster-yako

I never get involved with commentary of products, but I feel obligated to say WOW, with Martins new Authentic Acoustic line of strings. Installed the PB variety on my 000-28ec, my Gibson sj200, and my Collings CJmh, in each case there was an immediate improvement in all areas of tone. Pardon the cliche', but in every way the guitars came to life. Great sustain, solid bass, and smooth bell like treble. I have tried many strings over the years, and yes there are differences, but never tothe degree I hear with these. A vast improvement in all areas, IMOP. Can't say how long they'll last, haven't had them on that long. Ther worth a try to any guitar out there. And I will always buy from Strings and Beyond. They have always been courteous, professional, ship quickly, and competitively priced. Thanks.Mark

For the last couple years, I’ve been comparing these Lifespan 12-54 against other coated phosphor-bronze sets: D’Addario EXP 12-53 & D’Addario XT 12-53 & D’Addario XS 12-53 & Elixir’s Light nano set. These Martin Lifespan strings have given me no issues, except that my low E string bridge pin doesn’t quite want to press all the way in (due to being cut for a 53 vs 54 gauge string). I didn’t think that small variation would matter, but it seems to! Even with the bridge pin slightly protruding higher than the others, these strings sound great and have lasted quite a long time without degrading in tone or feel. My pick eventually does cut up the coating, which visibly frays and starts to dull the string sound. But, this is after much time and use. I like the sound and feel of the strings, and will now be comparing them to the new D’Addario XS strings, which claim to survive picking better than any other string, while using a thinner coating. We shall see! At this time I can report that I like the Martin Lifespans fairly equally to D’Addario EXPs, which sound and respond better (in my experience) than Elixir’s comparable strings. I have not yet concluded my XT and XS testing to compare, but I expect them to perform as (or more) durably as these Lifespans. I anticipate the XS strings to sound and respond more like uncoated strings than the others listed above (including these Lifespans) while potentially surviving more punishment from my pointy Dunlop Primetone Flow plectrums! I’ll review the XS performance on that listing after finding the results. I have been pretty satisfied with these Lifespans, but not blown away in comparison to D’Addario’s coated offerings. They’re competitive and if you’re a Martin lover, these are an easy set-it-and-forget-it option that give a longer replacement cycle than Martin’s uncoated strings without sounding completely dull. You can get a still good low-end brassy growl on these until their coating starts to fray. However, you’ll definitely also want to try a set of D’Addario’s coated strings to pick a favorite based on their response with your own guitar, picking technique, and sound preferences. I found Lifespans to be pretty stable for intonation and gradually become less strident/bright in tone through use (wear at the picking location). D’Addario lights may have a touch less power (fundamental frequency) on the lowest string. They both respond well and sustain well on my guitar, with the D’Addarios remaining extremely stable with intonation. [For reference, the strings mentioned here were all installed on a very fine Larrivee LV-10 (sitka & EIT) built around year 2000. The guitar has a TON of rich mid-to-high overtone presence and excellent string-to-string balance with good dynamic range and sustain. Most strings sound pretty good on it, but the timbre does noticeably change with different strings. These changes in overtone prominence are difficult to express in a written review…. Larrivee calls for D’Addario 12-53 gauge phosphor bronze strings. Bridge pins are ebony (like the bridge).]Daniel

I've used probably every kind of stings out there and always came back to these. And not just any les paul strings, the signatures. They are extra light on the treble end for bending and thicker on the bass side for more volume. Les picked these himself and they will make any cheap guitar sound good. They are so smooth you will be amazed. Many strings I play with feel like sandpaper compared to these. And the best part is they come vacuum sealed so they have an indefinate shelf life, so stock up! I live in Key West and the humidity kills everything except these. I will never play another guitar without these. Stock up!! You wont be sorryThaddeus-PGMWh

Red silk stockings? Not the wrong review, stay here. These strings have a wound ball end dressed in red silk, just for show? NO they help anchor the string, they help to prevent slippage of the windings and they look fantastic. These strings are not cheap but you do get what you pay for. They sound great and have a high degree of corrosion resistance – I have never broken one. Apart from my Strats and my Tele I use these strings on all other guitars. If you have a guitar costing hundreds if not thousands of pounds why would you put cheap strings on it? They are getting very rare so buy a set now and try them.cerieds1957

Perfect for guitars that 9 size strings are just a little stiff feeling on. I love this set for practice learning new stuff also so I can go longer without abusing my fingers bending. Don’t sound thinMrbrownstone242

I have used Ernie Ball strings since the 60's. I used them on a 1962 Epiphone Crestwood Custom back then. They were always the least expensive and I did break a lot of strings back then. I always bought as singles not as a set. I like the .006 high E back then. Changed my use over the years and got away from using. On occasion buy a pack and I am never not satisfied at their quality. They have been refined and now still less price than some but the quality stays up there. I can't say cheaper because they are right up there with Gibson brand strings. I always like keep a few sets in my gig box in case I need a fast string change.DP Guitars

These are not bright strings, the sound is somewhat dull – not so much you can't boost highs and adjust mids to compensate enough for most purposes, but these will never sound great for anything that needs to pop with bright presence. I am forced to keep a 5 string tuned down a whole step for one of the bands I regularly work with and this is the only game in town. You will need to re adjust your bridge because your intonation will change with these strings on and it may be enough to make solos and high passages sound a but wonky. If you have to keep a rigged tuned down, these are what you need but they put an awful strain on the neck if you try to pull them up to standard pitch – use for lower tunings ONLY.Doug

i've been using these strings for almost 2 years for hard/heavy rock. on a 36" scale 5-string the 135's feel great, and stay nice and tight at Eb or D tunings. at standard E tuning they are extremely tight. i've taken them down to C tuning, which puts the low B all the way down to seriously subterranean G, and that's about where they start to get floppy on a 36" scale bass. i would describe their tone as being loud and punchy, which suits loud, heavy music very well. as for longevity, i'm getting a solid month out of them at 10 hours per week of fairly vigorous playing. i kept the last set on to to see how long they'd go for. after 3 months they're starting to loose temper, and need to be replaced… but that's after a lot of playing.Wesley