Eight string bass guitar
Encyclopedia
An eight string bass guitar is a type of bass guitar
with double course
strings normally tuned in octaves, with both strings in a course usually played simultaneously. As on a 12 string guitar
, this produces a natural chorus effect
due to the subtle differences in string timbre. Such approach has been extended with the introduction of 10, 12, 15 or more string bass guitars, which either double the strings of standard 5 or 6 string basses or even triple the strings of normal 4, 5 or 6 string basses.
The first 8 string bass guitars were made by Hagström
, from 1967 to 1969 with a total of 2,249 being manufactured. An 8 string bass guitar is strung with paired, octaved strings, similar to those of a regular 12 string guitar. Standard tuning is usually as so:
Chris Squire
of Yes
often tunes his Raney
8-string bass eE-aA-aD-dG, so that notes played on the upper two courses sound as open fifths.
8 string basses are usually fretted, however fretless 8 string basses have been known to exist, though would usually be a custom make. Though once rare, many well-known guitar manufacturers now make 8 string basses commercially available, such as Dean Guitars
, ESP Guitars
, Hamer Guitars
, Schecter Guitars, Washburn Guitars
, Waterstone Musical Instruments and Hagström among others.
Often, the 8 string bass guitar is played with a plectrum
so to have a better attack and to increase the 'ringing' of the higher-register strings, but is not essential. Many funk players have used finger and slap and pop techniques with the 8 string bass (such as Victor Wooten
). Some other bassist of note who have utilised the 8 string bass are Mark Egan
, Jeff Ament
of Pearl Jam
, Paulo Pinto
of Sepultura
, John Paul Jones
of Led Zeppelin
, John Entwistle
of The Who
, Mike Rutherford
of Genesis
, and Tom Petersson
of Cheap Trick
(who is known as the inventor of the 12 string bass). Guitarist Jimi Hendrix
also played 8 string bass on tracks from his Electric Ladyland
album, namely "Crosstown Traffic
" and "1983... (A Merman I Should Turn to Be)
".
perhaps make the most affordable commercially available 10 string bass. Michael Manring
plays a 10 string bass made by Zon Guitars
. He uses a variety of tunings, but rarely uses octaves, instead preferring 3rds, 4ths and 5ths.
and built in 1978 for Tom Petersson
by Hamer Guitars
. 12 string basses with a high c and low B (like that of a standard 6 string bass) are most often expensive custom order from specialists luthier
. Commercially available 12 string basses such as those from Dean Guitars
, Hamer Guitars
and Waterstone Musical Instruments are strung in triples such as:
Bassists of note who have utilised the 12 string bass guitar are Jeff Ament
of Pearl Jam
, Billy Sheehan
of Mr. Big
, Frank Bello
of Anthrax
, Jason Newsted
of Metallica
, Tom Petersson
of Cheap Trick
, Doug Pinnick
of King's X
, Eric Brittingham
of Cinderella
, Tim King of Soil.
has used a 15-string bass in recording their eighth studio album, however none of the tracks where it was used made the final cut. It is a tripled five-string bass and was custom by Fieldy's longtime endorser Ibanez
and called the K-15, in tradition with Korn's other signature instruments the Ibanez K5
and the Ibanez K7
.
Bass guitar
The bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
with double course
Course
Course can refer to:* Course , the path of travel* Course , the principal sail on a mast of a sailing vessel* Course , in the United States, a unit of instruction in one subject, lasting one academic term...
strings normally tuned in octaves, with both strings in a course usually played simultaneously. As on a 12 string guitar
Twelve string guitar
The twelve-string guitar is an acoustic or electric guitar with 12 strings in 6 courses, which produces a richer, more ringing tone than a standard six-string guitar...
, this produces a natural chorus effect
Chorus effect
In music, a chorus effect occurs when individual sounds with roughly the same timbre and nearly the same pitch converge and are perceived as one...
due to the subtle differences in string timbre. Such approach has been extended with the introduction of 10, 12, 15 or more string bass guitars, which either double the strings of standard 5 or 6 string basses or even triple the strings of normal 4, 5 or 6 string basses.
8 string bass guitars
The 8 string bass guitar was invented by Electrical Engineer, bass player and musician, Eric Krackow, who had played with Al Kooper's early band, The Aristo-Cats, in the late fifties and early sixties. It bothered Eric that 50% of the quartet would be tied up with the guitar doubling the bass line while playing tunes like Jimi Hendrix's, "Manic Depression." Eric, finding it too awkward to play the unison octaves himself on complex songs, remembered the 12-string guitar principle and made a prototype 8 string bass from a modified four string bass. In 1967, Eric and a business partner (Steve Wittels) brought it to Sid Hack of Univox Corp. on Long Island, which company was the importer for Hagström guitars. Sid liked the idea and ordered a trial run of 500 units. The success of that test run resulted in further production and sales.The first 8 string bass guitars were made by Hagström
Hagström
Hagström is a musical instrument manufacturer in Älvdalen, Dalecarlia, Sweden. Their original products were accordions that they initially imported from Germany and then Italy before opening their own facility in 1932. During the sixties, the company started making electric guitars and later...
, from 1967 to 1969 with a total of 2,249 being manufactured. An 8 string bass guitar is strung with paired, octaved strings, similar to those of a regular 12 string guitar. Standard tuning is usually as so:
- high e, low E,
- high a, low A
- high d, low D
- high g, low G
Chris Squire
Chris Squire
Christopher Russell Edward "Chris" Squire , is an English musician, known as the bass guitarist and backing vocalist for the progressive rock group Yes. He is the only member of the group to appear on every album.-Before Yes:...
of Yes
Yes (band)
Yes are an English rock band who achieved worldwide success with their progressive, art, and symphonic style of rock music. Regarded as one of the pioneers of the progressive genre, Yes are known for their lengthy songs, mystical lyrics, elaborate album art, and live stage sets...
often tunes his Raney
Raney
Raney is a surname, and may refer to:*Albert Raney, Sr. , developer of Mystic Caverns in Arkansas, USA*Catherine Raney , American Olympic speed skater*Chad Raney , American entrepreneur; founder of Lone Star Music...
8-string bass eE-aA-aD-dG, so that notes played on the upper two courses sound as open fifths.
8 string basses are usually fretted, however fretless 8 string basses have been known to exist, though would usually be a custom make. Though once rare, many well-known guitar manufacturers now make 8 string basses commercially available, such as Dean Guitars
Dean Guitars
Dean Guitars is an American manufacturer of guitars. It was founded in 1976 by Dean Zelinsky in Chicago, Illinois and is currently under the ownership of Armadillo Enterprises in Tampa, Florida.- History :...
, ESP Guitars
ESP Guitars
, located in North Hollywood, California, is an American-based, Japanese-owned manufacturer of electric guitars and basses.- History :In 1975, Hisatake Shibuya opened a shop called Electric Sound Products in Tokyo. It provided custom replacement parts for guitars. In 1976, ESP gained a reputation...
, Hamer Guitars
Hamer Guitars
Hamer Guitars is an American manufacturer of electric guitars. Founded in 1973 by vintage guitar shop owners, Jol Dantzig and his business partner Paul Hamer. Early instruments featured guitar designs based on the Gibson Explorer and Flying V...
, Schecter Guitars, Washburn Guitars
Washburn Guitars
Washburn Guitars is an American guitar manufacturer. It was established in 1883 in Chicago, Illinois. Washburn is a part of U.S. Music Corporation.- History :...
, Waterstone Musical Instruments and Hagström among others.
Often, the 8 string bass guitar is played with a plectrum
Plectrum
A plectrum is a small flat tool used to pluck or strum a stringed instrument. For hand-held instruments such as guitars and mandolins, the plectrum is often called a pick, and is a separate tool held in the player's hand...
so to have a better attack and to increase the 'ringing' of the higher-register strings, but is not essential. Many funk players have used finger and slap and pop techniques with the 8 string bass (such as Victor Wooten
Victor Wooten
Victor Lemonte Wooten is an American bass player, composer, author, and producer, and has been the recipient of five Grammy Awards....
). Some other bassist of note who have utilised the 8 string bass are Mark Egan
Mark Egan
Mark Egan is an American jazz bass guitarist and trumpeter, arguably best known for his membership in the Pat Metheny Group from 1977 to 1980, and the Gil Evans Orchestra...
, Jeff Ament
Jeff Ament
Jeffrey Allen Ament is an American musician who serves as the bassist for the American rock band Pearl Jam. Along with Stone Gossard, Mike McCready, and Eddie Vedder, he is one of the founding members of Pearl Jam...
of Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam is an American rock band that formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1990. Since its inception, the band's line-up has included Eddie Vedder , Jeff Ament , Stone Gossard , and Mike McCready...
, Paulo Pinto
Paulo Jr.
Paulo Jr. is the bassist and the only remaining original member of the Brazilian heavy metal band Sepultura.-Life and work:...
of Sepultura
Sepultura
Sepultura is a Brazilian heavy metal band from Belo Horizonte, formed in 1984. The band was a major force in the death metal, thrash metal and ultimately groove metal realms during the late 1980s and early 1990s, with their later experiments melding nu metal, hardcore punk and industrial.Sepultura...
, John Paul Jones
John Paul Jones (musician)
John Paul Jones is an English multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, composer, arranger and record producer. Best known as the bassist, mandolinist, and keyboardist for English rock band Led Zeppelin, Jones has since developed a solo career and has gained even more respect as both a musician and a...
of Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin were an English rock band, active in the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s. Formed in 1968, they consisted of guitarist Jimmy Page, singer Robert Plant, bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham...
, John Entwistle
John Entwistle
John Alec Entwistle was an English bass guitarist, songwriter, singer, horn player, and film and record producer who was best known as the bass player for the rock band The Who. His aggressive lead sound influenced many rock bass players...
of The Who
The Who
The Who are an English rock band formed in 1964 by Roger Daltrey , Pete Townshend , John Entwistle and Keith Moon . They became known for energetic live performances which often included instrument destruction...
, Mike Rutherford
Mike Rutherford
Michael John Cleote Crawford Rutherford is an English musician. He is a founding member of Genesis, initially as a bassist and backup vocalist. In later incarnations of Genesis, he assumed the role of lead guitarist. He is one of only two constant members in Genesis . He also fronts Mike + The...
of Genesis
Genesis (band)
Genesis are an English rock band that formed in 1967. The band currently comprises the longest-tenured members Tony Banks , Mike Rutherford and Phil Collins . Past members Peter Gabriel , Steve Hackett and Anthony Phillips , also played major roles in the band in its early years...
, and Tom Petersson
Tom Petersson
Tom Petersson is an American musician, best known as the bassist and sometime guitarist for the rock band Cheap Trick.-Career:...
of Cheap Trick
Cheap Trick
Cheap Trick is an American rock band from Rockford, Illinois, formed in 1973. The band consists of members Robin Zander , Rick Nielsen , Tom Petersson , and Bun E...
(who is known as the inventor of the 12 string bass). Guitarist Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix
James Marshall "Jimi" Hendrix was an American guitarist and singer-songwriter...
also played 8 string bass on tracks from his Electric Ladyland
Electric Ladyland
Electric Ladyland is the third and final album of new material by the Jimi Hendrix Experience, released in October 1968 on Reprise Records, catalogue 2RS 6307. It is the only Hendrix studio album professionally produced under his supervision. It topped the Billboard 200 album chart for two weeks in...
album, namely "Crosstown Traffic
Crosstown Traffic (song)
"Crosstown Traffic" is a song written by Jimi Hendrix. It was the second single released from the album Electric Ladyland by The Jimi Hendrix Experience...
" and "1983... (A Merman I Should Turn to Be)
1983... (A Merman I Should Turn to Be)
"1983... " is a song by English/American psychedelic rock The Jimi Hendrix Experience, featured on their 1968 third studio album Electric Ladyland...
".
10 string bass guitars
10 string basses incorporate a high b and low B string (like that of a regular 5 string bass, but double stringed). Dean GuitarsDean Guitars
Dean Guitars is an American manufacturer of guitars. It was founded in 1976 by Dean Zelinsky in Chicago, Illinois and is currently under the ownership of Armadillo Enterprises in Tampa, Florida.- History :...
perhaps make the most affordable commercially available 10 string bass. Michael Manring
Michael Manring
Michael Manring is an American electric bassist from the San Francisco Bay Area, .-Biography:...
plays a 10 string bass made by Zon Guitars
Zon Guitars
Zon Guitars is a manufacturer of bass guitars founded in 1981 by Joseph Zon.-Background:The company is known for its bass guitar models which feature non-traditional designs and materials. The brand is most closely associated with endorser and player Michael Manring, who collaborated with the...
. He uses a variety of tunings, but rarely uses octaves, instead preferring 3rds, 4ths and 5ths.
- high b, low B
- high e, low E
- high a, low A
- high d, low D
- high g, low G
12 string bass guitars
The first known 12 string bass guitar the "Hamer Quad" was designed by Jol DantzigJol Dantzig
Jolyon C. Dantzig is known as an artist, businessman, songwriter, designer, guitarist, luthier, author and one of the founders of Hamer Guitars.-Biography:...
and built in 1978 for Tom Petersson
Tom Petersson
Tom Petersson is an American musician, best known as the bassist and sometime guitarist for the rock band Cheap Trick.-Career:...
by Hamer Guitars
Hamer Guitars
Hamer Guitars is an American manufacturer of electric guitars. Founded in 1973 by vintage guitar shop owners, Jol Dantzig and his business partner Paul Hamer. Early instruments featured guitar designs based on the Gibson Explorer and Flying V...
. 12 string basses with a high c and low B (like that of a standard 6 string bass) are most often expensive custom order from specialists luthier
Luthier
A luthier is someone who makes or repairs lutes and other string instruments. In the United States, the term is used interchangeably with a term for the specialty of each maker, such as violinmaker, guitar maker, lute maker, etc...
. Commercially available 12 string basses such as those from Dean Guitars
Dean Guitars
Dean Guitars is an American manufacturer of guitars. It was founded in 1976 by Dean Zelinsky in Chicago, Illinois and is currently under the ownership of Armadillo Enterprises in Tampa, Florida.- History :...
, Hamer Guitars
Hamer Guitars
Hamer Guitars is an American manufacturer of electric guitars. Founded in 1973 by vintage guitar shop owners, Jol Dantzig and his business partner Paul Hamer. Early instruments featured guitar designs based on the Gibson Explorer and Flying V...
and Waterstone Musical Instruments are strung in triples such as:
- high e, high e, low E,
- high a, high a, low A
- high d, high d, low D
- high g, high g, low G
Bassists of note who have utilised the 12 string bass guitar are Jeff Ament
Jeff Ament
Jeffrey Allen Ament is an American musician who serves as the bassist for the American rock band Pearl Jam. Along with Stone Gossard, Mike McCready, and Eddie Vedder, he is one of the founding members of Pearl Jam...
of Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam is an American rock band that formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1990. Since its inception, the band's line-up has included Eddie Vedder , Jeff Ament , Stone Gossard , and Mike McCready...
, Billy Sheehan
Billy Sheehan
William "Billy" Sheehan is an American bassist known for his work with Talas, Steve Vai, David Lee Roth, Mr. Big, and Niacin. Sheehan has won the "Best Rock Bass Player" readers' poll from Guitar Player Magazine five times for his "lead bass" playing style...
of Mr. Big
Mr. Big (band)
Mr. Big is an American rock supergroup, formed in Los Angeles, California in 1988. The band is a quartet composed of Eric Martin , Paul Gilbert , Billy Sheehan , and Pat Torpey ; Mr. Big also included Richie Kotzen, a reputable blues-based guitarist who replaced Gilbert in 1999...
, Frank Bello
Frank Bello
Frank Bello is an American musician who plays bass guitar for the thrash metal band Anthrax. Originally he was a roadie and guitar technician for the band, but later he replaced Dan Lilker on the Spreading the Disease album. After leaving Anthrax in early 2004 Bello joined Helmet - another New...
of Anthrax
Anthrax (band)
Anthrax is an American heavy metal band from New York City, formed in 1981. Founded by guitarists Scott Ian and Danny Lilker, the band has since released ten studio albums and 20 singles, and an EP featuring Public Enemy. The band was one of the most popular of the 1980s thrash metal scene...
, Jason Newsted
Jason Newsted
Jason Curtis Newsted is an American bassist known for his work with Metallica, Voivod and Flotsam and Jetsam. Joining Metallica in 1986 after Cliff Burton's death, Newsted remained a member until 2001, making him the band's longest-serving bassist...
of Metallica
Metallica
Metallica is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1981 when James Hetfield responded to an advertisement that drummer Lars Ulrich had posted in a local newspaper. The current line-up features long-time lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo ...
, Tom Petersson
Tom Petersson
Tom Petersson is an American musician, best known as the bassist and sometime guitarist for the rock band Cheap Trick.-Career:...
of Cheap Trick
Cheap Trick
Cheap Trick is an American rock band from Rockford, Illinois, formed in 1973. The band consists of members Robin Zander , Rick Nielsen , Tom Petersson , and Bun E...
, Doug Pinnick
Doug Pinnick
Doug Pinnick sometimes stylised as dUg Pinnick or simply dUg is an American musician best known as the bass guitarist, songwriter, and co-lead vocalist for the hard rock/progressive metal band King's X. He has fourteen albums with King's X, four solo albums, and numerous side projects and guest...
of King's X
King's X
King's X is an American hard rock band that combines progressive metal, funk and soul with vocal arrangements influenced by gospel, blues, and British Invasion rock groups. The band's lyrics are largely based on the members' struggles with religion and self-acceptance...
, Eric Brittingham
Eric Brittingham
Eric Brittingham is a bass guitarist most famous for playing in the band Cinderella. He also was in a side-band with Cinderella bandmate Jeff LaBar simultaneously, called Naked Beggars, of which his wife, Inga Brittingham, is the lead vocalist.Brittingham suffered a 'mild heart attack' in...
of Cinderella
Cinderella (band)
Cinderella is an American heavy metal band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They emerged in the mid-1980s with a series of multi-platinum albums and hit singles whose music videos received heavy MTV rotation. They were famous for being a glam metal band, but then shifted over towards a more hard...
, Tim King of Soil.
15 string bass guitars
Fieldy from the nu-metal band KornKorn
Korn is an American nu metal band from Bakersfield, California, formed in 1993. The current band line up includes four members: Jonathan Davis, James "Munky" Shaffer, Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu, and Ray Luzier. The band was formed as an expansion of L.A.P.D.The band released their first demo album,...
has used a 15-string bass in recording their eighth studio album, however none of the tracks where it was used made the final cut. It is a tripled five-string bass and was custom by Fieldy's longtime endorser Ibanez
Ibanez
is a Japanese guitar brand owned by Hoshino Gakki. Based in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan, Hoshino Gakki were one of the first Japanese musical instrument companies to gain a significant foothold in import guitar sales in the United States and Europe, as well as the first brand of guitars to mass produce...
and called the K-15, in tradition with Korn's other signature instruments the Ibanez K5
Ibanez K5
The Ibanez K5 is the signature bass for metal band KoRn's bassist Reginald Fieldy Arvizu.-Specification:Fieldy from KoRn has long been an Ibanez user due to its low weight and sound and he got an endorsement deal with Ibanez soon after the breakthrough of KoRn...
and the Ibanez K7
Ibanez K7
The Ibanez K7 series is a signature series of seven-string guitars created by Korn guitarists James "Munky" Shaffer and Brian "Head" Welch.-Specifications:...
.
- high a, high b, low A
- high d, high f, low D
- high g, high c, low G
- high c, high e, low C
- high f, high a, low F