Like so much else, the seven-string came to rock via jazz, with George Van Eps pioneering the idea in the modern era. As with the six-string, modern guitarists have found creative outlets their inventors never imagined. Korn and Periphery are even further from Van Eps than Zakk Wylde is from Les Paul. While seven-and eight-strings are obviously useful for drop tunings, they’re not just for outrageous chug. They open up chord and arpeggio voicings that aren’t available with six strings, and their huge range allows for contrasting light and shade. That makes them popular with some of today’s most innovative musicians.
Four eight-string chords you need to know