A 7-string guitar is usually tuned B E A D G B E, and an 8-string is usually tuned F# B E A D G B E. Those extra low strings need much heavier gauges than anything in a 6-string set, so a 6-string set won't cover them.
Our 7-string sets:
- .009–.054 (S7954 Extra Light) and .0095–.064 (S79564 Extended Range), a light top over a heavy low B
- .010–.058 (S71058 Light) and .010–.060 (S71060 Custom Light), for a more even feel across the set
- .0105–.059 (SU107 Extended Range), our Universals balanced-tension 7-string set
Our 8-string sets:
- .010–.068 (S81068 Light)
- .009–.084 (S8984 Extended Range). The .084 is tapered where it crosses the bridge, which helps the lowest string intonate properly.
Scale length matters a lot on extended-range guitars. A longer or multi-scale neck makes the low strings feel firmer, and a shorter scale makes them feel looser. If a set's lowest string feels too slack for your tuning, our Power Wound Nickel electric singles go up to .080 and our Power Steel Stainless singles up to .074, so you can go heavier on just that string.