Rare Instruments You Can Tab with TabMaker

Guitar tablature has long been associated with the classic six-string guitar, but the world of stringed instruments is incredibly diverse. While six-string guitars dominate the mainstream, there are several rare and fascinating variants that offer new tonal ranges, unique chord voicings, and exciting creative possibilities. Whether you're a seasoned guitarist looking to experiment or a beginner with an unconventional instrument, TabMaker has got you covered! In this post, we'll explore some of the rarest stringed instruments and show how TabMaker makes it easy to create, edit, and share tabs for all of them.

The 5-String Guitar

The 5-string guitar is uncommon in traditional guitar settings but often used in certain styles of music. These instruments are typically tuned to a lower range, offering deeper bass tones, making them a favorite for rock, metal, and even jazz players.

Common Tuning: E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 (standard)

Supported in TabMaker: Yes! ✅ TabMaker allows you to easily adjust the number of strings and customize tunings, so creating tabs for 5-string guitars is seamless.

7-String Guitar

Popularized by genres like progressive metal and djent, the 7-string guitar adds a low B string, giving the instrument extended range. With its booming bass tones, the 7-string offers new possibilities for both rhythm and lead playing.

Common Tuning: B1 E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4 (standard)

Supported in TabMaker: Yes! ✅ TabMaker supports 7-string guitars by allowing you to add an extra string and customize its tuning, so you can easily craft intricate tabs with extended-range riffs.

8-String Guitar

Stepping even further down the tonal spectrum, the 8-string guitar features a low F# string, offering an additional dimension to modern metal and experimental music. This instrument requires thoughtful tablature due to its wide range.

Common Tuning: F#1 B1 E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4 (standard)

Supported in TabMaker: Yes! ✅ We support 8-string guitars, with easy-to-use custom string settings and tuning controls for multi-string instruments.

9-String Guitar

One of the most extreme versions of extended-range guitars, the 9-string guitar adds another string below F#, often tuned to C# or G#. This instrument is not for the faint-hearted, and its complexity demands a versatile tablature system.

Common Tuning: C# F#1 B1 E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4

Supported in TabMaker: Yes! ✅ With full support for 9-string guitars, you can create tabs that encompass the entire range of these incredible instruments.

10-String Guitar

The 10-string guitar is a rare beast, often used in classical or progressive music. It can be configured in a variety of tunings, including extended-range or harp-style. The extra strings provide a wider tonal range, making it both a challenging and rewarding instrument.

A notable 10-string instrument is the Chapman Stick, a tapping instrument that allows musicians to play both bass and melody simultaneously, offering a unique musical experience.

Common Tuning: G# C# F#1 B1 E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4

Supported in TabMaker: Yes! ✅ TabMaker's flexible tuning options make it easy to arrange your 10-string compositions, ensuring every note and string is clearly tabbed.

Why Use TabMaker for Specialty Instruments?

TabMaker isn’t just for standard six-string guitars. Our platform is designed with flexibility in mind, making it easy to create accurate tabs for a wide variety of stringed instruments, including rare and extended-range models. With customizable string configurations and tunings, TabMaker is the perfect tool for musicians with unique setups. Here's a list of all the instruments we support:

• Guitar (6-string)
• Guitar (5-string)
• Guitar (7-string)
• Guitar (8-string)
• Guitar (9-string)
• Guitar (10-string)
• Bass (4-string)
• Bass (5-string)
• Bass (6-string)
• Banjo (5-string)
• Ukulele

Whether you're playing on a 5-string banjo, a 9-string guitar, or a 6-string bass, TabMaker has you covered. With customizable tuning options and string configurations, you can create detailed tabs for any instrument in your collection. TabMaker ensures every note is accurately represented, regardless of the instrument's complexity.