TOP Best Electric Guitars For Rock And Metal
Metal is a genre of music that includes a huge number of types such as gothic metal, thrash metal, heavy metal and so on. Moreover, metal guitarists are known for their unique style and distinctive sound. However, the thing that unites any genre of metal is heaviness.
Even though metal genres can be very different from each other, guitars for this style of music must meet high standards, such as reliability and good sound. Whether you’re new to the metal world or an experienced guitarist with your own band, choosing a guitar is always a special process. The new instrument will give you plenty of comfort, sound confidence and enjoyment. However, metal guitars can vary greatly, for example they can be 6, 7, or even 8 strings. Other differences can be multi-scales, pickups, baritones, neck profiles and so on. That is why you need to consider a huge number of things in order to choose the best electric guitars for metal that is right for you.
The guitar industry tries to take into account all the features of various genres of music and modify guitars to suit the needs of guitarists. Below you can explore the selection of the best electric guitars for playing metal and find exactly the instrument that suits you.
TOP Best Electric Guitars For Rock And Metal
Of course, choosing the right guitar for you will not be easy, as it depends on the features you are looking for. While some people google best cheap electric guitars for metal, others want to know what are the best 6 string electric guitars for metal. Here we tried to take into account all the needs and requests and provide a list of diverse options.
Here are our top picks:
1) Ibanez Standard RGA42FM
This series was launched over 36 years ago in 1987 and featured sharp horns, svelte Wizard profile and unique body contouring.
The advantage of this model is, first of all, its availability, as you can purchase a guitar for a minimum price of $429.99. If you were looking for the best electric guitars for shredding then you have found it as the hard-tail format is a good stable platform which is ideal for shradders.
Also, you don’t have to spend time adjusting your bridge! What’s more, you should also check out the 5-way blade selector which has a large selection of split-coil tones and a wide sweep of humbuckers. Also the Ibanez Standard RGA42FM has a comfortable and speedy maple neck which will be an advantage for any guitarist.
Body: Meranti with flame maple top
Neck: Maple, bolt-onScale: 25.5″
Fingerboard: Jatoba
Frets: 24
Pickups: 2x Ibanez Quantum humbuckers (neck and bridge)
Controls: 1 x master volume, 1 x master tone, 5-way blade pickup switch
Hardware: F106 hard-tail bridge
Left-handed: Yes
Finish: Transparent Gray Flat, Dragon Eye Burst Flat, Blue Lagoon Burst Flat
2)Fender Jim Root Jazzmaster V4
If you wanted to know about the best electric guitars for metal music, then you should definitely pay attention to this model.
The standout feature is that the Jim Root Jazzmaster is the very first of Slipknot’s signature models to feature his own set of EMG pickups.
What’s more, the guitar is exceptional, as the Jim Root Daemonum humbuckers have been specially designed so he can get the most out of his favorite classic EMG 81/60 combo. In addition to this, the guitar also features more vintage Retro Active pickups.
The Fender Jim Root Jazzmaster V4 is ready for any metal riffs thanks to its mahogany body construction and effective hardware.
Even if you are not a Slipknot fan and are just looking for a solid guitar that has a classic look and is suitable for a heavy tone, then this option will undoubtedly be one of the best for you.
Body: Mahogany
Neck: Maple
Fingerboard: Ebony
Frets: 22
Pickups: 2x EMG Jim Root Signature Daemonum Open-Coil Active Humbuckers
Controls: 1 x Volume, 3-way selector switch
Hardware: 6-Saddle String-Through-Body Hardtail With Block Saddles, Locking Tuners
Left-handed: No
Finish: Arctic White
3) LTD EC-1000 EverTune
The LTD EC-1000 EverTune can truly be attributed to the best electric guitars for modern metal. This model is an all-mahogany single-cut with a set of EMG 81 and 60 active humbuckers.
Also, its distinctive features are a high level of construction quality and a modern maximum comfortable neck. If we talk about the key feature of this model, then without a doubt the fitted EverTunw bridge can be attributed here. How is it different from other tuning systems?
Once a guitar is tuned and set, it will stay that way thanks to a series of tension-calibrated springs and levers. That is why every time LTD EC-1000 EverTune will be perfectly tuned.
This guitar is also distinguished by its more musical sound. EC sounds as aggressive and full as usual, but EMG delivers softer tones.
That is why this guitar is called the one that never goes out of tune. It is also ideal for old music, so it can be attributed to the best electric guitars for 80s metal.
Body: Mahogany with maple cap
Neck: 3-piece mahogany
Fingerboard: Ebony
Frets: 24
Pickups: Seymour Duncan JB humbucker, Seymour Duncan Jazz humbucker (EMG 81/60 reviewed)
Controls: 2x volume, tone, 3-way selector switch
Hardware: EverTune bridge, Grover tuners
Left-handed: Yes (without EverTune)
Finish: See Thru Black, Dark Brown Sunburst
4)Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG
This model can be attributed to the best metal electric guitars with classic metal body shape and pickups.
The Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG is Harley Benton’s take on one of the typical metal guitars that speaks volumes about the genre of music it belongs to.
It is worth noting that it is equipped with such pickups that can be heard over the years – EMG (he has already met in our selection). The EMG81 is one of the classic bridge pickups that has clear and punchy tones, while the EMG61 in the neck is perfect for clean tones or solos.
Moreover, it is impossible not to mention that the control tools are as simple as possible – just one volume and one tone. The Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG is famous for offering great value for the price.
Body: Mahogany
Neck: Mahogany, set
Fingerboard: Ebony
Frets: 22
Pickups: Active EMG81 (bridge) and EMG60 (neck)
Controls: 1 x master volume, 1 x master tone, 3-way pickup switch
Hardware: WSC Tune-O-Matic bridge, Jinho JN-03 machine heads
Left-handed: Yes
Finish: Black, White
Epiphany Prophecy Flying V
5) Epiphone Prophecy Flying V
If you wanted to find the best electric guitars for heavy metal, then this option will most likely become your favorite from today’s top.
The Epiphone Prophecy line of guitars speaks with all its appearance that this instrument is a real power. The specifications are also unique, from the guitar’s asymmetrical neck profile to the push-pull volume and tone pots that lack the typical coil-split function.
This is because the sophisticated Fishman Fluence custom voiced humbuckers are much smarter and can switch between modern humbucker paving and classic sounding.
Not to mention that this guitar can cover just about any style of metal you prefer. In addition to the heavy sound, the Epiphone Prophecy Flying V does a great job with simple clean sounds.
Body: Mahogany w/ AAA flame maple veneer
Neck: Mahogany, set
Fingerboard: Ebony
Frets: 22
Pickups: 2x Fluence custom voiced humbuckers
Controls: 1 x volume w/ push-pull, 1 x master tone w/ push-pull, 3-way toggle
Hardware: LockTone Tune-O-Matic Bridge with LockTone stop bar, Grover Rotomatic locking tuners
Left-handed: No
Finish: Yellow Tiger Aged Gloss, Black Aged Gloss
6)Epiphone Explorer
If you are not new to guitar world and have already considered various options, then you probably know that the Explorer is one of the most recognizable products when it comes to the best electric guitars for metal.
The Epiphone Explorer is extremely comfortable to play, which is why it is popular among metalists around the world. Note both the thin neck of this model and the pair of ProBuckers onboard that make this guitar sound more vintage.
But don’t worry about your guitar sounding too soft, as a metal amp can make a big difference in the sound that many metalheads are happy with.
The Epiphone Explorer is affordable and affordable for most people at $649. That is why this model is an excellent option of good quality at an affordable price.
Body: Mahogany
Neck: Mahogany
Fingerboard: Laurel
Frets: 22
Pickups: ProBucker-2 (neck), ProBucker 3 (bridge)
Controls: 2 x Volume, 1 x Tone, 3-way selector switch
Hardware: LockTone Tune-O-Matic, Grover mini (gear ratio:18:1)
Left-handed: No
Finish: Ebony
7)Charnel Pro-Mod Joe Duplantier San Dimas Style 2
This instrument can be immediately attributed to the best solid body electric guitars for hard rock and heavy metal, as it differs not only in expressive external style, but also in incredible playability.
For beginners, it is worth noting that Charvel is the original hot-rodder which is very convenient, especially for fretting chords.
What’s more, the Charnel Pro-Mod Joe Duplantier San Dimas Style 2 features Duplainter’s signature DiMarzio pickups, which are not only rich in gain, but also great for lowered riffs.
This six-string guitar has an adjustable bridge system, nickel strings and H guitar pickup configuration.
Stylish design and branded pickups – this is exactly the combination that will make playing this guitar as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
Body: Mahogany
Neck: Mahogany
Fingerboard: Ebony with pearloid block inlay
Frets: 22
Pickups: DiMarzio Joe Duplantier Signature Fortitude humbucker (bridge), DiMarzio PAF 36th Anniversary humbucker (neck)
Controls: 1 x master volume, 3-way toggle pickup switch
Left-handed: No
Finish: Natural Mahogany
Conclusion
When choosing the best electric blues guitars, it is important to pay attention not only to technical characteristics, but also to the sound that you like. The blues is a unique genre of music Choosing a new guitar is never easy, especially when it comes to a musical style as demanding as metal. That is why before buying it is important to ask yourself a few questions and decide what qualities are key for you. This is how you can find the right tool for you and your needs.
