10 Metal Guitars

Best Metal Guitars

Metal music demands precision, speed, and power from both the player and their instrument. Over the years, several guitars have emerged as favorites in the metal community due to their design, playability, and tonal qualities.

Here are 10 of the best metal guitars in our opinion:

1. Ibanez RG Series

  • Why it’s great for metal: The RG series, with its thin and fast necks, is tailor-made for shredders. The guitars usually come equipped with high-output pickups, which are perfect for metal.
  • Highlighted model: Ibanez RG550.
Ibanez Genesis Collection Electric Guitar

2. ESP LTD EC-1000

  • Why it’s great for metal: With its set-neck construction, active EMG or Seymour Duncan pickups, and sleek body design, the EC-1000 is a versatile guitar capable of delivering heavy riffs and solos.
  • Highlighted model: EC-1000VB.
NAMM 2024 - LTD EC-1000 Black | ESP Guitars

3. Jackson Soloist/ Dinky Series

  • Why it’s great for metal: The compound-radius fretboard provides comfort for both riffing and soloing. High-output pickups and the iconic pointy headstock make them stand out.
  • Highlighted model: Jackson Soloist SL1.
The American Series Soloist | Jackson Guitars

4. Schecter Hellraiser Series

  • Why it’s great for metal: Featuring active EMG pickups and a set-neck design, these guitars produce a heavy and sustaining tone, perfect for modern metal styles.
  • Highlighted model: Schecter Hellraiser C-1.
HELLRAISER C-1 FR S PASSIVE SATIN BLACK

5. Gibson Explorer

  • Why it’s great for metal: This iconic shape has been associated with metal since the 80s. With its mahogany body and powerful pickups, it can deliver punchy and thick tones.
  • Highlighted model: Gibson Explorer ’76 Reissue.
1976 Gibson Limited Edition Explorer Natural | CME Vintage Demo | Nathaniel Murphy

6. B.C. Rich Warlock

  • Why it’s great for metal: Its aggressive shape and design scream metal. Traditionally equipped with high-output pickups, it’s made for heavy rhythms and solos.
  • Highlighted model: B.C. Rich Warlock Extreme.
BC RICH WARLOCK EXTREME FR | Guitar Interactive | Review

7. Dean ML Series

  • Why it’s great for metal: Known for its unique shape and association with Dimebag Darrell, the ML series offers raw power and sustain due to its large body size.
  • Highlighted model: Dean Dimebag Razorback.
Dean Guitars DCR #5 - DIMEBAG RAZORBACK BLACKTOOTH

8. PRS SE Mark Holcomb Signature

  • Why it’s great for metal: This guitar, designed in collaboration with Periphery’s Mark Holcomb, offers a balanced tone with its Seymour Duncan Alpha & Omega pickups. The 20” radius and 24-fret design is perfect for technical players.
  • Highlighted model: PRS SE Mark Holcomb.
The SE Mark Holcomb Signature Model | PRS Guitars

9. Washburn Parallaxe Series

  • Why it’s great for metal: Focused on the needs of modern metal players, this series provides fast necks, active pickups, and unique designs for better upper-fret access.
  • Highlighted model: Washburn PXM20.
Washburn Parallaxe PXS20

10. Music Man John Petrucci Signature Models

  • Why it’s great for metal: Crafted with the specifications of Dream Theater’s John Petrucci, these guitars offer versatile tonal options, smooth playability, and are perfect for technical metal playing.
  • Highlighted model: Music Man Majesty 7.
Ernie Ball Music Man: John Petrucci Presents the 2021 Hydrospace Majesty Guitar