20 Best Electric Guitars of All Time
The “best” electric guitars can be subjective, based on personal preferences for tone, playability, and aesthetics.
However, here’s a list of 20 electric guitars that are widely regarded as iconic or influential by musicians, collectors, and enthusiasts. They’ve made their mark in various genres and periods of music history.
1. Fender Stratocaster
First introduced in 1954, the Strat became an instant classic. It’s got three single-coil pickups and a super comfy contoured body that feels great whether you’re standing or sitting. The sound is bright, clear, and versatile – perfect for rock, blues, funk, and pop. The tremolo system lets you get creative with vibrato effects, but it’s stable enough to keep your tuning in check.
It’s been played by legends like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Honestly, it’s one of those guitars that feels like an extension of you. A must-have in any collection.
2. Gibson Les Paul
This guitar hit the market in 1952, and it’s been the gold standard for rock guitars ever since. It’s got a thick mahogany body with a maple top, which gives it that rich, warm sound. The humbuckers deliver powerful tones that are perfect for hard rock, metal, and even jazzy clean playing.
A favorite of rock gods like Jimmy Page, Joe Perry and Slash, have built their careers on this guitar.
It’s heavy – not just in weight, but in tone – and the sustain is unreal. If you want that classic rock vibe, this is the guitar that’ll get you there.
3. Fender Telecaster
One of the oldest electric guitars, released in 1951. It’s simple, but that’s the beauty of it. It’s one of the first mass-produced solid-body guitars, and it’s still going strong. Known for its bright, twangy sound, it’s a favorite for country, blues, and rock players. The single-coil pickups give it a crisp, snappy tone that cuts through the mix.
Keith Richards, Bruce Springsteen, and even punk bands have all rocked Teles.
What makes it special? It’s reliable, versatile, and just works. No fancy tricks – just pure, straightforward tone.
4. Gibson SG
Introduced in 1961 as a lighter, faster alternative to the Les Paul, the SG has its own attitude. Its double-cutaway design isn’t just for looks – it makes hitting those high frets a breeze. It’s got humbuckers for a thick, punchy tone that’s perfect for hard rock and metal.
Angus Young from AC/DC made it famous, but it’s also been used in blues and even alternative rock.
The SG is great if you want something with attitude but don’t want to lug around a heavy guitar.
5. Gibson ES-335
Debuted in 1958, the ES-335 is a semi-hollow body that gives you the best of both worlds. It’s got the warmth and resonance of a hollow-body guitar but with less feedback, thanks to the solid center block. The tones are smooth and rich, making it ideal for jazz, blues, and classic rock.
B.B. King and Chuck Berry both loved this guitar, and it’s easy to see why – it’s classy, versatile, and sounds incredible.
Whether you’re playing clean or with a little dirt, it delivers.
6. Fender Jazzmaster
Dropped in 1958, the Jazzmaster was originally aimed at jazz players, but it found a home with surf rockers, punk bands, and indie musicians. Its offset design makes it super comfortable to play, especially when sitting. The pickups are warmer and fuller than a Strat, and the floating tremolo system is perfect for creating those dreamy, wavy sounds.
Players like Kurt Cobain and Kevin Shields made it their signature guitar.
If you want something unique with loads of vibe, the Jazzmaster’s a solid choice.
7. Rickenbacker 360
Rickenbacker 360 hit the scene in the 60s and became a staple for jangle-pop and early rock bands. It’s got a unique sound – bright, clean, and chiming- perfect for rhythm playing. It’s also got a distinctive body shape and a super smooth neck.
The Byrds, The Beatles, and Tom Petty all made the Rickenbacker 360 famous.
If you’re into vintage tones and that 60s vibe, this guitar is hard to beat.
8. PRS Custom 24
The Custom 24, first introduced in 1985, is Paul Reed Smith’s flagship guitar. It’s known for its impeccable craftsmanship, smooth playability, and crazy versatility. The pickups can handle anything – clean jazz chords, crunchy rock riffs, or screaming solos. The body design is ergonomic, and the finish is just stunning.
It’s not cheap, but if you’re after a guitar that can handle any genre and looks amazing doing it, the PRS Custom 24 is worth the investment.
9. Ibanez JEM
Designed with Steve Vai, in the late 80s, the JEM is a shredder’s dream. The super slim neck makes fast playing a breeze, and the high-output pickups are perfect for heavy distortion and solos. It’s got a bold look with features like the “monkey grip” handle and colorful finishes.
This guitar is built for performance, whether you’re tapping, sweeping, or just cranking out some epic riffs. It’s all about showmanship and speed. If you love solos, this guitar will make you happy.
10. Gretsch White Falcon
First released in the 50s, the White Falcon is honestly looks like a piece of art. It’s a hollow-body guitar, so it’s got this big, warm, resonant tone that’s perfect for rockabilly, jazz, and clean rock tones. The gold hardware and intricate details make it stand out on any stage. The Bigsby tremolo adds some nice vintage flair.
Legends like Chet Atkins and Neil Young have used this guitar to great effect. If you want to stand out, this is the guitar to do it with.
11. B.C. Rich Warlock
The Warlock came out in the 1970s and became a big deal in the 80s metal scene. Its sharp, aggressive shape is super eye-catching – definitely not for the shy. It’s built with high-output pickups, perfect for heavy distortion and loud, punchy riffs. This guitar is best for heavy metal, thrash, and hard rock.
Bands like Slayer and W.A.S.P. made it famous.
If you’re into bold looks and heavy sounds, the Warlock is a great fit.
12. Jackson Soloist
The Soloist showed up in the 1980s, right when shredding was becoming huge. It has a super thin neck and a contoured body, so it’s easy to play fast. The neck-thru construction gives you crazy sustain, and the pickups are hot, great for metal and hard rock.
Players like Chris Broderick from Megadeth have rocked the Soloist.
If you love fast solos and tight riffs, this is your kind of guitar.
13.Epiphone Casino
The Casino was first made in 1961 and quickly became popular thanks to The Beatles, especially John Lennon. It’s a fully hollow guitar, so it has a warm, resonant tone, great for jazz, blues, and rock. The P-90 pickups give it a gritty, vintage sound that works well for clean or slightly overdriven tones.
If you’re after something with a classic look and a rich history, the Casino is an amazing choice.
14. Gibson Flying V
The Flying V was introduced in 1958, and it looked like it came from the future. With its radical design, it became a symbol of rock and roll rebellion. It didn’t sell well at first, but by the 70s and 80s, it became a favorite in rock and metal. Its V shape makes it stand out on stage, and it’s surprisingly comfortable to play standing up. The sound is bold and powerful, with a ton of sustain.
Legends like Albert King, Jimi Hendrix, and later, Metallica’s James Hetfield, helped make it a legend.
Perfect for anyone who loves flashy designs and loud, aggressive tones.
15. Music Man John Petrucci Majesty
Built for one of the most technical guitarists in the world, this guitar is all about precision. The Majesty was designed for Dream Theater’s John Petrucci and released in the mid-2010s. It’s a super modern guitar, made to be lightweight and ergonomic, so it feels like part of your body when you play. The pickups are super versatile, handling clean, distorted, and everything in between.
It’s great for progressive rock, metal, and fusion.
If you’re a technical player who likes precision and comfort, this is one of the best choices out there.
16. Fender Mustang
The Mustang came out in 1964 as a student model, but it gained a cult following over the years. It’s a short-scale guitar, so it’s easy to play, especially for people with smaller hands. The offset body and bright, punchy tone make it great for indie, grunge, and alternative rock.
Kurt Cobain from Nirvana used a Mustang, which helped make it iconic in the 90s.
It’s a great option if you want something quirky and fun to play.
17. Gibson Explorer
The Explorer debuted in 1958 alongside the Flying V and had the same futuristic vibe. It didn’t sell well at first, but later it became a favorite for hard rock and metal players because of its powerful tone and radical look. The body shape makes it comfortable to play, and the humbuckers deliver a heavy, full sound.
Players like James Hetfield and The Edge from U2 have used the Explorer to great effect.
If you like bold designs and big tones, this is for you.
18. EVH Wolfgang
The Wolfgang was created with Eddie Van Halen and first hit the market in the 1990s. It’s designed for comfort and performance, with a contoured body, smooth neck, and Floyd Rose tremolo system for crazy dive bombs. The pickups are custom-designed for a hot, clear tone, perfect for rock, metal, and shredding solos.
This guitar is designed for high-octane performances and features many of Eddie’s own personal touches.
If you’re a Van Halen fan or just want a guitar that’s all about speed and precision, the Wolfgang is a killer choice.
19. Danelectro U2
The Danelectro U2 came out in the 1950s and became a favorite for its quirky design and unique tone. It’s made with a masonite body, which keeps it super lightweight, and the lipstick pickups give it a jangly, clear sound. It’s great for blues, surf, and rockabilly.
Guitarists like Jimmy Page have used Danelectro guitars on classic tracks.
If you’re looking for something vintage and fun, the U2 is a great pick.
20. Schecter C-1
The C-1 is a modern guitar that’s become super popular with rock and metal players. It’s got a sleek, contoured body and high-output humbuckers that deliver a big, aggressive tone. The neck is smooth and fast, great for solos and heavy riffs.
Bands like Avenged Sevenfold and Papa Roach have been seen rocking Schecters.
If you’re into modern rock or metal and want a reliable, great-sounding guitar, the C-1 won’t disappoint.
Remember, the “best” guitar is the one that feels and sounds right to you.
