Published on this page in the GuitarFella archive — what our editors chose at the time, not a lab test.
Last Updated: November 19, 2019
Our metal chart was in need of a big shake-up, which is exactly what it had! We removed some older models such as the Gibson SG 2016 and Ibanez S5570Q, and added a couple of excellent metal guitars. Two awesome signature models top the chart – ESP’s James Hetfield Signature Snakebyte and Dean’s MAB1 Speed of Light – while other additions include the Schecter Synyster Gates Custom, the Dean Dave Mustaine Zero ‘In Deth We Trust’, and Squier’s brand new for 2018 Contemporary Active Stratocaster.
Metal is a broad term, covering everything from thrash metal and neoclassical, to death metal and metalcore. It’s a word that conjures up images of aggressive tones, fast tempos, blistering solos and extroverted styles. However, defining the
best electric guitar for metal is a pretty difficult task, as we all have different preferred subgenres and different budgets.
To help, we’ve sifted the market in an attempt to find the best guitars for metal – all are six-stringed beasts from different metal-focused brands, covering a range of budgets. Be sure to stick around after the chart for some additional help in choosing your axe.
10 Best Guitars For Metal:
We have singled out a set of ten champions worthy of your time, as well as a few general guidelines on what to look out for in the metal market. Check it all out below!
What Makes A Guitar Good For Metal
As exciting as it is to buy a new guitar, there are some important things to consider when buying one specifically for a demanding genre such as hard rock and metal. Let’s check them out.
Design: Everyone is different and style is perhaps the most personal aspects of a guitar. You may be an extrovert and want some insane design from a brand like Dean. Or you may prefer the subtler approach and a more refined look, with Schecter always impressing in this area. Just choose something you are comfortable with.
Pickups: It goes without saying that you’ll want humbuckers on your guitar, as these offer the thick, beefy and articulate sounds that metal music is built upon. If you’re into powerful high gain, which retains its clarity at huge volumes, active pickups are a worthwhile choice, especially for lead players. Otherwise passive humbuckers can really impress in all volume ranges and sound a little more organic than their active counterparts.
Tonewood:At the higher volumes and with the gain cranked up, the tonewood doesn’t really make too much difference to the sound, but – if you have the choice – go with mahogany, which is strong, deep, resonant and rich. Cheaper models may use poplar or basswood, which is punchy, powerful and lightweight, and a good compromise.
Neck:Most necks in this metal-focused market will already be taken care of – they’ll be fast and thin, and easy to play. If you have an option, a thin U shape and a satin finish is always a great combo, especially for shredders!
Electronics: While solid controls including volume and tone pots are always essential, some things like phase switching, advanced EQ adjustments, kill switches and coil tapping are always welcome options in this genre.
Bridge: This comes down to personal preference. If you love making huge divebombs or even just the occasional vibrato to spice up a solo, go with a tremolo bridge – whether a genuine or licensed Floyd Rose. If this isn’t necessary for your style of play, a fixed bridge will usually offer you more tuning stability and sustain, and an easier route when changing your strings!
Extended Range: If you love darker, heavier sub-genres of metal, it’s well worth considering a
7-string or an
8-string guitar, which can open your eyes and ears to a completely different tone.
The Final Word
With that, our little journey in metal guitars comes to an end. We hope you enjoyed the ride and found some inspiration from our chart and quick guide.
Don’t rush your decision – especially if you are spending big on a guitar. Read some reviews, watch some videos and have a good browse of the market, before settling on something amazing. Good luck with the hunt for your ideal metal guitar!