10 Reviews: Best Electric Guitar for Metal Songs (Apr 2024)

These 10 best electric guitar for metal songs are the best metal guitars for thrashing and burning, built for world-conquering heaviness.

Yuni R. by Yuni R. · updated on · price $1.40 - $999.99 · 240 views

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Comparison Table

Let's jump into the specs!
Product Image
1
10 Reviews: Best Electric Guitar for Metal Songs (Apr  2024): New inlays & binding
Schecter
2
10 Reviews: Best Electric Guitar for Metal Songs (Apr  2024): Great-sounding ESP
ESP
3
10 Reviews: Best Electric Guitar for Metal Songs (Apr  2024): Double-cutaway body shape
Jackson Guitars
4
10 Reviews: Best Electric Guitar for Metal Songs (Apr  2024): Neck-thru-body construction
ESP
5
10 Reviews: Best Electric Guitar for Metal Songs (Apr  2024): Gothic cross inlays
Schecter
6
10 Reviews: Best Electric Guitar for Metal Songs (Apr  2024): Classic SG style with 5 vintage worn color
Epiphone
7
10 Reviews: Best Electric Guitar for Metal Songs (Apr  2024): 2 Humbucking Pickups
EVH
8
10 Reviews: Best Electric Guitar for Metal Songs (Apr  2024): 1 single-coil pickup
Ibanez
9
10 Reviews: Best Electric Guitar for Metal Songs (Apr  2024): Solid body electric guitar
Jackson Guitars
10
10 Reviews: Best Electric Guitar for Metal Songs (Apr  2024): Adjustable truss rod
Oscar Schmidt
Product Name OMEN-8 Electric Guitar LTD EC-256 Electric Guitar JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS22-7 LTD KH-602 Kirk Hammett Electric Guitar Hellraiser C-1 Electric Guitar SG Special VE Vintage Worn Cherry Wolfgang WG Standard Exotic Genesis Collection RG550 JS Series Rhoads JS32T 6 String Double Cutaway SSS Electric Guitar
Features New inlays & binding Great-sounding ESP Double-cutaway body shape Neck-thru-body construction Gothic cross inlays Classic SG style with 5 vintage worn color 2 Humbucking Pickups 1 single-coil pickup Solid body electric guitar Adjustable truss rod
BODY MATERIAL Basswood Mahogany Poplar Alder Wood Poplar, Mahogany veneer Basswood Basswood Basswood Maple
NECK MATERIAL Maple Mahogany Maple Maple Maple Mahogany Maple Maple Maple N / A
FRETBOARD TYPE Rosewood Rosewood Amaranth Rosewood Maple Rosewood EV5107002522 Maple Amaranth N / A
PICKUP CONFIGURATION H H H H H H-H EV5107002522 S H N / A
BRIDGE SYSTEM Tune-O-Matic Tune-O-Matic Hardtail-bridge Tremolo Tune-O-Matic Fixed Tremolo Tremolo Tremolo Tremolo
price $592.92 $599.00 $199.99 $1.40 $999.00 $289.90 $699.99 $999.99 $369.99 $189.99
Buy at view product on Schecter Guitars view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on The ESP Guitar Company view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Jackson Guitars view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on The ESP Guitar Company view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on EVH Gear view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Ibanez view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Jackson Guitars view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Photo Savings view product on Amazon view product on eBay

Metal guitars come in a wide variety of configurations, including 6-, 7-, and 8-string versions, baritones, multi-scales, various neck profiles, active pickups, high-output passive pickups, and more. It also needs to look at the part. Metal headstocks and bodies are common, although a more subtle body design with a cool finish may also work well. When looking for the best metal guitar for you, there are a number of factors to consider. Below is a list of the best metal guitars on the market right now, with prices and features to suit a variety of budgets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

In case you wonder...

Are fender guitars good for metal?

The majority of Fender guitars aren’t suitable for metal. Only a few Fender guitars have humbuckers, which may provide a good metal tone. A regular Stratocaster with three single-coil pickups, for example, isn’t ideal for metal, but Fenders with humbuckers can.

What is the best guitar for metal?

There is no such thing as a metal guitar since each metal musician has his or her own preferences. Fixed bridges are preferred by certain metal guitarists, whereas Floyd Rose is preferred by others. Some people like 6 strings, while others prefer 7 or 8 strings. What style of metal you want to play and what feels right to you will determine which guitar is ideal for you.

What makes a guitar good for metal?

When combined with distortion, a decent metal guitar will employ high output humbuckers to produce a tight and punchy tone. Metal is simpler to play on guitars that are easy to hold and enable you to rapidly move your hands around the neck.

What should I look for in a metal electric guitar?

The first thing to consider when purchasing a metal guitar is your budget. In general, you get what you pay for when buying a guitar. However, new low-cost devices are now available thanks to contemporary manufacturing processes. They lack the luxurious trimmings and polished circuitry of more expensive versions, yet they can sonic mayhem. A wide range of affordable to luxury guitars are available, built to withstand even the most aggressive players.

10 Reviews: Best Electric Guitar for Metal Songs (Apr 2024)

Schecter OMEN-8 Electric Guitar - Best Electric Guitar for Metal Songs: New inlays & binding
https://www.amazon.com/

1.
Schecter
OMEN-8 Electric Guitar

New inlays & binding

price from
$592.92
Our opinion:

The Omen-8 is Schecter’s most economical eight-string, with a very playable maple neck and 24-fret rosewood fretboard, making it ideal for eight-string beginners. With a scale length of 26.5 inches – an inch longer than a Stratocaster – you’ll notice the instrument has more string tension, which should improve string tuning stability. The longer neck isn’t as apparent as you may think, and it isn’t as thick as you might think. It’s actually a lot of fun to play.

Promising review:

"Absolutely love the guitar. I have the white body model and it looks amazing. They feel out of the box was excellent and I only adjusted the tuning, intonation, and string height to my preferences. The tone is exactly what I was looking for, I couldn't be happier with my purchase!"

by DMR

BODY MATERIAL Basswood
NECK MATERIAL Maple
FRETBOARD TYPE Rosewood
PICKUP CONFIGURATION H
BRIDGE SYSTEM Tune-O-Matic
ESP LTD EC-256 Electric Guitar - Best Electric Guitar for Metal Songs: Great-sounding ESP
https://www.amazon.com/

2.
ESP
LTD EC-256 Electric Guitar

Great-sounding ESP

price from
$599.00
Our opinion:

The first thing you’ll notice about the ESP LTD EC-256 is its resemblance to Les Paul guitars. It has a single-cutaway design with a solid mahogany body and a flamed maple top that comes in three colors. Moreover, the fretboard features 22 extra-jumbo frets for excellent string bending. The guitar’s overall small weight greatly improves playability. The ESP LTD EC-256 has two humbucker pickups, one at the neck and the other at the bridge.

Promising review:

"Wow. Spectacular instrument. If you like heavy, crunchy rock, this will not dissapoint."

by BennyBoo

BODY MATERIAL Mahogany
NECK MATERIAL Mahogany
FRETBOARD TYPE Rosewood
PICKUP CONFIGURATION H
BRIDGE SYSTEM Tune-O-Matic
Jackson Guitars JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS22-7  - Best Electric Guitar for Metal Songs: Double-cutaway body shape
https://www.amazon.com/

3.
Jackson Guitars
JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS22-7

Double-cutaway body shape

price from
$199.99
Our opinion:

The JS22-Jackson 7’s pickups are well-balanced. The arched top is coated in a deep Gothic black with a matte lacquer and the body is built of solid poplar. Additionally, the double-cutaway body form is elegant and enables you easy access to the fretboard’s highest frets. Jackson created two passive high-output humbuckers for 7-string guitars. A three-way selector switch, master volume, and tone control are used to adjust the tonal variations.

Promising review:

"For beginners its a good guitar, really worth the money I have to take it for calibration but that's no problem so far. Recommended 10/10"

by Mary

BODY MATERIAL Poplar
NECK MATERIAL Maple
FRETBOARD TYPE Amaranth
PICKUP CONFIGURATION H
BRIDGE SYSTEM Hardtail-bridge
ESP LTD KH-602 Kirk Hammett Electric Guitar - Best Electric Guitar for Metal Songs: Neck-thru-body construction
https://www.amazon.com/

4.
ESP
LTD KH-602 Kirk Hammett Electric Guitar

Neck-thru-body construction

price from
$1.40
Our opinion:

Since the nut and bridge are both attached to the same piece of wood, the sustain on the ESP LTD KH-602 Signature Series is increased at the same time. This will undoubtedly enhance reverberation, but not to the point that a bolt-on will be inferior. The usage of an EMG 81/60 pickup set rather than the standard 81/85 pickup configuration in Kirk Hammett’s trademark guitars is one of the coolest aspects.

Promising review:

"Finish appears flawless and is beautiful. The neck was perfect. Frets were polished as if this was a premium guitar. Fret end treatment was smooth, properly rounded and polished. Bridge was set up perfectly (tytyty). The EMG Bone Breaker pickups sound great. Pickup height was set up properly."

by WM173

BODY MATERIAL Alder
NECK MATERIAL Maple
FRETBOARD TYPE Rosewood
PICKUP CONFIGURATION H
BRIDGE SYSTEM Tremolo
Schecter Hellraiser C-1 Electric Guitar - Best Electric Guitar for Metal Songs: Gothic cross inlays
https://www.amazon.com/

5.
Schecter
Hellraiser C-1 Electric Guitar

Gothic cross inlays

price from
$999.00
Our opinion:

This Schecter will surprise you with how much you receive at such a reasonable price. The neck-to-body contact is well carved, and access to the top frets is fantastic. When you pluck a string on the guitar, you will feel the body vibrate as well. You can hear how fantastic the instrument is when hooked into a good amp and some good effects. You’ll receive a polished, saturated tone that works well with harder riffs or traditional metal. You’ll get the nasty tone you need if you even want to perform blues.

Promising review:

"100% what the description said. Price is just right for a professional guitar that many musicians use. Also was shipped with protection. The guitar plays smooth."

by Raul Longoria

BODY MATERIAL Wood
NECK MATERIAL Maple
FRETBOARD TYPE Maple
PICKUP CONFIGURATION H
BRIDGE SYSTEM Tune-O-Matic
Epiphone SG Special VE Vintage Worn Cherry - Best Electric Guitar for Metal Songs: Classic SG style with 5 vintage worn color
https://www.amazon.com/

6.
Epiphone
SG Special VE Vintage Worn Cherry

Classic SG style with 5 vintage worn color

price from
$289.90
Our opinion:

The SG series has always had a single meaning. Rock music is really loud. It’s been seen in the hands of some of the greatest guitarists, and I’ve grown to appreciate it. If you’re a fan of the Epiphone SG, the SG Special is unquestionably the guitar for you. The guitar’s most notable feature was its loud tone, which is why the majority of people would purchase it. In heavy rock and metal, it can truly hold its own. Furthermore, the Epiphone SG Special is built of alder and boasts the well-known double-cutaway, which is the guitar’s key aesthetic characteristic.

Promising review:

"Sounds good. Great sustain and tone. Plays well. Good finish."

by Kenton Yarnall

BODY MATERIAL Poplar, Mahogany veneer
NECK MATERIAL Mahogany
FRETBOARD TYPE Rosewood
PICKUP CONFIGURATION H-H
BRIDGE SYSTEM Fixed
EVH Wolfgang WG Standard Exotic  - Best Electric Guitar for Metal Songs: 2 Humbucking Pickups
https://www.amazon.com/

7.
EVH
Wolfgang WG Standard Exotic

2 Humbucking Pickups

price from
$699.99
Our opinion:

The new EVH Wolfgang WG Standard, VH’s most economical Wolfgang guitar yet, was recently released. There’s a lot of power, tone, and sustain on this instrument. Single notes are well defined, and chords appear to pop off the page. You can easily solo on it, and playing chords is so fluid that it seems like you’re playing a high-end instrument. The EVH Wolfgang WG Standard also comes with a basswood body and a quilted maple top. Gloss polyurethane is used for the finish. The double-cutaway body design allows for easier access to the highest frets.

Promising review:

"Great guitar for the money. Super fun to play. The pickups are red hot and it's easy to get EVH tone (harmonics, etc) out of this guitar. The neck is just incredible for shredding."

by Atlantic Breeze

BODY MATERIAL Basswood
NECK MATERIAL Maple
FRETBOARD TYPE EV5107002522
PICKUP CONFIGURATION EV5107002522
BRIDGE SYSTEM Tremolo
Ibanez Genesis Collection RG550 - Best Electric Guitar for Metal Songs: 1 single-coil pickup
https://www.amazon.com/

8.
Ibanez
Genesis Collection RG550

1 single-coil pickup

price from
$999.99
Our opinion:

The Genesis Collection RG550 guitar from Ibanez offers a lot of intriguing features. Basswood is used for the body, which creates a warm, rumbling tone with well-defined mids. The body is slim and comfy, and the deep cutaway allows you to reach all 24 frets with ease. A wood fretboard with 24 jumbo frets and black dot inlays is also included on the Super Wizard. The RG550 has a stamped metal plate and a traditional tilt neck joint. There are three single-coil pickups on it.

Promising review:

"The guitar is beautiful and sound incredible. Terrific experience buying this. Thank you guys!!"

by Erick

BODY MATERIAL Basswood
NECK MATERIAL Maple
FRETBOARD TYPE Maple
PICKUP CONFIGURATION S
BRIDGE SYSTEM Tremolo
Jackson Guitars JS Series Rhoads JS32T - Best Electric Guitar for Metal Songs: Solid body electric guitar
https://www.amazon.com/

9.
Jackson Guitars
JS Series Rhoads JS32T

Solid body electric guitar

price from
$369.99
Our opinion:

The Rhoads is also a capable player. Low motion is a breeze thanks to the tune-o-Matic bridge, and the smooth neck finish has a waxy feel that makes speeding up and down a breeze. The main issue is figuring out how to play it while seated. It necessitates placing the short lower horn between your thighs, supporting your body on your left leg, and assuming a traditional playing stance. However, they sound much brighter to our ears, with lots of snap and presence, and provide enough clarity to handle distorted playing in any style.

Promising review:

"Guitar was very well packaged. All I had to do was tune and play. Seems to be great quality for the price and model."

by Kevin Auman

BODY MATERIAL Basswood
NECK MATERIAL Maple
FRETBOARD TYPE Amaranth
PICKUP CONFIGURATION H
BRIDGE SYSTEM Tremolo
Oscar Schmidt 6 String Double Cutaway SSS Electric Guitar - Best Electric Guitar for Metal Songs: Adjustable truss rod
https://www.amazon.com/

10.
Oscar Schmidt
6 String Double Cutaway SSS Electric Guitar

Adjustable truss rod

price from
$189.99
Our opinion:

The OS300 electric guitar emulates the legendary tones of Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Clapton, Beck, Mark Knopfler, and many more. The form is traditional, and the tone is classic. The OS300 is a time-honored guitar that has withstood the test of time. This solid-body electric guitar has a maple neck with a lightning-fast Peroba fingerboard, a standard fulcrum tremolo bridge, three single-coil pickups, chrome hardware, a white pickguard, and a stunning Tobacco Sunburst gloss finish.

Promising review:

"It’s flawless. These affordable guitars are really put together nicely. The fretwork is very nice and I didn’t have to adjust the action."

by Mark Allen Brack

BODY MATERIAL Maple
NECK MATERIAL N / A
FRETBOARD TYPE N / A
PICKUP CONFIGURATION N / A
BRIDGE SYSTEM Tremolo

Conclusion

In conclusion...

If you have the financial ability to spend more on a guitar, there are a plethora of high-quality guitars to pick from. By now, you should have a good idea of what features to search for and which brands you favor. You may even think of signature models, but most of them would set you back more than $1000. At this price point, it’s difficult to find a guitar that isn’t of excellent quality. However, you should focus on the elements that are most essential to you rather than the overall quality. The review above, on the other hand, may help you choose the best one.

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