Best Metal Guitars: Coolest Guitars for Metal
Metal demands more from a guitar than most genres. It calls for precision, aggression, and an unmistakable edge, both sonically and visually. The best metal guitars meet these expectations, with features such as high-output pickups, fast necks, deep cutaways, and menacing designs. Whether you're playing thrash, death, doom, or djent, the right guitar makes a difference.
This guide breaks down what defines a guitar for metal and highlights standout models for every budget and skill level. Expect punchy reviews, essential buying advice, and answers to common questions about gear, brands, and playing style.
What makes a guitar metal?
Several characteristics set a metal guitar apart:
High-output pickups: Usually humbuckers, often active (like EMGs) to deliver tight, powerful tones with low noise
Thin necks: Speed matters, especially for fast runs, sweeps, and shredding
Aggressive styling: Angular shapes, dark finishes, and sharp contours are common
Solid build: Many use mahogany or basswood for deep, resonant tone with sustain
Extended range options: Seven and eight-string guitars are common in modern subgenres
A metal-ready guitar doesn’t just look the part. It must stay in tune under heavy playing, respond well to high gain, and offer comfort for prolonged practice and performance.
Coolest guitars for heavy metal
Jackson Pro Plus Series DKA
The Jackson Pro Plus DKA is built for metal purists. It balances clarity and ferocity with a sleek arched top, 24 jumbo frets, and Seymour Duncan pickups. The Speed Neck profile and compound radius fingerboard make it effortless for solos and rhythm work alike. It shines in metalcore, thrash, and prog — an ideal fit for intermediate to advanced players who want pro-grade tone without custom shop prices.
Its alder body offers solid resonance, while the Floyd Rose 1000 Series tremolo allows wild divebombs without losing tuning. Whether you're into tight rhythms or fluid leads, the Pro Plus DKA offers a reliable platform with sharp aesthetic appeal. It's equally at home on stage or in the studio.
Jackson Pro Plus Series DKA (front)
Jackson Pro Plus Series DKA (back)
Tone: Punchy, defined, with bite
Playability: Fast and fluid
Standout features: Seymour Duncan pickups, Floyd Rose 1000 Series tremolo, compound radius
Ideal for: Shredders and lead players
Ibanez RGA622XH
This Ibanez Prestige model is a shredder's dream. The guitar’s 27 frets and flat-radius ebony fingerboard make it perfect for extended solos and fast tapping. DiMarzio pickups offer crisp highs and tight lows, suited to modern and classic metal tones. With premium build quality, it's aimed at serious guitarists who demand high performance.
Its basswood body keeps things lightweight but resonant, while the ultra-thin Super Wizard HP neck provides exceptional speed and control. The sleek satin finish and ergonomic contours offer excellent playability, even over long sessions. It's a superb choice for those who push technical boundaries.
Ibanez RGA622XH (front)
Ibanez RGA622XH (back)
Tone: Versatile with high-gain articulation
Playability: Lightning-fast
Standout features: 27 frets, DiMarzio Fusion Edge pickups, Gotoh hardware
Ideal for: Lead guitarists in progressive or technical metal genres
ESP LTD James Hetfield Snakebyte
Designed in collaboration with Metallica's frontman, the Snakebyte is all attitude. Its Explorer-inspired body, set-neck construction, and EMG pickups deliver tight rhythms and punishing power chords. It excels at down-tuned chugging and palm-muted riffing. Built for rhythm-heavy styles like thrash and groove metal.
Crafted with a mahogany body and neck, it offers rich sustain and brutal punch. The thin-U neck profile and ebony fingerboard make fast riffing a breeze. If you want a professional metal machine with an iconic pedigree and commanding stage presence, the Snakebyte is a top contender.
ESP LTD James Hetfield Snakebyte (front)
ESP LTD James Hetfield Snakebyte (body)
Tone: Aggressive and thick
Playability: Rock-solid, with ergonomic access
Standout features: EMG JH active pickups, locking tuners, bold design
Ideal for: Metallica fans, rhythm guitarists, stage-ready performers
Best beginner metal guitar: Epiphone SG Modern Figured
This Epiphone packs a serious punch for the price. It blends vintage SG styling with modern appointments, like ProBucker pickups and coil-splitting for tonal flexibility. A slim taper neck makes it friendly for new players, while the figured top adds flair. Ideal for beginners who want to explore hard rock and metal without blowing the budget.
The maple-capped mahogany body balances brightness with warmth, offering versatile tones for rhythm and lead. LockTone hardware improves sustain and tuning stability. It’s a great entry point into heavier styles without sacrificing visual appeal or tonal range.
Epiphone SG Modern Figured (front)
Epiphone SG Modern Figured (back)
Tone: Warm with bite
Playability: Comfortable and lightweight
Standout features: Coil splitting, Grover tuners, flame maple veneer
Ideal for: Beginners exploring hard rock and metal
Most affordable metal guitar: Ibanez Standard RGA42FM
An excellent choice for tight budgets, the RGA42FM delivers surprising quality. Its Quantum humbuckers offer strong output for distortion-driven genres, while the thin Wizard III neck enables fast playing. The contoured body and striking finish round out the package. Great for aspiring metal players wanting a solid start.
With a carved maple top over a meranti body, this model is as stylish as it is practical. The 24-fret jatoba fingerboard provides smooth access for soloing. It’s affordable, dependable, and ready to handle anything from classic metal to modern subgenres.
Ibanez Standard RGA42FM (front)
Ibanez Standard RGA42FM (back)
Tone: High-gain capable, slightly scooped mids
Playability: Fast and smooth
Standout features: Wizard neck, arched top, sleek looks
Ideal for: Beginners or budget-conscious players
Metal guitar FAQs
Which are the best metal guitar brands?
Brands known for their metal credentials include:
Jackson: Favoured by thrash and shred players
Ibanez: Excellent necks and modern tones
ESP/LTD: Big with metal icons and aggressive stylists
Schecter: Often includes extended range models
Dean: Classic metal shapes and attitude
Each brand offers models across different price points. The best choice depends on your budget and preferred subgenre.
Is heavy metal easy to play?
Metal can be both challenging and rewarding. Basic riffs and power chords are beginner-friendly, but many styles involve fast alternate picking, complex rhythms, and advanced techniques like palm muting, tapping, and sweep picking. Start simple and build up gradually. Learning metal develops coordination, timing, and precision.
What are the best amplifiers for heavy metal?
For high-gain tones, look for amps with dedicated distortion channels or strong overdrive pedals. Popular choices include:
Boss Katana: Versatile and affordable modelling amp
Peavey 6505: Classic American metal sound
Orange Crush Pro: British tone with plenty of gain
Line 6 Helix or POD Go: Modellers with great metal presets
Valve amps deliver warmth and punch, but digital modelling amps offer flexibility for home players.
What are the easiest heavy metal songs to play?
A few beginner-friendly songs to get you started:
"Iron Man" by Black Sabbath
"Enter Sandman" by Metallica
"Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple (heavy rock classic)
"Breaking the Law" by Judas Priest
"Raining Blood" by Slayer (simplified intro)
These songs introduce common metal techniques, use them to build speed, timing, and confidence.
Get in touch with Bryan to learn heavy metal
Whether you're just picking up your first electric guitar or want to level up your skills, you'll get expert guidance and practical techniques to match your goals. Get in touch with Bryan to start your metal journey.
