If you’re looking for a guitar to play black metal, then you’ve come to the right place. Black metal is a sub-genre of heavy metal that is known for its dark, intense and eerie sound. In order to create this sound, you need a guitar that can handle the heavy distortion and low tunings that are commonly used in black metal.
Before making a purchase, there are a few factors that you need to consider. First, you need to think about the guitar's construction. Solid wood guitars are preferred for their sustain and resonance, but it’s important to choose the right wood for your playing style. The scale length and shape of the guitar’s neck are also essential to consider as they affect your playing technique and comfort level. Finally, you should think about the guitar’s pickups, which are responsible for transforming the sound of the strings into an audio signal.
Are you struggling to find the right guitar for black metal? Do you want to know the best guitars for low tunings and heavy distortion? Did you know that the thickness of the guitar’s neck can affect the tone of your playing? By reading this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about choosing the best guitar for your black metal needs. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced guitarist, these tips and tricks will help you find the perfect guitar for your playing style.
10 Best Guitar For Black Metal
| # | Product Image | Product Name | Product Notes | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
 |
Ideal for metal music performance with its sleek black design, sharp sound quality, and comfortable playability.
|
|
|
|
2
|
 |
Ideal for metal music enthusiasts seeking a high-quality, 6-string electric guitar with a sleek black satin finish.
|
|
|
|
3
|
 |
Ideal for metal music with fast and aggressive playing styles, featuring high output pickups and a sleek black satin finish.
|
|
|
|
4
|
 |
The product is ideal for professional guitar players and fans of thrash metal music.
|
|
|
|
5
|
 |
The product is ideal for metal bass guitar players looking for a sleek and stylish black satin finish.
|
|
|
|
6
|
 |
Ideal for musicians seeking an affordable and stylish electric guitar with a unique sound and comfortable playing experience.
|
|
|
|
7
|
 |
This product is ideal for electric guitar players who want high-quality pickups and a distinctive look with neon green bevels.
|
|
|
|
8
|
 |
Ideal for heavy metal music, featuring a seven-string design with a mahogany body, maple neck and one humbucking pickup.
|
|
|
|
9
|
 |
Ideal for protecting and carrying a classical guitar with a hard shell made out of 100% carbon fiber.
|
|
|
|
10
|
 |
The product is ideal for securely holding one acoustic or electric guitar in a vertical position.
|
|
1. Esp Ltd Arrow Black Metal Electric Guitar, Black Satin
Introducing the Arrow-shaped electric guitar that combines bold design with a killer black metal finish. This guitar is built with high-quality materials, comparable to ESP's LTD Deluxe “1000 Series” instruments. With a single EMG 81 pickup, single volume control, and an EMG TKO kill switch, this guitar delivers a powerful and aggressive sound. The dark and menacing design theme features an all-black finish, components, and hardware, making it a perfect choice for metal enthusiasts. The guitar features a Macassar ebony fingerboard with no inlays and glow-in-the-dark side markers, adding to the guitar's unique look. The newly-designed black metal LTD logo on the headstock completes the guitar's aesthetic.
The guitar's body shape is inspired by the Arrow and is made with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity. The EMG 81 pickup is known for producing a high-output sound that is perfect for heavy music genres. The EMG TKO kill switch allows for quick and easy muting of the guitar's sound, adding to the guitar's versatility. The Macassar ebony fingerboard is smooth and easy to play, making it a great choice for beginners and professionals alike.
Overall, the Arrow-shaped electric guitar is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality instrument that delivers a powerful and aggressive sound. With its unique design and features, this guitar is perfect for metal enthusiasts who want a guitar that stands out from the crowd.
- High-quality build materials ensure durability and longevity
- EMG 81 pickup produces a high-output sound that is perfect for heavy music genres
- EMG TKO kill switch allows for quick and easy muting of the guitar's sound
- Macassar ebony fingerboard is smooth and easy to play
2. Esp Guitars 6 String Metal Electric Guitar, Black Satin, Right (Lmhtbkmblks)
The Neck-Thru construction of this guitar delivers excellent sustain and stability for the player. The body is made from alder, which provides a balanced tonal response with a slight emphasis on the midrange. The neck is constructed from 3 pieces of maple, which is known for its durability and bright tonal characteristics. The fingerboard is made from Macassar Ebony, a dense and hard wood that delivers a bright attack and excellent sustain.
The Hipshot bridge with string-thru design ensures that the strings have maximum contact with the body, which enhances the overall sustain and resonance of the instrument. The Seymour Duncan Blackened Black Winter pickup adds a high-output, aggressive tone to the guitar, perfect for heavy genres such as metal and hard rock.
Overall, this guitar is a versatile and reliable instrument that would be a great addition to any guitarist's collection.
- Neck-Thru construction provides excellent sustain and stability
- Alder body delivers balanced tonal response with emphasis on midrange
- 3Pc Maple neck is durable with bright tonal characteristics
- Macassar Ebony fingerboard delivers bright attack and excellent sustain
- Hipshot bridge with string-thru design enhances sustain and resonance
- Seymour Duncan Blackened Black Winter pickup adds high-output aggressive tone
3. Esp Ltd Ec-Black Metal Electric Guitar, Black Satin
The ESP LTD Black Metal Series offers a top-notch build quality comparable to ESP's LTD Deluxe "1000 Series" instruments. It features an all-black finish, components, and hardware, giving it a dark and menacing design theme.
The guitar is based on the popular single-cutaway ESP Eclipse shape and has a black metal LTD logo on the headstock. It offers smooth access to the highest frets at 24.75” scale, thanks to its set-thru construction.
One of the standout features of this guitar is its premium pickup – the Seymour Duncan “Blackened” Black Winter, which is mounted directly to the body. The guitar also has Macassar ebony fingerboards with no inlays and glow-in-the-dark side markers, making it a unique and visually stunning instrument.
The LTD Black Metal Series comes equipped with LTD locking tuners, ensuring that you stay in tune even after intense playing sessions.
- Top-notch build quality comparable to ESP's LTD Deluxe "1000 Series" instruments
- Dark and menacing all-black design theme
- Smooth access to the highest frets at 24.75” scale
- Premium Seymour Duncan “Blackened” Black Winter pickup mounted directly to the body
- Macassar ebony fingerboards with no inlays and glow-in-the-dark side markers
- Equipped with LTD locking tuners
4. Esp Ltd Gh-600 Signature Series Gary Holt Electric Guitar With Case, Black
The ESP Gary Holt GH-600 is the perfect electric guitar designed for aggressive, powerful playing. This guitar is a result of the collaboration between Gary Holt of Slayer and Exodus and ESP Guitars. The guitar is equipped with an EMG 89R neck pickup that offers a coil splitter controlled by a volume knob pull switch, and an EMG 81 bridge pickup that delivers a high-output tone. The guitar also features a set-thru neck design that ensures excellent stability and easy access to the highest frets for smooth playing experience. The body, neck, and headstock are accentuated by red binding that beautifully contrasts the glossy black finish. The guitar is designed with a Floyd Rose tremolo and Grover tuners that keep it perfectly in tune even with heavy use. The guitar is built with a 3-piece mahogany neck and body based on the ESP Eclipse, which is known for its excellent sustain and tone.
The ESP Gary Holt GH-600 is a high-quality electric guitar that offers excellent features for aggressive playing. It's perfect for metal, rock, and other genres that need a powerful sound. The guitar is built to last and can withstand heavy use without compromising its tone and playability.
In conclusion, the ESP Gary Holt GH-600 is an excellent guitar that offers high-quality features and great sound. It's perfect for those who want to play aggressively and need a guitar that can handle it. The guitar's set-thru neck design, EMG pickups, Floyd Rose tremolo, and Grover tuners make it stand out from other guitars in its class.
- EMG 89R neck pickup with coil splitter controlled by volume knob pull switch
- EMG 81 bridge pickup for high-output tone
- Set-thru neck design for excellent stability and smooth access to the highest frets
- Red binding on body, neck, and headstock
- Floyd Rose tremolo and Grover tuners keep the guitar perfectly in tune
- 3-piece mahogany neck and body based on the ESP Eclipse for excellent sustain and tone
5. Esp Ltd Ap-4 Black Metal Bass Guitar, Black Satin
Introducing the first bass to be added to ESP's LTD Black Metal series, featuring the classic shape of the AP Series basses, bolt-on maple neck, and alder body. The Black Satin finish and all-black hardware provide a menacing cosmetic vibe that is sure to turn heads. The headstock is adorned with the black LTD logo, and the side markers glow in the dark for added visibility on stage.
Not only does this bass look amazing, but it also includes pro-quality components such as Grover tuners, Babicz FCH-4 bridge, and a single EMG 35CS pickup. The pickup delivers a powerful and clear sound that is perfect for heavy metal and other genres that require a full-bodied tone. The bolt-on maple neck offers a comfortable playing experience, while the alder body provides a balanced and resonant sound.
Whether you're a professional musician or a beginner, this bass is sure to impress. Its stunning appearance and high-quality components make it a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile instrument that can handle any style of music.
- Classic shape of the AP Series basses
- Bolt-on maple neck and alder body provide a comfortable and balanced playing experience
- Black Satin finish and all-black hardware offer a menacing cosmetic vibe
- Grover tuners, Babicz FCH-4 bridge, and a single EMG 35CS pickup provide pro-quality components
6. Jackson Js Series Rhoads Js32t, Amaranth Fingerboard, Satin Black Electric Guitar
The Solidbody Electric Guitar with Basswood Body is a great option for guitar enthusiasts who are looking for a high-quality and durable instrument. The guitar features a solid basswood body that ensures longevity and excellent sound quality. The basswood body also makes the guitar lightweight and comfortable to play for extended periods.
The guitar comes with 2 humbucking pickups that deliver powerful and dynamic sound. The pickups are designed to produce a warm and rich tone, making the guitar perfect for a variety of music genres. The pickups are also highly responsive, allowing guitarists to achieve a wide range of sounds with ease.
The guitar boasts a string-through hardtail that enhances sustain and resonance. This feature ensures that the guitar produces clear and articulate notes with excellent sustain. The hardtail design also makes string changes quick and easy, allowing guitarists to focus on playing their music.
The Amaranth fingerboard and maple neck of the guitar provide exceptional playability and comfort. The fingerboard is smooth and responsive, making it easy for guitarists to execute complex techniques. The maple neck is sturdy and comfortable to hold, allowing guitarists to play for long hours without experiencing any discomfort.
Overall, the Solidbody Electric Guitar with Basswood Body is a fantastic instrument that offers exceptional sound quality, playability, and durability. It is an excellent choice for guitarists who are looking for a reliable and high-quality guitar that can handle a variety of music genres.
- Solid basswood body ensures longevity and excellent sound quality.
- 2 humbucking pickups deliver powerful and dynamic sound.
- String-through hardtail enhances sustain and resonance.
- Amaranth fingerboard and maple neck provide exceptional playability and comfort.
7. Rhoads Rrx24 Electric Guitar With Blackout Pickups
The Jackson RRX24 Electric Guitar is a 6-string guitar, specifically designed for right-handed players. It features a basswood body and a through-body maple neck with graphite reinforcement and scarf joint, ensuring excellent durability and playability. The 12-16 inch compound radius bound laurel fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets and reverse Jackson pointed 6-in-line headstock add to the aesthetic appeal of the guitar.
This guitar is equipped with a pair of active Seymour Duncan Blackout pickups that have been specially engineered for metal music. The pickups offer a searing tone that can be further shaped by two volume knobs, a single-tone control, and a three-way blade switch. Moreover, the guitar is equipped with a recessed Floyd Rose Special double-locking tremolo system that provides outstanding sustain and solid intonation.
The RRX24 is an ideal fit for metal players who are looking for warm complex chording and singing leads. The Floyd Rose Special double-locking tremolo system with zinc alloy saddles and sustain block ensures excellent tuning stability and sustain throughout your most aggressive pull-ups and dive bombs. This guitar is perfect for players who demand precision, durability, and dynamic sound.
- Basswood body and through-body maple neck with graphite reinforcement and scarf joint for durability and playability.
- Active Seymour Duncan Blackout pickups specially engineered for metal music.
- Recessed Floyd Rose Special double-locking tremolo system for outstanding sustain and solid intonation.
- Ideal fit for metal players who are looking for warm complex chording and singing leads.
8. Carbon 4/4 Guitar Case With Backpack & Cover
The Crossrock CRF1000C is the perfect guitar case for those who want both comfort and protection for their classical guitar. It is designed exclusively for 4/4 size classical guitars, ensuring that your instrument will fit snugly inside. The case is made of 100% carbon fiber, making it extremely lightweight and durable. With a net weight of only 5lb, you can easily carry it around without any strain.
The exterior is designed to be impact-resistant, providing maximum protection for your guitar. The rigid foam padding inside the case is covered with a premium lining that will keep your instrument safe from scratches and dings. The easy latches with TSA lock provide added security and peace of mind when traveling.
The Crossrock CRF1000C also features a crossrock original designed handle, which is comfortable to hold and makes it easy to carry. Additionally, the case comes with deluxe padded backpack straps, making it easy to carry on your back when you're on the go. The free padded protective cover that comes with the case adds an extra layer of protection when storing your guitar.
Overall, the Crossrock CRF1000C is an excellent choice for anyone in need of a lightweight, durable, and protective case for their classical guitar. Whether you're a professional musician or a beginner, this case will provide the perfect combination of comfort and protection for your instrument.
- Lightweight and durable, made of 100% carbon fiber
- Impact-resistant exterior provides maximum protection for your guitar
- Easy latches with TSA lock provide added security
- Comes with deluxe padded backpack straps for easy carrying
- Crossrock original designed handle is comfortable to hold
- – Only designed for 4/4 size classical guitars
9. String Swing Guitar Stand For One Acoustic Or Electric Guitar – Black Metal Bz-Stand
The Zither Music Company's floor guitar stand is the perfect solution for displaying your acoustic or electric guitar. This stand is designed to hold both types of guitars and comes with a modern design that will add a unique touch to your room. It is made of black metal that is powder-coated to ensure durability and longevity. The stand is also padded with high-density foam to protect your instrument from scratches and other damages. This floor guitar stand is an excellent choice for both home and studio use.
Zither Music Company is known for producing high-quality guitar accessories, and this floor stand is no exception. The stand is designed to be sturdy and reliable, ensuring that your guitar is safe and secure at all times. It is easy to assemble and disassemble, making it an ideal choice for those who are always on the go. Whether you are a professional musician or a beginner, this floor stand will meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
This floor guitar stand comes with a lifetime structural warranty, which is a testament to the quality of the product. It is made in Wisconsin, USA, with the highest quality materials and craftsmanship. You can trust this stand to keep your guitar safe and secure for years to come.
- Suitable for both acoustic and electric guitars
- Modern design adds a unique touch to your room
- Made of durable black metal and padded with high-density foam
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
- Comes with a lifetime structural warranty
Best Guitar For Black Metal FAQs
How do I achieve the classic black metal guitar sound?
To achieve the classic black metal guitar sound, there are a few key elements that you need to focus on. First and foremost, you will need to use a guitar with humbucker pickups, as they provide a thicker and more aggressive tone than single-coil pickups. You should also use heavy gauge strings to create a darker and more powerful sound.
Next, you will need to use a high-gain amplifier with plenty of distortion. Many black metal guitarists prefer to use tube amps, as they provide a warmer and more natural tone than solid-state amps. You can also experiment with different types of distortion pedals to find the perfect sound for your style.
Finally, you will need to focus on your playing technique. Black metal guitarists often use tremolo picking and fast alternate picking to create a rapid-fire sound that is both aggressive and atmospheric. It's also important to experiment with different effects, such as reverb, delay, and chorus, to create a haunting and otherworldly sound.
Overall, achieving the classic black metal guitar sound requires a combination of the right gear, playing technique, and creative experimentation. With practice and dedication, you can create a sound that is uniquely your own while paying homage to this iconic genre.
How important is guitar tuning when playing black metal?
Guitar tuning is essential in any genre of music, including black metal. In fact, it is even more important in black metal due to the heavy and aggressive nature of the music. Black metal is known for its distorted and dissonant sound, which can only be achieved if the guitar is tuned correctly. The standard tuning for a guitar is EADGBE, but in black metal, musicians often tune their guitars to a lower pitch, such as drop D or drop C, to create a darker and heavier sound. This tuning allows for power chords and riffs that are more sinister and menacing. Additionally, tuning the guitar correctly ensures that the notes played are in tune with each other, which is crucial for creating harmonies and chord progressions. In conclusion, guitar tuning is extremely important when playing black metal, as it helps to create the unique sound that defines the genre.
What are the best types of guitars for playing black metal?
When it comes to playing black metal, there are several types of guitars that are popular among musicians. The most common ones are usually electric guitars with humbucker pickups and a solid body. These guitars are ideal for producing the heavy and distorted sounds that are often associated with the genre. Some of the most popular brands of electric guitars for playing black metal include Gibson, Jackson, and ESP.
In addition to electric guitars, some black metal musicians also use acoustic guitars for certain parts of their music. Acoustic guitars can produce a more haunting and atmospheric sound, which is often used to create a contrast with the heavier electric guitar sections. Some popular brands of acoustic guitars for playing black metal include Martin, Taylor, and Guild.
Ultimately, the best type of guitar for playing black metal depends on the individual musician's personal preference and playing style. Some musicians prefer the raw and aggressive sound of an electric guitar, while others prefer the more nuanced and atmospheric sound of an acoustic guitar. It's important to experiment with different types of guitars and find the one that best suits your musical style and preferences.
What kind of pickups should I use for black metal guitar playing?
When it comes to black metal guitar playing, the type of pickups you use can make a significant impact on the overall sound and tone of your playing. Most black metal guitarists tend to prefer using high-output humbucker pickups, as they provide a powerful and aggressive tone that is well-suited for the genre.
One of the most popular pickups for black metal guitar playing is the EMG 81. This pickup is known for its high output and tight, focused sound, which is perfect for the fast and aggressive playing that is characteristic of black metal music.
Other popular pickups for black metal guitar playing include the Seymour Duncan Black Winter and the DiMarzio X2N. Both of these pickups offer a similar high output and aggressive tone that is well-suited for the genre.
Ultimately, the type of pickups you choose for black metal guitar playing will depend on your personal preferences and playing style. It's always a good idea to experiment with different pickups to find the sound that works best for you.
What types of effects pedals are commonly used in black metal guitar playing?
Black metal guitar playing is known for its atmospheric and raw sound. To achieve this sound, guitarists often use a variety of effects pedals. The most commonly used effects pedals in black metal guitar playing are distortion, delay, reverb, and chorus.
Distortion pedals are used to add grit and aggression to the guitar tone. They are perfect for creating the harsh, distorted sounds that are a hallmark of black metal. Delay pedals are used to create space in the sound by repeating the guitar signal. This effect can be used to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
Reverb pedals are used to create a sense of space and distance. They are perfect for adding depth and atmosphere to the sound. Chorus pedals are used to create a swirling, ethereal sound. They are perfect for adding a sense of other-worldliness to the guitar tone.
Other effects pedals that are commonly used in black metal guitar playing include tremolo, phaser, and flanger. These effects can be used to create a variety of different sounds and textures, and are perfect for adding complexity and depth to the guitar tone. Overall, the use of effects pedals is an essential part of creating the unique sound of black metal guitar playing.