If you're looking for the perfect guitar to shred it out with some death metal riffs, then you must be on a search for some of the most brutal and aggressive guitars out there. Finding the right guitar is not all about the looks but also about the sound and technical features that come with it.
Before you go ahead and make a purchase, you must consider the type of wood used for the guitar's body, the pickups, and the hardware used. It’s important to keep in mind that each guitar comes with a different tonal range; some will have a stronger low-end, while others tend to emphasize the higher frequencies. You also want to make sure that the guitar you choose is comfortable for you, as death metal's fast-paced riffs require a lot of movement from your fingers, and the body of the guitar should allow for ease of access to all frets.
Have you ever wondered why some death metal guitarists prefer a seven or eight-string guitar, or why the guitar's shape and finishes are crucial for the sound and overall performance? If so, then you're in the right place. In this article, we'll give you some insights into what to consider before purchasing a guitar fit for death metal, what features to look out for, and why they matter. Stay tuned to answer some of your burning questions about guitars for death metal.
10 Best Guitars For Death Metal
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Ideal for metal music performance with its sleek black design, sharp sound quality, and comfortable playability.
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2
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This product is ideal for musicians or guitar enthusiasts who value solid wood build and deep red color.
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3
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This product is ideal for electric guitar players who want a high-gain metal sound with adjustable EQ and boost options.
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4
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The product is ideal for guitar players who want to learn or play songs by the band Five Finger Death Punch.
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5
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The product is ideal for creating heavy and distorted guitar tones, perfect for metal or hard rock styles.
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6
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The product is ideal for electric guitar players looking for a sleek and stylish instrument with exceptional sound quality.
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7
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This product is ideal for individuals interested in learning how to play electric guitar, and need a complete beginner kit.
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8
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Ideal for musicians seeking a high-quality baritone electric guitar with a sleek design and protective case.
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9
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Ideal for metal music with fast and aggressive playing styles, featuring high output pickups and a sleek black satin finish.
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10
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Ideal for producing heavy metal distortion guitar sounds with precision and control, suitable for live performances and recording sessions.
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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. Red Metal 6-String Guitar Set
The Type 43 Inch Right-handed electric guitar with accessories is the perfect choice for beginners who want to jumpstart their musical journey. This electric guitar set is designed to be used right out of the box, so there's no need for any assembly. With its Heavy Metal Style design, this guitar set features a deep red high gloss finish that exudes a bold and stylish look. The chrome controls are also beautifully set, adding an extra flair to the guitar's design.
The guitar's construction is made with a solid hardwood body, which makes it durable and long-lasting. The maple neck and rosewood fret-board are of high-quality design, ensuring that the guitar produces a great sound. This electric guitar also comes with accessories such as a cable cord and allen wrench, so you can start playing immediately.
Rock your way to the stars with this Heavy Metal Style design guitar. It's perfect for beginners and seasoned guitar players alike. You'll love the way it looks and sounds, and it's sure to provide you with years of enjoyment and musical fulfillment.
- High-quality design and construction for durability and longevity
- Comes with accessories for immediate use
- No assembly required
- Great sound quality
- – May not be suitable for advanced players looking for more features and customization options
3. Extreme Metal Pedal: Joyo Jf-17
The JOYO Extreme Metal distortion guitar pedal is an excellent choice for metal, rock and punk guitarists. This pedal features six control knobs, including independent EQ controls, allowing for ultimate control of the frequency response. The adjustable 3 band EQ and sweep Mid-Freq knob provide a strong low frequency and clear, transparent high frequency, while the 'High', 'Mid', 'Low', 'Boost', 'Level', and 'Drive' controls allow for shaping the sound to perfection.
This pedal is most effective when the gain is set at 12 'o' clock or higher. At 12 'o' clock the pedal delivers brilliant hard rock tones. With the gain set at around 9 'o' clock, using a bridge position humbucker, you can achieve some excellent classic rock tones. JOYO is a reputable brand with over a decade of experience and is known for producing budget-friendly pedals, amplifiers, wireless systems, controllers, metronomes, and tuners that have won the love of global guitarists and inspired people's music dreams.
Before playing, ensure that the guitar is fully connected to the pedal. To avoid unexpected noise and ensure proper operation, it is recommended to use an extra JOYO original power adapter or another reliable brand that meets the working current requirement of a single pedal.
- Adjustable 3 band EQ and sweep Mid-Freq knob provide a strong low frequency and clear, transparent high frequency
- Six control knobs including 'High', 'Mid', 'Low', 'Boost', 'Level', and 'Drive' allow for shaping the sound to perfection
- Effective at delivering brilliant hard rock tones with the gain set at 12 'o' clock or higher
- Excellent classic rock tones can be achieved with the gain set at around 9 'o' clock using a bridge position humbucker
- JOYO is a reputable brand with over a decade of experience producing budget-friendly pedals, amplifiers, wireless systems, controllers, metronomes and tuners
- – None
4. Digitech Ddm Death Metal Analog Distortion Pedal
The Level pedal is an efficient tool for boosting the output level of your guitar. It is equipped with three-band EQ controls, including Low, Mid, and High, which allows you to adjust the frequencies accordingly. The Low control allows you to adjust the boost and cut of bass frequencies, while the Mid control lets you adjust the boost and cut of midrange frequencies. The High control, on the other hand, adjusts the boost and cut of upper harmonics. This way, you can tailor your guitar sound to your liking.
In addition to the EQ controls, the Level pedal comes with dual outputs for added versatility. The Amp output is designed for connecting directly to a guitar amplifier. Meanwhile, the Mixer output is equipped with Cabinet Emulation circuitry, which allows you to connect your guitar directly to a mixing board or recording device. This way, you can achieve a more professional and polished sound quality without the need for additional equipment.
The Level pedal boasts a sturdy construction that can withstand heavy usage, making it an ideal choice for guitarists who are always on the go. Its compact design also makes it easy to carry around in your gig bag. Whether you're a professional musician or a hobbyist, the Level pedal is a valuable addition to your guitar setup.
- Three-band EQ controls allow you to adjust the boost and cut of various frequencies.
- Dual outputs provide added versatility.
- Cabinet Emulation circuitry enhances sound quality.
- Sturdy construction can withstand heavy usage.
- Compact design makes it easy to carry around in a gig bag.
5. Esp 6 String Ltd Ec Arctic Metal Electric Guitar, Snow White Satin, Right, (Lecarmsws)
The electric guitar boasts a sturdy construction with a set-thru design, making it durable and reliable for long-term use. It comes with a body made of high-quality mahogany that delivers a warm, full-bodied sound. The neck is also made of mahogany and features a 3-piece design, ensuring excellent stability and resonance. The fingerboard is crafted from Macassar ebony, which is known for its smooth texture and rich tonal properties.
The guitar is equipped with a Tonepros Locking TOM bridge and tailpiece, which provides enhanced tuning stability and sustain. The bridge pickup is an EMG 81TW with a black logo, which delivers a powerful, high-output sound. It also features a pull volume for split function, allowing you to switch between single-coil and humbucking modes. The guitar comes pre-strung with D'Addario XL110 strings (.010/.013/.017/.026/.036/.046), which offer a balanced and responsive tone.
Overall, this electric guitar is an excellent choice for guitarists of all skill levels who are looking for a high-quality instrument that delivers exceptional sound and performance.
- Sturdy construction with a set-thru design for durability and reliability
- High-quality mahogany body delivers a warm, full-bodied sound
- 3-piece mahogany neck ensures stability and resonance
- Macassar ebony fingerboard offers a smooth texture and rich tonal properties
- Tonepros Locking TOM bridge and tailpiece provide enhanced tuning stability and sustain
- EMG 81TW bridge pickup delivers a powerful, high-output sound
- Pull volume for split function allows for switching between single-coil and humbucking modes
- D'Addario XL110 strings offer a balanced and responsive tone
6. Pyle's Full Electric Guitar Kit
The Heavy Metal Flame Style electric guitar is a full-size guitar that is perfect for beginners and seasoned players alike. It features a classic S style tremolo bridge, chrome-accent hardware, and tuner pegs, a 21-fret neck, and a black, glossy finish. The guitar is made out of solid paulownia wood, with a premium Canadian maple neck and a high-density man-made wood fretboard. The package includes a 10W amplifier with a 5” loudspeaker that is specially designed for high-frequency response. The amp has a drive switch, volume, treble, and bass knobs, as well as a headphone output. The guitar utilizes dual humbucker pickups, each using two coils to 'buck the hum', producing a thicker tone. The electric guitar comes with a full starter package that includes a guitar cable, Allan key, tremolo rod, gig bag, spare electric guitar strings, guitar strap, digital tuner, and celluloid picks for precision.
The Heavy Metal Flame Style electric guitar is perfect for heavier genres such as rock and metal due to its dual humbucker pickups that produce a thicker tone. The amp's high-frequency response and drive switch make it ideal for these genres as well. The guitar's solid paulownia wood body, premium Canadian maple neck, and high-density man-made wood fretboard give it a sturdy and durable feel.
The full starter package that comes with the Heavy Metal Flame Style electric guitar makes it easy for beginners to get started playing right away. The guitar cable, gig bag, and spare electric guitar strings ensure that players have everything they need to keep their guitar in top condition. The digital tuner and celluloid picks make it easy to tune and play the guitar with precision. The included guitar strap and tremolo rod add to the guitar's versatility and playability.
- Dual humbucker pickups produce a thicker tone ideal for heavier genres such as rock and metal
- 10W amplifier with a 5” loudspeaker and high-frequency response is perfect for these genres as well
- Solid paulownia wood body, premium Canadian maple neck, and high-density man-made wood fretboard give the guitar a sturdy and durable feel
- Full starter package makes it easy for beginners to get started playing right away
- – None
7. Bb-600 Baritone: Burnley Signature Series Guitar.
The ESP LTD BB-600 Ben Burnley Signature Series is a versatile signature model designed in collaboration with the founder of Breaking Benjamin. It features two high-quality magnetic pickups, a Seymour Duncan '59 and JB set, for exceptional sound quality. In addition, it has a Graph Tech Ghost-Loaded Resomax NV bridge and tailpiece that includes an integrated piezo pickup. With two output jacks, players can route signals from the standard pickups to one amplifier and the piezo pickup to another, allowing for incredible flexibility.
The Eclipse body style with a 27-inch scale and set-thru baritone design provides excellent downtuning capabilities without sacrificing string tension. The mahogany body is topped with quilted maple in a stunning See Thru Black Sunburst Satin finish, providing both durability and visual appeal. The three-piece maple neck has a thin U-shape for added comfort during play.
The ESP LTD BB-600 Ben Burnley Signature Series is a versatile and high-quality guitar that offers exceptional sound and flexibility for players of all skill levels.
- High-quality magnetic pickups for exceptional sound quality
- Integrated piezo pickup for added flexibility
- Two output jacks for separate routing of signals
- Eclipse body style and set-thru baritone design for downtuning capabilities
- Durable and visually appealing mahogany and quilted maple construction
- Comfortable playing experience with a thin U-shaped three-piece maple neck
8. 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
9. Boss Hm-2w Waza Craft Heavy Metal Distortion Pedal
Experience a powerful and dynamic guitar sound with the High-Gain Distortion Pedal. This pedal is designed to deliver a high level of gain, allowing you to create a wide range of distortion effects. With its low/high color mix controls, you can easily adjust the tone to your liking, whether you want a brighter or warmer sound. The stard/custom modes provide even more versatility, allowing you to switch between different distortion settings with ease. Use the stard mode for a classic distortion sound or switch to custom mode for a more unique and personalized tone.
The High-Gain Distortion Pedal is built with high-quality components, ensuring a reliable and durable performance. Its compact and sturdy design makes it easy to carry and operate, perfect for gigging musicians and home studio setups. Whether you're a beginner or a professional guitarist, this pedal is a must-have for achieving a powerful and distinctive sound.
This pedal operates on a 9V DC power supply (sold separately) and features a true bypass switch, allowing for a clean and uncolored signal when the pedal is turned off. Take your guitar playing to the next level with the High-Gain Distortion Pedal.
- High level of gain for creating a wide range of distortion effects
- Low/high color mix controls for adjusting the tone
- Stard/custom modes for switching between different distortion settings
- High-quality components for a reliable and durable performance
- Compact and sturdy design for easy transportation
Best Guitars For Death Metal FAQs
How important is the quality of pickups for playing death metal on guitar?
The quality of pickups is an essential factor when it comes to playing death metal on guitar. Pickups are responsible for converting the vibration of the strings into an electrical signal, which is then amplified and projected through speakers. The right set of pickups can make a significant difference in the overall sound, tone, and clarity of the guitar.
In death metal, the tone and clarity of the guitar are crucial as it requires a heavy, distorted, and aggressive sound. The pickups that are most commonly used in death metal are high-output humbuckers as they can handle the high gain and distortion needed for the genre.
Moreover, pickups also affect the sustain and dynamics of the guitar, which is equally important in death metal. Good quality pickups can provide better sustain, better control, and improved dynamics. It is essential to choose the right set of pickups that complements your playing style and the genre you intend to play.
In conclusion, the quality of pickups is a crucial consideration for death metal guitarists. It can significantly impact the sound, tone, clarity, sustain, and dynamics of the guitar. Investing in a good set of pickups can make all the difference in achieving the desired sound and tone for death metal.
Should I choose a seven-string or eight-string guitar for playing death metal?
The decision to choose between a seven-string or eight-string guitar for playing death metal ultimately depends on personal preference and playing style. Both seven-string and eight-string guitars offer extended ranges and lower tunings, which are ideal for playing heavy and aggressive music genres like death metal.
A seven-string guitar has an added low B string, which provides more options for playing heavier riffs and chords. It also allows for more versatility in playing lead and rhythm parts. On the other hand, an eight-string guitar has two added strings, a low F# and a high C#, which further extends the range and provides more options for playing complex chords and melodies.
However, it's important to note that playing an eight-string guitar requires more skill and dexterity, as the added strings and wider neck can be challenging for some players. It's recommended to try out both options before making a decision, and to choose the one that feels more comfortable and natural to play.
Ultimately, whether you choose a seven-string or eight-string guitar for playing death metal, it's important to focus on developing your skills and technique to fully capitalize on the extended range and heavier sound of these instruments.
What are the best brands of guitars for death metal?
As a content writer, I believe that the best brands of guitars for death metal are those that can deliver heavy and aggressive sounds. Some of the top brands include Jackson, ESP, Schecter, and Ibanez. These brands have been popular among metal guitarists for years due to their high-quality materials, excellent craftsmanship, and powerful pickups.
Jackson guitars are known for their sleek designs and fast necks, making them perfect for shredding and fast-paced riffs. ESP guitars are also a top choice for heavy music, with their thick tone and brutal sound. Schecter guitars are another popular choice for death metal, thanks to their heavy body and aggressive sound.
Lastly, Ibanez guitars are known for their fast necks and tight tone, making them ideal for technical playing and complex rhythms. Ultimately, the best brand of guitar for death metal will depend on personal preference and playing style, but these four brands are a great place to start.
What is the ideal tuning for playing death metal on guitar?
The ideal tuning for playing death metal on guitar is subjective and varies from player to player. However, the most commonly used tuning for death metal is drop D tuning, where the low E string is dropped down to D. This tuning allows for the creation of heavy and low riffs, which is a staple of death metal music.
Other popular tunings for death metal include drop C, where all strings are tuned down a whole step, and standard tuning with a seven-string guitar, which adds an additional low B string for extra heaviness.
Ultimately, the ideal tuning for playing death metal on guitar depends on personal preference and style. It is important to experiment with different tunings and find what works best for you as a player. Additionally, using the right equipment, such as heavy gauge strings and pickups designed for high gain, can also enhance the sound of death metal guitar playing.
What type of guitar is best suited for playing death metal?
When it comes to playing death metal, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for choosing the perfect guitar. However, there are a few key factors to consider when selecting an instrument.
Firstly, it's important to consider the sound you're looking for. Death metal typically features deep, heavy riffs, so you'll want a guitar that can handle low tunings and high gain. A solid-body guitar with humbucker pickups is a common choice for achieving this type of sound.
Another key factor to consider is the guitar's playability. Death metal often involves fast, intricate playing, so you'll want a guitar with a comfortable neck and good fret access. A guitar with a slim neck and jumbo frets may be ideal for this style of playing.
In terms of specific guitar models, there are many options to choose from. Some popular choices among death metal guitarists include the Jackson Soloist, the ESP M-series, and the Ibanez RG. Ultimately, the best guitar for playing death metal will depend on your individual preferences and playing style.