If you’re looking for a guitar that can handle the high-demanding energy of heavy metal music, then you’ve come to the right place. The right guitar can make all the difference in producing the perfect sound for your heavy metal playlist. However, there are some important factors to consider before making your purchase.
First and foremost, you must decide on the type of guitar that can best accommodate your heavy metal needs. There are various types of guitars, such as solid-body electric guitars or semi-hollow guitars. You should also consider size, weight, and the type of neck as these can greatly affect your playability and comfort. Additionally, it’s important to consider the kind of pickups your guitar has, which can impact the quality of sound production.
Are you ready to become the ultimate guitar shredder? Do you want to perform your favorite heavy metal covers with ease? Well, before you proceed, ask yourself these questions: What kind of tone am I looking for? Who are my favorite heavy metal guitarists, and what kind of gear do they use? What type of heavy metal music do I play? By answering these questions, you will be able to make an informed decision when choosing the perfect guitar for heavy metal.
10 Best Guitars For Heavy Metal
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1
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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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2
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Ideal for heavy metal guitar players, featuring alnico humbucker pickups, jumbo frets, bone nut, rosewood fretboard, and mahogany body.
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3
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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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4
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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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5
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Ideal for metal music performance with its sleek black design, sharp sound quality, and comfortable playability.
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6
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Ideal for metal music enthusiasts seeking a high-quality, 6-string electric guitar with a sleek black satin finish.
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7
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Ideal for kids and children looking to play rock or heavy metal music.
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8
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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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9
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The product is ideal for musicians looking to add heavy distortion to their sound, and comes with useful accessories.
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10
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It is ideal for guitar players seeking a versatile heavy metal sound with distortion, boost, chorus, and delay effects.
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1. 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
2. Westcreek Heavy Metal Electric Guitar
The WestCreek Revenge electric guitar is designed to provide easy access to the upper frets, making it an ideal choice for guitarists who prefer playing solos and high-pitched notes. This electric guitar is designed for heavy metal music style, making it perfect for rock and metal enthusiasts.
Equipped with Alnico humbucker, the WestCreek Revenge model electric guitar produces a high-quality sound that is perfect for clean, overdrive, and distortion tones. The bone nut used in this guitar is much denser and tougher than other types of guitar nuts, resulting in great efficiency in transferring sound vibrations without absorbing them. The rounded end medium jumbo frets provide a smooth and comfortable playability experience, allowing guitarists to play for longer periods without experiencing discomfort. The comfortable slim C guitar neck design of this electric guitar makes it easy to hold and play, ensuring that your hands remain comfortable even during extended playing sessions.
- Easy access to the upper frets for playing solos and high-pitched notes
- Ideal for rock and metal enthusiasts
- Produces high-quality sound for clean, overdrive, and distortion tones
- Efficient sound vibration transfer due to the use of a denser and tougher bone nut
- Smooth and comfortable playability experience with rounded end medium jumbo frets
- Comfortable slim C guitar neck design for extended playing sessions
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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
6. 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
7. Electric Guitar – Red 31" Small Kids Childrens Mini Rock Heavy Metal
Introducing the stunning red-colored guitar with geared hardware and a Phoenix body, measuring 31 inches in overall length and 13.5 inches in neck length. This guitar is perfect for beginners and professional guitarists alike, providing exceptional sound quality and a comfortable playing experience. The Phoenix body design not only looks great but also helps to produce a rich and warm tone, making this guitar a great choice for a wide variety of musical genres.
Crafted with high-quality materials and attention to detail, this guitar is built to last and withstand the rigors of regular playing. The geared hardware ensures precise tuning and easy string changes, while the comfortable neck length provides a smooth playing experience. Whether you're playing on stage or in the studio, this guitar is sure to impress.
In addition to its impressive sound and build quality, this guitar also features a sleek and stylish design that is sure to turn heads. The bright red color and unique Phoenix body shape make this guitar a true standout, while the overall size and weight make it easy to transport and play for extended periods of time. If you're looking for a high-quality guitar that looks and sounds great, this is the perfect choice for you.
- Stunning red color and unique Phoenix body design
- High-quality materials and attention to detail
- Geared hardware for precise tuning and easy string changes
- Comfortable neck length for a smooth playing experience
- Great sound quality and a versatile tone
- – May not be suitable for those who prefer a traditional guitar design
- – Some players may find the neck length to be too short or too long
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 Bundle: Distort, Play, Shine.
The BOSS HM-2 Heavy Metal pedal has made a comeback with the special Waza Craft edition after its production from 1983 to 1991. This pedal is renowned for its signature 'chainsaw tone', which defined the voice of Swedish death metal. It is also known for its mild personality, which can be heard in mainstream and shoe gaze tracks. The HM-2W edition delivers the authentic analog sound of the original with modern refinements for better performance.
The Standard mode of HM-2W reproduces the tone and response of the original HM-2 pedal with complete authenticity. It also includes modern improvements like reducing the noise floor and expanding the maximum level by 3 dB. Additionally, the premium Waza Craft buffer improves the sound when the pedal is bypassed.
The Custom mode of HM-2W offers a similar sound character to Standard mode with a little more gain and fundamental guitar sound for extra attack and sharpness. The low and high-mid characteristics have been tweaked to provide increased fullness and definition.
The Waza Craft edition of the HM-2W pedal features an orange and black appearance, including the size and position of lettering on the panel. Every Waza Craft pedal includes a mode switch for extended range, which has been moved to the top on the HM-2W to preserve the authentic control layout of the HM-2.
The BOSS engineers have always been committed to achieving the finest guitar tones using any technology necessary, from old-school analog circuits to high-tech DSP. This enthusiastic spirit continues with the Waza Craft series that provides exceptional tone and touch response through carefully selected analog components, refined circuitry, and meticulous attention to detail.
- Authentic analog sound with modern refinements
- Standard and Custom modes for versatile sound options
- Premium Waza Craft buffer for improved sound
- Orange and black appearance identical to the original HM-2 pedal
- Exceptional tone and touch response through carefully selected analog components
10. Higain Distortion With Chorus & Delay Pedal
The One-Stop Gig Solution for Metalheads is finally here! Introducing the Guitar Effects Pedal, the perfect tool for guitarists who need to achieve the main effects in one go. This multi-effects processor boasts an analog hi-gain distortion with a 3-band EQ and smart noise gate, ensuring that the sound quality is top-notch. With a pre-gain boost, this pedal can push up more gain and volume of the distortion, perfect for some heavy riffs or loud solos.
The BBD-style analog-sounding chorus brings classic ambient tone to the guitar pedal, making it the ideal choice for those who want to add a touch of ambiance to their music. Additionally, the Guitar Multi Effects Pedal features 500ms analog-voicing delay, allowing you to add more depth and dimension to your sound. Whether you're playing in a small club or a large stadium, this pedal has got you covered.
With its compact design and easy-to-use interface, this pedal is perfect for both beginners and professionals. It offers a wide range of effects that are perfect for metal music, making it an essential tool for any guitarist who wants to take their sound to the next level.
- Analog hi-gain distortion with 3-band EQ and smart noise gate for top-notch sound quality
- Pre-gain boost for heavy riffs or loud solos
- BBD-style analog-sounding chorus for classic ambient tone
- 500ms analog-voicing delay for more depth and dimension
- Compact design and easy-to-use interface
Best Guitars For Heavy Metal FAQs
How can I optimize my guitar's tone for heavy metal music?
To optimize your guitar's tone for heavy metal music, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, you should consider using heavier gauge strings. This will give you a thicker and more powerful sound. Additionally, you can experiment with different pickups and try out ones that are specifically designed for heavy metal tones. You can also adjust the height of your pickups to get the right balance between the treble and bass frequencies.
Another thing to consider is your guitar amp. You want to make sure that you have an amp that is capable of producing the high gain tones that are associated with heavy metal music. You may also want to invest in some pedals, such as distortion or overdrive pedals, to further enhance your sound.
Finally, it's important to play around with your technique. Heavy metal guitar playing often involves fast, aggressive playing, so make sure you're picking and strumming with enough force to really bring out the power in your tone. With a bit of experimentation and practice, you should be able to find the perfect tone for your heavy metal music.
What are some key features to look for in a guitar for heavy metal?
When searching for a guitar suitable for playing heavy metal music, there are several key features to consider. Firstly, the guitar should have a solid body construction, as this will provide the necessary sustain and resonance required for heavy distortion and power chords. Additionally, the guitar should have high output pickups, such as humbuckers, which produce a thick and heavy sound ideal for metal tones. A fast and comfortable neck is also important, as it allows for quick and precise playing of complex riffs and solos. In terms of hardware, a locking tremolo system can be beneficial for creating dive bombs and other effects, and a sturdy bridge is necessary for keeping the guitar in tune during aggressive playing. Finally, the guitar's visual aesthetic can also be important for many metal players, with dark and menacing designs being particularly popular. Ultimately, the best guitar for playing heavy metal will depend on personal preference and playing style, but keeping these features in mind can help guide the decision-making process.
What are some popular guitar models used by heavy metal musicians?
When it comes to heavy metal music, guitar plays a crucial role in creating the edgy, aggressive sound that defines the genre. Over the years, some guitar models have become synonymous with heavy metal, and are widely used by musicians in this space.
One of the most popular models is the Gibson Les Paul, which has been a staple of heavy metal for decades. Its thick, chunky tone and sustain make it perfect for heavy riffs and solos. Another popular model is the Fender Stratocaster, which is known for its versatility and ability to produce a wide range of tones.
Other popular models used by heavy metal musicians include the Ibanez RG series, which is known for its fast neck and shredding capabilities, as well as the ESP/LTD series, which are designed specifically for heavy metal and feature high-output pickups and thick, heavy bodies.
Overall, the choice of guitar model ultimately comes down to personal preference and the sound that a musician is looking to create. However, these models have proven to be popular among heavy metal musicians for their ability to deliver the raw, powerful sound that defines the genre.
What are the best guitar brands for heavy metal music?
When it comes to heavy metal music, the guitar is one of the most important instruments. It is essential to choose a guitar brand that can deliver the right tone and sustain that is needed for this genre of music. Here are some of the best guitar brands for heavy metal music:
1. Ibanez – Known for their fast and thin necks, Ibanez guitars are perfect for playing fast and technical riffs. They are popular among metal guitarists for their sharp tone and effortless playability.
2. Jackson – Jackson guitars are designed specifically for heavy metal music. They are known for their aggressive tone and fast playability, making them a popular choice among metal guitarists.
3. ESP – ESP guitars are widely used by professional metal guitarists due to their high-quality construction and exceptional tone. They offer a wide range of models that are suitable for different styles of heavy metal music.
4. Schecter – Schecter guitars are known for their heavy and chunky tone, making them perfect for playing heavy metal riffs. They are also highly customizable, allowing guitarists to tailor their sound to their specific needs.
5. Gibson – Although Gibson is not typically associated with heavy metal music, their Les Paul and SG models are popular among metal guitarists for their thick and powerful tone.
Ultimately, the best guitar brand for heavy metal music will depend on the individual guitarist's preferences and playing style. It is important to try out different guitars and find the one that feels and sounds right for you.
What type of pickups work best for heavy metal guitar playing?
When it comes to heavy metal guitar playing, the pickups that work best are typically high-output pickups. These pickups are designed to produce a powerful and aggressive sound that is well-suited to the heavy distortion and high gain settings that are commonly used in heavy metal music. Some popular pickups for heavy metal guitar players include the Seymour Duncan Blackouts, EMG 81 and 85, and DiMarzio X2N.
The choice of pickups will also depend on the type of guitar being used. For example, some guitars may have a natural resonance that complements certain types of pickups better than others. Additionally, the type of amplifier being used will also play a significant role in the overall sound. Ultimately, the best pickups for heavy metal guitar playing will depend on the individual player's preferences and playing style, as well as the specific sound they are looking to achieve.