Plenty of companies will sell you a guitar with a pointy body and a black finish. Far fewer build one that stays tight in drop tuning, sits flat through a high-gain amp, and survives years on a hard-touring stage.
That gap is what this guide is about. A handful of builders have earned real trust from metal players, and a few mostly trade on looks.
We run through 10 brands worth knowing, from shred-focused superstrats to thick humbucker machines. For each one you’ll get its history, the sound and style it leans toward, and the players who put it on the map.
The 10 Best Metal Guitar Brands
Here they’re in no particular order.
1. Jackson Guitars
Jackson Guitars is a guitar company that primarily produces electric guitars and electric basses. The company was founded by Grover Jackson in 1981 and has since become one of the best-known brands in the world of musical instruments, especially for metal music.
The guitars are manufactured at various locations worldwide, including Asia, Europe and North America. However, not all models are produced at every location: some models are produced exclusively in either North America or Asia.
Some notable artists who have used Jackson Guitars over the years include Randy Rhoads, Kerry King (of Slayer), Zakk Wylde (of Ozzy Osbourne/Black Label Society), Vinnie Moore, and Mick Mars (of Motley Crue).
2. ESP Guitars
The ESP Guitar Company is a Japanese guitar company that manufactures electric guitars, bass guitars and acoustic guitars. The company produces a variety of products for both professional musicians and amateur players.
ESP Guitars was founded by Hisatake Shibuya in 1975 in Tokyo, Japan. ESP was one of the first guitar brands to introduce the 7-string guitar and also make 9-string models in addition to their standard 6-string lineup.
Their original top line of guitars produced from 1975 to 1985 is referred to as the “red label” and set them apart from their current production models, which are often labeled as HII or EX based on model number or cosmetic differences.
Some notable artists who have used ESP Guitars include Warren DeMartini, Michael Romeo, Bruce Kulick (of KISS/ex-Grand Funk Railroad), James Hetfield (of Metallica), George Lynch (of Dokken/Lynch Mob) and Kirk Hammett (of Metallica).
3. Dean Guitars
Dean Guitars is an American guitar company that makes electric guitars and basses. Originally founded in 1976 as a guitar and bass parts manufacturer, the company began to make its own instruments in 1982.
Dean offers a wide range of guitars such as solid body electric guitars and semi-hollow body electric guitars. It also offers acoustic guitars.
If you’re weighing up the brand, our breakdown of whether Dean guitars are good goes deeper on quality and value.
Some notable artists who have used Dean Guitars include Dave Mustaine, Kerry King (of Slayer), Zakk Wylde (of Ozzy Osbourne/Black Label Society) and James Hetfield (of Metallica).
4. PRS Guitars
The founding of the company can be traced back to 1984, when Paul Reed Smith and Kurt Williamsen were building guitars in their basement and living room.
Smith’s goal was to create a guitar that would’ve a heavy, warm vintage tone that wasn’t as heavy or bulky as the Les Paul models at that time. The first PRS guitar, known as the “20th Anniversary” model, was based on Smith’s original 1978 design.
That year also marked his first step into production, with twelve guitars built: six electric-acoustics and six electric guitars (three dual humbuckers).
In 1985 PRS Guitars moved into a 10,000 square foot facility in Stevensville, Maryland, which is still its current headquarters. Nowadays PRS offers a variety of products such as electric guitars and acoustic guitars.
Some notable artists who have used PRS Guitars include Carlos Santana, Dave Navarro (of Jane’s Addiction), John Mayer, Mark Tremonti (of Creed/Alter Bridge), Mick Thomson (of Slipknot) and Steve Lukather (of Toto).
5. LTD Guitars
LTD is a guitar company owned by the group ESP Guitars. LTD is the budget-friendly line that brings ESP’s metal-focused designs to more affordable price points without losing the aggressive looks and feel players want.
LTD’s instruments are primarily manufactured in Korea or Indonesia. They’re great guitar options for beginners who want a metal-ready instrument without paying for a flagship ESP.
The lineup spans entry-level models up to higher-end signature guitars, so there’s room to grow as your playing develops.
Some notable artists who have used LTD Guitars include Kirk Hammett (of Metallica), Dave Mustaine (of Megadeth), Alexi Laiho (of Children Of Bodom) and Michael Amott.
6. B.C. Rich Guitars
B.C. Rich Guitars is an American manufacturer of electric guitars and bass guitars founded in 1973 by Bernardo Chavez Rich.
The company is best known for its deep-bodied guitars with a flashy appearance and unique, unconventional shapes - like the Warlock and Mockingbird - which have evolved over the years.
There are many models of B.C. Rich guitars available to purchase and they can range across almost any price point, from affordable entry-level instruments up to premium custom models.
That spread makes the brand accessible whether you’re buying your first pointy guitar or chasing a high-end showpiece.
Some notable artists who have used B.C. Rich Guitars include George Lynch (of Dokken/Lynch Mob), Tom Araya (of Slayer), Doug Aldrich (of Whitesnake/Dio) and Les Claypool.
7. Charvel Guitars
Charvel is based out of Carlsbad, California. The brand built its reputation in the 1980s as a go-to for fast-playing, high-output “super strat” guitars favored by shredders, and that hot-rodded, performance-focused identity still defines the lineup today.
Charvel Guitars are typically available at the mid-level price point for electric guitars, making them a strong choice for intermediate players. They also offer signature models dedicated to artists, helping you dial in a specific player’s feel and tone.
Some notable artists associated with Charvel over the years include Eddie Van Halen, Warren DeMartini, and Guthrie Govan.
8. Ibanez Guitars
Ibanez Guitars was founded with the goal of providing access to guitars for people all around the world. The brand, run by Hoshino Gakki, started as a family-owned company and grew into one of the top guitar manufacturers in Japan and worldwide.
Ibanez guitars have an eye-catching aesthetic, as well as a durable and reliable build. They offer a wide range of different styles and each one produces a very unique tone.
Ibanez guitars are most well known for the metal tones they create, which is why they’re frequently used in hard rock and heavy metal music. The fast, thin necks on models like the RG and S series are especially popular with technical and shred players.
That said, they also create a variety of other sounds depending on the guitar and effect pedals used - certain models have been used by jazz musicians to create a warmer, smoother sound.
Some notable artists who have used Ibanez guitars include Steve Vai, Paul Gilbert, and Joe Satriani. Steve Vai has been endorsed by Ibanez since the 1980s and is still producing music with their guitars, while Paul Gilbert and Joe Satriani have used Ibanez guitars throughout their careers as professional musicians.
9. Washburn Guitars
Washburn Guitars traces its name back to one of the oldest brands in American instrument making, and the modern company offers a full range of electric and acoustic models aimed at players of every level.
Nowadays they’re one of the most popular brands for electric guitars and acoustic guitars on the market. They offer different models across a wide range of price points, so there’s something suitable whether you’re a beginner or a working pro.
Some notable artists who have used Washburn Guitars include Ted Nugent, Joe Bonamassa, Kirk Hammett, Jeff Loomis, Gary Holt, and Martin Barre.
10. Schecter Guitars
The Schecter Guitar Company was founded by David Schecter in 1976. The company was originally set up for manufacturing, selling and distributing high-quality guitar parts and instruments for other well-known brands.
In 1980 the company began producing its own line of guitars, which it called “Schecter Guitar Research”. They eventually shifted focus to their own products and grew into one of the most respected names in electric guitars.
Today Schecter is a favorite in the metal world thanks to a diverse lineup of electric guitars and basses built at a range of price points to meet different market demands.
Some notable artists who have used Schecter guitars include Synyster Gates (of Avenged Sevenfold), Dan Donegan (of Disturbed) and Jeff Loomis.
How to Choose a Metal Guitar Brand
With so many strong options, the right brand usually comes down to a few practical factors rather than just the logo on the headstock.
Start with your budget and skill level. Lines like LTD and Ibanez offer metal-ready guitars at beginner-friendly prices, while ESP, PRS, and Jackson reach into pro-level territory.
Match the guitar’s feel to how you play: shredders tend to gravitate toward the thin, fast necks on Ibanez and Charvel, while players chasing thick rhythm tones often prefer the chunkier feel of a Schecter or PRS.
Looks matter in metal too. B.C.
Rich and Jackson are known for sharp, aggressive body shapes, whereas PRS and Charvel lean more traditional. Finally, think about pickups and hardware - many metal-oriented guitars come loaded with high-output humbuckers and locking tremolo systems suited to drop tunings and heavy distortion.
Gear to Pair With Your Metal Guitar
A great metal guitar is only part of the equation. The right strings, pedals, and amp pull the whole tone together.
If you want to round out your rig, take a look at these recommendations:
- Our recommended list of the best guitar strings for metal
- Some metal guitar distortion pedal reviews and recommendations
- Delay pedals perfect for metal guitarists
- Chorus pedals well suited for metal guitar players
- Some of the best guitar amps for metal
- Guitar pickups that handle metal music tones well
Frequently Asked Questions
Which guitar brand is best for beginners playing metal?
LTD and Ibanez are two of the most beginner-friendly metal brands. Both offer guitars with high-output pickups and comfortable, fast necks at affordable prices, so you get a genuinely metal-ready instrument without spending flagship money.
If you’re just starting out, focus on a model that feels good in your hands and stays in tune. Our guide to the best guitars for beginners can help you narrow down the options.
What makes a guitar good for metal?
Metal guitars typically feature high-output humbucking pickups, thin and fast necks, and hardware built to handle drop tunings and aggressive playing. Many also include locking tremolo systems and extended-range options like 7- and 8-string models.
Aggressive body shapes and dark finishes are common too, though they’re more about style than tone. The core ingredients are a tight, punchy pickup output and a neck that lets you play fast and accurately.
Are expensive metal guitars worth it?
Higher-end models from brands like ESP, PRS, and Jackson usually offer better build quality, more consistent fretwork, and premium hardware that holds tuning under heavy use. For gigging and recording musicians, that reliability can be worth the investment.
That said, mid-priced guitars from LTD, Schecter, and Ibanez deliver excellent metal tones for a fraction of the cost. Many players are perfectly happy never moving beyond that tier.
Do I need active pickups for metal?
You don’t need them, but many metal players prefer active pickups for their tight, high-output sound that cuts cleanly through heavy distortion. Brands like ESP and LTD frequently ship guitars with active pickups installed.
Passive pickups can absolutely handle metal too, and plenty of players prefer their dynamic feel. If you want to dig into the options, see our roundup of the best guitar pickups for metal.
Final Thoughts
There’s no single “best” metal guitar brand - the right choice depends on your budget, your playing style, and the tones you’re chasing. Jackson, ESP, and B.C.
Rich lean into aggressive looks and metal heritage, Ibanez and Charvel cater to fast technical players, and PRS, Schecter, and Washburn offer versatile options that span genres.
Whichever brand you go with, pair it with the right strings, pickups, and a capable metal amp to get the most out of your tone. Try a few in person if you can - the guitar that feels best in your hands is almost always the one you’ll play the most.
