Electric guitarists are a highly-opinionated bunch. The question of "Best Electric Guitar" is one that surely elicits a different answer from each person you ask. That said, if you are in the market for a new electric guitar, this guide is designed to help point you in the right direction. If you are a highly experienced guitarist who knows exactly what he or she wants, great. But not everyone feels sure about where to look for the best electric guitars. .jpg)
Since most guitarists tend to associate themselves with a particular style or two, this guide is divided up by genre, allowing you to narrow down your choices to ones that best represent your genre of choice.
Best Electric Guitar Overall:
Be it Jazz, Blues, Rock, Metal, Grunge, Pop, Country or Shred, there are many styles of music out there. So, understandably, most guitarists have a particular set of needs when it comes to their “Dream” guitar. For this reason, the focus of this list is to provide choices that will hopefully suit the needs of just about any serious guitarist. These top five picks represent guitars that offer exceptional quality, a flexible feature-set and value. Let's face it, although these guitars are all in the higher price range, any savvy shopper will consider price when making a final decision. It is understandable that for players whose needs tend to lean toward the more extreme ends of the spectrum, such as Jazz or Metal, some will wonder why their favorite axe was not included. Fair enough. But, in order to provide a list that will cater to as many as possible, the recommendations here are meant to be helpful for the broadest range of players; "If I could only have one guitar, and needed to be capable of a wide range of sounds, which one should I buy?" Fret not :-) Here are our expert's picks for "Best Electric Guitar Overall".
Parker DragonFly Electric Guitar
A straight-forward guitar, built with top-notch craftsmanship, you simply cannot go wrong with this Parker gem. Augment the H/S/S pickup configuration by splitting the bridge pickup or using the Fishman Piezo pickup for surprisingly warm acoustic tones. Read Full Review »
Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster HSS Electric Guitar
A brilliant mix of classic Strat joy and modern features make this a win-win combination. The S-1 switching system opens up new tonal possibilities and the fulcrum bridge / locking tuner combination keeps tuning hassles to a minimum. Read Full Review »
Gibson Les Paul Standard Traditional Pro Electric Guitar
More than 55 years since changing modern guitar forever, the Les Paul is new all over again. With a perfect blend of classic specs and modern upgrades, the Les Paul Standard Traditional Pro continues to lead the pack. Read Full Review »
Paul Reed Smith Studio Electric Guitar
Sometimes you really can have the best of both worlds. The Paul Reed Smith Studio offers a nice blend of Les-Paul and Stratocaster type tones. The scale and electronics make this guitar very versatile and suitable for a wide range of styles. Read Full Review »
Ibanez RG3570Z Prestige Electric Guitar
Make no mistake, this guitar is for shredders, employing three Dimarzio pickups, 24 jumbo frets, and a locking tremolo system that minimized tuning problems. The H/S/H pickup configuration means that virtually any classic tone you can dream up is possible. Read Full Review »
Best Electric Guitar for Classic Rock :
A long time ago, in the same Galaxy that we live in now, Rock music was the new kid on the block. It’s amazing to think that this genre is nearly 50 years old now. The first 10-15 years of music that came from this soup is now called “Classic Rock”. It’s a bit ironic that a style of music once considered “the Devil’s work” by parents far and wide, now finds grand-parents, parents and in some cases, the grand-kids, all enjoying themselves together at concerts (or separately, on their iPods, with the volume way too loud).
These guitars represent the tools that were among the very few available when “Classic Rock” was being sculpted out of stone by the early greats. While many guitars where played (and played well) back in the early days of Rock, these instruments were the ones you’d most often bump into and among the most well-represented in Rock music from that time.
Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster Electric Guitar
You can’t go too far in this world without bumping into a Fender Stratocaster... certainly if you are listening to, playing or otherwise participating in the praise of Classic Rock. The Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster offers a fantastic blend of features that keep the original spirit alive, yet allow you to deliver the kind of modern tones and playing level that today’s audience demands. Read Full Review »
Gibson Les Paul Traditional Electric Guitar
The Gibson Les Paul helped build the very foundation of Classic Rock. The combination of a mahogany body & neck, and two humbuckers helps to deliver the sound that fuels so many recognizable songs. This guitar helped launch the careers of some of the greatest guitarists of all time. Read Full Review »
Fender American Deluxe Telecaster Electric Guitar
With one foot in the well-respected past, and one firmly planted in the here-and-now, the American Deluxe Telecaster from Fender does double duty as a time machine, and modern guitar for the professional musician. Coaxing all of your favorite Classic Rock tones out of this guitar is a snap with the Fender noiseless pickups, and that annoying buzz/humm is a thing of the past. Read Full Review »
Gibson SG Standard Electric Guitar
Q: What would happen if a Gibson Les Paul went on a diet? A: The Gibson SG! This guitar offers much the same girth, warmth and articulation with less weight and a slightly different balance. Many great Classic Rock guitarists have turned to the Gibson SG over the years and made unforgettable music. Read Full Review »
Gibson 1959 ES-335 Dot Reissue Electric Guitar
Tons and tons of great Classic Rock has poured out of the Gibson ES 335 over the last 45 years and the new 959 ES-335 Dot Reissue will ensure that there is no end is sight. Two 57 Classic humbuckers drive the tone that powered some of the most cherished Rock songs of all time. This is a true classic that is re-born and ready to Rock. Read Full Review »
Best Electric Guitar for 80's Rock :
For guitarists, the 60’s were a time of experimentation. The 70’s were a time of musical maturity.The 80’s were a time to... well... do everything that was over-the-top, and then some. This decade was defined by mostly super fast playing and guitars that broke the mold. Names like Edward Van Halen, Randy Rhoads, George Lunch and Joe Satriani not only ruled the airwaves, but the the covers of the guitar mags as well. Players like these, and many others left the audio landscape littered with dive-bombs, overtones, harmonics, sweep picking and all kinds of shred-shrapnel. The instruments that were their weapons of choice included some of the most fun guitars one can imagine. This list includes guitars that allow you to simply add water; if you want that classic 80’s vibe and tone, you are more than covered. Bad hair and spandex not included.
Jackson SLAT3-6 Soloist Archtop Electric Guitar
First there was the “Strat”, and then there was the “Superstrat”, Jackson’s latest incarnation of this nearly 40-year-old super star is the SLAT3-6 Soloist Archtop and it is a serious machine with EMG pickups and a Floyd Rose locking bridge. Read Full Review »
Amazon.com$1,199.99
Charvel San Dimas Style 1 HH Electric Guitar
A virtual time machine, the Charvel San Dimas Style 1 HH nails the look and tone of 80’s rock. Ferrari Red, Snow White, Candy Red, Candy Blue and Black, this guitar comes equipped with the hardware you need to nail that classic tone. Read Full Review »
Amazon.com$899.99
Ibanez JS1200 Electric Guitar
Joe Satriani surfed his way to Rock and Roll stardom in 1987 with a truly classic album of pure shred. Since then, he has become one of the most respected electric guitarists.The JS1200 from Ibanez puts all of that late-80's tone right in the palm of your hands. Read Full Review »
ESP George Lynch M-1 Electric Guitar
Although founded in 1975, ESP Guitars became a popular choice amongst Rock guitarists in the 1980s. Their George lynch M-1 takes you back to the days of "Back For The Attack" and "Under Lock And Key". Read Full Review »
Amazon.com$3,389.00
Floyd Rose Kramer Pacer Classic Electric Guitar
Edward Van Halen ruled the 80s and put the Kramer Pacer on the map. Nearly 30 years later, this re-issue brings back the days of over-the-top dive-bombs, squeals and finger-tapping madness. Read Full Review »
Best Electric Guitar for '60s Rock :
Some would argue that Rock and Roll was born in the 50's, but most would agree that in the 1960s, guitar-driven rock flourished. From the British Invasion to Jimi Hendrix's legendary performance at Woodstock, the electric guitar was a critical ingredient in the sonic soup of the decade. These guitars are passports to that time; each one brings with it a legacy that is directly tied to the sounds of the '60s. If you are looking to tap into this time, any guitar on this list would provide a fast-track.
Rickenbacker 360 Electric Guitar
If the sounds of “A Hard Days Night” are your thing, then the Rickenbacker 360 is your guitar. Back in the 60s, rockers on both sides of the pond turned to this legendary guitar for it’s semi-acoustic body and crisp tone. Read Full Review »
Fender Classic Player 60s Stratocaster Electric Guitar
Three single-coil pickups and a whammy bar.. what more do you need? The Fender Classic Series ‘60s Stratocaster is an awesome guitar for tapping into that era of Rock. The attention to detail and faithful nod to the period jump out at you and take you right back. Read Full Review »
Amazon.com$799.99
Fender Classic Player Jaguar Special Electric Guitar
What does ridin’ “Goofy foot” have to do with guitar? Everything, if you were around in the 1960s. The Fender Classic Player Jaguar Special reissues all of the bell-like tones that helped define surf music. With period-correct single-coils and a smooth vibrato arm, you are ready for the breakers. Read Full Review »
Gretsch Guitars G6119-1962FT Chet Atkins Tennessee Rose Electric Guitar
If you have ever listened to “House of the Rising Son” and been swept away by the long-ago and far-away guitar tones, then you will fall in love with the Gretsch G6119-1962FT Chet Atkins Tennessee Rose. This top-notch instrument involves excellent craftsmanship, top-notch features and a classic tone that conjures up the 1960s. Read Full Review »
Amazon.com$2,124.95
Epiphone Elitist 1965 Casino Electric Guitar
Epiphone Casino provides a semi-acoustic sound that is well complimented by P-90 pickups. One of the most popular and cherished sounds of the 1960s Rock scene is back by popular demand and ready to conjure up images of the British Invasion. Read Full Review »
Best Electric Guitar for Rock Blues :
Any experienced musician will agree that Blues music is a genre that some find easy to play, but most find difficult to master. Rock Blues can become a bit challenging as you have the subtle complexities that define the Blues, yet at times, the volumes get get pretty high and the road a little bumpy. You need equipment that can provide a wide range of tones, yet hold up at high speeds. These five guitars offer the Rock Blues player a way to sculpt tones that can range from glassy to snarly.... and pretty much everywhere in-between. It’s not easy to provide absolutes in this arena, so I factored in variables that I consider to be critical to the genre: the ability to coax gentle and pretty sounds from your guitar, while at any time, ready to unleash powerful sonic thumps.
Gibson Gary Moore BFG Electric Guitar
Gibson's Gary Moore BFG is a Les Paul player’s dream when it comes to Rock Blues. A chambered Mahogany body provides a canvas for a variety of tones that are not always available. In addition, an unusual paring of pickups extends your tonal palate. Read Full Review »
Gibson SG Custom with Maestro VOS Electric Guitar
If you like the Gibson Les Paul Custom, and you like Blues, then you will love the Gibson SG Custom with Maestro VOS. Three Gibson '57 Classic humbuckers offer plenty of warm Blues tones with a nice glassy top-end, courtesy of the Ebony fingerboard. Read Full Review »
Fender JA-90 Telecaster Thinline Electric Guitar
P-90 meets Telecaster in a star-studded combination of features. There is plenty of tone to go around here and the Semi-Hollow Ash body makes things easy on your back. Read Full Review »
Amazon.com$749.99
Gibson Custom Shop Slash Les Paul Signature Guitar
A classic guitar with extra sauce. The Gibson Custom Slash Les Paul comes with all the features that made this model a favorite among Rock Blues guitarists, as well as a few features that set it apart from the pack. If you need acoustic sounds added to your tool belt, you need only flick a switch and you have arrived. Read Full Review »
Fender Custom Telecaster FMT HH Electric Guitar
What if you could have the humbucking creamy tone of a Les Paul and the “Twang” of a Telecaster in one guitar? well, you can. The Special Edition Custom Telecaster FMT HH provides the best of to classic sounds for serious Blues Rock tones. Read Full Review »
Amazon.com$699.99
Best Electric Guitar for Chicago Blues :
Chicago is a city that has long been known for having a thriving Blues scene. Many legendary guitarists have been a part of this community including Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Otis Rush, and Jimmy Rogers. The guitars in this list include some of the most well-known tools that were employed by these great musicians. In choosing these guitars, I considered the role that each one played in the sound of the aforementioned players, as well as availability and quality. In each case, you have the backing of guitar makers who are known for making reliable instruments. Some of these guitars are a bit pricey, but as we all know, you often get what you pay for. The best guitars for the Chicago Blues sound are no exception.
Gibson Guitar Memphis ES-335 Dot Fat-Neck
When players like Otis Rush and Lonnie Brooks take to the stage, they have often done so with a Gibson ES-335 in-hand. This guitar has become synonymous with the Chicago Blues sound. A bound Maple body, mahogany neck and Gibson '57 Classic pickups form the foundation of this legendary guitar. Read Full Review »
Fender Vintage Hot Rod 62 Strat
The Stratocaster has never been a stranger to the Chicago Blues scene. Fender’s Vintage Hot Rod '62 model offers a fantastic blend of period-correct design and modern upgrades, allowing you to output a searing Blues sound that can be subtle and sweet as well when you need it. Read Full Review »
Gibson Custom 1959 50th Anniversary Les Paul Standard Electric Guitar
The Les Paul has always been popular among Chicago Blues players. Gibson's 50th Anniversary 1959 model is a virtual time machine, with attention to detail that is unsurpassed. At the same time, the craftsmanship is by today’s standards, first class and allows the modern player to keep pace. Read Full Review »
Fender American Special Telecaster Electric Guitar
Where would the Blues be without the Fender Telecaster? Chicago Blues players can count on the American Telecaster Special to deliver the classic “twang” that we have all come to know and love, as well as a few modern upgrades that keep this guitar current after more than 50 years in production. Read Full Review »
Gretsch Guitars G5810 Bo Diddley Signature
Not too many square guitars come along these days. Gretsch’s G5810 Bo Diddley Signature model captures the tone and personality of one of the most popular Chicago Blues players of all time. Read Full Review »
Best Electric Guitar for Texas Blues :
Some will argue that the Blues is the Blues, no matter where you are from. I would not disagree at all. But, there are some great guitarists from Texas that have offered their own recipe of this genre. Probably the best known of the group is Stevie Ray Vaughan. His blistering technique was paired with a tone that ranged from subtle and sweet to ferocious, and everywhere in-between. Other great players from the Lone-Star state such as Lonnie Mack, Johnny Winter and Freddy King added to the mix with their own kind of soul. These guitars offer any player a fast track to capturing the sound of Texas Blues; fantastic instruments that are also reasonably priced.
Fender Stevie Ray Vaughan Stratocaster Electric Guitar
Stevie Ray Vaughan was known not only for his ferocious Blues technique, but for his amazing tone as well. The Fender Artist Series Stevie Ray Vaughan Stratocaster captures all of that SRV tone and vibe surprisingly well with Texas-Special pickups and a smooth Pau-Ferro fingerboard. Read Full Review »
Fender Vintage Hot Rod '52 Telecaster Electric Guitar
From the company that helped put the “Twang” in Texas Blues comes yet anther impressive instrument that sweeps you away to the Lone Star State. This Hot Rod ‘52 Telecaster uses the classic Tele of the old days as a blue print, but adds a Seymour Duncan pickup in the neck position, allowing for more modern Blues tones. Read Full Review »
Gibson 1959 Korina Flying V Electric Guitar
What was once considered a blasphemous assault to the typical guitar body design, the Gibson Flying V has become one of the most popular electric guitars in the last 50 years. Texas Blues players have often turned to this model for the sizzle and bite that is characteristic of the genre. Read Full Review »
Gibson 1959 ES-335 Dot Reissue Electric Guitar
While often associated with with solid body guitars, the soup of Texas Blues also includes a semi-hollow model. The Gibson ES-335 is known for lending a vocal-like aspect to guitar tone. Packed with a pair of '57 Classic humbuckers, this guitar also packs a serious punch. Read Full Review »
Gibson Custom 1965 Firebird V Electric Guitar
Most players consider the Gibson Firebird V a somewhat unusual guitar, and they are right. Packed with mini-humbucker pickups and build on a somewhat quirky design, this guitar offers you an alternative way to channel the sound of great Texas Blues players such as Johnny Winter. Read Full Review »
zZounds$4,999.00
Best Guitar for Metal:
Most generic guitars would not survive the hands of a Heavy Metal player. The level of aggressiveness that is inherent to this genre requires a compliment of parts and overall design that is specifically tailored to withstand some very hard playing. Whatever your specific metal subset may be – Metalcore, Doom, Thrash, Power, Death, or Black Metal – if you are a heavy metal player, and are in the market for a new guitar, this list will point you in the right direction. We have assembled the best axes for all things Metal.
Kerry King Signature V Electric Guitar
B.C. Rich's Kerry King Signature V gives metal guitarists serious amounts of high-output. With two EMG active pickups and a PA2 preamp, serious gain is only moments away. You'll love the Canadian hard maple neck-through body design. Read Full Review »
Jackson USA SL2H Soloist Electric Guitar
Since the 80's, the Jackson Soloist has been one of the most popular metal guitars. Close attention to detail and top-quality hardware has always been a staple of this product. Read Full Review »
Gibson Zakk Wylde Les Paul Bullseye Electric Guitar
EMG 81/85 pickups and a whole lot of attitude spice up this time-honored classic. Gibson's Zakk Wylde Les Paul Bullseye offers Les Paul lovers a metal-alternative that looks as intense as it sounds. Read Full Review »
Amazon.com
ESP KH2 Kirk Hammett Signature Electric Guitar
Warning: two-octaves of shred ahead! - ESP's KH2 Kirk Hammett Signature model is made for metal players who like to play fast. Dive-bomb kings will love the Floyd Rose locking bridge, and the EMG pickups are not too shabby either. Read Full Review »
Dean Razorback V Explosion Electric Guitar
An over-the-top guitar, inspired by a legendary player, the Dean Razorback V Explosion re-defines radical. For metal players, the Dean 81/85 active pickups and Floyd Rose bridge provide an ample tool-set that translates to serious shred. Read Full Review »
Best Electric Guitar for Pop :
Pop music is a funny beast; you never know what will be demanded of the guitar. Sometimes you need snappy clean tones, sometimes you need soulful silk, and sometime the song requires to you deliver serious Rock. What is needed here is a guitar that is flexible. All of the picks on this list take care of business and do it well. I’ve made cost a priority here, only including models that fall into the mid-range price category. Don’t let he price tag fool you though; these guitars are all well-made, and offer the Pop musician fantastic sounds and the that flexibility that allows you keep all interested parties satisfied.
Fender American Standard HSS Stratocaster Electric Guitar
There is a reason why the Fender Stratocaster has always been a “go to” guitar for musicians of many genres. For Pop music, it’s a no-brainer; a great range of tones, modern features and a price tag that can’t be beat. Read Full Review »
Fender Deluxe Series Nashville Power Telecaster
Pop music just wouln’t be Pop music without the Fender Telecaster. The Deluxe Nashville Telecaster offers-up a cool middle-position pickup that packs two new sounds into the package. Read Full Review »
Line 6 James Tyler Variax JTV-59 Modeling Electric Guitar
It’s more than a guitar: the Lin-6 JTV-59 Variax is over 20 different guitar sounds in one. With alternate tunings and a USB interface, for Pop music you simply cannot go wrong here. The features alone are worth the price of admission. Read Full Review »
Ibanez S570DXQM Electric Guitar
24 jumbo frets, double-locking tremolo and two humbckers; that’s what’s on the menu with the Ibanez S570DXQM. There is plenty to sink your teeth into here. This guitar is designed for the aggressive player who knows exactly what he wants. Read Full Review »
Fender Acoustasonic Telecaster Electric Guitar
No, you do not need new glasses. The Fender Acoustasonic Telecaster is just as the name implies; half acoustic guitar, half Telecaster. The sounds are cool, the looks are hip and the price is just right. Read Full Review »
Amazon.com$999.99
Best Budget Electric Guitar:
If you are looking for the best bargain while shopping for a new electric guitar, every detail matters. Whether you are a beginning student, or simply looking for a backup guitar, working with a limited budget often means balancing your wishes against price. The good news is, guitar makers are competing more than ever to dominate the budget electric guitar market. This means that they are always looking to pack as many features into their product as possible, while keeping prices competitive. The end result is more choices than ever, and in a few cases, some pretty good bargains.
Ibanez GRX20 Electric Guitar
If you are a beginner, or simply need your next electric guitar to come in at as low a price as possible, the Ibanez GRX20 is hard to beat. Some might say that this guitar is really meant for more aggressive styles and that is a fair statement. But, there is no reason that you could not use this for just about any style of music by simply adjusting your tone accordingly. There are two ... Read Full Review »
Fender Squier Affinity Series Telecaster Special Electric Guitar
Make no mistake about it – this guitar was made to please lovers of all things Telecaster. From the Butterscotch Blonde finish to the classic pickups, you are sure to get more than your fair share of "Twang." Read Full Review »
Epiphone Les Paul Special II Electric Guitar
Some players simply prefer a Les Paul, and for those who are on a budget, there is much to love about the Les Paul Special II from Epiphone. Not only do you have five color options to choose from, but lefty players are welcome too. Read Full Review »
Amazon.com$149.00
ESP LTD Viper-50 Electric Guitar
Think SG; think jumbo frets, think pure Rock. ESP borrowed a bit from a Gibson classic here and built upon it for a surprisingly affordable instrument that is well built and looks great. Read Full Review »
Amazon.com$199.00
Fender Squier Vintage Modified Stratocaster HSS Electric Guitar
For the beginner Strat player who wants to rock, this is a fine choice. This budget electric guitar features a Rosewood fret board for fast and care-free playing. Read Full Review »
Amazon.com$349.99
I want to expand on my comment...there are many very versatile guitars under $1000...heck, under $500 that could make this list. I would remove "value" from my list of criteria when all the listed guitars are over 99% of guitarists budget.
Value? LoL. Otherwise, not too surprised that Parker is so well represented.
I would love to see some reviews of 7-string guitars. I switched all my guitars from 6-strings to 7-strings about five years ago. It took forever, but was well worth it, since the bottom 6 regular plus a fourth higher 1st string allows you to do much more in finger picking. I have several of these guitars, from Oribe classicals -- the best I've ever heard -- down to Strats and Wendlers and kit guitars from All Parts, WD Music etc.
Hi Billowee,
Thanks for your comment. That is a great suggestion! I will suggest a review for 7-string guitars to the editors.
Best Wishes,
Kevin
You fail to mention even one gibson classic. Have you even played a fly? I own one. I can tell you that I usually go to my les paul first. sure the fly is a great guitar but what the hell are you even doing trying to rank guitars. EVERY single instrument made has a different sonic quality.
Hi mwp,
I appreciate your feedback and such well-expressed thoughts, but I would encourage you to read the introduction at the top of the list because it appears that you may have skipped it before leaving the comment.
You will see that I the picks above are meant to be helpful for players who need a broadest possible range of features and sounds. For those players seeking out a versatile guitar, it would be hard to argue that any of these picks shouldn't be on the list.
Kevin
I have only one word to say to you- well, actually two letters and three numbers:
ES-335
Any list of best electric guitars that doesn't have this on the list has really run off the rails.
And this is coming from the owner of an old Les Paul and a pre-CBS strat.
I'd take a G&L Legacy over the Strat any day of thw week.
I can definitely see why the American Deluxe got the nod for the top slot and I do agree with it. I own one.
I must also say that I have many dual h-bucker guitars including Gibsons, Guilds, Peaveys, Vantage, Epiphones, Fenders, etc..
The Am-Deluxe with DH-1 Humbucker is a very versatile axe with both classic Fender twang and jangle but can also pull off the EVH "Frankenstrat" tone. The DH-1 has to be adjusted low to get that classic PAF sound because of its high output and inherent "brightness".
If Gibson took Neal Schons signature LesPaul (with bridge H-Bucker, vibrato equipped)) and added fender type single coils, in similar configuration to the Am-Deluxe HSS, you might get close to the Fenders expanded tonal and performance options. You still would have the differences in construction and materials that are limitations.
Even my best mahogany bodied Gibsons do not have the playability, performance and tonal range of the Am-Deluxe Fender HSS.
I'm shocked that the Gibson Les Paul is not number 1...I've been a musician and session player for many years and myself and many of my peers call on the Les Paul or one of its imitators
such as the ESP eclipse for the majority of my work...the Fender Strat is good...even great...
but its a 2 trick pony, it does those 2 tricks amazingly well...and thats ...
1) the trebelly jangle of reggae and some jazz and country or
2)the wound out sound of Jimi Hendrix or the more refined David Gilmour...
but the Les Paul does everything else! Bar none...
What do you all consider to be the best electric 7-string guitars?