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10 Best Metal Electric Guitars 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster Electric Guitar Kit, Beginner Guitar Kit, with 2-Year Warranty, with Padded Gig Bag, Frontman 10G Amp, Strap, and More, Includes Free Lessons, Black

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,253
Finish and Aesthetics

Most important from
597 reviews

Finish and Aesthetics
The sound quality is fantastic, and the guitar's look is beautiful, making it easily playable and perfect for beginners.

The Fender 6 String Electric Guitar Pack is an excellent choice for beginners looking to dive into the world of electric guitars, especially those who may have an interest in metal and rock music. This package comes complete with a Squier Debut Series Stratocaster guitar, a Frontman 10G amp, and accessories like a padded gig bag, strap, picks, and an extra set of strings, making it a comprehensive starter kit. The Stratocaster design is iconic, featuring a comfortable 'C' shaped neck and a lightweight body that’s easy to handle.

One of the standout features of this guitar is its three single-coil pickups, which provide a good range of classic tones suitable for various styles, including the heavier sounds found in metal music. The 5-way switching allows for diverse sound options, which is great for experimenting with different genres. The included Fender Play subscription is a valuable bonus, offering lessons tailored to help new players learn their favorite songs and improve their skills at their own pace.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. While the Squier Debut Series is designed for beginners, more experienced players might find it lacks the depth and versatility required for advanced playing styles. The pickups, being single-coil, may not produce the heavier tones preferred in some metal genres compared to humbuckers, which can provide a thicker sound. Additionally, the guitar's poplar body is lightweight, but some may prefer the resonance of heavier woods for richer tones. In terms of durability, the 2-year limited warranty reflects Fender's commitment to quality, reassuring buyers about the workmanship.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,253
Finish and Aesthetics

Most important from
597 reviews

Finish and Aesthetics
The sound quality is fantastic, and the guitar's look is beautiful, making it easily playable and perfect for beginners.
#2

Fender Custom Telecaster FMT HH Electric Guitar, Features Seymour Duncan '59/Pearly Gates Humbuckers with Coil Tap, with 2-Year Warranty, Black Cherry Burst

Rating
8.8
Pickups
Finish and Aesthetics

Most important from
245 reviews

Pickups
The Seymour Duncan humbuckers live up to their reputation, delivering great sound and feeling good in the hands.
Finish and Aesthetics
The finish is beautiful and flawless, with the flame maple top and cream edging enhancing its good looks.

The Fender 6 String Solid-Body Electric Guitar in Black Cherry Burst is a versatile instrument designed for a range of genres, including metal. It features a solid body crafted from basswood with a maple top, offering rich and thick tones. The guitar is fitted with high-quality Seymour Duncan '59 and Pearly Gates humbucking pickups, which are known for their low noise and powerful, compressed sound, ideal for heavy rock and metal.

Additionally, the volume knob can be pulled to switch to single coil sounds, allowing for a wide variety of tones that can adapt to different musical styles. The neck is made from nato wood with a laurel wood fretboard, providing a comfortable playing experience with 22 frets. The 6 block saddle bridge is fully adjustable, making it easy to ensure proper intonation and comfortable palm muting.

The Black Cherry Burst finish is not only visually appealing but also durable. One potential drawback is that the basswood body might not be as resonant as other more expensive woods, which could affect the guitar's sustain. However, the combination of high-quality pickups and versatile tone options makes this Fender guitar a strong choice for both metal enthusiasts and players who appreciate a wide range of tones.

Rating
8.8
Pickups
Finish and Aesthetics

Most important from
245 reviews

Pickups
The Seymour Duncan humbuckers live up to their reputation, delivering great sound and feeling good in the hands.
Finish and Aesthetics
The finish is beautiful and flawless, with the flame maple top and cream edging enhancing its good looks.
#3

ESP LTD Arrow Black Metal Electric Guitar, Black Satin

Rating
8.2
Pickups

Most important from
10 reviews

Pickups
Seriously, this is a metal monster. The EMG 81 pickup is all you need for an outstanding performance.

The ESP LTD Arrow Black Metal Electric Guitar in Black Satin is designed to meet the needs of metal guitarists looking for a bold and aggressive instrument. Key strengths include its unique Arrow body shape and the all-black, menacing aesthetics that are sure to stand out on stage. The single EMG 81 pickup is known for its powerful and clear sound, making it ideal for heavy metal genres.

The guitar's Macassar ebony fretboard with no inlays and glow-in-the-dark side markers adds to its sleek and dark design, while the mahogany body and maple neck offer durability and a solid feel. Additionally, the tremolo bridge system allows for dynamic playing techniques and expressive performance.

This guitar might not be suitable for players who prefer a more versatile pickup configuration or those who are new to electric guitars, as the single pickup setup limits the tonal variety. The design might also be too niche for musicians who play a variety of music genres. Weighing 11 pounds, it is relatively heavy, which could be a drawback for long performance sessions. Metal guitarists looking for a striking design and a focused, powerful sound will find this guitar a compelling choice.

Rating
8.2
Pickups

Most important from
10 reviews

Pickups
Seriously, this is a metal monster. The EMG 81 pickup is all you need for an outstanding performance.

Buying Guide for the Best Metal Electric Guitars

Choosing the right metal electric guitar can be a thrilling yet challenging experience. The key to finding the perfect guitar lies in understanding the various specifications and how they align with your playing style and preferences. By focusing on the right specs, you can ensure that your guitar delivers the sound, playability, and aesthetic that you desire for metal music.
Body TypeThe body type of a guitar affects its sound and comfort. Solid body guitars are the most common for metal due to their sustain and resistance to feedback. They come in various shapes, from the classic Stratocaster style to more aggressive designs like the Flying V. Choose a body type that feels comfortable to play and matches your aesthetic preference.
PickupsPickups are crucial for shaping your guitar's sound. For metal, high-output humbuckers are preferred as they provide a thick, powerful tone with minimal noise. Active pickups, like those from EMG, offer even higher output and clarity, ideal for heavy distortion. If you play a lot of lead or solo work, consider pickups with a good balance of clarity and sustain.
Neck ProfileThe neck profile affects how the guitar feels in your hand. Thinner necks, often called 'slim' or 'fast' necks, are popular in metal for their ease of playability, especially for fast riffs and solos. Thicker necks can provide more comfort and support for some players. Try different neck profiles to see which one feels best for your playing style.
Scale LengthScale length is the distance between the nut and the bridge. Longer scale lengths (25.5 inches or more) are common in metal guitars as they provide tighter string tension, which is beneficial for lower tunings and heavier strings. Shorter scale lengths (24.75 inches) can offer a warmer tone and easier playability. Choose a scale length that complements your tuning preferences and playing comfort.
Bridge TypeThe bridge type can influence tuning stability and playability. Fixed bridges, like Tune-O-Matic or hardtail, offer stability and sustain, making them a solid choice for rhythm-heavy playing. Tremolo bridges, like Floyd Rose, allow for pitch bending and dive bombs, which are popular in metal solos. Consider your playing style and whether you need the flexibility of a tremolo or the stability of a fixed bridge.
Fretboard MaterialThe fretboard material can affect the feel and tone of the guitar. Common materials include rosewood, maple, and ebony. Rosewood offers a warm tone and smooth feel, maple provides a bright tone and slick surface, and ebony is known for its smoothness and fast playability. Choose a fretboard material that feels comfortable under your fingers and complements your desired tone.
Number of FretsThe number of frets determines the range of notes you can play. Metal guitars often have 24 frets, allowing for two full octaves per string, which is useful for high solos and complex riffs. Some guitars have 22 frets, which can be sufficient for many styles but may limit access to higher notes. Consider your playing style and whether you need the extended range of 24 frets.
Finish and AestheticsThe finish and aesthetics of a guitar are important for personal expression and stage presence. Metal guitars often feature bold, aggressive designs and finishes, such as matte black, metallic, or custom graphics. While aesthetics are subjective, choose a guitar that inspires you and matches your personal style, as this can enhance your overall playing experience.

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