Best Heavy Guitars 2026

Top-rated heavy guitars 2026 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026

PRICE RANGES: Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Metal For Hard Rock For Progressive For Djent For Metalcore For Death Metal

BRANDS: ESP Jackson Harley Benton Solar Guitars Gibson Schecter Epiphone Kramer Guitars Framus

Kramer Guitars Nite-V Plus Alpine White - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Kramer Guitars Nite-V Plus Alpine White

by Kramer Guitars

Metalcore Metal Djent

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

• High-output pickups for distortion
• Extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

• Often heavier than standard guitars
• Complex electronics in some models

Kramer Guitars Nite-V Plus Alpine WhiteElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyThron...

⭐ 4.6/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 606526

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars VAR1.6FRGN - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Solar Guitars VAR1.6FRGN

by Solar Guitars

Progressive Djent Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

• Extended range capabilities
• Solid construction for heavy playing

✗ CONS

• Complex electronics in some models
• Requires high-gain amplification

Solar Guitars VAR1.6FRGNElectric GuitarBody: AlderSet neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonySolar logo fingerboard inlay in the...

⭐ 4.7/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 616777

$1,539

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars X2.6ROP+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Solar Guitars X2.6ROP+

by Solar Guitars

Metal Death Metal Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers
• Extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

• Often heavier than standard guitars
• May be too aggressive for other genres

Solar Guitars X2.6ROP+Electric GuitarBody: SungkaiSet neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyNeck Shape: C ShapeFingerboard...

⭐ 4.7/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 563757

$1,044

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG BK w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG BK w/Case

by Harley Benton

Djent Metalcore Death Metal

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

• High-output pickups for distortion
• Great for palm muting

✗ CONS

• May be too aggressive for other genres
• Requires high-gain amplification

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG BK w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG BK*Electric...

⭐ 4.6/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 558027

$541

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG BK w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG BK w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Metalcore Progressive Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

• Great for palm muting
• Solid construction for heavy playing

✗ CONS

• Often heavier than standard guitars
• Requires high-gain amplification

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG BK w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG BK*Electric Guitar*Pro...

⭐ 4.4/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 558026

$461

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars A1.61FR Assassin - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Solar Guitars A1.61FR Assassin

by Solar Guitars

Hard Rock Metal Death Metal

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers
• Great for palm muting

✗ CONS

• Limited clean tone versatility
• Often heavier than standard guitars

Solar Guitars A1.61FR AssassinElectric GuitarBody: AlderNeck-thru-body neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonySolar logo...

⭐ 4.6/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 599523

$1,319

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars A1.6FR SVART+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Solar Guitars A1.6FR SVART+

by Solar Guitars

Djent Metal Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

• Extended range capabilities
• Solid construction for heavy playing

✗ CONS

• Often heavier than standard guitars
• May be too aggressive for other genres

Solar Guitars A1.6FR SVART+Electric GuitarBody: AlderNeck-thru-body: MapleFingerboard: EbonyFluorescent Luminlay side...

⭐ 5.0/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 588859

$1,319

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars X1.6Coroner - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Solar Guitars X1.6Coroner

by Solar Guitars

Progressive Djent Metal

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

• High-output pickups for distortion
• Great for palm muting

✗ CONS

• May be too aggressive for other genres
• Requires high-gain amplification

Solar Guitars X1.6CoronerElectric GuitarCreated in collaboration with Tommy Vetterli (Coroner)Body:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 605359

$1,759

Buy at Thomann View Details

Kramer Guitars Dave Mustaine Vanguard SM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Kramer Guitars Dave Mustaine Vanguard SM

by Kramer Guitars

Death Metal Metalcore Progressive

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

• Solid construction for heavy playing
• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✗ CONS

• Limited clean tone versatility
• Complex electronics in some models

Kramer Guitars Dave Mustaine Vanguard SMElectric GuitarDave Mustaine (Megadeth) signature modelBody: MahoganySet-in...

⭐ 4.6/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 606509

$1,264

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars X1.6C - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.5/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Solar Guitars X1.6C

by Solar Guitars

Progressive Djent Metal

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

• Solid construction for heavy playing
• High-output pickups for distortion

✗ CONS

• Limited clean tone versatility
• Often heavier than standard guitars

Solar Guitars X1.6CElectric GuitarBody: AlderSet-through neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyPPS nutScale length: 629 mm22...

⭐ 4.5/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 561516

$1,209

Buy at Thomann View Details

Kramer Guitars SM-1 Vintage Maximum Steel - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.5/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Kramer Guitars SM-1 Vintage Maximum Steel

by Kramer Guitars

Djent Progressive Metal

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers
• Extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

• May be too aggressive for other genres
• Often heavier than standard guitars

Kramer Guitars SM-1 Vintage Maximum SteelElectric GuitarBody: Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla)Mahogany...

⭐ 4.5/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 465968

$945

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars A2.6 LN - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.9/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Solar Guitars A2.6 LN

by Solar Guitars

Hard Rock Metal Djent

Key Feature:

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✓ PROS

• Great for palm muting
• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✗ CONS

• Limited clean tone versatility
• Complex electronics in some models

Solar Guitars A2.6 LNElectric GuitarMahogany bodyMaple neckEbony fretboard"C" neck profileScale: 648 mmNut...

⭐ 4.9/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 452276

$934

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars AB1.6FRMNS Sustainiac+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.5/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Solar Guitars AB1.6FRMNS Sustainiac+

by Solar Guitars

Metal Hard Rock Metalcore

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

• Great for palm muting
• High-output pickups for distortion

✗ CONS

• May be too aggressive for other genres
• Limited clean tone versatility

Solar Guitars AB1.6FRMNS Sustainiac+Electric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.5/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 605372

$1,429

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars X1.6FRPN Canibalismo+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.8/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Solar Guitars X1.6FRPN Canibalismo+

by Solar Guitars

Death Metal Hard Rock Metal

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

• Extended range capabilities
• Solid construction for heavy playing

✗ CONS

• Requires high-gain amplification
• Often heavier than standard guitars

Solar Guitars X1.6FRPN Canibalismo+Electric GuitarBody: AlderSet-in neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonySolar logo fingerboard...

⭐ 4.8/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 588940

$1,429

Buy at Thomann View Details

Epiphone Prophecy Extura AJBM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.5/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Epiphone Prophecy Extura AJBM

by Epiphone

Hard Rock Djent Metal

Key Feature:

• Solid construction for heavy playing

✓ PROS

• Solid construction for heavy playing
• Great for palm muting

✗ CONS

• Often heavier than standard guitars
• Requires high-gain amplification

Epiphone Prophecy Extura AJBMElectric GuitarInspired by Gibson Custom Shop / Modern CollectionBody: MahoganyTop: flamed...

⭐ 4.5/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 588502

$1,264

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Heavy Guitars

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced heavy guitars typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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TOP

Best Heavy Guitars 2026

Kramer Guitars Nite-V Plus Alpine White

Solar Guitars VAR1.6FRGN

Solar Guitars X2.6ROP+

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG BK w/Case

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG BK w/Bag

Solar Guitars A1.61FR Assassin

Solar Guitars A1.6FR SVART+

Solar Guitars X1.6Coroner

Kramer Guitars Dave Mustaine Vanguard SM

Solar Guitars X1.6C

Kramer Guitars SM-1 Vintage Maximum Steel

Solar Guitars A2.6 LN

Solar Guitars AB1.6FRMNS Sustainiac+

Solar Guitars X1.6FRPN Canibalismo+

Epiphone Prophecy Extura AJBM

How to Choose the Best Heavy Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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