Best Heavy Guitars 2026

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

Last updated: February 4, 2026 • Next update: February 11, 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 Dave Mustaine Vanguard R.I.P. - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Kramer Guitars Dave Mustaine Vanguard R.I.P.

by Kramer Guitars

Hard Rock Progressive Metal

Key Feature:

• Solid construction for heavy playing

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Kramer Guitars Dave Mustaine Vanguard R.I.P.Electric GuitarDave Mustaine (Megadeth) signature modellBody:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 606518

$1,352

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars E1.6SVART+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Solar Guitars E1.6SVART+

by Solar Guitars

Metal Progressive Metalcore

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

• Extended range capabilities
• Great for palm muting

✗ CONS

• Limited clean tone versatility
• Often heavier than standard guitars

Solar Guitars E1.6SVART+Electric GuitarBody: AlderSet-in neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyNeck profile: CFingerboard...

⭐ 5.0/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 576642

$1,429

Buy at Thomann View Details

Kramer Guitars Charlie Parra Vanguard - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Kramer Guitars Charlie Parra Vanguard

by Kramer Guitars

Djent Metal Metalcore

Key Feature:

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✓ PROS

• High-output pickups for distortion
• Extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

• Often heavier than standard guitars
• Limited clean tone versatility

Kramer Guitars Charlie Parra VanguardElectric GuitarCharlie Parra Signature ModelBody: Mahogany3-Piece neck: MapleEbony...

⭐ 4.7/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 502731

$879

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 4.9/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG VW w/Case

by Harley Benton

Metal Djent Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Solid construction for heavy playing

✓ PROS

• Extended range capabilities
• Solid construction for heavy playing

✗ CONS

• Limited clean tone versatility
• Requires high-gain amplification

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

⭐ 4.9/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 558031

$538

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars V1.6VW Wolfmaster - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Solar Guitars V1.6VW Wolfmaster

by Solar Guitars

Djent Metal Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

• Extended range capabilities
• High-output pickups for distortion

✗ CONS

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

Solar Guitars V1.6VW WolfmasterElectric GuitarJonas Wolf Signature ModelBody: AlderSet-in neck: roasted...

⭐ 4.9/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 576429

$1,429

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 4.6/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Solar Guitars X2.6FRGN+

by Solar Guitars

Death Metal Progressive Metalcore

Key Feature:

• Extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

• High-output pickups for distortion
• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✗ CONS

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

Solar Guitars X2.6FRGN+Electric GuitarBody: MahoganySet-in neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyNeck Shape: C ShapeFingerboard...

⭐ 4.6/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 563759

$1,319

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars A2.6 LN - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

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

Kramer Guitars Nite-V Crimson Metallic - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Kramer Guitars Nite-V Crimson Metallic

by Kramer Guitars

Metal Djent Death Metal

Key Feature:

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✓ PROS

• Extended range capabilities
• Solid construction for heavy playing

✗ CONS

• Requires high-gain amplification
• Limited clean tone versatility

Kramer Guitars Nite-V Crimson MetallicElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyBolt-on neck: MahoganyFingerboard: EbonyPearloid...

⭐ 4.9/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 623232

$769

Buy at Thomann View Details

Kramer Guitars SM-1 Vintage Candy Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.7/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Kramer Guitars SM-1 Vintage Candy Blue

by Kramer Guitars

Metalcore Hard Rock Death Metal

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

• Extended range capabilities
• Great for palm muting

✗ CONS

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

Kramer Guitars SM-1 Vintage Candy BlueElectric GuitarBody: Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla)Mahogany neck-through-body...

⭐ 4.7/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 465967

$879

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars A1.6Silas Canibalismo - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.8/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Solar Guitars A1.6Silas Canibalismo

by Solar Guitars

Death Metal Metal Progressive

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Limited clean tone versatility
• Complex electronics in some models

Solar Guitars A1.6Silas CanibalismoElectric GuitarBody: AlderSet neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyFluorescent Luminlay Dot...

⭐ 4.8/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 616759

$1,649

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#12

⭐ 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

Schecter C-6 Deluxe SBK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.8/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Schecter C-6 Deluxe SBK

by Schecter

Hard Rock Progressive Metal

Key Feature:

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✓ PROS

• Extended range capabilities
• Solid construction for heavy playing

✗ CONS

• Limited clean tone versatility
• Requires high-gain amplification

Schecter C-6 Deluxe SBKElectric guitarBody: BasswoodBolted maple neckFretboard: Rosewood (<i>Dalbergia...

⭐ 4.8/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 437619

$472

Buy at Thomann View Details

Jackson ProPlus Series Rhoads RR24 MIR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.8/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Jackson ProPlus Series Rhoads RR24 MIR

by Jackson

Death Metal Metalcore Progressive

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Jackson ProPlus Series Rhoads RR24 MIRElectric GuitarBody: Okoume3-Pieceneck-through-body with graphite reinforcement:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 584143

$1,637

Buy at Thomann View Details

Jackson KVTMG Pro King V Snow White - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.4/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Jackson KVTMG Pro King V Snow White

by Jackson

Progressive Death Metal Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers
• High-output pickups for distortion

✗ CONS

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

Jackson KVTMG Pro King V Snow WhiteKing V Electric GuitarPro seriesBody: MahoganyNeck: MapleFretboard: EbonyNeck...

⭐ 4.4/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 511510

$1,132

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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Best Heavy Guitars 2026

Kramer Guitars Dave Mustaine Vanguard R.I.P.

Solar Guitars E1.6SVART+

Kramer Guitars Charlie Parra Vanguard

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG VW w/Case

Solar Guitars V1.6VW Wolfmaster

Solar Guitars X2.6FRGN+

Solar Guitars A2.6 LN

Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG BK w/Case

Kramer Guitars Nite-V Crimson Metallic

Kramer Guitars SM-1 Vintage Candy Blue

Solar Guitars A1.6Silas Canibalismo

Solar Guitars A1.6FR SVART+

Schecter C-6 Deluxe SBK

Jackson ProPlus Series Rhoads RR24 MIR

Jackson KVTMG Pro King V Snow White

How to Choose the Best Heavy Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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