Best Heavy Guitars for Beginner 2026

Perfect heavy guitars for beginner - easy to play and learn on

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

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic GHW AN w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic GHW AN w/Case

by Harley Benton

Death Metal Metalcore Progressive

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

• Extended range capabilities
• Solid construction for heavy playing

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic GHW AN w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton EX-76 Classic GHW AN*Electric...

⭐ 4.8/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 618602

$462

Buy at Thomann View Details

Maybach Jetwing M Vintage Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Maybach Jetwing M Vintage Black

by Maybach

Death Metal Progressive Metal

Key Feature:

• Solid construction for heavy playing

✓ PROS

• Extended range capabilities
• High-output pickups for distortion

✗ CONS

• Limited clean tone versatility
• Complex electronics in some models

Maybach Jetwing M Vintage BlackElectric GuitarBody: OkoumeSet-in neck: MahoganyFingerboard: RosewoodFingerboard inlays:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 586387

$2,199

Buy at Thomann View Details

Epiphone Prophecy Extura ABTB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Epiphone Prophecy Extura ABTB

by Epiphone

Progressive Djent Metal

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Complex electronics in some models
• Limited clean tone versatility

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

⭐ 4.8/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 588500

$987

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic GHW AN w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic GHW AN w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Djent Metal Metalcore

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic GHW AN w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton EX-76 Classic GHW AN*Electric...

⭐ 4.8/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 618600

$384

Buy at Thomann View Details

Jackson Pro Plus Pure Metal WR1A - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Jackson Pro Plus Pure Metal WR1A

by Jackson

Progressive Djent Metal

Key Feature:

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Often heavier than standard guitars
• Limited clean tone versatility

Jackson Pro Plus Pure Metal WR1AElectric GuitarBody: Poplar3-piece neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyPearloid shark fin...

⭐ 4.5/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 620243

$1,682

Buy at Thomann View Details

ESP Alexi Ripped Sawtooth - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

ESP Alexi Ripped Sawtooth

by ESP

Metalcore Progressive Djent

Key Feature:

• Extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

• Solid construction for heavy playing
• Great for palm muting

✗ CONS

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

ESP Alexi Ripped SawtoothElectric GuitarBody: AlderFingerboard: EbonyNeck-thru-body: MapleNeck profile: Thin...

⭐ 4.9/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 603110

$7,369

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 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

Gibson Firebird Platypus Ebony - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Gibson Firebird Platypus Ebony

by Gibson

Metal Death Metal Metalcore

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

• Solid construction for heavy playing
• Extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

• Limited clean tone versatility
• Often heavier than standard guitars

Gibson Firebird Platypus EbonyElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyFingerboard: RosewoodTrapeze fingerboard...

⭐ 4.8/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 601804

$2,474

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

Maybach Jetwing M Pelham Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.6/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Maybach Jetwing M Pelham Blue

by Maybach

Djent Metal Progressive

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Requires high-gain amplification
• Limited clean tone versatility

Maybach Jetwing M Pelham BlueElectric GuitarBody: OkoumeSet-in neck: MahoganyFingerboard: RosewoodFingerboard inaly:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 595336

$2,199

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars X1.6SVART+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.5/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Solar Guitars X1.6SVART+

by Solar Guitars

Djent Metalcore Progressive

Key Feature:

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✓ PROS

• Extended range capabilities
• Great for palm muting

✗ CONS

• Limited clean tone versatility
• Often heavier than standard guitars

Solar Guitars X1.6SVART+Electric GuitarBody: AlderSet-in neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyNeck profile: CFingerboard...

⭐ 4.5/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 576647

$1,264

Buy at Thomann View Details

ESP Edwards E-AL-166 BLACKY - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.6/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

ESP Edwards E-AL-166 BLACKY

by ESP

Metal Progressive Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

ESP Edwards E-AL-166 BLACKYElectric GuitarAlexi Laiho SignatureBody: AlderNeck-thru-body: MapleFingerboard: EbonyBlack...

⭐ 4.6/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 615503

$2,639

Buy at Thomann View Details

ESP LTD GH-SV-200 BLK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.8/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

ESP LTD GH-SV-200 BLK

by ESP

Hard Rock Death Metal Metalcore

Key Feature:

• Solid construction for heavy playing

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

ESP LTD GH-SV-200 BLKElectric GuitarGary Holt (Exodus) Signature modelBody: MahoganyBolt-on 3-piece neck:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 584683

$787

Buy at Thomann View Details

ESP V-II NT SD Sapphire BKM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.9/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

ESP V-II NT SD Sapphire BKM

by ESP

Djent Metalcore Metal

Key Feature:

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Limited clean tone versatility
• Requires high-gain amplification

ESP V-II NT SD Sapphire BKMElectric GuitarBody: Mahogany3-Piece neck-thru-body: MapleFingerboard: EbonyNeck profile:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 602938

$5,719

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gibson Firebird Platypus Vintage C - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.7/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Gibson Firebird Platypus Vintage C

by Gibson

Progressive Death Metal Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• High-output pickups for distortion

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Gibson Firebird Platypus Vintage CElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyFingerboard: RosewoodTrapeze fingerboard...

⭐ 4.7/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 601807

$2,474

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 for Beginner 2026

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic GHW AN w/Case

Maybach Jetwing M Vintage Black

Epiphone Prophecy Extura ABTB

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic GHW AN w/Bag

Jackson Pro Plus Pure Metal WR1A

ESP Alexi Ripped Sawtooth

Solar Guitars X1.6FRPN Canibalismo+

Gibson Firebird Platypus Ebony

Kramer Guitars Nite-V Plus Alpine White

Maybach Jetwing M Pelham Blue

Solar Guitars X1.6SVART+

ESP Edwards E-AL-166 BLACKY

ESP LTD GH-SV-200 BLK

ESP V-II NT SD Sapphire BKM

Gibson Firebird Platypus Vintage C

How to Choose the Best Heavy Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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