Best Heavy Guitars for Intermediate 2026
Perfect heavy guitars for intermediate - easy to play and learn on
Last updated: January 21, 2026 • Next update: January 28, 2026
#1
⭐
4.8/5
(31 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Harley Benton EX-76 Classic GHW AN w/Case
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
#2
⭐
4.6/5
(19 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Epiphone Jimi Hendrix "Love Drops" V
by
Epiphone
Hard Rock
Progressive
Death Metal
Key Feature:
• High-output pickups for distortion
✓ PROS
- • High-output pickups for distortion
- • Extended range capabilities
✗ CONS
- • Requires high-gain amplification
- • Often heavier than standard guitars
Epiphone Jimi Hendrix "Love Drops" VElectric GuitarInspired by Gibson CustomJimi Hendrix Signature ModelBody:...
⭐
4.6/5
(19 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 591707
$1,869
#3
⭐
4.5/5
(45 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Epiphone Flying V Prophecy Aged BTB
by
Epiphone
Metal
Djent
Hard Rock
Key Feature:
• Solid construction for heavy playing
✓ PROS
- • Extended range capabilities
- • Solid construction for heavy playing
✗ CONS
- • May be too aggressive for other genres
- • Complex electronics in some models
Epiphone Flying V Prophecy Aged BTBElectric GuitarInspired by Gibson Custom Shop / Modern CollectionBody: MahoganyNeck:...
⭐
4.5/5
(45 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 588303
$1,099
#4
⭐
4.9/5
(51 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Ibanez FRM350-BK Paul Gilbert
by
Ibanez
Hard Rock
Death Metal
Metal
Key Feature:
• Great for palm muting
✓ PROS
- • Extended range capabilities
- • Designed for high-gain amplifiers
✗ CONS
- • Requires high-gain amplification
- • Limited clean tone versatility
Ibanez FRM350-BK Paul GilbertElectric GuitarPaul Gilbert Signature ModelBody: OkoumeSet-in neck:...
⭐
4.9/5
(51 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 597485
$1,401
#5
⭐
4.8/5
(41 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Harley Benton EX-76 Classic GHW AN w/Bag
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
#6
⭐
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
#7
⭐
4.5/5
(2 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Solar Guitars X1.6SVART+
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
#8
⭐
4.8/5
(4 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
ESP Edwards E-ARROWHEAD
by
ESP
Metal
Death Metal
Metalcore
Key Feature:
• Great for palm muting
✓ PROS
- • Solid construction for heavy playing
- • Great for palm muting
✗ CONS
- • Complex electronics in some models
- • Requires high-gain amplification
ESP Edwards E-ARROWHEADElectric GuitarAlexi Laiho Signature modelBody: AlderNeck-thru-body: MapleFingerboard:...
⭐
4.8/5
(4 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 615506
$2,639
#9
⭐
4.8/5
(6 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Solar Guitars X1.6FRPN Canibalismo+
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
#10
⭐
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
#11
⭐
4.5/5
(44 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
ESP PHOENIX-201 BK
by
ESP
Hard Rock
Metalcore
Metal
Key Feature:
• Solid construction for heavy playing
✓ PROS
- • High-output pickups for distortion
- • Solid construction for heavy playing
✗ CONS
- • Often heavier than standard guitars
- • Complex electronics in some models
ESP PHOENIX-201 BKElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyNeck: Set-in 3-ply mahoganyFingerboard: RosewoodNeck profile: Thin...
⭐
4.5/5
(44 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 608840
$747
#12
⭐
4.7/5
(50 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
ESP LTD M-1007B ET Granite Sparkle
by
ESP
Metal
Metalcore
Hard Rock
Key Feature:
• Designed for high-gain amplifiers
✓ PROS
- • Solid construction for heavy playing
- • Extended range capabilities
✗ CONS
- • Complex electronics in some models
- • Requires high-gain amplification
ESP LTD M-1007B ET Granite Sparkle7-String Baritone Electric GuitarBody: AlderSet-in three-piece neck:...
⭐
4.7/5
(50 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 608652
$2,409
#13
⭐
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
#14
⭐
4.7/5
(30 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
ESP LTD RZK-III OW
by
ESP
Metalcore
Djent
Hard Rock
Key Feature:
• Solid construction for heavy playing
✓ PROS
- • Designed for high-gain amplifiers
- • Solid construction for heavy playing
✗ CONS
- • May be too aggressive for other genres
- • Often heavier than standard guitars
ESP LTD RZK-III OWElectric GuitarRichard Z. Kruspe (Rammstein) Signature modelBody: Alder3-piece neck-thru-body:...
⭐
4.7/5
(30 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 608587
$2,749
#15
⭐
4.6/5
(21 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Evh Shark Burgundy/Silver
by
Evh
Hard Rock
Metal
Metalcore
Key Feature:
• High-output pickups for distortion
✓ PROS
- • Solid construction for heavy playing
- • High-output pickups for distortion
✗ CONS
- • May be too aggressive for other genres
- • Complex electronics in some models
Evh Shark Burgundy/SilverElectric GuitarStriped SeriesBody: AshGlued-in neck: MapleFingerboard: Pau FerroWhite dot...
⭐
4.6/5
(21 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 583967
$1,704
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.
