Best Heavy Guitars for Intermediate 2025

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

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

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 Kramer Guitars Epiphone Framus

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

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

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 X1.6SVART+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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 LTD RZK-III OW - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

Buy at Thomann View Details

Epiphone Jimi Hendrix "Love Drops" V - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

Buy at Thomann View Details

Maybach Jetwing M Pelham Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

Epiphone Prophecy Extura AJBM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

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

ESP LTD M-1007B ET Granite Sparkle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 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

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gibson Firebird Platypus Vintage C - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 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

#12

⭐ 4.9/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

ESP LTD Arrow-1000 CARS Fluence

by ESP

Metal Hard Rock Metalcore

Key Feature:

• Great for palm muting

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

ESP LTD Arrow-1000 CARS FluenceElectric GuitarBody: MahoganySet-in three-piece neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyNeck...

⭐ 4.9/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 608649

$2,045

Buy at Thomann View Details

ESP FRX Glitterstorm Purple - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.7/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

ESP FRX Glitterstorm Purple

by ESP

Metal Metalcore Hard Rock

Key Feature:

• Solid construction for heavy playing

✓ PROS

• Solid construction for heavy playing
• Extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

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

ESP FRX Glitterstorm PurpleElectric GuitarBody: AlderNeck-thru-body neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyOffset Mother-of-Pearl...

⭐ 4.7/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 614949

$6,599

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#14

⭐ 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

Epiphone Flying V Prophecy Aged JBM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.5/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Epiphone Flying V Prophecy Aged JBM

by Epiphone

Death Metal Hard Rock Metal

Key Feature:

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✓ PROS

• Great for palm muting
• Solid construction for heavy playing

✗ CONS

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

Epiphone Flying V Prophecy Aged JBMElectric GuitarInspired by Gibson Custom Shop / Modern CollectionBody: MahoganyNeck:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 588298

$1,093

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 Intermediate 2025

Solar Guitars X1.6FRPN Canibalismo+

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic GHW AN w/Bag

Kramer Guitars Nite-V Plus Alpine White

Solar Guitars X1.6SVART+

ESP LTD RZK-III OW

Epiphone Jimi Hendrix "Love Drops" V

Maybach Jetwing M Pelham Blue

Epiphone Prophecy Extura AJBM

ESP Alexi Ripped Sawtooth

ESP LTD M-1007B ET Granite Sparkle

Gibson Firebird Platypus Vintage C

ESP LTD Arrow-1000 CARS Fluence

ESP FRX Glitterstorm Purple

ESP Edwards E-AL-166 BLACKY

Epiphone Flying V Prophecy Aged JBM

How to Choose the Best Heavy Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying heavy guitars?

How much should I spend on heavy guitars?

Are expensive heavy guitars worth the investment?

What are the best brands for heavy guitars?

Should I buy heavy guitars online or in-store?

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