Best Heavy Guitars for Metal 2025

Perfect heavy guitars for metal - 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

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

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

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

Jackson X Series Kex LGM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Jackson X Series Kex LGM

by Jackson

Djent Metalcore Metal

Key Feature:

• Solid construction for heavy playing

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Requires high-gain amplification
• Limited clean tone versatility

Jackson X Series Kex LGMElectric GuitarBody: PoplarNeck: MapleFingerboard: LaurelFingerboard inlays: Pearloid...

⭐ 5.0/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 583555

$846

Buy at Thomann View Details

ESP FRX Glitterstorm Purple - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

Gibson Firebird Platypus Vintage C - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

Evh Shark Burgundy/Silver - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

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

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

Gibson Firebird Platypus Ebony - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 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

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

#11

⭐ 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 Flying V Prophecy Aged JBM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 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

ESP LTD RZK-III OW - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 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

Maybach Jetwing M Pelham Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 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

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

#15

⭐ 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

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 Metal 2025

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic GHW AN w/Bag

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic GHW AN w/Case

Solar Guitars X1.6SVART+

Jackson X Series Kex LGM

ESP FRX Glitterstorm Purple

Gibson Firebird Platypus Vintage C

Evh Shark Burgundy/Silver

Epiphone Prophecy Extura AJBM

Epiphone Prophecy Extura ABTB

Gibson Firebird Platypus Ebony

Solar Guitars X1.6FRPN Canibalismo+

Epiphone Flying V Prophecy Aged JBM

ESP LTD RZK-III OW

Maybach Jetwing M Pelham Blue

Kramer Guitars Nite-V Plus Alpine White

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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