Best Heavy Guitars for Progressive 2025

Perfect heavy guitars for progressive - 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

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

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

Gibson Firebird Platypus Tobacco SB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Gibson Firebird Platypus Tobacco SB

by Gibson

Death Metal Hard Rock 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

Gibson Firebird Platypus Tobacco SBElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyFingerboard: RosewoodTrrapez fingerboard...

⭐ 4.6/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 601806

$2,199

Buy at Thomann View Details

Epiphone Flying V Prophecy Aged BTB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez FRM350-BK Paul Gilbert - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

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

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

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

⭐ 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 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

ESP PHOENIX-201 BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 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

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#11

⭐ 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

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

#12

⭐ 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

Jackson X Series Kex LGM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 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

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

#14

⭐ 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

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

#15

⭐ 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

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 Progressive 2025

Maybach Jetwing M Vintage Black

Maybach Jetwing M Pelham Blue

Gibson Firebird Platypus Tobacco SB

Epiphone Flying V Prophecy Aged BTB

Ibanez FRM350-BK Paul Gilbert

Gibson Firebird Platypus Vintage C

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic GHW AN w/Bag

ESP LTD GH-SV-200 BLK

ESP LTD RZK-III OW

ESP PHOENIX-201 BK

ESP V-II NT SD Sapphire BKM

Epiphone Jimi Hendrix "Love Drops" V

Jackson X Series Kex LGM

Kramer Guitars Nite-V Plus Alpine White

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic GHW AN w/Case

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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