The 35 Best Electric Guitars – Your Guide To A Great Sounding Instrument

Ernie Ball Music Man John Petrucci Majesty Monarchy

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Topping our list of the best electric guitars is also the model that tops the list of the best expensive guitars – the incredible John Petrucci Majesty Monarchy from Ernie Ball Music Man.

You’ll have to read our full review to fully appreciate the prestige of this premium guitar. It features a build and electronics that meet John Petrucci’s specifications, resulting in a drop-dead gorgeous design, a neck that allows you to play with speed and finesse, and a tone that’s out of this world.

Among many other features, it sports an African mahogany body with a maple top, two insane DiMarzio Sonic Ecstasy humbuckers, extensive controls, and a custom floating tremolo bridge. Even for the huge price tag, it offers good value!

Ibanez RG5121

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New from Ibanez is the gorgeous RG5121 from the brand’s high-end Prestige Series. This premium metal machine is made in Ibanez’s Japanese facility and the quality on offer is simply outstanding.

The sleek body features a satin-finished dark blue paintjob on the top which nicely contrasts the unpainted solid African mahogany on the back. The five-piece neck is fantastic, with a slim Super Wizard HD profile, Macassar ebony fretboard and 24 jumbo frets all contributing towards a super-fast playing experience.

The electronics come courtesy of Fishman, in the form of two Fluence Modern Humbuckers with switchable voicings allowing for both aggressive active tones and more fluid humbucker sounds. There’s more on this excellent RG5121 in the full review.

Gibson Les Paul Standard 2019

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There’s no way the Les Paul Standard from Gibson’s 2019 collection could not make this top ten chart. While some of its features have proven a little controversial with some guitarists, it is undoubtedly one of the best ‘off the rack’ electric guitars this year.

As we focus on in the full review of the Les Paul Standard 2019, this gorgeous high-end instrument features the traditional LP design with an ultra-modern weight relief, playability-enhancing asymmetrical neck, and new locking tuners on the headstock.

But the electronics throw up the most interesting additions on this Nashville-made model. This Les Paul is fitted with two BurstBucker Pros with a plethora of tone controls, push/pull coil-tapping and five dip switches for huge versatility.

EVH Striped Series 5150

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Whether you are a diehard Eddie Van Halen fan or simply love a fast-playing rock guitar with a monstrous metal tone, the 5150 from EVH’s Striped Series is a worthwhile consideration.

This high-end model features the legendary striped Frankenstrat design in red, white and black, along with a low-profile maple neck with a hand-rubbed satin finish and comfortable compound radius – which we elaborate on in the main EVH 5150 review.

The hardware is just as impressive, with a single EVH Wolfgang Alnico 2 humbucker and accompanying ‘tone’ (i.e. volume) control. The Floyd Rose bridge and locking nut make whammy play a true pleasure, while the EVH D-Tuna function is another great feature.

Fender American Special Stratocaster

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A real Fender Stratocaster is arguably the most iconic guitar ever produced – played by everyone from George Harrison to Jeff Beck, Jimi Hendrix to John Frusciante. And this genuine American Strat is an absolute beauty, as we explain in our full review.

Although you pay a premium, the hardware, electrics and craftsmanship are superb. With the classic double-cutaway shape that spurred hundreds of copies, this guitar features a solid alder body, a bolt-on maple neck, and 22 jumbo frets.

It offers sensational sound quality, with three Texas Special single-coil pickups providing clarity, power, versatility and the classic Strat sparkle. There’s also a vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge, which is elegant and responsive. Perfect for any style of music, it’s a true classic.

Yamaha RevStar RS420

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Retro players rejoice! As we mention in the full review of the Yamaha RevStar RS420, this affordable model is a real treat for vintage enthusiasts, as it offers both cool retro looks and a vintage tone to match.

This classic tone is mainly down to the pair of specially-wound VH3 humbuckers, while the Dry Switch offers the addition of hum-free single-coil tone for huge versatility in this guitar. The design is brilliant and looks like something straight out of 1960s London’s motorbike street-racing scene, which is exactly the look Yamaha were going for!

There’s a very comfortable and distinctive double-cutaway body made of nato with a maple top, finished in a range of snazzy retro color choices. Awesome!

Charvel Pro-Mod DK24 HSH 2PT CM

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One of our favorite electric guitars that absolutely rocks the house down – but doesn’t cost the earth – is this awesome DK24 HSH 2PT CM from Charvel. It sports a simple design, killer playability and a big, versatile sound.

This is largely due to the trio of Seymour Duncan pickups, including a searing hot Full Shred SH-10B at the bridge and an overwound Custom Flat Strat single-coil in the middle, providing everything from beefy metal tones to sparkly Strat-style sounds.

As featured in the full breakdown of this impressive Pro-Mod DK24, the solid alder body comes in a choice of two cool finishes, both with a silky-smooth two-piece caramelized maple neck. A great choice for the keen stage performer.

Ibanez RG450DX

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A real hall-of-famer from Ibanez, which displays true rock style and lightning-fast playability in an affordable beginner-friendly package. With the classic Superstrat body in a range of colors, this RG is made of solid basswood and features a slick, thin Wizard III maple neck, with rosewood fretboard and 24 jumbo frets, making it superb for chugging powerchords and fast soloing.

Its loaded with a trio of Ibanez Quantum pickups – two passive humbuckers at the bridge and neck, with a single-coil in the middle, giving a huge rock tone, with bags of versatility.

It also sports a good Edge-Zero II bridge and locking nut for increased tuning stability. Make sure to check out our full review of the RG450DX for all the details.

Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC112V

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Any guitar from Yamaha’s Pacifica series always earns its place on any comparison list because of the quality, playability and wallet-friendly price on offer. And while the Pacifica 112V offers great value, it’s far from an entry-level guitar – with a real premium feel to it.

Featuring a well-contoured double-cutaway shape, the 112V has a solid alder body, a comfortable bolt-on maple neck, rosewood fretboard, and 22 frets. It offers plenty in the sound department, with three Yamaha-designed Alnico V pickups, comprising a humbucker and two single-coils.

With volume and tone controls, a five-way pickup selector switch, and coil-tapping on the master tone control, there’s more than enough versatility and tone for any guitarist! We discuss this guitar in more detail in our full review.

Squier Affinity Stratocaster SSS

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One of the cheapest models on this top ten list is this Strat from Squier’s Affinity Series, which proves an excellent choice for beginners through to intermediate players looking for a bargain.

What’s on offer is very strong for under two hundred bucks. Showing off the legendary Stratocaster design, the body is made from alder with several eye-catching finishes to choose from, along with the large ‘60s-style headstock.

Electronics are simple but solid, with the classic setup of three single-coil pickups, two tone knobs and a master volume control. It all combines to offer a guitar that plays well and sounds good for everything from jazz to classic rock. You can read more on the Squier Affinity Stratocaster SSS here.

Fender Modern Player Telecaster

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The Modern Player Telecaster from Fender truly lives up to its name, offering modern upgrades that make for a great guitar for beginners as well as experienced guitarists.

The design is still very much rooted in the 1950s, with a classic Tele body made of pine, the iconic headstock, and a C-shaped maple neck. Comfort and playability are top notch, as is the craftsmanship. It’s the pickup selection where this Tele really breaks the mold, as we highlight in the full review of the Modern Player Telecaster.

Here you find a versatile setup featuring a Telecaster single-coil at the neck, a Stratocaster single-coil in the middle, and a humbucker at the bridge, allowing you to play everything from country to modern rock.

Gretsch Electromatic G5425

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Another worthwhile contender for a beginner’s shortlist is the G5425 from Gretsch, proving you don’t have to learn on a Tele, Strat or Les Paul-style guitar. This affordable model really oozes vintage appeal, with a classic retro design, neoclassical thumbnail inlays, and pearloid pickguard.

Underneath it’s a very strong choice, with a lightweight chambered basswood body and a comfortable bolt-on maple neck, which features a rosewood fretboard and 22 medium jumbo frets.

It plays very well and sounds pretty good too, with a pair of dual-coil humbuckers designed to look like the old-style Filter’Trons. The fixed Adjusto-Matic bridge is great for beginners as it helps keep tuning stable. Check out the full review of the Gretsch G5425 for all the details.

Squier Affinity Jazzmaster HH

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Squier has hit the nail on the head here by taking the fantastic beginner-friendly playability of the Jazzmaster and removing the complicated electronics, to deliver a simple, fun to play and affordable guitar.

It also looks great too, with the relaxed solid alder Jazzmaster/Jaguar body finished in white, with a vintage ͚68 Stratocaster headstock topping it off. The bolt-on maple neck is great, with a scale length of 25.5”, a rosewood fretboard and 22 frets.

Jazzmaster purists won͛t be impressed with the electronics but for beginners it͛s a godsend, with two stock Squier humbuckers and simple volume and tone controls, leading to a solid tone for everything from blues to metal with minimal fuss. There͛s more on the Affinity Jazzmaster HH in the full review.

Fender American Special Telecaster

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For vintage sound and style, with no need to overspend, look no further than Fender’s American Special Telecaster. This beautiful guitar – reviewed in full here – features a range of style points all reminiscent of historic Teles, including the iconic a single-cutaway alder body and classic Tele headstock with 70’s logo.

There’s a smooth bolt-on maple neck with maple fretboard, and 22 jumbo frets for easy string bending. It’s a joy to hold and play, and sounds great with two passive Fender-designed Texas Special single-coil pickups at the neck and the bridge.

You’ll have no trouble producing a wide range of modern and retro tones, while the 60 cycle hum canceling feature (when using both pickups together) allows for noise-free playing. Definitely one of the best guitars in the under $1000 guitars range.

Ibanez Series Iron Label SIX6FDFM

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Another good choice in the under $1,000 category is this beautiful SIX6FDFM, which is part of Ibanez’s Iron Label collection – a series built specifically for metal. It features a sleek, curvy S Series body made from solid mahogany and flamed maple, all with a striking Blue Space Burst finish.

The three-piece maple/bubinga neck is a pleasure to use, with Ibanez’s slim Nitro Wizard profile and 24 jumbo frets to allow for easy string bending and fast maneuverability. This is outlined in the full review of the Iron Label SIX6FDFM.

The hardware screams metal too, especially in the electronics department. This axe features two DiMarzio Fusion Edge humbuckers that deliver a punchy, powerful tone that’s perfect for modern rock.

Yamaha RevStar RS420

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Retro players rejoice! As we mention in the full review of the Yamaha RevStar RS420, this affordable model is a real treat for vintage enthusiasts, as it offers both cool retro looks and a vintage tone to match.

This classic tone is mainly down to the pair of specially-wound VH3 humbuckers, while the Dry Switch offers the addition of hum-free single-coil tone for huge versatility in this guitar. The design is brilliant and looks like something straight out of 1960s London’s motorbike street-racing scene, which is exactly the look Yamaha were going for!

There’s a very comfortable and distinctive double-cutaway body made of nato with a maple top, finished in a range of snazzy retro color choices. Awesome!

Squier by Fender Classic Vibe 50’s Telecaster

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If the sixties aren’t vintage enough for you, what about the 1950s? If so, this fifties-inspired beauty from Fender’s cheaper little brother Squier may be exactly what you’re after.

It features the timeless Telecaster body, made of solid pine with a C-shaped maple neck and a 21-fret maple fretboard. With several retro color choices, it looks the part and certainly plays very well.

Hardware is also commendable, while it is loaded with two custom vintage-style single-coil Tele pickups, which do the job of producing a distinctly vintage tone with all the Tele twang you could ask for at this price! You can read more on the Classic Vibe 50’s Telecaster in the full review.

Epiphone Les Paul Standard

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Jackson JS32 Rhoads

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Owning an authentic Jackson Rhoads is now easy when the JS32 costs under $300! This edgy guitar sports the same legendary arrow design and blade headstock of higher-end Rhoads models, with a body made from basswood.

There’s a very fast bolt-on maple neck, featuring 24 frets and the distinctive shark fin inlays running up the rosewood fretboard. With killer looks and playability, the JS32 also sports two Jackson-designed high-output ceramic humbuckers in the bridge and neck position.

As mentioned in the full JS32 review, even though these are pretty basic, the tone is anything but, with great power for heavier styles of music, while the double-locking tremolo bridge is another fine addition.

Ibanez RG421

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With the RG421, Ibanez proves you don’t have to spend a fortune to land yourself with an awesome guitar for heavy rock and metal. While it’s several rungs lower than anything you’d find in the premium market, it features some surprisingly great parts.

One of these is the low-profile Wizard III neck, which is always a joy to play and often seen on RGs in much higher price categories. The body is well built too, sporting the comfortable double-cutaway RG shape made from solid basswood.

This guitar is fitted with a pair of Ibanez-designed high-output Quantum humbuckers, which cope very well with blues, rock and modern metal. Check out the full review of the Ibanez RG421 for all the details.

Squier Standard Stratocaster

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There are a lot of budget Squier Strats on the market, although the Standard Stratocaster is our pick of the bunch in the sub-$300 market. Be sure to read our full opinion on this Strat.

In brief, it delivers style, comfort and great playability. The Standard Stratocaster is made from solid basswood with several eye-catching finishes, as well as some nice details such as the ‘skunk stripe’ on the rear of the maple neck and the large ‘60s style headstock.

As for hardware, you’ll find three single-coil pickups, standard volume and tone controls, and a straightforward tremolo bridge. All in all, a versatile Strat that feels a real step above the entry level models.

Schecter C-1 SGR

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This is undoubtedly one of the top budget electric guitars out there! While it’s a step down from some of Schecter’s higher-end models of a similar design, the C-1 SGR sports the style, playability and tone that makes the American brand so well-respected in the world of rock and metal.

As we highlight in the full review of the C-1 SGR, this gorgeous guitar features a sleek gothic-inspired design, with a double-cutaway body made of solid basswood and a slender 24-fret maple neck.

For such a cheap guitar, the attractive decoration is very surprising, while the electronics and hardware are also decent at this price range – there are two SGR humbuckers, a set of sealed tuners, and a fixed tune-o-matic bridge.

Squier Bullet Mustang HH

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Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced player searching for an easy-playing and affordable electric guitar, they don’t come as easy-playing or affordable as this Mustang HH from Squier’s entry-level Bullet Series!

It features the small-hand friendly 24” scale length, with a relaxed offset double-cutaway body made from a lightweight basswood. There’s also a satin-finished C-shaped maple neck featuring 22 easily-accessible medium jumbo frets.

After a bit of a setup, this budget axe plays like a dream – as we say in the main review of the Bullet Mustang. Throw in two versatile humbuckers and some basic but functional hardware, and you find yourself with a very decent guitar for under $200.

Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC012

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The 012 is a cheaper alternative in the Pacifica series when compared to the 112V (as featured above), but it still offers great style, playability and value, as you’d expect from Yamaha.

The 012, as we highlight in our full review, features a comfortable double-cutaway body, made from solid agathis, with a sturdy bolt-on maple neck, and rosewood fretboard with 22 frets. There’s a lot of versatility in sound and tone control, making it perfect for experimenting with.

Two single-coil pickups and humbucker give the guitar its power, while a five-way pickup selector switch allows you to choose between them. You’ll also find a vintage-style tremolo bridge and accompanying whammy bar for vibrato effects. A quality entry-level guitar with a name you can trust.

Fender Rory Gallagher Signature Stratocaster

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Most guitarists won’t need an introduction to the legendary Irish blues player Rory Gallagher or his trusty Fender Strat, which saw a lot of love and abuse in it time. While the original may not be for sale, this incredibly detailed replica is.

With a very high-end price tag, this solid alder Strat is a masterpiece, with painstaking aging on the body, neck and hardware. The attention to detail on areas such as the tuning machines and dot inlays really hammer home how long Fender took to create this beauty.

The full Rory Gallagher Signature Strat review has a more in-depth look at these details, as well as the quality electronics, superior playability and gorgeous bluesy tone.

Godin LGXT 3-Voice Solid Body

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Look at it this way: a professional artist could go out and buy three mid-range guitars capable of producing every sound imaginable – or they could just buy the Godin LGXT 3-Voice Solid Body, whichis essentially three guitars rolled into one.

While we go into more detail in the full review of this high-end performer, it comes loaded with two Seymour Duncan custom humbuckers, a bridge transducer pickup and output for a synth – allowing for electric and acoustic guitar tones, with fast guitar synth tracking.

This versatile guitar looks unique and feels lovely to play, with a 22-fret mahogany neck and an attractive body made of two maple varieties. Whatever output you choose, the LGXT 3-Voice delivers a very high-quality sound with endless tonal scope.

Dean MAB1 Speed of Light

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Michael Angelo Batio is an absolute metal legend for his blistering melodic solos that earn him the title of the fastest electric guitarist in the world. So, who could turn down his sensational high-end guitar, the MAB1 Speed of Light from Dean.

With a nicely contoured solid alder ͚Batio͛ body shape, the MAB1 features an outstanding design with a custom multi-colored Speed of Light graphic and incredible playability, with an ultra-slim 24-fret maple neck built to MAB͛s specifications.

Looks aside, it͛s a top performer in the tone department too, fitted with three solid EMG active pickups to deliver the powerful but articulate sound the jaw-dropping shredder is known for. Check out the full MAB1 review for all the details!

Godin 5th Avenue CW(Kingpin II)

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A true masterpiece in the hollow body guitar market, teeming with style and tone, from acoustic kings Godin. The 5th Avenue Kingpin II – which we review in full here – combines real 50s style, with modern features that give this unique guitar its playability.

It has a single-cutaway Canadian wild cherry body with a molded arched top and back, finished with a lovely satin 19th century-style French polish. The neck is made from silver leaf maple, and features a rosewood fretboard with 21 frets.

The resonant sound comes from two Godin Kingpin P90 single-coil pickups, which offer a superior array of tones, with clarity and versatility. It also comes with a GraphTec adjustable TUSQ bridge, three-way pickup selector switch, and volume and tone controls. Lovely!

Gretsch G5420T

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If you’re on the hunt for a hollow-bodied guitar which can deliver 60’s sound and style, then turn your attention to Gretsch’s fabulous G5420T – a supreme twang machine. It offers a swish vintage look, with a single-cutaway five-ply maple body and two F holes.

There’s a maple neck and rosewood fretboard, with 22 medium jumbo frets. Its sound comes from two Blacktop Filter’Tron humbuckers at the bridge and neck, which make light work of emulating real vintage tones, while playing with overdrive gives it plenty of attitude.

The guitar also features a timeless Bigsby B60 vibrato tailpiece. A flawless fit for jazz, blues, country, and even soft rock. Make sure to check out the full review of the G5420T here.

Hagstrom Tremar Viking Deluxe

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When it comes to hollow body guitars, there are few better looking than the Hagstrom Tremar Viking Deluxe, which truly is dressed to kill. The Swedish brand have crafted an excellent model, which features a semi-hollow body made of laminated flamed maple, with a glossy black paintjob that’s complemented with some lovely detailing.

But it’s not just a pretty face, as this beauty shows off some reliable, performance-enhancing hardware. This includes a duo of Hagstrom HJ-50 covered humbuckers at the bridge and neck, some excellent tuners with an 18:1 ratio and a chrome tune-o-matic bridge with Hagstrom Tremar Vibrato tailpiece.

You can read more about this awesome mid-range model in our full review.

Schecter Banshee Elite-7 FR S

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Interested in upping the string count to seven? Then it’s hard to go wrong with this high-end beauty from Schecter, which delivers a stunning build with endless sustain.

As we highlight in the full review of the Banshee Elite-7, it features an attractive natural design with an alternating 24-fret maple/walnut through-body neck and swamp ash ‘wings’, with a flamed maple top. Some quality woods, but that’s not even the best thing – that comes from the electronics.

This model is loaded with a powerful USA SuperCharger Mach-7 humbucker, along with the innovative Sustainiac at the neck, which offers infinite sustain – seriously! Controls are ample and hardware is reliable, giving this model a true sense of premium.

Ibanez M80M Meshuggah Signature

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In the 8-string guitar market, it’s the M80M Meshuggah Signature from Ibanez that tops our chart due to its insane tone and huge playability. This high-end model isn’t cheap, but it’s very good value for what’s on offer.

Developed closely with Mesguggah guitarists Fredrik Thordendal and Mårten Hagström, it features a relatively simple design, with an attractively weathered solid ash body and an extra-long reinforced 24-fret maple/walnut neck which plays like butter.

There’s just one pickup on this guitar, but it’s a great one – the Lundgren Model M8P humbucker. This offers a tight but powerful tone with great versatility, making it as good for heavy metal as it is jazz – as we mention in the complete M80M’s review.

Gretsch G100CE Synchromatic

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It’s hard to narrow down the best jazz guitars on the market, although we are big admirers of the midrange G100CE Synchromatic from Gretsch due to the lovely 1940s design, modern playability, and awesome jazzy tone.

The top, back and sides of this archtop guitar are made from laminated maple with some authentic vintage detailing, such as the unbound f-holes, floating tortoiseshell pickguard, rosewood bridge, and appropriate pearloid block fretboard inlays.

It is equipped with just one Gretsch-designed single-coil pickup at the neck position, which gives this guitar a classic ‘jazz box’ tone that’s rich and smooth. As always, be sure to read more on the Gretsch G100 for all the details.

Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster

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Not many players can find their way around a Strat as well as Slowhand, which is probably why we love his high-end Fender signature model so much. This premium Strat is made in Fender’s American facility using quality materials to produce a sensational guitar.

These include a solid alder body and a 22-fret maple neck with a soft V shape. The hardware is equally impressive as it features three Fender Vintage Noiseless single-coils in the traditional Strat positioning, as well as a range of advanced tone controls including a Treble Bass Expander and active mid-boost control.

It all adds up to a simple but beautiful guitar with huge playability, tone and versatility – as we mention in the full review of the Eric Clapton Stratocaster.

ESP LTD EC-Black Metal

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There’s only one genre this ominous ESP LTD guitar has been built for, and that is metal. The deepest, darkest, heaviest of metal for that matter!

The EC-Black Metal sports simple but aggressive looks, with an all-black satin-finished body, no fretboard inlays, and a stealthy metal LTD logo on the headstock. As well as the killer menacing design, this axe has a satin-finished mahogany neck with a speedy thin-U profile and 24 extra jumbo frets for easy playing.

The hardware is equally simple, but very powerful with just a Seymour Duncan ‘Blackened’ Black Winter humbucker at the bridge, offering epic tones for all kinds of metal playing. As always, the full EC-Black Metal review] has everything you need to know!