The Best Electric Guitar for Heavy Metal Music
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Looking to shred like your favorite metalhead? Then you need the best electric guitar for heavy metal music! In this blog post, we’ll recommend some of the best guitars for metal, so you can get started on your journey to becoming the next shredding legend.
Introduction
Any guitar can technically be used for heavy metal music, but if you want to get the best possible sound for this genre, you’ll need a guitar that is specifically designed for it. In this guide, we’ll be taking a look at what makes the best electric guitar for heavy metal music, and we’ll also recommend some of our favorite models on the market.
Heavy metal music is typically characterized by its aggressive sound and fast tempo. As such, it generally requires a guitar with high output pickups, a thick body, and a tremolo system that can handle quick string changes.
When it comes to choosing the best electric guitar for heavy metal music, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The best guitar for you will ultimately depend on your own personal preferences and playing style. However, we’ve put together this guide to help you narrow down your options and choose a guitar that’s ideal for heavy metal.
What to look for in an electric guitar for heavy metal
When it comes to electric guitars for heavy metal music, you need to look for a guitar that has a high output. This means that the guitar will be able to handle the high gain that is needed for metal music. You also want to look for a guitar with a fast neck. This will allow you to play the fast solos that are common in metal music.
Body
The body of a guitar is where the majority of the sound is produced. The size, shape, and material all play a role in the tone of the guitar. In general, heavier guitars with thicker bodies will have a fuller sound while lighter guitars will have a thinner sound. The shape of the body also affects the sound. For example, a Fender Stratocaster has a distinctly different sound than a Gibson Les Paul.
The material of the body also makes a difference. Electric guitars are typically made from one of three materials: wood, plastic, or metal. Each material has its own sonic characteristics. For example, wood produces a warmer sound while metal produces a brighter sound.
When it comes to heavy metal music, there is no one-size-fits-all answer for the best body type. However, in general, guitars with thicker bodies and brighter sounds are well suited for this genre of music.
Neck
When you’re looking for an electric guitar to play heavy metal, the neck is one of the most important factors to consider. You want a guitar with a fast neck – that is, a neck that’s easy to play quickly. A metal guitar needs to have a neck that can handle speed and precision.
The best necks for heavy metal are generally made of maple or mahogany. These materials are strong and durable, able to withstand the vigorous playing style of heavy metal. They’re also smooth, so your hand can slide up and down the neck quickly without catching on any bumps or unevenness.
When you’re picking out an electric guitar for heavy metal, be sure to test the neck out by playing some fast licks. If it feels slow or cumbersome, it’s not the right guitar for you.
Pickups
The first thing you need to look for in an electric guitar for heavy metal is a good set of pickups. Pickups are what make your guitar sound electric, and they come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and strengths. You’ll want to make sure you get a set that can handle the high volume and distortion that is characteristic of heavy metal music.
There are three main types of pickups: single coil, humbucker, and P90. Single coil pickups are the most common type, and they are great for a wide range of styles. They are typically lower in output than humbuckers or P90s, but they have a brighter, spankier sound.
Humbuckers are the next step up in terms of output and distortion potential. These pickups have two coils instead of one, which gives them a thick, powerful sound. They are great for high-gain playing and can handle a lot of distortion without sounding muddy.
P90 pickups are similar to humbuckers in terms of output, but they have a bit brighter, snappier sound. They work well with both clean and distorted tones and can add a bit of extra bite to your sound.
Tremolo
The Tremolo is an essential part of any electric guitar, and especially so for those who want to play heavy metal. A tremolo allows the player to create a vibrato effect by rapidly and repeatedly changing the tension on the strings. This can be done with the help of a whammy bar, which is also sometimes called a tremolo arm. The Tremolo is important for creating the unique sound of heavy metal music.
The best electric guitars for heavy metal
Heavy metal music is a genre of music that is characterized by loud, distorted guitars and aggressive vocals. If you’re looking to play this type of music, you’re going to need an electric guitar that can handle the distortion and the loudness. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best electric guitars for heavy metal.
Ibanez RG
The Ibanez RG is a highly versatile electric guitar that can be used for a variety of different styles of music. It is especially well-suited for heavy metal, due to its thick, warm tone and its ability to handle high levels of distortion. If you are looking for an electric guitar that can help you create the signature sound of heavy metal, the Ibanez RG is a great option to consider.
Jackson Soloist
The Jackson Soloist is a popular choice for heavy metal guitarists. It features a 24-fret fingerboard, two humbucking pickups, and a Floyd Rose tremolo system. The Soloist is available in a variety of finishes, including black with white binding (shown), natural with black binding, and transparent finishes.
ESP LTD EC
ESP LTD EC-1000FM See all prices (5 found)
The ESP LTD EC-1000FM is a high quality guitar that is perfect for metal players. It has a mahogany body with a flamed maple top, and a set-in mahogany neck. It also has active EMG pickups, and a Floyd Rose tremolo system. This guitar also has a beautiful natural finish that will look great on stage.
Schecter C-1
The Schecter C-1 is one of the best electric guitars for heavy metal music. It has a mahogany body with a maple top, and a set neck with a rosewood fingerboard. It has 24 jumbo frets and dot inlays. The guitar has a passive Seymour Duncan SH-2n neck pickup and an active Seymour Duncan TB-4 bridge pickup. The guitar has a three-way pickup selector switch, and a volume and tone control for each pickup. The guitar comes with a hardshell case.
Conclusion
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best electric guitar for heavy metal music depends on your personal preferences and playing style. However, we hope that our guide has given you some useful insights into the different types of electric guitars available, and what to look for when choosing one for metal.
If you’re looking for a powerful and aggressive sound, a 7-string guitar is a great option. Alternatively, if you want a more traditional metal sound, a 6-string guitar with high-output pickups will give you the tones you’re looking for. Whichever guitar you choose, make sure it’s comfortable to play and has action that suits your playing style.
