Top Electric Guitar Brands That Strike the Perfect Chord

The world of electric guitars is vast and varied, with numerous brands offering instruments that cater to a wide array of musical styles and skill levels. From legendary names that have shaped the history of music to innovative newcomers pushing the boundaries of guitar design, there is an abundance of choices for musicians seeking the perfect instrument. Some brands have established a reputation for their craftsmanship, quality, and distinctive sound, making them favorites among both professionals and beginners. To explore the top contenders and find the ideal guitar that meets your needs and style, check out the list of best electric guitar brands below.

Illustration of electric guitar

Best brands of electric guitar in 2025

Fender

Fender is a leading producer of electric guitars, holding a significant 25-30% market share globally and producing nearly half a million guitars annually. The company experienced remarkable growth during the pandemic, with demand increasing from $400 million to over $1 billion. Fender's popular models, such as the Stratocaster and Telecaster, are highly sought after, and the company's online sales grew by 92% for models priced under $500 in 2020. Fender's influence extends beyond instruments, with a range of innovative digital experiences and accessories. The company's global reach and cultural impact make it a revered industry leader. For more in-depth insight into their offerings, visit their official website.

Gibson

Gibson is a leading brand in the electric guitar market, holding a significant 34% market share. Known for its iconic models such as the Les Paul and SG, Gibson has maintained its dominance since 2021, with sales contributing substantially to the global guitar market valued at $2.61 billion in 2021 and projected to reach $3.60 billion by 2026. In the US, Gibson's electric guitars are a major part of the $1.3 billion in guitar sales recorded in 2021. The brand's popularity is evident from its consistent sales growth, including an 18% increase in sales on Reverb in 2022. Gibson's commitment to quality and innovation has solidified its position as one of the top electric guitar manufacturers.

PRS

Paul Reed Smith (PRS) Guitars, a renowned brand in the electric guitar market, was founded in 1985 by Paul Reed Smith in Annapolis, Maryland. Known for their high-quality instruments, PRS guitars are favored by professional musicians and hobbyists alike, with models like the PRS Custom and the McCarty series offering a vintage feel and superior sound. The company has expanded its product line to include the SE series, manufactured in Korea, and the S2 series, which caters to a broader market. PRS guitars are celebrated for their meticulous craftsmanship, with 80% of the company's workers being musicians themselves, ensuring a personal touch in every instrument. The brand continues to innovate, as seen in their recent releases like the Silver Sky model in collaboration with John Mayer. Learn more about the PRS Guitars story.

Ibanez

Ibanez is one of the world's largest and most renowned manufacturers of electric guitars, holding a significant 12% market share in the US guitar market. Known for their performance, precision, and power, Ibanez guitars are particularly popular among metal players. The brand offers a diverse range of instruments, catering to all budgets, and their catalogue has never been bigger. In 2021, the global electric guitar market, which Ibanez is a part of, was valued at $2.61 billion and is projected to reach $3.60 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 6.1%.

ESP

ESP (Electric Sound Products) is one of the leading brands in the electric guitar market, known for its high-quality instruments that cater to various musical genres, including rock, metal, and jazz. Founded in 1975 in Tokyo, Japan, ESP has established itself as a major player, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, which dominates the global electric guitar market with a share of over 35% as of 2022. ESP guitars are popular among professional musicians and enthusiasts alike, contributing to the brand's significant presence in the market. The global electric guitars market, which includes brands like ESP, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2023 to 2030, reaching USD 7.62 billion by 2030. ESP's innovative designs and commitment to quality have made it a favorite among many guitarists.

Schecter

Schecter Guitar Research is a premier manufacturer of electric guitars, known for its high-quality instruments and diverse range of models. Founded in 1976 by David Schecter, the company initially produced replacement parts but later introduced its own fully assembled electric guitars in 1979. Schecter expanded its production to include mass-produced guitars from a factory in Incheon, South Korea, and introduced the affordable Diamond Series in 1998. The company has a strong presence in over 150 countries and is endorsed by high-profile artists such as Avenged Sevenfold and Zakk Wylde. With an estimated annual revenue of $7.5 million and a growing employee base, Schecter continues to innovate, including the introduction of new amplifiers and hand-wound pickups. Learn more about their journey and innovations on their official website.

Gretsch

Gretsch is one of the most renowned producers of electric guitars, celebrated for their distinctive sound and style. Founded in 1883 by Friedrich Gretsch, the company has a rich history, introducing its first electric guitar, the Electromatic, in 1939. Gretsch guitars are known for their high-quality build and authentic tone, with the Electromatic Collection being the most popular due to its favorable price-to-quality ratio. The Professional Collection, made in Japan, includes iconic models like the White Falcon and Country Gentleman, while the Custom Shop guitars are handmade in the USA in limited numbers. Gretsch, now under license to Fender, continues to thrive with a diverse player base and a strong market presence. For more insights on their storied legacy and offerings, visit Guitar Guitar News.

Jackson

Jackson is a renowned brand in the electric guitar market, known for its high-quality and versatile instruments. Although it does not hold a significant market share on its own, it is part of the 13% market share attributed to other notable brands like Ovation, PRS, and ESP, as per the 2023 data from NAMM. Jackson guitars are popular among metal and hard rock musicians due to their robust construction and unique designs. The brand's presence is felt globally, particularly in regions like Asia Pacific, where the electric guitars market is growing rapidly, with a projected CAGR of 10.1% from 2023 to 2028. Jackson's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has solidified its position as a respected name in the electric guitar industry.

Yamaha

Yamaha is a prominent player in the electric guitar market, holding a 7% market share in the US, as of recent data. The company has a 60-year history of innovation, starting with the introduction of the SG-3 and SG-2 electric models in 1966. Yamaha's SG Series, particularly the SG-175 and SG-2000, has been popular among guitar legends like Carlos Santana. The brand continues to innovate with models like the PACIFICA line, introduced in 1990, and the recent Revstar electric guitars launched in 2022. Yamaha's commitment to quality and innovation has made its guitars a mainstay in various musical genres. For a more comprehensive overview of their history, visit Yamaha's guitar history page.

Rickenbacker

Rickenbacker International Corporation is a renowned manufacturer of electric guitars and basses, known for its innovative designs and high-quality instruments. Founded in 1931, Rickenbacker is credited as the first known maker of electric guitars, introducing the steel guitar in 1932. The company is famous for its "neck through body" construction, introduced in 1956, which has become a standard feature in many of its models. Rickenbacker's production is notable, though exact figures are not publicly disclosed due to the company's private ownership; however, estimates suggest significant production volumes, such as around 5,000 instruments in 1967 based on serial number analysis. Rickenbacker's instruments, including the iconic 4003 bass, are highly regarded and widely used by musicians. For more details, visit Rickenbacker's informational resource website.