Top Guitar Brands for Rock Legends

When it comes to finding the best brands for rock guitars, enthusiasts are met with a plethora of iconic and innovative options. These brands have consistently set the standard with their exceptional craftsmanship, sound quality, and performance capabilities. From legendary favorites that have defined rock music history to modern innovators that push the boundaries, there is a perfect match for every rocker’s style and tone preferences. To uncover which brands top the list and why they are celebrated in the rock world, read on for more detailed insights.

Illustration of guitar for rock

Best brands of guitar for rock in 2025

Fender

Fender is a leading brand in the guitar industry, particularly renowned for its role in rock music. With a 25% global market share, Fender dominates the market, having experienced a 17% growth in sales during the 2020 pandemic, reaching expected sales of $700 million. The company's success is also attributed to its online learning platforms, such as Fender Play, which have helped drive demand. Fender's instruments, including the iconic Stratocaster and Telecaster, are favored by both beginners and professional musicians. The brand's commitment to innovation and inclusivity, such as championing female players, has further solidified its position in the market.

Gibson

Gibson is renowned as one of the premier guitar manufacturers, particularly for rock music, with a rich history and a significant market share. Holding 34% of the US market share and 20% of the global guitar market, Gibson guitars have been the trusted instruments of legendary rock musicians like Jimmy Page, Slash, and Keith Richards. The iconic Les Paul model, especially the 1959 version, is highly sought after and can fetch prices over half a million dollars. Gibson's quality and innovation, such as the introduction of humbucking pickups, have cemented its position in the music industry. Despite some fluctuations in quality during the Norlin Era, Gibson has consistently returned to its high standards, making it a favorite among rock musicians. For more insights into the legacy and craftsmanship of Gibson guitars, explore further details.

Ibanez

Ibanez is renowned as one of the best guitar producers for rock and metal music, with a market share of 12% in the guitar industry. Known for their unique and quirky designs, Ibanez launched iconic models like the Iceman in 1975 and has since created over 120 unique designs. Their guitars are favored by legendary musicians such as Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and Paul Gilbert, and are recognized for their high-quality tonewoods and advanced manufacturing techniques. Ibanez guitars range from affordable entry-level models to high-end instruments, with prices spanning from under $200 to over $3,500. The brand's focus on quality and innovation has cemented its position as a leading Japanese OEM. For a comprehensive guide, explore all you need to know about Ibanez guitars.

PRS

PRS (Paul Reed Smith) guitars are highly regarded for their exceptional build quality, versatility, and high-quality tonewoods, making them a favorite among rock musicians. Founded in 1985 by Paul Reed Smith, the company is known for its rigorous quality control, ensuring guitars that are reliable and play great right out of the box. Notable rock musicians such as Mikael Akerfeldt of Opeth and Brad Delson of Linkin Park have used PRS guitars in their recordings. While PRS does not dominate the market share, it holds a significant presence within the 13% of the market not captured by the top brands like Gibson, Fender, and Ibanez. PRS guitars blend features from popular models like the Les Paul and Fender Stratocaster, offering unique aesthetics and sound. Learn more about why PRS guitars are so popular among musicians.

Gretsch

Gretsch is a renowned brand in the guitar industry, particularly celebrated for its role in rock music. Founded in 1883 by Friedrich Gretsch, the company gained significant popularity in the 1950s and 1960s through collaborations with artists like Chet Atkins and endorsements by rock legends such as Eddie Cochran, Duane Eddy, and George Harrison of The Beatles. Gretsch guitars, known for their unique sound and stylish designs, saw a surge in sales after Harrison's appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show in the 1960s. Today, Gretsch guitars are manufactured under a licensing agreement with Fender, with top-end models like the White Falcon and Country Gentleman being made in Japan to exacting standards. The brand continues to be a favorite among rock musicians for its distinctive sound and craftsmanship. For more details, visit the official Gretsch website.

ESP

ESP Guitars is renowned as one of the top producers of guitars for rock music, particularly in the heavy metal genre. Since the 1980s, ESP has been endorsed by leading metal bands such as Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth, contributing to its popularity. In 1995, ESP introduced the LTD series to offer high-quality guitars at more affordable prices, which helped expand its market reach. By 2002, ESP was ranked among the music industry's fastest-growing companies, and it continues to cater to a wide range of players with its diverse models, including Superstrat-styled and Les Paul-styled guitars. ESP guitars are favored by hundreds of musicians, solidifying its position in the market.

Schecter

Schecter Guitars is renowned as one of the world's premier guitar companies, particularly favored by rock and metal musicians for their high-quality, affordable instruments. Founded in 1976 by David Schecter, the company initially supplied parts to major guitar manufacturers before introducing its own fully assembled electric guitars in 1979. By the late 1990s, Schecter expanded its production to include the Diamond Series, manufactured in South Korea, Indonesia, and China, offering a wide range of models like the Hellraiser and Blackjack, which are popular among metal and rock players. Schecter guitars are used by notable artists such as Avenged Sevenfold, The Cure, and Papa Roach, and the company has seen significant revenue growth, with an estimated annual revenue of $7.5 million and a revenue per employee of $105,634. Schecter's commitment to quality and innovation has solidified its position in the music industry. For more information about Schecter Guitars, visit their official website.

Jackson

Jackson Guitars is renowned as one of the premier brands for rock and metal guitars, having emerged in the late 1970s to cater to the demands of virtuosic and flamboyant guitarists. Known for their high-performance and distinctive designs, Jackson guitars have been favored by legendary musicians such as Randy Rhoads, Phil Collen, and Chris Broderick. The brand's iconic models, including the Kelly, King V, and Soloist, have become staples in the metal genre. Despite being part of the smaller market share in the guitar industry, Jackson guitars hold a significant presence, particularly within the 13% market share of lesser-known but influential brands like Charvel, ESP, and Dean. Their continued innovation and custom shop excellence have solidified their position as a top choice for discerning rock and metal guitarists.

Charvel

Charvel is a renowned brand in the guitar industry, particularly celebrated for its association with rock and heavy metal musicians. Founded by Wayne Charvel in the 1970s, the brand gained popularity in the 1980s with its innovative 'superstrat' designs, featuring S-type bodies, slim necks, and hot pickups, which were favored by guitarists like Eddie Van Halen, Gary Moore, and George Lynch. Despite financial troubles, Charvel continued to produce high-quality guitars, and after being acquired by Fender in 2002, the brand experienced a resurgence with its Pro-Mod series. Charvel guitars are part of the 13% market share not dominated by the top brands like Gibson, Fender, Ibanez, and Yamaha. Today, Charvel remains a favorite among rock and metal musicians, including Joe Duplantier of Gojira. For more information, visit the Charvel official website.

Epiphone

Epiphone is renowned as one of the best guitar producers for rock music, with a rich history dating back to 1873. The brand gained significant prominence through its association with iconic musicians like John Lennon and Paul McCartney of The Beatles, who favored the Epiphone Casino, manufactured in Gibson's Kalamazoo factory. Epiphone guitars, such as the Les Paul Customs used by Matt Heafy of Trivium, are known for their quality and versatility, making them a popular choice among rock musicians. Despite holding a relatively smaller market share of 4%, Epiphone's influence in the rock genre is substantial. The brand's commitment to quality and its historic relationships with influential artists continue to make it a preferred choice for many rock musicians.