Top Metal Guitar Brands That Rock the Stage

In the world of heavy music, choosing the right metal guitar can significantly impact a guitarist's sound and performance. Several brands stand out for their dedication to crafting instruments that cater specifically to the aggressive tones and fast playability required for metal. From cutting-edge designs to high-quality materials, these brands have set industry standards by constantly innovating and collaborating with renowned artists. For a comprehensive list of the best brands in metal guitars, continue reading below.

Illustration of metal guitars

Best brands of metal guitars in 2025

Gibson

Gibson is renowned as one of the premier producers of metal guitars, holding a significant 20% of the global guitar market share as of 2023. Founded in 1894, Gibson has a legacy of innovation, introducing iconic models like the Les Paul in 1952, which has been a staple in metal music. The company's electric guitars, such as the Gibson Les Paul and SG, are highly sought after for their quality and sound. Gibson's market dominance is further highlighted by its 34% market share in the United States, surpassing other major brands like Fender and Ibanez.

Ibanez

Ibanez is renowned as one of the best producers of metal guitars, catering to intermediate to professional level musicians with its high-quality, reasonably priced instruments. The brand holds a significant market share, although specific percentages vary, and it is known for its recognizable models such as the JEM, JS, RG, and S series. Ibanez guitars are endorsed by prominent musicians like Steve Vai and Joe Satriani, contributing to their popularity in the rock and metal genres. The company has expanded its production to various countries, including Indonesia and China, with the Indonesian-made guitars often praised for their superior quality. Despite the competitive market, Ibanez maintains its status as a top-selling bass company and a major player in the guitar industry.

ESP

ESP (Electric Sound Products) is renowned as one of the best producers of metal guitars, particularly favored by metal musicians for their high-quality craftsmanship and versatile designs. In the metal guitar market, ESP competes closely with other top brands like Jackson and Schecter, known for their artist signatures and innovative models. The global electric guitars market, which includes ESP, was valued at USD 4.49 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2023 to 2030, driven by increasing music enthusiasm and the rise in live concerts and music festivals. Solid-body electric guitars, a segment where ESP excels, held over 65% of the market revenue in 2022 due to their popularity in rock and metal genres. ESP's commitment to quality and innovation has helped it maintain a strong presence in the market. For more information, visit the ESP Guitars official website.

Jackson

Jackson is a renowned brand in the guitar industry, particularly celebrated for its high-quality metal guitars. With a market presence that falls within the 13% of the guitar market not dominated by the top five brands, Jackson guitars are favored by metal musicians due to their robust construction and versatile designs. Although specific market share data for Jackson is not detailed, it is mentioned alongside other notable brands like PRS, ESP, and Charvel, indicating its significant influence in the metal guitar segment. The brand's popularity is further underscored by the growing demand for electric guitars, which is expected to reach $5.1 billion by 2027, driven in part by the rise in music festivals and concerts. Jackson's guitars are often associated with the solid-body category, which held over 65% of the electric guitar market revenue in 2022. For more details about their guitars, visit the Jackson Guitars website.

Schecter

Schecter Guitar Research is renowned as one of the premier manufacturers of high-quality guitars, particularly favored by metal musicians. Founded in 1976, the company has evolved to offer a diverse range of instruments, including electric guitars, basses, and acoustic guitars, with a strong market presence in over 150 countries. Under the leadership of Michael Ciravolo since 1996, Schecter has expanded its product line to include the highly sought-after 'S Series' and 'Diamond Series' guitars, which are known for their professional components and affordable prices. The company's annual revenue is estimated to be around $7.5 million, with a revenue per employee of $105,634, indicating efficient operations. Schecter's guitars are endorsed by high-profile artists such as Avenged Sevenfold, The Cure, and Zakk Wylde, further solidifying its reputation in the metal music scene.

Dean

Dean Guitars is renowned for producing some of the best metal guitars, catering to both beginners and influential artists worldwide. Founded in 1976 by Dean Zelinsky and later expanded by Elliott Rubinson in 1997, Dean Guitars offers a wide range of models, including signature guitars for metal legends like Dimebag Darrell, Dave Mustaine, and Kerry King. With prices ranging from under $100 to over $13,000, Dean Guitars ensures accessibility and quality. The brand holds a notable presence in the guitar market, although it falls within the 13% market share of lesser-known but significant brands. For more information, visit Dean Guitars' official website.

B.C. Rich

B.C. Rich is renowned as one of the premier producers of metal guitars, having crafted its identity in the 1980s with the wild shapes and high-quality craftsmanship that perfectly matched the over-the-top theatrics of the burgeoning heavy metal scene. The company saw significant growth, with its revenue rising from $175,000 to about $10 million by the mid-1980s. B.C. Rich introduced innovative designs such as neck-through-body 24-fret guitars and heelless neck joints, making it a favorite among metal musicians. Despite facing challenges and changes in ownership, B.C. Rich remains a respected name in the guitar industry. Its guitars have been endorsed by respected artists outside the metal community as well. For more insights, you can explore their history on this comprehensive review.

PRS

PRS (Paul Reed Smith) is renowned as one of the top producers of metal guitars, known for their high-quality, American craftsmanship and strict quality control. Founded in 1985, PRS has diversified its lineup to include the USA Core series, made in Stevensville, Maryland, and the more affordable SE series manufactured in the Far East. The USA Core guitars, such as the Custom 24, feature premium woods like Mahogany and Flamed Maple tops, along with proprietary pickups like the 85/15 humbuckers. PRS guitars are favored by many musicians due to their balanced and versatile sound. Despite not holding the largest market share, PRS maintains a strong presence in the guitar market, contributing to its growth estimated to increase by USD 1.84 billion from 2024-2028. To explore their range of guitars, visit the PRS official website.

Kiesel

Kiesel Guitars is renowned for producing high-quality, handmade metal guitars, with many enthusiasts praising the exceptional wood and finish quality of their instruments. Despite some recent customer service issues, Kiesel has maintained a strong reputation for its American-made, CNC-automated guitars, which are built to precise standards. The company, 100% family-owned and run by President Mark Kiesel and his son, VP Jeff Kiesel, has been a staple in the guitar industry since its transition from Carvin in 2015. Kiesel guitars are often noted for their unique designs and meticulous craftsmanship, making them a favorite among metal guitarists. However, some users have reported declines in customer service quality in recent years. To learn more, you can visit their official website.

Charvel

Charvel is a renowned brand in the metal guitar scene, known for its high-performance instruments that have been a staple since the 1970s. Founded by Wayne Charvel, the brand gained popularity for its custom revamps of the Fender Stratocaster design, particularly the "superstrat" configuration, which was highly suited for heavy metal music. After being acquired by Fender in 2002, Charvel experienced a renaissance, producing USA-made "San Dimas" models and various other series, including boutique-priced instruments. Charvel guitars are favored by many metal musicians, such as Satchel from Steel Panther and Joe Duplantier from Gojira. The brand holds a significant presence in the guitar market, although it falls within the 13% of market share not dominated by the top brands like Fender and Gibson.