So, you want to rock out like it’s 1985? You’re in the right place. I dedicate this short guide to all lovers of glam and 80s hair metal
After trying out a bunch of guitars, I’ve narrowed it down to the top 6 that’ll make you feel like you’re back in the days of big hair, tight pants, and even bigger guitar tones.
Let’s check them out.
6 Best Guitars For 80s Hair Metal
Short on time? Listen to our podcast discussion about these six guitars.
1. Jackson JS22 Dinky DKA AH SW
Let’s kick things off with the Jackson JS22 Dinky DKA AH SW. If a guitar could shout „metal!” at the top of its lungs, this one would.
The Snow White finish paired with its sharp, aggressive body shape makes it look ready to rip through any solo. The poplar body makes it lightweight, while the maple neck gives it that fast, smooth feel—ideal for those rapid-fire licks you want to nail.
The pickups are where the JS22 really shines. With high-output Jackson humbuckers, this guitar delivers a powerful, rich sound that’s perfect for metal.
The 2-point fulcrum tremolo lets you dive-bomb like a pro, and the die-cast tuners keep everything in check even after some intense whammy action. For the price, it’s almost ridiculous how much guitar you’re getting here.
Main Features:
- Body: Poplar
- Neck: Maple
- Fingerboard: Amaranth with sharkfin inlays
- Pickups: 2 Jackson high-output humbuckers
- Tremolo: 2-point fulcrum
- Color: Snow White
Why I Recommend It:
The Jackson JS22 is an awesome choice if you’re just getting into hair metal or need a solid, affordable guitar that doesn’t cut corners.
It looks killer, plays fast, and the pickups are beefy enough to give you that chunky, aggressive tone that’s a must for the genre. Plus, the tremolo system? Surprisingly solid for this price point.
Definitely a win if you’re on a budget but still want something that screams metal.
If you’re left-handed, some of these guitars may be not available for you. That’s why you should have a look on this list of top 7 metal guitars for left-handed players!
2. ESP LTD M-200DX NT BLB
Next, let’s talk about the ESP LTD M-200DX NT BLB. This guitar doesn’t just look intense—it is intense.
The Blue Burst finish with a poplar burl top is straight-up stunning, and the roasted maple neck feels as smooth as it looks. It’s got a thin U-neck profile and 24 extra-jumbo frets, making it perfect for fast, technical playing.
The M-200DX is loaded with LTD’s LH-150 humbuckers in both the bridge and neck positions. These pickups are hot, delivering a full-bodied tone that’s ideal for metal.
And here’s the cool part: there’s a coil-split function, so you can switch to single-coil tones when you need something a bit cleaner.
The Tune-o-Matic bridge with a string-thru body design offers excellent sustain, making this guitar a solid choice for serious players who need versatility.
Main Features:
- Body: Poplar with poplar burl top
- Neck: Roasted maple
- Fingerboard: Rosewood with pearloid dot inlays
- Pickups: LTD LH-150 humbuckers (bridge and neck)
- Bridge: Tune-o-Matic with string-thru body
- Color: Blue Burst
Why I Recommend It:
The ESP LTD M-200DX is perfect for players who need a guitar that’s versatile but still delivers that heavy, aggressive tone you need for hair metal.
The coil-split function is a real bonus, giving you more tonal options. And that roasted maple neck? Feels like a dream.
Plus, it looks amazing under stage lights—who doesn’t want that? If you’re after a guitar that can do it all, the M-200DX is a strong contender.
You may also like: 5 Best Guitars For Pop Punk.
3. Charvel PM DK24 HH 2PT CM BBG Pink
If you want to embrace the full-on 80s aesthetic, the Charvel PM DK24 HH 2PT CM BBG in Bubblegum Pink is calling your name.
This guitar isn’t just a flashy showpiece, though—it’s got the specs to back up its wild look. The alder body gives it a solid tone, while the caramelized maple neck and fingerboard offer smooth playability that’s perfect for fast shredding.
The pickups are where this guitar really shines. The Seymour Duncan Full Shred TB-10 in the bridge provides tight, aggressive tones, while the Alnico II Pro APH-1N in the neck offers warm, smooth leads.
The Gotoh Custom T510 tremolo is rock-solid, letting you go wild with the whammy bar without worrying about going out of tune. And let’s not forget the locking machine heads—they keep everything in place, no matter how hard you’re rocking.
Main Features:
- Body: Alder
- Neck: Caramelized maple with caramelized maple fingerboard
- Pickups: Seymour Duncan Full Shred TB-10 (bridge) and Alnico II Pro APH-1N (neck)
- Tremolo: Gotoh Custom T510
- Color: Bubblegum Pink, high-gloss
Why I Recommend It:
The Charvel PM DK24 HH 2PT CM is for players who want to go all-in on the 80s vibe. The Bubblegum Pink finish is eye-catching, but the real magic is in the playability and tone.
The Seymour Duncan pickups give you a wide range of sounds, perfect for both rhythm and lead work. And the tremolo system? It’s rock-solid, so go ahead and get crazy with it. If you want a guitar that’s as bold as your playing, this is it.
IMO it’s one of the best guitars for 80s hair metal on today’s list.
4. Harley Benton EX-84 Modern VW
Looking for something a bit more aggressive? Check out the Harley Benton EX-84 Modern VW. This guitar is all about heavy, hard-hitting tones with a modern look.
The mahogany body and set-in mahogany neck give it a deep, resonant sound that’s perfect for chugging riffs and powerful solos. And that gloss vintage white finish? It’s classic with a modern edge.
The EX-84 is equipped with active Roswell LZ51 and LZ56 humbuckers. These pickups deliver a tight, punchy tone with plenty of output, making them ideal for high-gain settings.
Whether you’re playing rhythm or lead, these pickups ensure that your sound is clear and cutting. The Tune-o-Matic bridge with a string-thru body provides excellent sustain, making sure your notes ring out loud and clear.
This guitar is built to handle the heaviest of riffs while still looking sharp.
Main Features:
- Body: Mahogany
- Neck: Set-in mahogany with ebony fingerboard
- Pickups: Active Roswell LZ51 (neck) and LZ56 (bridge) humbuckers
- Bridge: WSC Tune-o-Matic with string-thru body
- Color: Gloss Vintage White
Why I Recommend It:
The Harley Benton EX-84 is a fantastic choice if you’re into heavier tones and want a guitar that looks as aggressive as it sounds.
The active pickups provide a powerful, high-output tone that’s perfect for modern metal, but it also fits right in with those classic 80s hair metal vibes. The set-neck design offers great sustain, and the overall build quality is impressive, especially considering the price.
If you’re looking for a guitar that delivers big tone and even bigger looks, the EX-84 won’t disappoint.
ESP LTD is an another cool brand that makes electric guitars. Read more about top 10 ESP LTD guitars!
5. Charvel Pro Mod REL SRS SD1 HH WOR
Now, let’s talk about the Charvel Pro Mod REL SRS SD1 HH WOR. This guitar is the perfect blend of vintage vibe and modern performance.
The distressed orange finish gives it that road-worn look, like it’s already seen its share of epic gigs. The alder body is light and resonant, while the maple neck with pau ferro fingerboard is built for speed and comfort.
Under the hood, you’ve got a pair of Seymour Duncan pickups: a JB TB-4 in the bridge for those sharp, punchy tones, and a ‘59 SH-1N in the neck for rich, warm leads.
The Floyd Rose 1000 Series double-locking tremolo lets you go wild with the whammy bar without worrying about your tuning slipping. It’s everything you need to nail those 80s metal riffs, with a look that says you’ve been rocking for decades.
Main Features:
- Body: Alder
- Neck: Maple with pau ferro fingerboard
- Pickups: Seymour Duncan JB TB-4 (bridge) and ‘59 SH-1N (neck)
- Tremolo: Floyd Rose 1000 Series double-locking
- Color: Distressed Orange
Why I Recommend It:
The Charvel Pro Mod REL SRS is a guitar for players who want the best of both worlds—vintage looks with modern performance.
The distressed finish gives it character, while the Seymour Duncan pickups deliver the tones you need for any style of rock or metal. The Floyd Rose tremolo is perfect for dive bombs and squeals, and it stays in tune like a champ.
If you’re after a guitar that looks like it’s been on tour for years but plays like it’s fresh out of the box, this one’s for you.
6. Jackson Pro Plus SRS DINKY DKAQ IB
Finally, we’ve got the Jackson Pro Plus SRS DINKY DKAQ IB. This guitar is a straight-up shred machine.
The Okume body is lightweight and resonant, while the 5-piece maple/walnut neck provides stability and smooth playability.
The Indigo Blue High Gloss finish is both sleek and flashy—perfect for those who want to stand out on stage.
This Jackson is loaded with Seymour Duncan JB TB-4 and ‘59 SH-1N humbuckers, giving you a wide range of tones from crisp, articulate cleans to full-on metal mayhem.
The Floyd Rose 1000 Series double-locking tremolo is ready for any whammy tricks you can throw at it, and it’s recessed for even more stability. Whether you’re playing rhythm or lead, this guitar can handle it all with ease.
Main Features:
- Body: Okume
- Neck: 5-piece Maple/Walnut with Ebony fingerboard
- Pickups: Seymour Duncan JB TB-4 (bridge) and ‘59 SH-1N (neck)
- Tremolo: Floyd Rose 1000 Series double-locking
- Color: Indigo Blue High Gloss
Why I Recommend It:
The Jackson Pro Plus SRS DINKY DKAQ is a no-compromise guitar for serious players. The pickups deliver a versatile range of tones, and the neck is built for speed and comfort.
The recessed Floyd Rose tremolo is a standout feature, offering rock-solid stability even during the most extreme whammy bar antics.
If you’re looking for a guitar that can handle anything you throw at it and look amazing doing it, this Jackson is a top pick.
My Choice
Out of these six, if I had to pick just one, it’d be tough, but I’d probably go with the Charvel PM DK24 HH 2PT CM.
The mix of style and performance is just too good to pass up, especially with those Seymour Duncan pickups and the Gotoh tremolo.
Plus, that Bubblegum Pink finish? It’s the 80s dream guitar.
What Makes Guitars Suitable for 80s Hair Metal?
So, what exactly makes a guitar perfect for 80s hair metal? First off, high-output pickups are a must.
You need those beefy tones that can handle high gain and still sound clear. Tremolo systems like the Floyd Rose are also useful—80s metal is all about those wild whammy bar tricks.
It’s not necessary though!
And let’s not forget about the looks. Bright colors, flashy finishes, and bold shapes are all part of the vibe.
Lastly, a fast, comfortable neck makes it easier to rip through those shredding solos. If a guitar checks all these boxes, you’re sorted.
FAQ
1. Are these guitars beginner-friendly?
Yes, definitely. While they’re built for performance, they’re also comfortable to play, which is great for beginners who want to jump straight into the 80s metal scene.
2. Do I need a high-gain amp for these guitars?
For sure. To really get that 80s metal tone, you’ll want an amp that can handle high gain. Most of these guitars shine when paired with a good high-gain amp.
3. Can these guitars handle other genres?
Absolutely. While they’re perfect for 80s metal, they’re versatile enough to handle rock, blues, and even clean tones, especially with coil-splitting features.
4. Are locking tuners important for hair metal?
They’re not essential, but they help a lot, especially if you’re using the tremolo system heavily. Locking tuners keep your guitar in tune even after crazy whammy bar action.
5. How much maintenance do these guitars need?
Standard maintenance like string changes and cleaning is all that’s needed. If you’re using a Floyd Rose, just make sure it’s set up correctly for optimal performance.
6. Is the weight of these guitars an issue?
Not really. Most of these guitars are designed to be comfortable to play for extended periods. The weight is balanced, so you shouldn’t have any problems.
7. Are these guitars gig-ready?
Definitely. All these guitars are built to perform, with reliable hardware and solid construction. Just make sure they’re set up properly, and you’re good to go.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking to relive the glory days of 80s hair metal or just love the style and sound, these six guitars are your ticket to rock stardom.
Each one brings something unique to the table, from killer looks to high-performance specs. Whatever your choice, you’ll be shredding in no time. So, what are you waiting for? Grab one of these bad boys, crank up the gain, and let the hair metal flow!
