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5 Best Guitars for Black Metal (Play Fast, Sound EVIL)

    Look, we need to talk about your guitar situation…

    If you want to get into the wonderfully wicked world of black metal, that cheap starter Squier isn’t going to cut it anymore (sorry, not sorry).

    Whether you’re ready to summon some unholy tones or just want to make your local church choir nervous, I’ve got you covered with the absolute best axes for blackened destruction.

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    TL;DR – Best Guitars For Black Metal

    graph showing best guitars for black metal
    • Best Overall: ESP LTD EC-1000 – Perfect balance of versatility and build quality at a fair price point
    • Best Budget Beast: Ibanez RGA42FM – Killer value without compromising on metal credentials
    • Best Innovative Design: Strandberg Boden Essential – For players who want cutting-edge ergonomics and modern features
    • Best Seven-String: PRS SE Mark Holcomb SVN – When six strings just aren’t enough for maximum brutality
    • Best Premium Option: Jackson American Series – Top-tier American craftsmanship for serious players

    The Elite Five: Your Gateway to Darkness

    1. ESP LTD EC-1000: The Jack of All Trades, Master of Darkness

    ESP LTD EC-1000: The Jack of All Trades, Master of Darkness

    Price Range: $899-$1,099

    Look, if Batman played metal, this would be his guitar of choice. The EC-1000 is basically the Swiss Army knife of metal guitars, but way more badass.

    What Makes It Killer:

    • Playability: That thin-U neck profile? Smoother than a penguin on ice. Your fingers will thank you during those 3-hour practice sessions.
    • Tone Monster: Fishman Modern Fluence pickups that switch from „brutal” to „beautiful” faster than your mom can yell „turn it down!”
    • Build Quality: Solid as a Norwegian church (too soon?)

    The „But…”:

    • Traditional design might be too tame for some
    • Not the cheapest option out there
    • Might make your other guitars jealous

    Looking for more gear recommendations? Check out this list of thrash metal guitars!

    2. Ibanez RGA42FM: The Budget Beast

     Ibanez RGA42FM: The Budget Beast

    Price Range: $449-$549

    Who says you need to sell your soul to afford a decent metal guitar? The RGA42FM is proof that you can sound brutal without breaking the bank.

    Why It Slays:

    • That Neck Though: Wizard III profile – thinner than your ex’s patience
    • Tone Quality: Surprisingly good pickups for the price point
    • Value: More bang for your buck than a Viking raid

    The „But…”:

    • Stock pickups might need an upgrade for studio work
    • Finish options are limited
    • Not as prestigious as some other brands (if you care about that sort of thing)

    3. Strandberg Boden Essential: The Space-Age Slayer

    Strandberg Boden Essential: The Space-Age Slayer

    Price Range: $1,599-$1,799

    Want to look like you’re from the future while playing music that sounds like it’s from the past? Say hello to your new best friend.

    The Good Stuff:

    • Innovation: EndurNeck profile that feels weird for 10 minutes and amazing forever after
    • Weight: Lighter than your metal credentials
    • Versatility: From frozen kingdoms to burning churches, this guitar does it all

    The „But…”:

    • Price tag might make your wallet cry
    • Unconventional design isn’t for everyone
    • Learning curve with that neck profile

    Read this if you’re looking for nu-metal guitars!

    4. PRS SE Mark Holcomb SVN: The Progressive Powerhouse

    PRS SE Mark Holcomb SVN: The Progressive Powerhouse

    Price Range: $999-$1,199

    Seven strings of pure evil. Because sometimes six strings just aren’t enough for maximum brutality.

    Why It Rules:

    • Extended Range: Low enough to summon ancient beings
    • Versatility: Clean tones that would make an angel weep
    • Comfort: Playing feels natural, unlike your attempts at corpse paint

    The „But…”:

    • Seven strings might be overwhelming for beginners
    • Pickups are more versatile than extreme
    • Quite heavy (in weight, not just in tone)

    5. Jackson American Series Soloist SL3: The Premium Destroyer

    Jackson American Series Soloist SL3: The Premium Destroyer

    Price Range: $2,499-$2,699

    The Rolls-Royce of metal guitars. Yes, it’s expensive. No, you won’t regret it.

    The Excellence:

    • Playability: Faster than a blast beat
    • Build Quality: American-made perfection
    • Tone: Clearer than your band’s creative differences

    The „But…”:

    • Price tag requires a second mortgage
    • Almost too nice to bring to gigs
    • Might make you too good for your current band

    My Rating

    my thoughts

    Alright, let’s slap some numbers on these bad boys. Here’s how they rank on the Black Metal Brutality Scale™:

    • ESP LTD EC-10009.5/10 🔥 Nearly flawless. Killer build, versatile tone, and that Fishman Fluence magic make this the ultimate pick.
    • Ibanez RGA42FM8/10 ⚡ Budget-friendly, solid performance, but stock pickups might need an upgrade.
    • Strandberg Boden Essential8.5/10 🚀 Insanely comfortable and innovative, but the unconventional design isn’t for everyone.
    • PRS SE Mark Holcomb SVN9/10 🎸 Seven strings of doom, smooth playability, but might be overkill for traditionalists.
    • Jackson American Series Soloist SL39/10 🔪 Premium feel, insane speed, but that price tag stings.

    The Best of the Best

    If I had to pick one guitar that rules them all, it’s the ESP LTD EC-1000. It nails the balance between price, quality, and sheer metal brutality. Whether you’re blasting tremolo-picked chaos or dialing in haunting cleans, this beast delivers.

    What Not to Choose for Black Metal

    Picking the wrong guitar for black metal is like showing up to a battle armed with a butter knife. Here’s what to avoid:

    Guitars with Weak Pickups – If your tone sounds thinner than an overworked blast beat, it’s probably your pickups. Avoid stock single-coils and cheap humbuckers that lack power.

    Overly Flashy Guitars – Black metal is about atmosphere, not looking like an ’80s glam rocker. Super-strats with neon finishes and gold hardware? Save those for hair metal night.

    Bulky, Uncomfortable Necks – Speed and precision are key. If the neck feels like a baseball bat, it’ll slow you down and wreck your tremolo picking.

    Super Cheap Starter Guitars – If you’re serious about your sound, ditch that $100 plywood special. While black metal is raw, you still need decent craftsmanship to hold tuning and deliver the right tone.

    Stick to dark, aggressive, and well-built guitars, and you won’t go wrong.

    🔥 Want more brutal guitar reviews and killer riffs? Check out my YouTube channels:
    👉 Strefa Gitar – My Polish YouTube channel.
    👉 Best Guitars Now – Your go-to for honest, no-nonsense guitar reviews.

    Hit subscribe, and let’s keep the blackened riffs alive! 🤘🔥

    FAQ: Because You’re Probably Wondering…

    black metal guitar

    „Do I really need an expensive guitar for black metal?”

    Not necessarily. While gear helps, raw emotion and dedication matter more. But better gear does make it easier to achieve the tones you’re after.

    „What about pickups? Active or passive?”

    Both work great for black metal. Active pickups (like EMGs) give you that modern, aggressive sound, while passives can provide more character. It’s more about how you use them than what they are.

    „Should I just copy what my favorite guitarist uses?”

    Sure, if you want to sound like a cover band. Better idea: use their gear choices as inspiration, but develop your own sound.

    „What about alternative brands like Solar or Chapman?”

    They make great guitars too! This list focuses on widely available options, but don’t limit yourself. Research is your friend.

    Final Thoughts: The Dark Truth About Metal Guitars

    Here’s the thing about black metal guitars – and this might get me some hate mail – the guitar itself matters way less than you think. What truly matters is:

    1. Your Playing: No guitar will make up for lack of practice
    2. Your Amp/Effects: Often more important than the guitar itself
    3. Your Dedication: The best gear won’t write songs for you

    Remember: Euronymous recorded some of the most influential black metal on relatively modest gear. It’s not about having the most expensive setup – it’s about having the right tools for your unholy vision.

    The Bottom Line

    best guitars for black metal

    Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good. Pick the guitar that feels right in your hands and matches your budget. Any of these five will serve you well in your quest for sonic destruction.

    And remember, at the end of the day, black metal isn’t about having the fanciest gear – it’s about channeling your inner darkness through six (or seven) strings of steel. Now get out there and make some noise! 🤘

    P.S. Your neighbors are going to hate you anyway, so you might as well get the guitar you really want. 🙂

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