So, you’re on a mission to get that iconic emo sound—maybe you’re into some Midwest or early 2000s emo vibe.
Whatever your mood, the right guitar can make all the difference. Let’s check out the six best guitars for emo that’ll get you writing riffs that make everyone feel all the feelings.
This list is 100% subjective though!
1. Fender Player Telecaster
You might be thinking: „A Telecaster… for emo?” Absolutely, my friend. The Fender Player Telecaster is practically built to cry out sad, twangy riffs—perfect for that introspective emo vibe.
This guitar’s alder body and maple neck give it a bright and clear tone, which, let’s be honest, is perfect for those melancholic finger-picked parts that make us all stare longingly out of windows.
The Tele’s New Player AlNiCo V single coils pickups make it versatile. Whether you want the highs to shine when playing your single-note riffs or want to add some overdrive for a more aggressive take, the Telecaster will have your back.
Plus, that Butterscotch Blonde finish? Straight-up classic. It looks just as good on stage as it does in an artsy Instagram post with a caption about your existential crisis. 🙂
Why I Recommend It
- Bright, clear tone perfect for emo riffs.
- Versatile AlNiCo V single coils for a range of sounds.
- Classic Butterscotch Blonde finish looks great on and off stage.
My Rating
8/10 – It’s a solid all-rounder, but hey, it won’t fix your heartbreak by itself. You still have to play it, remember?
2. Epiphone SG Custom Ebony
This guitar has a bit of a mean streak, but let’s be real: emo isn’t always sad—it’s also angry. The Epiphone SG Custom is here for when you need to switch from sad and reflective to outright furious.
The mahogany body and neck create a deep resonance that’s just begging for power chords. And trust me, with Alnico Classic Pro humbuckers, this thing is capable of bringing a wall of sound to your next basement show.
The slim-taper neck means fast action, which makes it easy to jump from that soft verse to a crushing chorus, just like the mood swings in an emo album.
Plus, it’s black—because of course it is. If you’re not playing an ebony-colored SG while crying out your heartbreak on stage, what are you even doing?
Why I Recommend It
- Deep, resonant tone ideal for power chords.
- Alnico Classic Pro humbuckers for that wall of sound.
- Slim-taper neck for fast action and easy transitions.
My Rating
7/10 – Does a great job, but if you’re looking for subtlety, this might just throw subtlety out the window—loudly.
Looking for more gear recommendations? Check out the best guitars for pop punk!
3. Squier Classic Vibe 70s Strat HSS
The Squier CV 70s Strat is one of the best guitars for those who want all the vibe but are, you know, also on a budget (relatable). With its poplar body and maple neck, it keeps the sound snappy and bright, which is perfect for all those jangly clean riffs Midwest emo is known for.
But what makes this particular Strat stand out is its HSS pickup configuration. Yep, it’s got a humbucker in the bridge to provide just a bit more oomph when you need it, while still having the single coils for when you need to chime along like your favorite math-rock inspired riffs.
Also, let’s not forget the vintage-style tremolo—perfect for adding a bit of that shimmer to those drawn-out notes in the bridge when you want everyone in the crowd to feel things deeply.
Why I Recommend It
- Budget-friendly without compromising on quality.
- HSS pickup configuration adds versatility.
- Vintage-style tremolo for adding shimmer to emotional riffs.
My Rating
9/10 – Honestly, you get a lot of guitar for your money. And it leaves enough cash in your pocket for those “essential” effect pedals.
4. Fender Vintera II 50s Jazzmaster – One Of The Best Guitars For Emo!
Alright, let’s be real—if there’s a guitar that screams Midwest emo, it’s the Jazzmaster. The Fender Vintera II 50s Jazzmaster is all about those smooth, rich clean tones, ideal for the intricate melodies and complex chords that emo loves.
This particular Jazzmaster has a late 50s “C” neck, which is comfortable to play and perfect for those moments when you’re switching between open chords and picking out those high notes.
The Vintage-style ’50s Jazzmaster single coils do a fantastic job of delivering clarity, even when you’ve got half a dozen pedals stacked on top of each other.
Plus, the Pop-In Vintage-Style Jazzmaster Tremolo is a game-changer for those classic, atmospheric bends. And the Desert Sand finish? It’s like the guitar version of a sepia filter—aesthetic AF.
Why I Recommend It
- Smooth, rich clean tones perfect for intricate emo melodies.
- Comfortable late 50s “C” neck for easy playability.
- Pop-In Vintage-Style Jazzmaster Tremolo for classic atmospheric bends.
My Rating
10/10 – This is the ultimate Midwest emo guitar. If this guitar doesn’t make you feel like a misunderstood poet, I don’t know what will.
5. Ibanez AS53-TF
Maybe you’re going for a warmer, jazzier emo tone—something that sounds like it belongs both in a dive bar and on a rainy day. The Ibanez AS53-TF is a semi-hollowbody that brings a unique sound to the table.
The basswood body gives it a balanced tone that’s rich but not overwhelming, which makes it perfect for clean, arpeggiated parts.
The Infinity R Humbuckers keep the sound warm, and that’s key when you’re trying to give your emo ballads a fuller, more resonant sound.
Plus, the Tobacco Flat finish gives it that classic semi-hollow look, which is just the right level of old-school for an emo throwback without veering into dad-rock territory.
Why I Recommend It
- Warm, balanced tone that’s great for clean, arpeggiated parts.
- Infinity R Humbuckers provide a full, resonant sound.
- Classic semi-hollow look that adds character to your performance.
- I had it for a looong while. It was great!
My Rating
8/10 – Good for a chill vibe, but might not scream “emo” loud enough if you’re in the middle of an identity crisis. Extremely versatile though!
6. ESP LTD EC-401 Black
Let’s end with a guitar that’s a bit of a beast. The ESP LTD EC-401 might look like it’s all about metal, but don’t let the aggressive looks fool you—it’s surprisingly versatile and can handle the dynamics of emo and Midwest emo.
With EMG 81 and EMG 60 humbuckers, this guitar is more than capable of handling everything from clean, ambient sections to heavy, overdriven choruses.
The 24 frets mean you can really let loose on those high notes (you know, for those moments when you want to dramatically climb the neck as you sing about heartbreak for the 20th time).
It’s got a set-in mahogany neck for resonance, and the black nickel hardware? Well, it’s just a cherry on top. If you’re aiming for the harder side of emo, this one is a no-brainer.
Why I Recommend It
- EMG pickups for a wide range of tones from clean to heavy.
- 24 frets for hitting those high notes with ease.
- Set-in mahogany neck for excellent resonance and sustain.
My Rating
8/10 – It’s a little aggressive, but hey, sometimes you need the guitar equivalent of a punch in the face—metaphorically speaking, of course.
FAQ
1. What’s the best guitar for clean emo tones?
- The Fender Vintera II 50s Jazzmaster DS is your best bet for clean, twinkly tones. Its vintage-style pickups are perfect for those intricate riffs.
2. Are humbuckers good for emo music?
- Absolutely! Humbuckers, like those in the Epiphone SG or ESP LTD EC-401, can provide a thicker, more aggressive sound that works great for powerful, emotive choruses.
3. Should I use single coils or humbuckers for Midwest emo?
- Single coils, like the ones in the Telecaster or Jazzmaster, tend to work well for Midwest emo’s clean, twinkly sound. Humbuckers are better for a bit more grit and fullness.
4. Is the Squier Classic Vibe a good choice for beginners?
- Totally! It’s budget-friendly, easy to play, and sounds great. Plus, it’s versatile enough to grow with you as your skills improve.
5. What’s the difference between a Jazzmaster and a Strat for emo?
- The Jazzmaster has a warmer, rounder sound, ideal for dreamy cleans. The Strat tends to be a bit brighter, especially with the HSS configuration, which adds some flexibility.
6. Do I need a semi-hollowbody like the Ibanez AS53-TF?
- If you’re looking for a warmer, jazzier tone, a semi-hollowbody can be a good choice. It’s not as punchy as solid bodies but can bring something unique to the table.
7. What’s the best guitar finish for emo aesthetics?
- Honestly, it’s a toss-up between the Butterscotch Blonde Telecaster for classic looks and the Ebony SG for pure emo darkness. Just pick what matches your vibe!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re after clean, twinkly arpeggios or heavy, grungy power chords, there’s a guitar here that’ll help you get the job done—and look cool doing it.
Fender Player Telecasters are classic and bright, perfect for jangly Midwest emo, while the Epiphone SG is your go-to for when your emo needs some bite. And of course, if you’re serious about those dreamy clean tones, the Jazzmaster has to be in your collection.
So, which one are you leaning towards? Got your eye on that Jazzmaster, or are you more into the angry vibes of the SG?
Either way, grab your guitar, a few pedals, and get ready to make your friends feel nostalgic for things that never even happened. 🙂
For more tips, have a look on our YouTube channels Best Guitars Now & Strefa Gitar.
