Alright, let’s get to it—you’re after that heavy, low-end punch that nu metal demands. I get you. You need a guitar that can handle thick drop tunings, aggressive riffs, and all the chugging power.
Lucky for you, I’ve put together a list of six guitars that are perfect for nu metal madness.
And, just so you know, I’m throwing in a few 7-string options here because, IMO, they work wonders for that deeper, heavier sound. So here are six best guitars for nu metal!
1. Ibanez GRG7221QA-TKS
First up is the Ibanez GRG7221QA-TKS, a 7-string beast that won’t make you sell a kidney to afford it. This guitar means business. The poplar body and quilted maple top give it a killer look, but the real magic happens when you start riffing on that low B string.
Thanks to the Infinity R humbuckers, you get a tight, punchy tone that’s perfect for nu metal breakdowns.
The neck is a GRG7 profile, paired with a New Zealand pine fretboard—not only comfy, but super smooth for riffing or solos. And with 24 jumbo frets, you’ll have no trouble hitting those high notes when the time comes.
Why it’s great for nu metal:
- 7-string setup for that extra low-end grunt.
- Infinity R humbuckers deliver aggressive, tight tones.
- It’s affordable—seriously, your wallet will thank you.
If you’re after a budget-friendly 7-string, the Ibanez GRG7221QA should be on your radar. It’s a solid pick that gives you everything you need to dive into those deep, nu metal tunings without breaking the bank.
For left-handed players out there – have a look on this list of best metal guitars for lefties!
2. ESP LTD EC-256FM Cobalt Blue
Next on the list, we’ve got the ESP LTD EC-256FM. This one’s got a little more classic vibe with its mahogany body and flamed maple top, but don’t let that fool you—this thing is built for heavy tones.
The Thin U neck profile makes it easy to navigate, while the Jatoba fretboard keeps things smooth under your fingers.
The ESP Designed LH-150 humbuckers are where the magic happens, delivering thick, rich tones that are perfect for nu metal’s heavier moments.
Oh, and the push-pull tone control? Yeah, you can split the humbuckers if you ever want to brighten things up. But let’s be honest—you’ll probably keep it on humbucker mode most of the time.
Why it’s great for nu metal:
- Mahogany body brings out deep, resonant tones.
- ESP humbuckers give you the crunch and clarity you need.
- Push-pull tone control lets you mix things up when you’re feeling experimental.
Plus, let’s talk about that Cobalt Blue finish—it looks absolutely killer.
Are you a fan of nu metal? Check out the list of 15 easy Linkin Park songs!
3. Charvel Pro-Mod DK24 HSS 2PT CM SW
If you’re into versatility, the Charvel Pro-Mod DK24 is your new best friend. This guitar is equipped with a HSS (Humbucker-Single-Single) pickup setup, which means it can handle just about anything you throw at it.
The Seymour Duncan Full Shred humbucker in the bridge gives you that high-gain metal tone, while the Seymour Duncan SSL-6 single coils in the middle and neck positions add a bit of dynamic range when you want to switch things up.
The caramelized maple neck and compound fretboard radius make this guitar lightning fast to play, and the Gotoh Custom 510 tremolo is perfect for those whammy bar tricks and dive-bombs.
Why it’s a winner:
- HSS configuration gives you lots of tonal options.
- Seymour Duncan Full Shred for aggressive, high-output tone.
- Gotoh tremolo for all the whammy madness you want.
If you need a guitar that can go from heavy to clean and back again without skipping a beat, this one’s a solid choice. Charvels are awesome for thrash metal too, so it’s a safe bet.
4. Schecter Demon-7 Crimson Red Burst
Ready for some serious low-end power? Enter the Schecter Demon-7. This 7-string monster is built for the heavy stuff. The basswood body and flamed maple top give it a sleek look, but what really stands out is how comfortable it feels for a 7-string.
The Thin C neck profile and Wenge fretboard make playing smooth and fast, even when you’re moving across all seven strings.
The Schecter Diamond Active humbuckers are active pickups, meaning they’ll give you that extra punch and clarity when you’re cranking up the gain. Throw in the Graph Tech XL Black Tusq nut, and you’ve got tuning stability for days.
Why it’s a nu metal powerhouse:
- 7-string setup for the ultimate low-end riffage.
- Active humbuckers give you massive output and clarity.
- The Crimson Red Burst finish is as metal as it gets.
If you’re all about thick, drop-tuned riffs and aggressive playing, the Schecter Demon-7 is built for exactly that.
5. Ibanez RGD71ALMS-BAM
This is where things get serious. The Ibanez RGD71ALMS-BAM is a multiscale 7-string, meaning it’s designed for perfect intonation, even in low tunings.
The Nyatoh body and Macassar ebony fretboard give this guitar a sleek and powerful feel, while the Nitro Wizard-7 neck profile makes it lightning fast and incredibly comfortable.
Equipped with Fishman Fluence Modern Ceramic humbuckers, this guitar delivers crystal-clear tones, even when you’re down-tuned to the floor. The multiscale design (686-648 mm) helps with string tension, so you won’t get that sloppy, flubby sound on the low strings.
Why it’s awesome for nu metal:
- Multiscale design ensures perfect tuning and intonation.
- Fishman Fluence humbuckers for crushing, clear tones.
- Nitro Wizard neck makes this guitar incredibly fast and smooth to play.
If you’re looking for precision and modern metal tones, the Ibanez RGD71ALMS is the one to beat.
6. Jackson Pro Jeff Loomis Kelly Ash BK
Last but definitely not least, we’ve got the Jackson Pro Jeff Loomis Kelly Ash, a signature model for one of the heaviest players around. Jeff Loomis (from Arch Enemy) needs no introduction, and this guitar is built to match his playing style.
The basswood body and ash top make it light but super resonant, and the neck-thru-body construction ensures tons of sustain.
This guitar’s loaded with Seymour Duncan Jeff Loomis Blackout pickups, which are absolute beasts when it comes to high-gain tones. The Floyd Rose 1500 tremolo lets you dive-bomb without worrying about tuning, and the compound radius fretboard keeps the action fast and smooth.
Why it’s killer for nu metal:
- Seymour Duncan Jeff Loomis pickups deliver brutal tones.
- Floyd Rose tremolo for all the crazy whammy tricks you need.
- Neck-thru-body construction gives you insane sustain.
If you’re a fan of Jeff Loomis or just want a guitar that can handle extreme metal, this is a no-brainer.
Our Rating
Here’s how these guitars stack up, rated out of 10 based on how well they handle the demands of nu metal:
- Ibanez GRG7221QA-TKS – 8/10
Great for budget-conscious players who want a 7-string that delivers solid performance. - ESP LTD EC-256FM Cobalt Blue – 8.5/10
Versatile, looks awesome, and packs some serious tone with those ESP humbuckers. - Charvel Pro-Mod DK24 HSS 2PT CM SW – 9/10
Flexible enough for any genre but still brings the heavy when needed. - Schecter Demon-7 Crimson Red Burst – 9.5/10
A 7-string beast with active pickups that absolutely screams. - Ibanez RGD71ALMS-BAM – 9.5/10
Multiscale design, Fishman pickups, and built for modern metal. - Jackson Pro Jeff Loomis Kelly Ash BK – 9.5/10
Signature model for a reason—it’s a metal machine with brutal tones and sustain for days.
Best Value: Schecter Demon-7 Crimson Red Burst
With its 7-string setup, active pickups, and sleek look, this guitar takes the top spot. If you’re serious about nu metal, you need this in your arsenal. Plus, it’s not overly expensive!
So it’s probably one of the best guitars for nu metal at this point.
What Matters Most in Nu Metal
When you’re picking a guitar for nu metal, it’s all about one thing—power. You gotta have a guitar that handles low tunings like a boss.
Whether you’re working with drop D or dipping into the lower depths with a 7-string, your guitar needs to sound tight, not sloppy, when you’re hitting those low, aggressive notes. And this is where scale length comes in.
Guitars with a longer scale will keep your strings feeling nice and tight, even when you’re tuned down to the floor. No one wants that “flubby” low end, right?
Another thing that’s absolutely essential? Pickups. You’re gonna need high-output humbuckers to push all that gain without making your sound muddy.
Whether you go for active pickups, like the ones on the Schecter Demon-7 or Jackson Jeff Loomis Kelly Ash, or stick to passive ones, you want something that can handle the distortion and still give you clarity.
Active pickups are great for punch and precision, but some passive pickups (especially those on the Charvel Pro-Mod DK24) can give you a ton of versatility while still delivering heavy tones.
Neck profiles are another thing that’ll make or break your nu metal setup. If the neck is too chunky, it’s gonna slow you down.
Thin necks, like the Thin U or Slim C, are the way to go because they let you move fast across the fretboard. You want something that’s comfortable and doesn’t feel like a workout to hold onto for those long practice sessions.
And last but definitely not least—durability.
Nu metal guitars take a beating. You’re gonna need hardware that keeps everything in tune, even after you’ve been jamming hard. Locking tuners, stable bridges, and just solid overall construction are key.
Let’s be real, these guitars need to keep up with you, not the other way around 😉
Our YouTube Channel
Want to hear these guitars in action before making a decision?
Check out our YouTube channels, Strefa Gitar and Best Guitars Now. We’ve got full reviews, sound tests, and head-to-head comparisons to help you decide.
You’ll hear how these guitars handle low tunings, how they sit in a mix, and maybe catch a few tips on setting them up for maximum destruction 😉
You can also listen to Strefa Gitar Podcast on Spotify.
FAQ
Do I need a 7-string guitar for nu metal?
You don’t need one, but it definitely helps. 7-strings give you access to lower tunings and deeper riffs. Korn and Deftones made the 7-string iconic in nu metal, so if you want that sound, it’s a great choice.
What’s the best guitar for beginners?
The Ibanez GRG7221QA-TKS is an awesome pick for beginners. It’s affordable, easy to play, and gives you the 7-string experience without the high price tag.
Can I play other genres with these guitars?
Absolutely. While they excel at metal, guitars like the Charvel Pro-Mod DK24 are versatile enough for rock, blues, and even clean playing. You’re not locked into one sound.
How does scale length affect nu metal tone?
Longer scale lengths help with intonation in low tunings, keeping the strings tight and avoiding that flubby, loose feel. Guitars like the Ibanez RGD71ALMS-BAM have a multiscale design for this reason.
Which guitar has the best pickups?
The Jackson Pro Jeff Loomis Kelly Ash takes the cake with its Jeff Loomis Blackout pickups. They deliver crushing high-gain tones that are perfect for heavy playing.
Final Thoughts
There you go—six guitars that will slay in a nu metal setting. Whether you’re looking for a 7-string beast or a versatile axe that can handle other genres too, you can’t go wrong with any of these picks. If you’re after the ultimate nu metal machine, though, the Schecter Demon-7 stands out as the top choice.
And don’t forget—if you want to see these guitars in action, head over to Strefa Gitar and Best Guitars Now on YouTube for full demos and more!
