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The best black metal guitars should be of top-quality. Look for ones that have long scales, are comfortable to hold in any position, and should definitely look the part of being in a black metal band. So in this article, we’ll show you the best options available on the market.
Quick answer: The best two options to get are the Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster for it’s versatility, iconic and classic tone, and the Ibanez RGA42FM Elec Gtr Dragon Eye for ergonomic design, great-looks, and affordability.
Table of Contents
- About Our Top Choices
- The Top 7 Best Black Metal Guitars
- Black Metal Guitars Reviews
- The Buying Guide
About Our Top Choices
Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster
See price @ Amazon / @ Sweetwater
Every time when a legend works on a musical instrument, never mind if it is a guitar or drum set, we can be sure that result will be top quality. The Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster is made in cooperation with Iron Maiden, and by saying that, it’s crystal clear that you get the top-notch classic black metal sound right away.
Pros
- Versatile
- Iconic tunes
- Classic tone
Cons
- Gives only classic sounds
Ibanez RGA42FM Elec Gtr Dragon Eye
See price @ Amazon / @ Sweetwater
Ibanez can be recommended to a huge number of guitar players because they produce a wide range of instruments, among which one can find guitars for beginners, pro players, and those who are in between. The Ibanez RGA42FM Elec Gtr Dragon Eye is surely the best value for money and a joy to play on.
Pros
- Ergonomically-designed
- Great-looking
- Affordable
Cons
- None
Top 7 Best Black Metal Guitars
- Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster
- Ibanez RGA42FM Elec Gtr Dragon Eye
- Fender Squier Jim Root Telecaster
- Schecter OMEN-8
- Ibanez RG Genesis Collection 6-String
- ESP LTD EC-Black Metal Electric Guitar
- Jackson Rhoads JS32T
Best Black Metal Guitars Reviews
Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster
Pros
- Versatile
- Iconic tunes
- Classic tone
Cons
- Gives only classic sounds
See price @ Amazon / @ Sweetwater
Every time when a legend works on a musical instrument, never mind if it is a guitar or drum set, we can be sure that result will be top quality. The Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster is made in cooperation with Iron Maiden, and by saying that, it’s crystal clear that you get the top-notch classic sound right away.
Best features and specs
Dave Murray Stratocaster is a 6-string guitar that features 3 single-coiled humbucking Seymour Duncan pickups, 5 selector switch, and a double-locking Floyd Rose tremolo system. It has a 25.5″ scale length which gives you a more ringing tone that has lots of low-end clarity. Also, it has a typically-shaped body, and it’s equally comfortable to play while seated as well as in a stand-up position or while moving on the stage.
User impressions
Users say that this Stratocaster sounds excellent, has a sturdy build quality, and has a very nice finish. While users agree that the prime choice of genre for this guitar is metal, they add that it’s quite possible to use it in blues as well.
What we think
This Stratocaster is a no-brainer if you prefer vintage and reliable guitars that withstood the test of time. That being said, modern purists also wouldn’t be disappointed.
Bottomline
The Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster is a great choice for someone who is looking for a classic tool with a familiar shape and feature that also offers quite a few modern twists.
Ibanez RGA42FM Elec Gtr Dragon Eye
Pros
- Ergonomically-designed
- Great-looking
- Affordable
Cons
- None
See price @ Amazon / @ Sweetwater
Ibanez can be recommended to a huge number of guitar players because they produce a wide range of instruments, among which one can find guitars for beginners, pro players, and those who are in between. The Ibanez RGA42FM Elec Gtr Dragon Eye is surely the best value for money and joy to play on.
Best features and specs
The Ibanez RGA42FM Elec Gtr Dragon Eye is an outstanding-looking 6-string electric guitar that has a quite comfortably shaped body, which is made of meranti wood with an addition of maple wood for the neck. It has 2 Quantum humbuckers, a 5-way switch, and volume and tone controls. It has a 25.5″ scale length which gives you a more ringing tone that has lots of low-end clarity.
User impressions
Users like the Dragon Eye because it’s lightweight and has a thin, wide, fast neck that is really comfortable to play with. Also, it’s really convenient to play this guitar while standing or sitting, and it’s a great choice for beginners.
What we think
Ibanez guitars are always a safe bet, and the Dragon Eye isn’t an exception. If you are a fan of this particular brand, you wouldn’t be disappointed.
Bottomline
The Ibanez RGA42FM Elec Gtr Dragon Eye is a great choice for someone who is looking for a perfect example of Japanese craftsmanship that offers a modern approach to electric guitars and almost sports-like ergonomics.
Fender Squier Jim Root Telecaster
Pros
- Versatile
- Minimalistic
- Easily playable
Cons
- Passive pickups might be a concern for some
See price @ Amazon
If you’re really into heavy metal, then you know a lot about Jim Root, a current guitarist for Slipknot and a former lead guitarist for Stone Sour. As expected, the Fender Squier Jim Root Telecaster is a prime guitar that features excellent build quality, and it’s a faithful companion of Jim Root on multiple occasions.
Best features and specs
Fender Squier Jim Root Telecaster is a 6-string guitar that features 2 covered passive humbucking pickups, a 2-way toggle switch, and a string-through-body bridge. It has a typically-shaped mahogany body with a modern C shape maple neck. It has a 25.5″ scale length which gives you a more ringing tone that has lots of low-end clarity.
User impressions
Users say that this Telecaster is their top option when they want to achieve fat sound with a visible amount of distortion. It also looks really cool, is a bit minimalistic, and is really easy to play.
What we think
When you try the Telecaster for the first time, there is absolutely nothing that suggests that it’s a budget instrument. And that impression never fades away.
Bottomline
The Fender Squier Jim Root Telecaster is a great choice for someone who is looking for a budget-friendly instrument that feels and sounds like a more expensive one.
Schecter OMEN-8
Pros
- Top-quality
- Excellent sound
- Amazing playability
Cons
- Midrange tones are a bit of a concern
See price @ Amazon / @ Sweetwater
The Schecter OMEN-8 is a perfect example of Schecter craftsmanship that long ago became legendary amongst heavy metal enthusiasts and professionals. Moreover, it is an 8-string guitar which means that you have the opportunity to sound as heavy as possible.
Best features and specs
The OMEN-8 is an 8-string guitar that features 2 Schecter Diamond Plus humbuckers, 1 volume control knob, 1 tone control knob, and a 3-way switch. It has a typically-shaped basswood body, a thin C maple neck, and a rosewood fretboard. It has a 26.5″ scale length which gives you a more ringing tone that has lots of low-end clarity.
User impressions
Users like the Schecter OMEN-8 because it’s an affordable and great-sounding guitar that is really easy to use and it gives quite a nice tone. Also, users note that the neck is perfectly shaped for fast playing, and the finish is good too.
What we think
The OMEN-8 is definitely a must-have if you are even remotely interested in instruments with extended range. Especially if they are made with care and precision.
Bottomline
The Schecter OMEN-8 is a great choice for someone who is looking for a very modern and sleek instrument with an extended range and a great reputation.
Ibanez RG Genesis Collection 6-String
Pros
- Comfortably shaped
- Highly playable
- Stylish
Cons
- Might be a challenge to play for people with big hands
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The Ibanez RG Genesis Collection 6-String is somewhat of an exotic sports car in the world of electric guitars. It was designed with extremely technical performance in mind, and you can already tell by simply looking at it.
Best features and specs
The Ibanez RG Genesis is a guitar that is designed specifically for guitarists with the lead right hand. It features an Ibanez V7 humbucker, Ibanez S1 single-coil, Ibanez V8 humbucker pickups, and edge tremolo. It has a typically-shaped basswood body, with an addition of a 5-piece super Wizard neck that is made from a mix of maple and walnut. It has a 25.5″ scale length which gives you a more ringing tone that has lots of low-end clarity.
User impressions
Users agree that the Genesis is an amazing guitar that sounds incredible and gives killer tones. It has a sturdy body and amazing yellow color that easily brightens the day.
What we think
Only a personal dislike of this particular brand of guitars can prevent you from checking out the Genesis Collection 6-String. For the rest of us, this would be a perfect guitar.
Bottomline
The Ibanez RG Genesis Collection 6-String is a great choice for someone who is looking for a very reliable and aggressive guitar designed to accommodate extremely technical performance.
ESP LTD EC-Black Metal Electric Guitar
Pros
- Easy to play
- Stylish
- Sturdy
Cons
- Not that versatile because of a single pickup
See price @ Amazon / @ Sweetwater
By simply looking at the ESP LTD EC-Black Metal Electric Guitar, you can tell that it was made with heavy styles of music in mind. It is a very sturdy and capable instrument with an elegant design and minimalistic features.
Best features and specs
The ESP LTD EC-Black Metal Electric Guitar is based on the widespread single-cutaway ESP Eclipse shape and is an all-black 6-string guitar that features a set of passive Seymour Duncan Blackened Black Winter humbuckers, a volume control knob, LTD machine heads, and Tonepros Locking TOM & Tailpiece bridge. Its body and 3-piece see thru neck are made of mahogany wood with an addition of macassar ebony fretboard. It has a 24.75″ scale length which tends to vibrate easily and, as a result, gives you a warmer sound.
User impressions
Users are quite impressed with the ESP because it’s an excellent and lightweight guitar that is easy to play. Also, this guitar gives you the punchiest sound in comparison with other guitars. Users are in awe of the all-black finish and say that it’s the most stylish guitar they have ever had.
What we think
The ESP is not the most versatile instrument in any sense of the word, but achieving a great variety of tones is not a problem at all.
Bottomline
The ESP LTD EC-Black Metal Electric Guitar is a great choice for someone who is looking for a very flamboyant and stylish instrument that is very easy to play.
Jackson Rhoads JS32T
Pros
- Cool looks
- Classic metal sound
- Easy to use
Cons
- Isn’t comfortable to play in a seated position
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Some might say that the Jackson Rhoads JS32T is all about the looks, but its design is easily overshadowed by how it feels and plays. And the sound is very well within the overall spirit of this instrument.
Best features and specs
The Jackson Rhoads JS32T is a 6-string guitar that features Seymour Duncan Blackouts AHB-1B and AHB-1N humbuckers, a 3-way switch, two volume control knobs, a tone controls knob, recessed Floyd Rose Special double-locking tremolo, and Jackson sealed DieCast machine heads. It has a V-shaped poplar body with the addition of a maple neck and laurel fretboard. Also, it has a 25.51″ scale length which gives you a more ringing tone that has lots of low-end clarity.
User impressions
Users like the Jackson Rhoads JS32T because it’s a really lightweight, simple, top-quality, and easy-to-play guitar that comes from a trustworthy and reliable brand.
What we think
The Jackson Rhoads JS32T might be a bit fleshy and even over the top when it comes to its look, but it represents the whole spirit of modern heavy metal, and that counts for something.
Bottomline
The Jackson Rhoads JS32T is a great choice for someone who is looking for the essence of modern heavy metal and, at the same time, wants a perfectly capable instrument with a lot of bark.
Black Metal Guitars Buying Guide
What is a black metal guitar?
It is a guitar that is used for playing black metal. This is characterized by the guitar being tuned in E, and repetitive riffs that are in a harmonic minor scale, creating that classic dark atmosphere of black metal.
Why would you need a guitar for black metal?
If you want to play black metal or any other type of heavy metal, ordinary electric guitars won’t go a long way because they do not give that deep metal sound. But by choosing a black metal guitar specifically, you get that fat and rich sound that you are looking for.
Important features
When choosing a black metal guitar, you should pay attention to the shape of the body, wood, and pickups.
Body
There are no rules regarding the style of the body, and it is more a matter of personal preference. What you choose in the end depends on for what purposes you need the guitar. If you’re playing from your home-based studio, you probably don’t need a pointy guitar because it will be less pleasant to hold it. And if you’re looking for a 7-8 string companion for gigging and it’s all about the show, then pointy guitars and other crazy shapes might do the trick.
Wood
From which wood your guitar is made is a matter of personal preference once again, but those made of mahogany seem to have richer, deeper, and more resonant tones, while basswood gives you balanced resonance and great deep tones as well. Guitars that are made from maple give a brighter sound.
Pickups
If you want to achieve a fat and true metal sound, you should look for humbuckers. This type of pickup ensures that you get a lot of gain and harmonics to acquire desired tones. While choosing between active and passive pickups, you should keep in mind which result in you want to achieve.
Active pickups that regularly are powered by one or several 9V batteries guarantee that you have extra high output and tone precision. While passive pickups don’t need any extra power, they tend to sound more natural and, to some extent, classic.
How to choose the right one for you?
When you are choosing the best black metal guitars, you should bear in mind the purpose you need the new instrument for, and, in accordance with it, choose the body shape. The wood from which the guitar is made is solely your preference, and you’re free to choose as you like. Whether a guitar has active or passive pickups, you should decide based on the end result you want to achieve.
