Top 10 Best Electric Guitar Brands
Whether you're aiming to shred through face-melting solos, craft soulful blues riffs, or lay down some crunchy metal rhythms, the brand of guitar you choose can make all the difference. Each brand brings its own flavor, from classic designs that defined entire genres to modern innovations that push boundaries.This list of the best electric guitar brands is a community-driven ranking, shaped by guitarists just like you. By voting, you'll help steer the conversation on which brands deserve the spotlight. Maybe you're a die-hard fan of a legendary brand whose guitars have been played by your favorite artists. Or perhaps you're all about the up-and-comers shaking up the scene with fresh ideas. Either way, your vote helps highlight the companies that deliver the sound, feel, and quality you expect from a great electric guitar.
There is no single guitar manufacturer that is killing it as much as Fender is right now. When you consider the brands under the FMIC umbrella, they are the kings of the electric guitar segment, not so much on the acoustic front. Fender USA, Fender Mexico, Fender Japan, Jackson, Charvel, Gretsch, and Squier are all part of FMIC, and these are all leading the field as far as sales go.
Among the three "Fender" brands, the Fender Mexico guitars are the real sleeper here. Incredible quality with a decent price. The non-custom Charvels and Jacksons are mainly made in Mexico as well.
Made in the USA, not Mexico. Still the most popular brand of quality guitar today. It's more than just a slab of wood with pickups like Fender. You can get a Fender tone out of a First Act guitar.
Gibson has a solid tone you can feel with carved maple tops. Real deal.
In my opinion, Gibson is the best. A Gibson Les Paul is the greatest guitar. It plays to my hands and style much better than any other guitar I've tried. It's great for its cost and definitely should be tried by every musician at some point in your career.
Kirk Hammett himself uses these guitars, so the quality has to be pretty good. I have one myself, and am quite content with it.
I've been to a PRS factory and seen the precision and skill with which they are made. Their quality control is incredible: they test each one individually and make adjustments until it is perfect. They won't let a bad one get through, so if you buy a PRS guitar, you are guaranteed a high quality guitar.
I mean, with the high price you pay, how could they not be wonderful? Plus, they sound, feel, and look amazing. (I also got to see Paul himself. It was pretty cool. What a nice, humble guy.)
PRS is the best for their feel and their versatility.
I have an original 1988 Gunslinger. Best neck period. Even Bernie said so. Look it up. He did in an interview about the model. Made in the USA only. The NJ products were the slide down to hell.
The Newcomers
Another great value for money guitar brand in the modern era, and a classic great brand from the vintage era. The modern ones are manufactured under license by Fender, who contracts the manufacture of the Electromatic and Streamliner lines overseas.
Really good considering the prices. As far as the cosmetics go, they look way more expensive than they actually are. If you want a really good alternative to an Epiphone Les Paul, the Electromatic Jet guitars are definitely where it's at.
Awesome paint jobs on them and decent overall hardware. They play incredibly well and have a modern sound with a little bit of that vintage Gretsch Filtertron tone as well.
I have a Pacifica 904, from new in 1994. One of the best guitars I have ever played.
Value for money, most of the Squier lineup is very good. Their low end makes for decent beginner instruments: ones that can be played, stay in tune relatively well, and can keep a person interested in learning.
The higher end of the Squier spectrum is much better than their price suggests. The Classic Vibe series tends to be one of the best value for money lines out there. And if you want to get a real winner of a guitar for cheap, the J. Mascis signature Jazzmaster is an absolute steal that usually is difficult to find for anything less than the suggested retail price.
Seriously, the neck on that guitar is astoundingly good.
Absolutely amazing. I own a Les Paul and it is fully customizable. I added my own 81 and 85 pickups, changed the hardware color, added Grover locking tuners, two jacks, and a custom pick guard, etc. Have a look and you can dye it any color you want.