best electric guitar

The Best Electric Guitar Brands of 2023

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  • Brands to suit all budgets
  • Quality craftsmanship
  • Trusted and household names

Finding the right guitar brand for you can be tricky. Although most guitar brands produce a range of musical instruments for various genres and playing styles, it would be a mistake to think you could just pick one and it would be the right choice for you. All electric guitar brands have something different to offer, whether in terms of price, playability, craftsmanship, and even genre.

But don’t worry; here at All Axess, we’ve got your back. We’ve researched the most popular electric guitars on the market – and exactly who makes them. So browse through our list and see what makes each brand a stand-out option. Take your time to judge what’s right for you. Whether you’re a beginner picking up your first guitar, or a seasoned pro looking to branch out, our guide to the best guitar brands will help you find the model you need.

Our Ultimate Guide to the Best Electric Guitar Brands

If you’re looking for the best overall guitar brand, check out Fender. Fender offers high-quality electric guitars at all playing levels and price options. Having made guitars for over 100 years, Fender sure knows what they’re talking about. There’s a reason you find them at the top of so many “Best Guitar” lists and guides – they’re unbeatable.

Need a more budget-friendly option for your first guitar? In this case, we’d recommend Yamaha electric guitars. Although originally set up as a piano company, this famous Japanese brand branched out and now makes some of the most affordable guitars in the world.

But if you’re a professional who has quality craftsmanship at the forefront of your mind, we recommend you take a look at ESP. Every single one of their guitars is handcrafted and rigorously tested for playability and response.

And if you’re still not sure, there are eight more where that came from. Check out the ten best electric guitar brands (and their signature models) that are hot on the market right now.

  1. Fender 
  2. Epiphone
  3. Ibanez 
  4. PRS
  5. Gretsch
  6. Rickenbacker
  7. Yamaha
  8. Jackson
  9. ESP
  10. Ernie Ball Music Man

1. Fender

There’s a reason why every guitarist, whether budding or professional, has heard of Fender. This electric guitar brand has been producing a huge range of musical equipment, from amplifiers to electric guitars, for decades.

Founded in Southern California by Leo Fender, this company is now renowned globally for its range of professional and awe-inspiring guitars to suit all music styles and players. From beginners to professional artists, it seems like every single musician in the business has used Fender before. In fact, famous names like Jimi Hendrix, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, and Jeff Beck have all used Fender’s iconic guitars in their impressive music careers.

For Guitarists of all Levels

Fender Player Telecaster

No model shows off what Fender can do better than the Fender Player Telecaster. If you’re in love with that classic Telecaster tone but you like your guitar to have more of a modern feel, this is the best guitar model for you.

Why We Love It:
  • Trusted by well-established musicians
  • Perfect for beginners and professionals alike
  • Guitars, amps, and other equipment

REVIEW

The Fender Player Telecaster features Fender’s world-class electronics, with dual Alnico V single-coil pickups that will give you that classic telecaster tone but with extra punch. 

If there’s one thing Fender knows, it’s amplifiers, and this model features full-on amp distortion that sounds remarkable in each position. Experiment with various genres, from smoking jazz to that country twang.

The 22-fret fingerboard and “C” shape neck give you a comfortable, modern feel so you can enjoy playing for hours on end with limited fatigue.

Other features of this electric guitar include a synthetic bone nut to enhance the transfer of vibration through the neck, a 6-saddle string-through bridge, and standard Fender sealed tuners.

VERDICT

Whether you’re playing guitar on stage or recording in the studio, Fender guitars won’t let you down. With decades of experience under their belt and glowing testimonials from only the best in the business, it’s not hard to see why Fender is one of the best electric guitar brands around – and will likely continue to be for many years to come.

BEST GUITAR FOR

Beginners and professionals alike should try Fender’s electric guitars. Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been playing for years, Fender is here to support you in your guitar journey. 

If you’re a complete beginner, try out FenderPlay, Fender’s online platform for learning the guitar. Complete with step-by-step instructions and a friendly community, it’s never been easier to master this musical instrument.

2. Epiphone

Epiphone is an American musical instrument brand founded in 1873 by Anastasios Stathopoulos. Epiphone prides itself on making affordable electric guitars for all different types of guitar players.

Accessibility really is key when it comes to this electric guitar brand. Perhaps that’s why Epiphone has made instruments for all genres and styles of music, from pop to hard-hitting rock, to suit a range of budgets.

This musical giant has been dominating the industry and creating high-quality electric guitars since before we were all even born. In fact, Epiphone celebrated its 140th anniversary in 2013. With its world-class technology, from the ProBucker™ pickup to the Shadow NanoFlex™, it’s not hard to see why Epiphone guitars continue to deliver excellent quality and affordability.

That Professional Feel

Epiphone SG Standard ’61 Maestro Vibrola

From slick style to amazing sound, this electric guitar model has it all and truly highlights the care, devotion, and craftmanship Epiphone puts into every one of its guitars.

Why We Love It:
  • Affordable, high-quality options
  • High-class electronics
  • Over 140 years of experience

REVIEW

Turn heads with the Epiphone SG Standard. Epiphone brings you sleek, smooth style, class, and sophistication, all in a neat, affordable package.

This electric guitar features a solid mahogany body and SlimTaper neck, which provide warm resonance with incredibly rich and satisfying depth. It’s also been crafted with an Indian laurel fretboard that offers punch and clarity for crystal highs and dynamic overtones.

When it comes to electronics, Epiphone doesn’t compromise, delivering high-quality hardware that will support you as you play. The twin ProBucker humbucking pickups provide your music with a warm, rich tone full of detail. Crank your gain with the ProBucker-3 in the bridge position.

VERDICT

With sound and sophistication all wrapped up in one neat package, it’s no wonder that Epiphone has become an industry leader. And with 140 years of experience behind them, we’d expect nothing less. This solid-body electric guitar just proves it.

BEST GUITAR FOR:

If you’re on the hunt for an affordable guitar that feels like a professional model, Epiphone is one of the best electric guitar brands for you.

3. Ibanez

Originally founded in Japan, Ibanez manufactures guitars, amps, and accessories worldwide, including in China, Indonesia, and the United States. We don’t think it’s too presumptuous to say that Ibanez is the most famous Japanese guitar brand; it’s not hard to recognize an Ibanez guitar, thanks to its wonderful shape, design, and color.

Ever since the 90s, Ibanez has been associated with heavy metal, creating affordable and stylish instruments for rock and metal players worldwide. Its reputation has stood the test of time, and famous names who have worked with the brand include Tim Henson and Yvette Young.

With its innovative technology and designs, Ibanez guitars push the boundaries when it comes to electric instruments.

For Finding Your Sound

Ibanez AZES31 Electric Guitar

The Ibanez AZES31 is a fantastic entry-level guitar suitable for all genres and playing styles. It showcases everything that makes Ibanez guitars so great.

Why We Love It:
  • Boundary-pushing models
  • Affordably-priced
  • Silky-smooth playability

REVIEW

Beginner electric guitarists will love this metal guitar for its effortless playability, high-tech electronics, cool style, and affordable price. It features a poplar body that offers a solid tone. The maple neck provides excellent sustain and is comfortable to hold in hand, boasting a neck joint to reach the higher frets. This electric guitar also features a jatoba fingerboard, perfect for chording and fast playing. Play without limits.

When it comes to electronics, the AZES31 has a trio of single coils that give you that vintage feel. The 5-way blade lets you easily switch between pickups, and it has a hardtail F106 bridge that features comfortable round steel saddles.

VERDICT

If you’re a beginner or even an established guitarist looking for a new electric guitar, Ibanez guitars are an excellent choice.

BEST GUITAR FOR:

This is one of the best electric guitars for budding guitarists looking to figure out their playing style and sound.

4. PRS

PRS is a high-end electric guitar brand from Maryland, USA. It’s easy to pick a PRS guitar out of the crowd due to its figured wood top and stylish, extraordinary color. PRS guitars were originally designed by luthier Paul Reed Smith and have since grown to become one of the most luxurious electric guitar brands available.

Famous names like Mark Tremonti and Ted McCarty have worked with Paul Reed Smith guitars to create signature models. So whether you’re performing pop or rock, PRS guitars will offer you the premium feel you need to take your playing to the next level.

Premium Guitar Brand

PRS SE McCarty 594 Electric Guitar

One word that should come to mind when you think of PRS is premium. The SE McCarty 594 Electric Guitar highlights exactly why.

Why We Love It:
  • High-end, luxury guitar brand
  • Premium electronics
  • Eye-catching, exotic colors

REVIEW

Quality is the name of the game with the SE McCarty 594 Electric Guitar. This model features a gorgeous mahogany body and flame veneer maple top, giving you beautiful note definition and warmth.

The 10-inch rosewood fingerboard is easy to maneuver and will help you master many different techniques. Those who like a chunkier feel when it comes to their electric guitars will be pleased, as this model has a stable, rigid mahogany multi-ply neck and a chunky pattern vintage profile.

This PRS guitar also boasts a 2-piece bridge for sustain and resonance and 58/15 LT “S” pickups. The unwound design is engineered to resemble an old-school vintage humbucker but with added clarity. The pickups deliver harmonic overtones and a sweet, clear sound.

VERDICT

PRS guitars are designed with quality in mind, which comes through every component of the SE McCarty 594 Electric Guitar.

BEST GUITAR FOR:

If you’re willing to splash the cash on a more premium model, PRS might be the best electric guitar brand for you.

5. Gretsch

As an American company, Gretch was founded in Brooklyn, New York, in 1883 by Friedrich Gretsch. Originally the company made banjos, tambourines, and drums but since then, Gretsch has become one of the most successful and well-known electric guitar brands, having pioneered new designs, excellent electronics, and just overall high quality.

Famous names who have endorsed this well-loved brand include Bono, Malcolm Young, and even George Harrison, who helped boost the brand’s popularity by playing a number of their models.

Gretsch is proud of its strong emphasis on craftsmanship and quality, and that shines through with every single guitar they design and make.

High-Quality Craftsmanship

Gretsch G2622T Streamliner Center Block Doublecut

Gretch’s high-quality craftsmanship is really highlighted with the Gretsch G2622T Streamliner, and here’s why.

Why We Love It:
  • High-quality craftsmanship
  • Affordable prices
  • Over 135 years of experience

REVIEW

With a semi-hollow body electric design, a 5-ply maple body, and a weight-relieved spruce center block, you get an open, snappy tone, high note definition, and clarity. This guitar also features a thin, U-shaped neck and a laurel fingerboard, making chording and finger playing effortless, without unneeded fatigue. Hollow body guitars can often be more uncomfortable than other types, but you don’t get that problem with this model.

This guitar also comes with Broad’Tron pickups to deliver a perfectly balanced tone. Adjust your sound with the three-volume control options, including a volume control for each pickup. Create the balance you crave with warmth and clarity. This guitar also features a Bigsby tailpiece to offer up smooth vibrato.

VERDICT

There’s a reason why Gretch makes such well-known electric guitars. From the Broad’Tron pickups to the semi-hollow body design of this guitar, Gretch surely showcases everything that’s great about their models in one fluid design.

BEST GUITAR FOR:

If you appreciate fine craftsmanship, you might want to browse all the Gretsch guitars on offer. The model above is just one shining example of the quality this great electric guitar brand provides, and all at a reasonable price.

6. Rickenbacker

Originally known as the Electro String Instrument Corporation, which was founded in 1931 by Adolph Rickenbacker and George D. Beauchamp solely to manufacture electric musical instruments, Rickenbacker (or RIC) now has 92 years of industry experience behind them. This company produced the first modern electric guitars, known as “Rickenbacker Electro Instruments.”

George Harrison, Roger McGuinn, and Pete Townshend all loved Rickenbacker’s twelve-string guitars.

A Favorite of Famous Faces

Rickenbacker 330 Thinline Semi-Hollow

Many famous faces have favored this premium guitar brand in its 92-year history, and this iconic guitar is a perfect example of why.

Why We Love It:
  • Premium guitar brand
  • Played by famous faces
  • World-class electronics

REVIEW

The Rickenbacker 330 Thinline Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar is no average model; it’s been played and endorsed by famous musicians such as Pete Townshend and Thom Yorke.

This iconic guitar features a semi-acoustic maple body with a cat’s eye soundhole, which ensures it feels balanced and lightweight – you can play for hours without the fatigue that sometimes accompanies other guitars. Despite this, the maple construction of this guitar makes it feel solid and steady, so you can rock out without worry. 

Like chording? You’ll love the Rickenbacker 330’s chunky neck. It also features a rosewood fingerboard, providing harmonic balance, warmth, and richness, balancing out the bright sound of this electric guitar.

But it’s Richenbacker’s electronics that really stand out. Get spank and sparkle with the hi-gain single-coil pickups. The three-way selector features two tone and volume controls, so you’re in command of your sound at all times. If you’re someone who likes to experiment with sound and tone, you’ll love the 5th “blend” knob.

VERDICT

Everything about the Rickenbacker 330 Thinline Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar screams pro, from the proprietary electronics to the stylish maple design.

BEST BRAND FOR:

Rickenbacker is another great brand if you’re a professional looking for a premium option with endorsements from a variety of famous faces.

7. Yamaha

Based in Japan, the Yamaha Corporation offers a huge range of musical instruments, accessories, and services. This company was originally created in 1887 and designed pianos and organs, eventually moving onto guitars in the early 40s when they opened a factory for construction. Since then, Yamaha has been making acoustic guitars and electric guitars for decades, having celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2017.

Although not established as other guitar companies, there’s no denying the quality and value Yahama provides with their musical instruments. They make electric guitars for players of all levels, from absolute beginners to seasoned pros.

Affordable Options

Yamaha A5R ARE Dreadnought Cutaway

The Yamaha A5R ARE Dreadnought Cutaway is a model that truly highlights the craftsmanship, reliability, and practicality of the Yamaha brand.

Why We Love It:
  • Suitable for all playing times
  • Affordable – offering great value
  • Reliable and trusted brand

REVIEW

This professional acoustic-electric guitar is designed to bring you the best of both worlds in one model, transferring that delicious acoustic studio sound to the stage.

This 6-string guitar features a  traditional western cutaway for comfort and a vintage finish that’ll turn heads wherever you choose to play it. Made from solid Sitka spruce, you can strum, fingerpick, and flatpick, and your guitar will still sound great. 

The ebony fingerboard is responsive under your touch, and the mahogany neck brings a richness to this guitar’s sound.

Speaking of sound, Yamaha has equipped this model with an SRT2 pickup system that lets you blend preamp signals to get your own unique tone and the clarity you’ve been craving.

VERDICT

The Yamaha A5R ARE Dreadnought Cutaway is a standout guitar and a fine representative of all the other electric guitars Yamaha crafts.

BEST GUITAR FOR:

Although we’d recommend the Yamaha A5R ARE Dreadnought Cutaway for seasoned players, the best thing about Yamaha is that they make accessible and affordable guitars for players of every level. So whether you’re a beginner who’s never even plucked a string before or a pro with years of experience under your belt, Yamaha is here to provide.

8. Jackson

Jackson was founded in the 1970s by Grover Jackson when music really started to take a turn to metal. There needed to be a new surge of musical instruments to support the new generation of passionate young artists who appeared in the late 70s and early 80s during the MTV era. Jackson is known for its metal guitars and cool, distinctive style.

With three decades of crafting amazing musical instruments behind them, they’re a company dedicated to helping young musicians thrive and grow.

For Metalheads

Jackson X Series Soloist SLX DX

Jackson guitars are affordable and high-quality, offering great sound. What more could you want? The X Series Soloist SLX DX demonstrates everything we love about Jackson guitars.

Why We Love It:
  • Metal guitar specialists
  • Support new, thriving artists
  • Affordable and stylish

REVIEW

This affordable solidbody electric guitar has been crafted especially for metalheads and is a perfect example of what Jackson can do. It features a comfortable poplar soloist body style that allows you to play for hours without fatigue. This model also sports a compound-radius fretboard that’ll make playing easy, whether you’re chording or soloing.

The guitar features high-quality hardware for a professional and responsive feel at an affordable price. The Duncan Designed humbucker pickups at the neck and bridge are engineered to deliver all spectrums of tone, from deep bass to crystal clear highs. Whether you’re riffing or rocking out a solo, the SLX DX delivers the sound you need.

VERDICT

This guitar might not be as expensive as other models on our list, but it certainly feels premium. The best thing about it is the range of tone it offers.

BEST GUITAR FOR: 

If you specialize in metal and rock, we implore you to check out Jackson guitars. The X Series Soloist SLX DX is an affordable option, no matter your playing level.

9. ESP

ESP stands for “Electric Sound Products.” This Japanese manufacturer has primarily engineered and crafted electric guitars and bass guitars since 1975. Dedicated to designing high-quality instruments for every genre, ESP ensures they cater to all different types of players and playing levels.

ESP is proud of its rigorous testing process, ensuring that every single electric guitar and bass is made with the craftsmanship you’d expect to find with premium brands.

Amazing Attention to Detail

ESP Original Horizon-I

No other guitar truly encapsulates ESP’s craftsmanship and attention to detail other than the ESP Original Horizon-I. Like all guitars in the ESP Original Series, each Horizon-I is handcrafted in Japan by ESP’s Custom Shop luthiers.

Why We Love It:
  • Premium craftsmanship
  • Specialize in bass and electric
  • Cater to all genres

REVIEW

With a handcrafted neck-through-body design, you have amazing sustain and detailed note definition. The body is made out of alder wood, which means you get those deep lows, crunchy mids, and crystal-clear highs. The 3-piece neck is stable, whether chording or soloing, and it exhibits an ebony fingerboard for added richness.

Other features include a Floyd Rose Original bridge for stability and locking Gotoh tuners that can take on heavy playing without disrupting the tuning of your instrument.

When it comes to electronics, this guitar really shines. It features Seymour Duncan Hot Rails that utilize a pair of blades, a strong ceramic magnet, and powerful coil windings. Experience a full and fat tone that oozes sustain. The sound this model produces is perfect for classic rock but is also great for other genres, such as metal and garage. The controls include volume, toggle switch, and tone, so you can get the sound you want

VERDICT

Premium craftsmanship oozes out every single aspect of the ESP Original Horizon-I, from the luxurious sound to the sophisticated style. With playability at its core, strumming this instrument is a dream.

BEST GUITAR FOR

Serious professionals will appreciate the attention to detail and premium craftsmanship that goes into every luxury guitar ESP makes.

10. Ernie Ball Music Man

Ernie Ball Music Man is a family-owned American instrument manufacturer based in California, originally founded in 1974. With the introduction of active electronics to their instruments, Music Man guitars really soared, providing quality craftsmanship, strict standards, and innovative designs.

They now serve over 135 countries worldwide and continue to expand that, ensuring anyone who wants access to a high-quality instrument can have one.

For Serious Guitarists

Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 5 HH

Although all guitars inhabit the high-quality standards and innovation that Ernie Ball Music Man provides, there’s a reason why the StingRay is one of the most popular guitar models in the world.

Why We Love It:
  • Premium build quality
  • Superior electronics
  • Rich and detailed sound

REVIEW

This bass guitar is built for performance. With 22 stainless steel frets, you don’t just get an amazing tone – you also get a long-lasting fret life, meaning this guitar will be with you for your entire music career. 

Perform for hours, thanks to the comfort the redesigned body and premium maple neck provide. The body isn’t the only thing that’s been redesigned with the model: the new hardware provides a lighter playing experience without the fatigue that often comes with heavier models. Get a smooth feel with the maple fingerboard.

The StingRay Special 5 HH also boasts amazing redesigned humbuckers with an 18V preamp and a 3-band EQ that exhibits tonal versatility, so you can create the sound that suits you.

Other features include a truss rod adjustment wheel that’s easy to access, a premium roasted maple neck for excellent sustain and balance, and a 5-bolt neck attachment for stability.

VERDICT

The Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 5 HH shows off everything that’s great about Music Man guitars, from their quality craftsmanship to their amazing sound.

BEST BRAND FOR: 

If you’re a serious guitarist who performs on stage at gigs, you’ll love everything the Ernie Ball Music Man brand has to offer.

FAQs and Buyer’s Guide

squier guitar

WHAT GUITAR SHOULD I BUY?

The type of guitar brand you should purchase will depend entirely on your experience level and what you look for in a musical instrument. Not every single guitar brand is the same; different guitar brands will offer different types of guitars for different types of players.

Are you a beginner? The last thing you want to do is splash the cash on a premium guitar brand, especially if you’ve never picked up a musical instrument before. Yamaha, Ibanez, and Fender guitars are the best brand choices if you’re looking for your first-ever electric guitar. These guitar brands offer high-quality beginner guitars that’ll make those first tricky months of study a bit easier.

However, make sure you double-check the price. For example, Fender is a brand that offers both beginner and premium guitars. If you’re a beginner, avoid models like the Fender Stratocaster – as played by Eric Clapton. Instead, go for something like the Squier classic vibe, as this Fender guitar is more likely to be in your price range.

If you’re a professional guitarist looking for a premium brand, try ESP, Rickenbacker, and PRS. These brands offer both modern and vintage guitars designed to see you through long performances on stage.

yamaha guitar

WHAT 3 GUITARS SHOULD YOU OWN?

The types of guitars you should own depend on your style of music. However, the three basic guitars most musicians have in their studio include an acoustic guitar, an electric guitar, and a bass guitar.

We’ve included a huge range of electric guitar brands on our list for you to browse through. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or a pro player, you’re sure to find the perfect electric guitar to add to your collection. (Or start it off!)

HOW MUCH SHOULD I PAY FOR A DECENT GUITAR?

How much you should pay for a decent guitar depends entirely on your experience as a musician. 

If you’re a complete beginner, you’ll likely be looking for an entry-level model, which tends to come in a bit cheaper than other types. However, that doesn’t mean you should pay for the cheapest guitar you can find, as you’ll find the sound and build quality will be poor, no matter how quickly you learn to play. 

At the same time, you don’t want to spend thousands on a pro-level guitar, especially if you’re just dipping your toe into the electric-invested waters. We’d recommend spending between $200 t0 $500 dollars on an entry-level model.

If you’re an intermediate player, spend between $500 to $1500, as this will give you a high-quality guitar.

If you’re a professional, you should aim to pay $1500 and above. We’ve included a wide range of beginner, intermediate, and professional-level guitars on our list, encompassing signature models from popular brands today.

playing guitar.

WHICH GUITAR HAS THE BEST SOUND QUALITY?

All the brands we’ve featured have exceptional sound quality at the forefront of their design. Crafted with quality and playability in mind, our selected guitars will see you through every single step of your guitar journey. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, your music deserves high quality.

WHAT GUITAR DID KURT COBAIN PLAY?

Kurt Cobain played many different guitars, but he was most known for the Fender Jag-Stang – a Mustang and Jaguar hybrid.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or professional guitar player, you need an outstanding instrument that will carry you through your career. All the guitar brands we’ve included in our list are trusted household names that continue to dominate the industry. We’ve made sure to introduce brands from across the guitar spectrum to suit all different types of players and genres.

However, other names that deserve a mention include Schecter guitars, Charvel guitars, B.C Rich guitars, and Gibson Guitars. (Psst, check out the Gibson Les Paul). Make sure to look through all the information on each brand’s website and read reviews from guitarists to find the best model for you. 

You’ll be rocking out in no time.