If you’re trying to choose the right guitar for metal but have a budget of under $500 you’ll know it can be hard. I’ve always played metal (amongst many other genres) so have had the opportunity to try a lot of guitars suitable for it. And so I know there are some great budget options out there.
So if you’re on the hunt for a guitar that will get you that metal tone without breaking the bank this guide is for you. I’ve found the best metal guitars for under 500 that are both great value and deliver in terms of sound, feel and looks for a metal guitar.
Best Metal Guitars Under $500
- Best Overall: Ibanez RG421 – A powerhouse of metal, the Ibanez RG421 offers a fast neck, versatile pickups, and a build quality that’s hard to beat at this price. It’s a great all-rounder for various metal styles.
- Best for Shredding: Jackson JS32 Dinky – With its compound radius fretboard and high-output pickups, the JS32 Dinky is built for speed and aggression. It’s a perfect choice for shredders on a budget.
- Best for Heavy Riffs: ESP LTD EC-256 – For those who love heavy riffs and thick tones the ESP LTD EC-256 delivers with its beefy humbuckers and comfortable single cutaway design.
- Best 7-String: Schecter Omen-7 – When you need that extra low-end punch the Schecter Omen-7 provides an affordable entry into the world of 7-string guitars, perfect for modern metal genres.
- Best for Versatility: Epiphone Les Paul Studio LT – For metal guitarists who also like to play in other genres the Epiphone Les Paul Studio LT offers a versatile sound with its classic humbucker configuration.
Ibanez RG421 – Best Overall
The Ibanez RG421 is a favorite among metal players for its strong build quality, sleek design and versatility. Known for its thin, fast neck the RG421 makes playing complex solos and riffs a breeze.
It features a solid mahogany body which contributes to its warm and resonant tone, and the dual humbucking pickups offer a wide range of sounds suitable for various metal sub genres – metalcore, doom, djent etc. The fixed bridge also gives you stable tuning and easy maintenance making it a reliable choice for both beginners and more experienced players.
If you’re looking for a guitar that can handle everything from classic metal to modern djent the RG421 is a top contender.
Pros:
- Thin, fast neck for comfortable playability.
- Dual humbucking pickups offer a versatile range of metal tones.
- Fixed bridge for solid tuning stability.
- Suitable for various metal sub-genres.
Cons:
- Limited to fixed bridge; no tremolo system.
- Pickups may lack the high-end clarity some players desire.
- Stock pickups might require upgrading for more specific tones.
Jackson JS32 Dinky – Best for Shredding
The Jackson JS32 Dinky is designed for speed and precision which makes it an ideal choice for shredders. Its compound radius fretboard allows for comfortable chording near the nut while flattening out up the neck for lightning fast playability.
The high-output Jackson pickups are engineered for clarity and power so every note cuts through with precision. The double cutaway design gives you easy access to higher frets and the whammy bar adds an extra dimension to your playing.
For metal guitarists who love to shred the JS32 Dinky is an excellent option within the budget.
Pros:
- Compound radius fretboard for both rhythm and lead playing.
- High-output pickups for aggressive tones.
- Double-cutaway design for easy access to higher frets.
- Whammy bar for dive bombs and other tremolo effects.
Cons:
- Whammy bar setup can complicate tuning stability.
- Neck shape may feel too thin for some players.
- Stock pickups may need upgrading for more refined tones.
ESP LTD EC-256 – Best for Heavy Riffs
The ESP LTD EC-256 is a beast when it comes to heavy riffing. It boasts a classic single cutaway design which allows for comfortable playing and easy access to the upper frets.
The guitar comes with powerful humbuckers that deliver thick, saturated tones ideal for heavy metal and hard rock. If you’re a rhythm player rather than shredder or lead guitarist it’s going to have everything you need.
Its coil-splitting feature also adds some versatility and gives you the option for a broader range of tones – from clean to crunchy.
The EC-256’s combination of playability, tone and looks makes it a great choice for players who focus on rhythm and heavy riffs.
Pros:
- Beefy humbuckers for thick, saturated metal tones.
- Coil-splitting feature for increased tonal versatility.
- Comfortable single-cutaway design for easy upper fret access.
- Solid construction and finish.
Cons:
- Can feel heavier than other models due to solid body.
- Neck profile might be too chunky for some players.
- Coil-splitting sound may not be as clean as a dedicated single-coil guitar.
Schecter Omen-7 – Best 7-String
For metal guitarists looking to explore the extended range of a 7-string guitar the Schecter Omen-7 is an excellent entry point. It provides the additional low-end growl essential for modern metal genres while maintaining playability and comfort.
The guitar has a basswood body and a maple neck with a rosewood fretboard that offers a balanced tone for the extended range. The Schecter Diamond Plus pickups deliver high-output tones, making sure your riffs are heard loud and clear.
If you’re ready to try some 7-string metal the Omen-7 is a solid and affordable choice.
Pros:
- Extended range with an additional low B string for heavy riffs.
- High-output pickups for clear, aggressive tones.
- Comfortable neck profile for 7-string playability.
- Solid build quality at an affordable price.
Cons:
- Larger neck width may require an adjustment period.
- Stock pickups might lack clarity on lower strings.
- Heavier weight due to 7-string construction.
Epiphone Les Paul Studio LT – Best for Versatility
The Epiphone Les Paul Studio LT is a versatile guitar that excels in metal but can also handle other genres with ease. Inspired by the legendary Les Paul design it has those rich, warm tones that you associate with a Les Paul, all thanks to its mahogany body and neck, topped with a carved maple cap.
The classic humbucker configuration provides a thick, powerful sound that’s ideal for metal but also works very well for rock, blues and even jazz. Its comfortable neck profile and weight make it suitable for long playing sessions too.
The Les Paul Studio LT is an all-around workhorse for metal guitarists who require a bit more versatility.
Pros:
- Classic Les Paul sound with warm, rich tones.
- Versatile humbucker configuration for various genres.
- Comfortable neck profile for long playing sessions.
- Solid build with iconic looks.
Cons:
- Heavier weight can cause fatigue during long performances.
- Stock pickups may require an upgrade for more defined metal tones.
- No tremolo system for whammy bar effects.
