The Best Guitars for Hard Rock and Metal!

Electric guitars come in various types, each suited to different musical styles and purposes.
Today, I’m focusing on hard rock and metal—genres we all love—and I’ll be highlighting some recommended guitars for these styles.

Today’s BGM

How about today’s BGM? It’s Dokken’s surprising debut here in my background music selection!
When I first started playing guitar in middle school, my sister and mom were talking about Dokken. When I asked, “What’s Dokken?” they harshly replied, “If you don’t know Dokken, you should quit playing guitar.” That memory is still vivid for me, as I ended up renting Back for the Attack and listening to it intensely.
Looking back, I can’t help but wonder if Dokken’s recognition was really that high...

Introduction

Hard rock and heavy metal are diverse genres with many substyles, and the choice of guitar often depends on the specific direction you want to go.
In the 1970s hard rock scene, iconic guitars like the Les Paul, SG, and Stratocaster were widely used. By the 1980s, influenced by Van Halen, the Superstrat emerged—designed for better playability and a harder sound. Brands like Charvel and Jackson, which perfected their unique playability, became highly recognized even outside the HR/HM fan base.
Let’s take a look at guitars that were key to the 80s and 90s HR/HM music scenes.

Jackson / X Series Soloist SL3X DX Laurel Yellow Crackle

Can I start with such a cool guitar?
The Soloist from Jackson, a brand highly trusted by HR/HM guitarists, is part of the X Series, which combines classic design with excellent playability at an accessible price.
Its Yellow Crackle finish, SSH layout, Floyd Rose, and aggressive Concorde head bring back the atmosphere of the time so vividly that it’s almost tear-jerking. Of course, its playability and sound are outstanding. The through-neck, compound radius fretboard, and Jackson’s signature thin neck make you feel like you can play anything. All that’s left is practice.

⇒ List of Jackson X Series Guitars

Jackson / JS22 DKA Satin Black

If you’re just starting out, this is the one for you!
With iconic features like the Concorde head and sharkfin inlays that are synonymous with Jackson guitars, this model offers an incredible price.
The dual humbucker layout is perfect for HR/HM.
If you’re thinking, “I want to do some intense whammy action with a Floyd Rose!” then this model might be for you.

■ Jackson / JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS32 DKA Amaranth Satin Black

Charvel / Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 1 HH FR E Ebony Lime Green Metallic

This guitar has the unmistakable Superstrat style, with a sleek, refined design that cuts out any unnecessary elements. It’s so cool that back in my school days, I was so inspired by this style that I built two replica models—this is how much I love this guitar.
Naturally, it comes equipped with jumbo frets and a compound radius fingerboard, providing an exceptional playing experience. Compared to the Soloist mentioned earlier, the neck on this guitar is slightly thicker, making it ideal for those who prefer a chunkier, more grip-friendly neck!

⇒ List of Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Guitars

EVH / Frankenstein Relic Series Maple FB Red

This model, known as the Frankenstein Relic, is a cool take on the classic, without the familiar stripes, and instead, features a matte finish with relic treatment.
I personally like this understated design—it doesn’t scream for attention as much. Playing a guitar that everyone immediately associates with Eddie on stage can be a bit nerve-wracking, right? (haha)
This model is equipped with the highly regarded Wolfgang Humbucking pickup in the bridge position, offering a blend of warmth and sharpness that makes it an absolute joy to play!

Of course, if you’re looking for the iconic striped design, we’ve got you covered too!

■ EVH / Striped Series Frankie

Kramer / Baretta Bumblebee Yellow

We can’t talk about this genre without mentioning Kramer!
This unique style has graced the magazine covers countless times. For fans of LA metal, this model is irresistible, so there’s no need for me to say much more.

Conclusion

I’ve quickly gone over a few of my recommended guitars.
Looking back, they all seem quite similar, revealing just how subjective my selection was! Next time, I hope to introduce recommended models from each brand’s series.
Until then, see you in the next article!