Top 12 Guitars for Heavy Metal! Countdown of Affordable + Custom USA Models

[@mouadgranderson9618]

He was straight up flexing on us on the Jackson clip

[@Sorryhurtsgazing]

The riffs he’s playing sound like death/slayer songs

[@mudfightmaster4275]

death tone

[@jasonmcmillan4373]

The sound, the riffing, was metal as hell, no matter which guitar was being played!

[@b-ryetheguitarguy780]

This guitar tone reminds me of Chuck Schuldiner's tone on the sound of perserverance; it sounds good!

[@shannonwyatt1286]

Damn dude thank you for spotting that out...I could not pinpoint that tone...it was erking me.

[@somethinburnin]

I know Chuck used a BC Rich Stealth with a DiMarzio X2N pickup. Marshall Valvestate amps.

[@adriantorres3303]

Lol I knew it sounded familiar but couldn't place it. Yup death all the way.

[@vincentzombi3916]

Death and chuck forever 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@CatherineLee3000]

@@vincentzombi3916, HELL YE!!!!

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

Jackson, ESP, and Ibanez rule for metal guitars. Love love my custom shop Jackson Soloist.

[@Fragments_Ov_Shattered_Malice_]

What about bc rich

[@Fragments_Ov_Shattered_Malice_]

It’s just one of my opinions. For death metal style guitars. But every body has an opinion about what they think is good for metal

[@lunarwave1975]

Schecter is also

[@therealjackfisher]

thats because you are a kid. these are shitty guitar forms.

[@alexandershaer1079]

Renaissance Man and Schecter

[@fireemblemistrash75]

That Jackson V riff was beautiful

[@lolilover69_86]

Im A Very Bad Virus Anime is gay

[@3badthebad]

CuzImCalvin _ no u

[@KevinGsWK]

@@lolilover69_86 OK boomer

[@Scottocaster6668]

Agreed 👍

[@jjod123]

@@lolilover69_86 Its a game though....

[@DiscoD777]

I don't think I have ever seen this many Kahler trems in one collection

[@tk4x431]

I have seen more kahlers in this video than I have seen in my whole life

[@r1too]

I have a Kahler on one of mine, I thought I was the only one.

[@THRASHMETALFUNRIFFS]

@@r1too Lol, I got one in mine too... The Korean 80's V!

[@paultrevino2645]

Your tone is absolutely insane! Reminds me of mid 80's and 90's metal. I kept watching not only for the guitars, but the metal sound.

[@Scottocaster6668]

Looks like the Jackson V is the one you feel most comfortable playing. You looked more relaxed playing it too. Plus, it sounded awesome. I enjoyed this 👌

[@THRASHMETALFUNRIFFS]

You like JAckson V's?!?

[@Scottocaster6668]

@@THRASHMETALFUNRIFFS But of course.

[@juggaloman1315]

Jackson is my go to next to dean

[@kashpatterson7674]

my guitar is a jackson king v js32t its awesome

[@Sl33zytheclown]

I was about to say Jackson get a lot of hate. Then I saw the first comment. I love Jackson's. I'm glad a could get a badass looking guitar, at a great price. But I would also love that Hemer V with the Kahler. Another guitar part that gets a lot of hate. Tho, i think it's the players that suck.

[@milmech4376]

best guitar channel hands down

[@Mega-P71]

ESP is by far my favorite brand of guitars. Absolutely kill it

[@DanielRodriguez-eh1qd]

Lead Guitarist just got a MH1000NT a few weeks ago. Awesome guitar. I love both ESP and Ibanez equally however the original Wizard necks do help Ibanez sway me a bit more.

[@Wheresthepepsibismol]

@@DanielRodriguez-eh1qd I'm not a Ibanez fan because of all the superstrats but the xiphlos is badass and pointy which redeems Ibanez imo.

[@JTreml95]

Just bought an arrow-1000 a few months ago and its amazing, it specs out like a 1,800 guitar and plays beautifully for a great price.

[@ciaindeed8657]

Since Pantera was Glam back then, that riff on his Razorback was both sick and applicable

[@bibana06]

@Kenneth Miles Their 4 first albums are considered to be part of their glam area. But I agree that Power Metal (1988) was heavy, not glam. And it was the first album with Anselmo on vocals. They hired him because they had already decided to change their style.

[@cornholio1354]

Do you know what song he played?

[@GabeyFaron887]

Hamer is one of the most underrated metal guitars ever!

[@Maorsol]

Man those riffs are simply great one after one

[@thekaizer666]

a moment of silence, for those of us whom had absolutely no idea what the difference is...

[@alexn8626]

The Jackson V riff/mini solo was insane..... Mad slayer vibes. I'd really appreciate a tutorial haha

[@kevrokka.d.9749]

Glad to see B.C. Rich win. I'm biased as hell. lol Great playing as usual and informative.

[@gregfarian7089]

As am I, check out www.rocktilludrop.com my store, reach out to me, if you want a new one. join my groups get big discounts!!

[@charliecooper5354]

I'm hearing a lot of Death in these riffs, good work as usual!!!

[@SvenTviking]

Anything will play metal with the right pickups and amp.

[@Wheresthepepsibismol]

Yep I got the And Justice For All tone with a cheap strat and just a cheap amp with a boss DS-1. Some cheap gear is versatile and I prefer cheap gear because I'm usually on a budget because I'm on disability.

[@droksbeel]

@@Wheresthepepsibismol you know what they say, rock with what you got. Im rockin with a marshall origin 50 boosted with a boss hm 2 and a jackson pro rainbow crackle. Rock on dude 🤘🤘🤘

[@duncandistortion]

8:33 I couldn't stop laughing.

[@abstract0014]

It just sounds funny

[@valentinivanov1679]

You can really hear the dime sound in the dean

[@iheartnitro4845]

Do you know what song that is?

[@adriansmith76]

man i'm obsessed with 1:07 ! i can genuinely 'hear' the song around that riff in my head. That's got some proper energy and power to it.

[@gbirdo4718]

adriansmith76 I was going to say the same thing. I’m a drummer and wana strange the riffs into a song.

[@FinalFight323]

glad to see you making vids! your classic vids were invaluable when i was getting started as a player 10 years ago

[@dmometalguitar]

Thanks man. Time flies... It feels like yesterday when I posted my very first KZbin video.

[@patchuez]

This sounds all too familiar to Chuck Schuldiner's tone and playing!

[@caolan8081]

My favourite guitarist of all time. Died far too young

[@capitalgains76]

🫡

[@TheRustedShackleford]

Love the BC Rich collection! The prices of those things have gone through the roof in recent years.

[@Wheresthepepsibismol]

Yeah even the cheap bronze series BC Rich wartribes have gone up on ebay and reverb.

[@brucemcneill6224]

Ok, luthier here. Dude you have great taste in guitars! I’m impressed at how many Kahlers you have. Really enjoyed your video and your obvious passion for fine craftsmanship and your playing. Thank you.

[@addicted2tone349]

That BC Rich NJ V is sexy as hell and sounds killer!

[@edorissen]

The bich and mockingbird were even better!

[@grxwcannabis]

I love that heavy tone. I'm look fo that one

[@Wheresthepepsibismol]

EMG's make anything sound more brutal that's why I want to put a EMG 81 in my slivertone strat to make it sound brutal.

[@gardenixu9291]

Bold of you to assume I won't just buy the cheapest one.

[@jakecornett5083]

Which one is cheapest? Tell me your secret I have a Jackson Rhoads in black and white striping on the ends

[@mariolovenjak5696]

@@jakecornett5083 js32 or something more expensive? I have a completely black js32 king v

[@benjimusicandgamimg9773]

JS32 king v isn’t in this video, he’s playing the £3000 USA select king v

[@mariolovenjak5696]

@@benjimusicandgamimg9773 ik

[@skyline2601]

@@jakecornett5083 Joke's on you I have a JS12 Jackson, I'm the king of cheap guitars

[@Owen_plays_music1049]

The BC Rich Bich and LTD JH-600 sounds badass

[@ramonguerra841]

Dude I’m literally mind blown right now your riffage is fucking brutally amazing it really inspires me to keep picking my guitar up no joke 🤘🏽

[@user-vm7jl2mf2h]

That winner BC rich is also my dream guitar!

[@wizrom3046]

That red Hamer V had superb tone. 👍👍 Second place the black LTD junior 👍

[@akometiyal]

I remember too many years ago when I saw your review about the jr v, I decided to get a guitar, found that one. Then I watched your review countless times, and decided to go for it. Thanks to you, I have one of the best choices I took in life!!!! I appreciate your work and specific attention to details. Cheers my friend!!!! And thanks again!!!

[@THRASHMETALFUNRIFFS]

That's a SickA$$ guitar man!

[@Metallicainjection]

Amazing set of riffs. Raw and powerful ! Do a tutorial on these riffs

[@humanperson3779]

The riff he played on the Razorback had a real Pantera ballad feel to it, nicely done

[@thomasbater3927]

dude i've seen this video like a 100 times because i love your riffs

[@slaughttur]

That's a great collection of guitars you have there. Killer riffs, killer guitars and killer video!

[@lilfetus554]

The Bc rich is 😍

[@AimiliosM]

Good job, this reminds me your old stuff.

[@metal571]

Man, I've been subscribed for over a decade now I think. Please never stop making videos. Your playing and tone is seriously incredible, love this channel.

[@Fedethedangerous95]

Seeing some of these guitars and hearing some of these riffs brings me years back... Nice video man and I really appreciate the tone, but I'd like to suggest you to choose a simpler tone with not much processing when you're comparing guitars, because in this case it was hard to tell the differences

[@dmometalguitar]

That's a good comment. The digital era of VSTs, as you can hear, make pickup mods and other changes not as relevant as they used to be. I'd say the primary "natural" difference between these guitars is the overall EQ and crunch. The Gibson Explorer, for example, has a little bit of a richer bass tone compared to the others. The BC Rich Jr. V has really a strong, screaming mid, and so on.

[@Fedethedangerous95]

dmometalguitar Yep, I noticed a bit of a difference too, also some guitars like the Hamer king V had noticeably lower output

[@lorenzodinatale4919]

each guitar sounds absolutely incredible

[@michadr3738]

Great Riffs Bro 🤘🔥🔥

[@CarcassGrater]

Your Mockingbird is GORGEOUS! What a fine specimen!!!

[@oliveiradavigustavo]

This is the "and justice for all" tone!

[@jared305]

it really isn’t...

[@TaahaAhmed]

Hey! I remember watching your original videos back in the day!!!!! Glad to see you are still making videos!

[@localfn]

우리나라가 묵묵히 기타 제작에 매진해 왔죠~ 비록 브랜드는 외국 꺼지만 기술력 만큼은 세계 정상급이라는 걸 알아주시니 괜히 기분 좋습니다~ 한국의 많은 자체 브랜드들도 언젠가는 세계 무대에서 인정받을 거라고 믿습니다~! 좋은 영상 잘 보고 갑니다~!^^

[@gpgpgpgp1000]

You seem to like the Kahler bridges. I have one on my '85 Carvin DC200, and I love it!

[@demisemedia]

When I was younger I wanted a Jackson so bad but after trying out a few I wasn't impressed. The necks were too wide and they all sounded flat & hallow when plugged into an amp. Then, I tried B.C. Rich guitars & loved them! I currently have a B.C. Rich Bich "Oynx" neck through in black with ebony fret board. The fret board is comfortable and very smooth. Love it

[@Wheresthepepsibismol]

I'm less disappointed in Dean even though the pickups in my Dean VX are kind of dog doo doo which I'm going to put the het set in it soon.

[@grahf9436]

I absolutely love the Jackson RR1. Nothing beats it in my opinion for metal.

[@tavicotavio]

Its like the last time this guy listened to metal metalica still played thrash metal

[@THRASHMETALFUNRIFFS]

You like THRASH?!?!

[@tavicotavio]

@@THRASHMETALFUNRIFFS yes indeed

[@tavicotavio]

@@THRASHMETALFUNRIFFS my style on guitar is heavily inspired by pantera metalica megadeth gojira and death

[@RcMicroFlyer]

WOW man! The legend is back! Your riffs are absolutely KILLER, as ever. Welcome back!

[@stevec6965]

i was hoping to see a Washburn Dime in there. Still great stuff man.

[@johnnyknowles6642]

I came for the guitars. Stayed for the riffs. And got my answer of which pick ups to use. EMG 81/85

[@trevorshear7737]

Is it me or everyone else too.Just an opinion that nothing can beat the Jackson.

[@Padre619]

I did bass lessons at guitar center with a random Jackson, my bass teacher looks at me and says "You really are a metal kid." And I was like "Eh I just picked whatever one was the darkest color" so I guess they are that fuckin metal

[@THRASHMETALFUNRIFFS]

NOthing!!

[@andrewpappas9311]

That Hamer Phantom screams Judas Priest (maybe because Glenn Tipton was known for playing one) and I liked it, this was freaking killer dude. Those riffs sounded really damn good

[@calebbrown8164]

at first i thought you were just playing slayer riffs, as all of them are inspired by/sound like something slayer would play, plus the guitar collection. but after reading the comments i realized these are your riffs and that made it so much cooler. never heard of you or seen your vids but i’m definitely gonna follow up u now, even though my way of playing is much more chuggier and heavy palm muting on low strings in low tunings. keep up the great content

[@mdavis2703]

I've been watching your videos for a long time and just realised your back. Now I have to catch up on the new ones. They always make me want to rush home from work and rock my guitars.

[@sonusworld5357]

What about the Jackson Kelly and Warrior bro and the Star Shape- The Gus G model ?

[@fenrirblack6661]

Gibson Flying V for the first position

[@Ghaos]

Your riffs are killer btw (loved #5). Do you have the full versions posted anywhere?

[@grausamkeitgoetterkrieg9455]

That riff in your Razorback , damn absolute Killer

[@cornholio1354]

What riff is it?

[@Wheresthepepsibismol]

@@cornholio1354 one life it's a song the guy created

[@amirdavarzani4367]

I watched your videos 3 years ago.... and they videos shocked me... and then inspired me a lot.... You play so hot and amazing bro... Thanks a lot man!

[@philippp.3339]

That Explorer...a beast, best sounding in my opinion

[@rejy223]

Yep would love a 8 string explorer

[@ButtahDawgMcDouble]

I can tell that a lot of those riffs were Death influenced

[@morbidxoneq2013]

Didn't know this dude was still around. fucking legend.

[@D-Man_Jam]

13:11 It's not just Korean guitars. There are MIJ guitars, MIM guitars, really guitars from any country that can be better than a decent MIA guitar.

[@altermann1ify]

Just bought your Dark Fragments album on Itunes, man. Can't wait to sit down and listen to it. :)

[@woolgum]

I’ve played metal for almost 30 years. Fender American strat is my best for metal. Modded with HS pickups of course. I also love ESP Eclipse and ibanez Rg550 and ESP/LTD viper. I think anything can do metal, just find a guitar you really like to play and put in great pickups and have it setup well. And btw, one of my all time favorite guitar to play was a Chinese made Epiphone SG. Seriously! It was great except for the crappy pickups.

[@THRASHMETALFUNRIFFS]

HHAHAHAA, ok man, seriously... LOLOL he said Fk'n STRAT! Good one, satire is thick here bro!

[@woolgum]

THRASH METAL & FUN RIFFS please explain why a strat won’t work for metal in your opinion. As I said I’ve tried many “metal” guitars and the basic difference is the pickups. It’s often the same scale length. And as I said I’ve changed pickups to high out put. Please enlighten me why I can’t do what I already do.

[@THRASHMETALFUNRIFFS]

@@woolgum I was just being a jerk for some reason, I know people set up strats for metal... I'm not a fan of mods just to make it do something else, why not get one with humbuckers and a whammy already and not spend a bunch extra?

[@woolgum]

THRASH METAL & FUN RIFFS it’s my favorite guitar, why not set it up to my favorite music as well? Don’t be a jerk. :)

[@THRASHMETALFUNRIFFS]

@@woolgum Well deserved, I apologize /w\/w\

[@thomaslee9879]

I agree with you Korean Guitars & Basses are great, My B.C. Rich NJ Warlock, is a great guitar it stays in tune, My B.C. Rich NJ Beast Bass is also great, My LTD Tom Araya 5 string Bass is great all made in Korea

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

I would call a three way tie between BC Rich USA custom, ESP Custom and Jackson custom shop for best metal guitars.

[@MrWabalicious]

Fantastic tone and playing, some great guitars there too.

[@louisphilippeallas3241]

Pretty solid collection! 👍🏾 Sound quality wise, that Dime Razorback deserved to be higher on the list.

[@suhaaskaravadi9112]

Visiting your channel after your decade! I used to binge watch your comparison / educational videos back then. I was watching some metal guitar review and then I remembered you. Good to see that you still that you're active again and even better that you crank out those sick metal riffs! (Also, I see you haven't let your line6 amp go lol)

[@bradlord4440]

I think Ibanez also deserves a spot in that countdown!but anyways I really luv the LTD JH-600.that headstock ses it all!also the headstock on the Jackson and razorback.those are killer headstocks!🤘🏻

[@Wargasm644]

Someone is a Kahler fan 😂

[@crimsontowerfullmoon8646]

I my self am a big fan of Kahler, it's like driving a Lexus))

[@Wargasm644]

crimsontower fullmoon All of my 80’s guitars had Kahlers. I never understood why they got crushed by Floyd so dominantly. I’m glad to see them back in the game.

[@dmometalguitar]

Except the winner has a Floyd Rose 😂

[@Wargasm644]

dmometalguitar I have a number of Floyd’s on my guitars. As long as they are OFR or Korean 1000’s series, you’ll be good to go. The “specials” can be decent too if you upgrade springs and dial it in properly. I’m just glad kahler is back in the game. Competition can only create innovation 🤘🏻

[@grxwcannabis]

That bc rich tho

[@suserman7775]

I don't know much about metal or about these guitars. All I know is that these riffs are awesome.

[@hunterutterback5480]

How does one make such a badass tone? I love it so much.

[@agustinmartinez3000]

My recomendation for begginers is the ibanez rg350dxz, less than 500 dollara i think, and the pickups sound pretty decent and it has a good tremolo on it, the perfect guitar in my opinion for someone who wants an all-in-one guita

[@dr.fruityboots4706]

Great list, you have some beautiful guitars. I’m a bc rich bass player and have been sold on bc rich for 30 years now and I’m 110% metal lol

[@ipokambos]

this tone is perfect

[@dime4ever546]

This Razorback🤤 Such amazing!

[@brianwhitmore3985]

Best guitar channel for metal heads. No bullshit and he shreds

[@NitroModelsAndComics]

Good to see another Kahler officianado. I have had one on my 84 Explorer for 37 years now and it has never let me down once. I went through the whole soldering the strings, then using the D'addario special Karler sets. In the end I jst throw a set of 9-42 Slinkys on it and Ive yet to have an issue. Nice collection of fiddles ya got there.

[@danielbones9090]

Dude your riffs and playing are top notch 🙏 sick!

[@JAV619]

Proud owner of a JrV along with a NJ Neck thru, some Jackson RRs and a Dean V. Although mine is highly modified, spot on review: The Perfect Guitar.

[@williamthomas5780]

Not much for flutter... I LOVED the flutter! GREAT use of it. That was badass. Yup.

[@tobyhubler9902]

I have a B.C. Rich Mockingbird. The most metal sounding guitar I ever owned.

[@anthonyvolpe5206]

You need a SOLAR guitar in your inventory...They look and sound awesome...a guitar player and KZbinr owns the company...Ola England...His sound and guitar tone he gets is epic...give it look..

[@warhead5809]

Love the riffs from Dark Fragments album. Killer stuff!

[@1Blastarr]

Beautiful Guitars but, I never had a lot of money but, the Kramer ST600 Striker I bought when I was 18, I still have and love, I think it should be up there too.

[@LoudPxckk]

idk how many times im gonna replay this video to hear this dude shred, on at least 150

[@LoudPxckk]

200

[@LoudPxckk]

700

[@keysersoze1545]

Tone and riffs sound like slayer 🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@LoudPxckk]

Man dat sound at 2:45 is crazy

[@pogchamp7983]

They all sound exactly the same just some are slightly brighter, some have mids scooped a tiny bit. And you can just change that with EQ anyway.

[@theabsolute23]

I think this video is more about build quality of the guitars rather than their sound.

[@sweatsoloz9924]

I need to learn how to play the Dean Razorback riff your playing man

[@xiritvs]

I moved strap button from the horn to the neck heel on my Bich and it solved the problem of neck dive. I have a different model of Bich, though, so it's probably balanced a bit differently.

[@udinbata]

NIce to have yo back !... Im a big fan of your active/passive pickup comparison few years back!

[@griiseknoen]

Very good video. Your precise timing and intonation makes me enjoy your *playing* just as much as I enjoy hearing the different guitars.

[@LeoM-zt3pl]

And the best one is your kerry king wartribe. I own the same one bought it new in 2009. 10/10 quality