Best Metal Guitars 2024
You can play metal on practically any guitar. That said, a fast neck, flat fretboard, locking tremolo system, and high-output pickups will point you firmly in the right direction. Below are our picks for Best Metal Guitars 2024 in three price ranges, from the best budget metal guitars to deluxe USA-made shred machines.
Fender Ultra Telecaster
Fender’s Ultra line has been a staple in their lineup for years. The Ultra name conjures up a luxury vibe, and that’s because the Ultra line represents the best of Fender’s American production line.
Fender American Ultra Luxe: Worth the upgrade?
When I first saw the Ultra Luxe name, I thought someone was getting creative describing the Ultra series. Then I realized that Ultra Luxe is an actual guitar line from Fender!
Ash vs. Alder Tone
Is Ash more resonant? Is Alder “warmer?” We’re going to throw our hat into the ring on Ash vs. Alder age-old debate, because at GK we like to help you read between the lines and help you ask the right questions.
Why Isn’t Maple Used More for Acoustic Guitars?
No tonewood commonly used for acoustic guitars has a greater status gap than maple. The back and sides of acoustic guitars have historically been constructed of Rosewood or Mahogany, with maple-bodied guitars being far less common. Why is this?
Thoughts on the CAGED System for Guitar
Some people love the CAGED system, and others do not. Some contend that a CAGED approach actually prevents people from making progress on the guitar. While I would not necessarily say that CAGED is harmful, there are some aspects of it that are troublesome.
Relic Guitars: Yes or No?
The Relic era started in the mid-90s in the Fender Custom Shop. And since then, guitarists have been arguing about Fender relic guitars, and relics in general. Some feel they are “fake authenticity” while others contend that relic jobs increase a guitar’s comfort by making it feel “broken-in.” Who is right?
Stainless Steel Frets
You’ve no doubt heard of the benefits of stainless steel fretwire, and maybe you’ve wondered: Are Stainless frets better? Are they a real improvement to Nickel Silver, or a solution looking for a problem?
Headless Guitars 2022: 5 Models You Should Know
The headless guitar is a thing again. No, they never really went away, but it’s clear they are enjoying a resurgence. Why in the world would you want a guitar without a headstock, anyway?
Guitar Fretboard Woods
Guitar fingerboard wood is both overlooked, and over-hyped. Which wood feels best? Which wood is the most durable? Does fretboard wood affect tone? In this article we’ll discuss our thoughts and (sometimes contrary) opinions on the most popular guitar fingerboard woods, and why you might choose one over another.
5 Cool Guitars from the 80s
The Hair Metal genre of the 1980s and early 90s is easily the most recognizable and distinct era in popular music, and their gear reflected it. Perhaps no other time in rock history required participants to be as consistent in the type of instrument they played. Here are five classic 80s guitars, and an example of who played them.
Flame Maple Top Guitars: Necessity or Indulgence?
Everyone wants a sweet flamed maple guitar top, right? We’ve all seen the dramatic maple tops, and some are so obsessed with them that they’d never consider a guitar without it. What is flame maple and why—or why not— might you want a flame maple guitar?
The “New-Vintage” Guitar Scam
What’s a 1995 Stratocaster Plus Deluxe worth? The answer is, obviously, as much as someone will pay for it. At 20+ years old, guitars like these are the “new vintage”. A quick check on Reverb indicates that prices for many 1990s era guitars are trending up. Let’s look at this phenomenon, because it’s an interesting situation.
Expensive Guitars—Are they worth it?
Strap yourself in because this question is in the Top 10 of guitarist’s most heated debates! And for good reason: It is here that people’s views on money, value, and disposable income clash in a heated exchange of opinions, web rumors, and hearsay.
Acoustic vs Electric guitar for a Beginner: Which is Best?
You love electric guitar, but you’ve also heard that acoustics are better for a beginner to learn on, and wondering if this is true. We’ll share reasons why you might want to choose one or the other for your first guitar.
Telecaster vs. Stratocaster
The Fender Telecaster and Fender Stratocaster are the two most popular guitar models in the world. If you are pondering the Strat vs. Tele question you’ve no doubt thought about which one is the right model for you.
Guitar Repair: How To Find a Good Shop
Every guitar we own will eventually require some level of attention. Finding a good guitar repair shop will save you time and money, as well as offer peace of mind, so it’s important to know what to look for when choosing a person to work on your instrument.