Let’s face it, there are a lot of guitars out there. Choosing the right guitar for the right style of music can help to create exactly the sound you are looking for. Conversely, choosing the wrong guitar can leave you looking and/or sounding like you don’t know what you are doing.
So, let’s take a look at what the best guitars are for four top musical categories: Rock, Jazz, Blues, and Country.
TL:DR – High-level grid of the guitars represented in the article below. (Click on the music genre link to jump to that section):
What are the best guitars for rock music?
Rock music encompasses a wide range of styles, from classic rock to hard rock and everything in between. The best guitars for playing rock music often have characteristics such as powerful pickups, solid build quality, and a versatile tonal range. Here are some guitars that are well-regarded for their suitability in rock genres:
- Gibson Les Paul:
- The Les Paul is a classic choice for rock, known for its thick, sustain-heavy sound.
- The dual humbucking pickups provide a powerful and warm tone.
- Popular models include the Gibson Les Paul Standard and Les Paul Custom.
- Fender Stratocaster:
- The Stratocaster is highly versatile and has been used in various rock genres.
- Single-coil pickups deliver a bright and clear tone, and the guitar is known for its comfortable contoured body.
- Iconic models include the Fender American Standard Stratocaster and Fender Player Stratocaster.
- Gibson SG:
- The SG is another Gibson classic favored in rock music, known for its lightweight design and aggressive tone.
- It often features dual humbuckers, making it suitable for hard rock and metal as well.
- Popular models include the Gibson SG Standard and SG Special.
- PRS Custom 24:
- The PRS Custom 24 is a versatile guitar that can handle a variety of rock styles.
- It combines modern features with a classic design and is known for its excellent playability.
- PRS guitars are favored by many rock and metal players.
- Ibanez RG Series:
- Ibanez RG guitars are known for their fast necks and are particularly popular in the hard rock and metal genres.
- They often feature humbucking pickups, double-locking tremolos, and sleek designs.
- The Ibanez RG550 and RG570 are examples of well-regarded models.
- Gretsch Jet Series:
- Gretsch guitars, known for their retro aesthetics, offer a unique sound in the rock context.
- The Gretsch Jet series, such as the G2622 Streamliner, provides a combination of classic style and rock-friendly tones.
- Epiphone Explorer:
- The Explorer is a bold and edgy design that has found a home in various rock and metal genres.
- Epiphone offers more affordable versions of the Gibson Explorer, making it accessible to a broader audience.
- Jackson Soloist:
- Jackson guitars are synonymous with metal, but models like the Soloist also excel in various rock styles.
- With hot humbuckers and a fast neck, the Soloist is suitable for players who like a sleek and aggressive feel.
When choosing a guitar for rock music, it’s essential to consider your specific preferences and the sub-genre of rock you’re interested in. Playability, tonal versatility, and the guitar’s overall feel are crucial factors to take into account. Additionally, trying out different models in person can help you find the one that resonates with your playing style.
What are the best guitars for jazz music?
Jazz music often demands a different set of qualities from a guitar compared to other genres. The best guitars for playing jazz typically have warm, mellow tones, excellent articulation, and a smooth playability. Here are some guitars that are well-suited for jazz:
- Gibson ES-175:
- The Gibson ES-175 is an iconic jazz guitar with a hollow body that produces a warm and resonant tone.
- It’s favored for its clarity and articulation, making it suitable for both traditional and modern jazz styles.
- Archtop Guitars (Various Brands):
- Archtop guitars, with their distinctive curved tops, are a staple in jazz. Brands like D’Angelico, Benedetto, and Eastman are known for producing high-quality archtops.
- These guitars are often fully hollow or have a small solid block inside, providing a rich and resonant sound.
- Ibanez LGB300 George Benson Signature:
- Designed in collaboration with jazz legend George Benson, this Ibanez model is known for its smooth playability and versatile tones.
- It features a hollow body with a solid block, combining the benefits of both archtop and solid-body designs.
- Heritage H-575:
- Heritage guitars, known for their connection to the Gibson legacy, produce quality jazz guitars.
- The Heritage H-575 is a full hollow body guitar that captures the classic jazz tones.
- Gretsch G6122-1962 Chet Atkins Country Gentleman:
- While Gretsch is often associated with rockabilly, certain models, like the Chet Atkins Country Gentleman, are favored in jazz.
- It has a semi-hollow body and Filter’Tron pickups, delivering a unique and warm sound.
- Godin 5th Avenue Kingpin:
- The Godin 5th Avenue series offers affordable yet high-quality jazz guitars.
- With a fully hollow body, P-90 pickups, and vintage styling, it’s a great option for those on a budget.
- Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor II:
- Named after the legendary jazz guitarist Joe Pass, this Epiphone model is known for its affordability and jazz-friendly tones.
- It has a laminated maple body, providing the warm resonance typical of jazz guitars.
- D’Angelico EX-SS:
- D’Angelico guitars have a strong presence in the jazz world, and the EX-SS is no exception.
- With its semi-hollow body and floating mini-humbuckers, it delivers a classic jazz sound.
When choosing a jazz guitar, consider factors such as the guitar’s body type (hollow, semi-hollow, or archtop), the type of pickups it has, and your personal preferences in terms of playability and tonal characteristics. Jazz guitarists often appreciate instruments with a balanced and nuanced sound that can complement the complexity of jazz chords and improvisations.
What are the best guitars for blues music?
Blues music demands a guitar with a soulful, expressive tone and the ability to convey the emotion and nuance inherent in the genre. Here are some guitars that are well-suited for playing blues:
- Fender Stratocaster:
- The Stratocaster’s single-coil pickups provide a bright, clear tone that suits both clean and overdriven blues styles.
- The contoured body and smooth neck make it comfortable for playing extended periods.
- Gibson Les Paul:
- Known for its thick, sustain-heavy sound, the Les Paul is a favorite for blues rock players.
- The dual humbucking pickups deliver a warm, full tone ideal for both clean and distorted blues.
- Fender Telecaster:
- The Telecaster‘s twangy, articulate single-coil pickups make it a versatile choice for blues.
- It’s particularly favored for its clarity in both clean and slightly overdriven settings.
- Gibson ES-335:
- The semi-hollow body of the ES-335 provides a rich, resonant tone that works well for blues.
- It offers a balance between the warmth of a hollow body and the sustain of a solid body.
- PRS SE Custom 22:
- PRS guitars, including the SE Custom 22, are known for their versatility and playability.
- With a combination of humbucking pickups, it’s capable of delivering the smooth tones needed for blues.
- Epiphone Sheraton II:
- The Sheraton II, with its semi-hollow body and humbucking pickups, is a budget-friendly option for blues players.
- It offers warm tones and a distinctive look.
- Gretsch G2622 Streamliner:
- Gretsch guitars, known for their vintage aesthetics, can produce the twangy tones suitable for blues.
- The Streamliner series provides affordability without sacrificing quality.
- Ibanez Artcore AS73:
- The Artcore series from Ibanez offers affordable semi-hollow body guitars that are well-suited for blues.
- The AS73, in particular, is known for its warm tones and smooth playability.
- B.B. King Lucille (Gibson or Epiphone):
- Named after the legendary B.B. King, the Lucille models offer the smooth and expressive tones associated with the blues icon.
- Both Gibson and Epiphone produce versions of the Lucille.
- National Reso-Phonic Style O:
- For those interested in resonator guitars, the National Reso-Phonic Style O is a classic choice.
- It provides the distinctive, twangy sound associated with resonators and is great for slide playing in blues.
When selecting a guitar for blues, consider the tonal characteristics, playability, and your personal preferences. Whether you prefer the warmth of a hollow or semi-hollow body, the bite of single-coil pickups, or the richness of humbuckers, there’s a blues guitar out there to suit your style. Additionally, experimenting with different amplifiers and settings can further shape your blues sound.
What are the best guitars for country music?
Country music often involves a mix of styles, including traditional country, country rock, and contemporary country. The best guitars for playing country music typically have a bright and twangy tone, good sustain, and comfortable playability. Here are some guitars that are well-suited for playing country:
- Fender Telecaster:
- The Telecaster is a classic choice for country music, known for its bright and twangy single-coil pickups.
- Its simplicity and versatility make it suitable for various sub-genres within country music.
- Gibson Les Paul Junior:
- The Les Paul Junior, with its P-90 single-coil pickup, offers a punchy and clear tone that can work well for country.
- It’s a more straightforward and affordable option within the Les Paul lineup.
- Gretsch G5420T Electromatic:
- Gretsch guitars, with their vintage aesthetics, are popular in country music.
- The G5420T, with its hollow body and Filter’Tron pickups, provides a distinctive and twangy sound.
- Fender Stratocaster:
- The Stratocaster’s versatility extends to country music, especially in settings where a smoother, bluesy approach is incorporated.
- The combination of single-coil pickups and a contoured body makes it suitable for various country styles.
- PRS Silver Sky:
- Designed in collaboration with John Mayer, the Silver Sky is a versatile guitar that can cover a range of genres, including country.
- It offers modern playability with a vintage-inspired design.
- Gibson ES-335:
- The semi-hollow body of the ES-335 can provide a warm and resonant tone, making it suitable for certain country styles.
- It’s a great choice for those who want a balance between the sustain of a solid body and the warmth of a hollow body.
- Ibanez TCM50 Talman:
- The Ibanez Talman series, including the TCM50, offers a blend of traditional and modern design.
- It’s known for its bright tone and slim neck, making it a comfortable option for country players.
- Epiphone Casino:
- The Casino, with its fully hollow body, is favored for its lively and resonant sound.
- It can work well in country settings, especially when a more vintage or rockabilly vibe is desired.
- G&L ASAT Classic:
- The G&L ASAT Classic is a Telecaster-inspired guitar with some modern enhancements.
- It provides a classic twangy tone and excellent build quality.
- Taylor T5z Classic:
- The Taylor T5z is a versatile hybrid guitar that can produce acoustic and electric tones.
- It’s suitable for country players who want a range of sounds in one instrument.
When choosing a guitar for country music, consider the specific sub-genre and style you’re aiming for. Traditional country may favor twangy single-coil pickups, while country rock might benefit from a mix of single-coils and humbuckers. Ultimately, personal preference and comfort with the instrument play a significant role in finding the right guitar for your country music needs.
Wrap Up
With all the various brands, styles, and preferences out there, this is certainly not a fully comprehensive list. However, it should help you get a good idea of what guitar to buy if you are thinking about playing a specific style of music.
Happy strumming and drop me a note below to let me know what I missed!
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