When it comes to hard rock and heavy metal, the guitar isn’t just an instrument—it’s a weapon. From skull-crushing riffs to face-melting solos, the right axe in the right hands has defined the sound and attitude of rock’s greatest legends. Some guitars are iconic because of the players who wielded them, while others became legendary due to their unmistakable tone, jaw-dropping design, or groundbreaking innovation. Let’s crank up the volume and dive into the best guitars ever used in hard rock and metal history.
1. Gibson Les Paul – The Heavyweight Champion
Who Played It:
- Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin)
- Slash (Guns N’ Roses)
- Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne, Black Label Society)
Why It’s Legendary:
The Gibson Les Paul is the definition of a hard rock machine. With its thick mahogany body and dual humbuckers, this beast delivers a rich, warm tone with sustain for days. Jimmy Page made it sing with bluesy fire, while Slash’s 1987 sunburst model became the face of ‘80s rock. Zakk Wylde took it even further with his signature bullseye design, proving the Les Paul could handle pure sonic destruction.
2. Fender Stratocaster – The Shredder’s Playground
Who Played It:
- Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple, Rainbow)
- Yngwie Malmsteen
- Dave Murray (Iron Maiden)
Why It’s Legendary:
The Fender Stratocaster may have started as a blues and rock ‘n’ roll staple, but it quickly found a home in metal. Ritchie Blackmore showed how a Strat could wail with surgical precision, while Yngwie Malmsteen pushed it into classical-influenced shredding territory. Its comfortable body shape and single-coil clarity make it a versatile weapon for those who demand speed and precision.
3. Gibson SG – The Devil’s Guitar
Who Played It:
- Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath)
- Angus Young (AC/DC)
- Derek Trucks (blues/rock, but still legendary)
Why It’s Legendary:
With its sinister double-cutaway horns, the Gibson SG practically looks like it was made for heavy metal. Tony Iommi, the godfather of metal, wielded his SG to craft the genre’s earliest doomy riffs. Angus Young turned it into a hard rock icon, duck-walking across stages while delivering electrifying licks. The lightweight body and searing humbuckers make the SG a natural fit for high-energy playing.
4. Jackson Randy Rhoads – The Ultimate Metal Axe
Who Played It:
- Randy Rhoads (Ozzy Osbourne)
- Alexi Laiho (Children of Bodom)
- Phil Demmel (Machine Head, Vio-Lence)
Why It’s Legendary:
Randy Rhoads worked directly with Jackson Guitars to create a new breed of metal axe, and the result was a game-changer. The aggressive V-shape design, lightning-fast neck, and high-output pickups made it perfect for neo-classical shredding and bone-crushing riffage. Alexi Laiho took it into the extreme metal world, proving its legacy lives on.
5. ESP Eclipse – The Modern Metal Machine
Who Played It:
- James Hetfield (Metallica)
- Bill Kelliher (Mastodon)
- Richard Z. Kruspe (Rammstein)
Why It’s Legendary:
The ESP Eclipse is a modern take on the single-cut powerhouse. James Hetfield adopted it for its crushing tone and rock-solid tuning stability, essential for Metallica’s relentless rhythms. Its sharp edges and aggressive styling make it a go-to for modern metal warriors who need precision and power.
6. Ibanez JEM – The Shredder’s Dream
Who Played It:
- Steve Vai
- Paul Gilbert
- Herman Li (DragonForce)
Why It’s Legendary:
Designed for ultimate speed and playability, the Ibanez JEM, with its signature monkey grip handle and scalloped frets, was built for virtuosos. Steve Vai used it to craft otherworldly tones and blistering solos, while Paul Gilbert and Herman Li showcased its capabilities in speed metal and technical wizardry.
7. Dean ML – The Dimebag Special
Who Played It:
- Dimebag Darrell (Pantera, Damageplan)
- Michael Amott (Arch Enemy)
- Dave Mustaine (Megadeth, early years)
Why It’s Legendary:
No guitar screams metal quite like the Dean ML. Dimebag Darrell made it famous, using his signature lightning-finished ML to unleash some of the heaviest riffs ever recorded. The guitar’s aggressive body shape and scorching tone make it a favorite for those who want to channel pure brutality.
8. B.C. Rich Warlock – The Metal Monster
Who Played It:
- Kerry King (Slayer)
- Mick Mars (Mötley Crüe)
- Paolo Gregoletto (Trivium, bass version)
Why It’s Legendary:
The Warlock is the ultimate “look at me” guitar. With its jagged, demonic design, it was built for metal. Kerry King used it to create Slayer’s savage thrash attack, while Mick Mars wielded it during Mötley Crüe’s heaviest moments. If you want a guitar that looks and sounds like pure evil, this is it.
Final Chords: Why These Guitars Matter
The best guitars in rock and metal history are more than just tools; they’re symbols of rebellion, power, and raw energy. Each of these axes has helped define a generation of headbangers, inspiring new waves of players to pick up their own guitars and unleash their inner shredder.
What’s your favorite guitar of all time? Drop a comment and let’s keep the metal spirit alive! Stay metal ~ Jason