Discover the truth: Are Jackson guitars good for metal?
Every once in a while you come across a question that seems self-explanatory.
Are Jackson guitars good for metal?
At first glance, the answer seems to be obviously yes!
But why are Jackson guitars good for metal?
Simply put, they’re designed to be good for metal.
From their focus on easy playability to their choice of pickups, Jackson guitars are intended to be good for metal.
As further proof, some of the biggest heavy metal guitar players have played Jackson guitars at one time or another.
To make it easier for you to choose a Jackson guitar, we’ve researched the best Jackson guitars for metal and reviewed the best ones available today.
Check it out!
Are Jackson Guitars Good for Metal?: Best Overall
Jackson X Series King V KVXMG
Are you looking for a Jackson that delivers intense tones, extreme playability, and is built to be a metal machine? Then check out the Jackson X Series King V KVXMG.
It features a poplar body in Jacksons King V shape with a satin black finish and black hardware so it has a very metal look, an intense shape, and produces warm, full tones that are perfect for playing metal,
The bound maple neck has a compound radius of 12″-16″ as well as a through-body design which means it delivers enhanced resonance and sustain and is as easy to play chords at the nut as it is to play notes at the higher frets.
With 24 jumbo frets and Pearloid Sharkfin inlays, the laurel fretboard has an aggressive look and provides a full 2-octave playing range as well as a balanced tone.
The active pickups are both from EMG and deliver a balanced tone with clear mids, smooth highs, and gut-wrenching lows. Plus, the 3-way pickup selector switch combines with a master volume knob and a master tone knob to let dial in your preferred sound.
Finally, the Floyd Rose Special double-locking tremolo ensures advanced playability as well as solid tuning stability.
Pros
- Also Available in Slime Green with Black Bevels
Cons
- Slime Green Model More Expensive
As you can see, the Jackson X Series King V KVXMG has the dark looks, enhanced playability, and aggressive tones of a metal machine.
We think you’ll find it’s the perfect guitar for anyone who wants a Jackson guitar that’s been designed to play metal.
Why wait? Click here and get yours now.
Are Jackson Guitars Good for Metal?: Best Budget
Jackson JS Series Dinky JS11
Are you interested in a Jackson guitar that has high-powered looks, is very affordable, and is perfect for playing metal? Then check out the Jackson JS Series Dinky JS11.
It features a Dinky-shaped body made of poplar with a bolt-on neck and a gloss finish so it has a classic metal look, a body that’s designed to be easy to play, and delivers plenty of resonance and sustain.
The maple neck features graphite reinforcement and a scarf joint as well as a radius of 12″ which means it provides excellent stability, a versatile playing surface, and adds to the resonance of your tone.
With 22 jumbo frets and Pearloid dot inlays, the amaranth fretboard has a simple look and makes playing bends and chording effortless.
The two Jackson High-Output humbuckers at the neck and bridge positions deliver crisp clear tones with lots of bottom end so they’re great for playing metal.
Finally, the 2-point fulcrum tremolo allows you to add some vibrato to your playing while still ensuring solid tuning stability.
Pros
- Available in 4 Colors
Cons
- Plastic Nut
As you can see, the Jackson JS Series Dinky JS11 delivers the looks, tones, and playability of a metal guitar at a very affordable price.
We think you’ll find that its simple controls, straightforward design, and easy playability make it a great choice for a budget-minded metal guitarist.
Don’t miss out! Click here and get yours now.
Are Jackson Guitars Good for Metal?: Best Runner-Up
Jackson X Series Dinky DK2XR
Are you looking for a Jackson guitar that has serious looks, versatile features, and tones that are perfect for playing metal? Then check out the Jackson X Series Dinky DK2XR.
It features a Dinky-shaped body made of poplar with a bolt-on neck and a gloss finish so it’s designed for excellent playability, delivers solid, and full tones, while also having a serious look.
The maple neck features graphite reinforcement and a scarf joint as well as a satin back finish which means it’s resilient to temperature and humidity changes and very stable.
Plus, with a compound radius of 12″-16″, it’s as easy to play the highest fret as it is to play the first.
Featuring 24 jumbo frets and Pearloid sharkfin inlays, the laurel fretboard has the classic Jackson look and provides an easy-to-play 2-octave playing range.
The dual Jackson High-Output humbuckers are active pickups so they deliver tighter bass tones, clearer highs and will cut through the heaviest of distortion, making them an excellent choice for playing metal.
Additionally, the 3-way pickup selector switch combines with a master volume control and a master tone control to let you truly hone in on your tone.
Finally, the Floyd Rose Special Locking tremolo ensures solid tuning stability while still letting you wail and dive bomb your heart out.
Pros
- Available in 2 Colors
- Reverse Headstock
Cons
As you can see, the Jackson X Series Dinky DK2XR has the aggressive looks, serious tones, and easy playability that makes Jackson guitars a great choice for metal.
We think you’ll find it’s a great choice for the guitarist who’s looking for a Jackson guitar designed for high-performance features and playing metal.
Now is the best time! Click here and get yours now.
Are Jackson Guitars Good for Metal?: Best Under $400
Jackson JS Series Rhoads JS32T
Are you looking for a Jackson guitar that has a remarkable design, precision tones, and enhanced playability? Then check out the Jackson JS Series Rhoads JS32T.
It features an offset “V” shaped body made of poplar and a bolt-on neck so it has a dynamic look, is easy to play, and delivers serious tones.
The maple neck features graphite reinforcement and a scarf joint as well as a compound radius of 12″-16″ which means it’s very stable and makes playing chords at the nut as easy as playing leads at the highest frets.
With 24 jumbo frets and Pearloid sharkfin inlays, the bound amaranth fretboard
has the classic Jackson look, a full 2-octave playing range, and makes bends and vibrato easier.
The two Jackson High-Output humbucker pickups are controlled by a master volume control, master tone control, and a 3-way switch and deliver full, rich tones that are perfect for playing heavier music.
Finally, the Tune-O-Matic style bridge features a string-through-body design that enhances your sustain and ensures rock-solid tuning stability.
Pros
- Also Available With a Floyd Rose Tremolo
- Left Handed Model Available
- Available in Multiple Finishes
Cons
- Some Finishes More Expensive Than Others
As you can see, the Jackson JS Series Rhoads JS32T is a fearsome metal machine with classic looks, an aggressive design, and enhanced playability.
We think you’ll find it’s a great choice for anyone looking for a Jackson guitar to play metal.
Don’t miss out! Click here and get yours now.
Are Jackson Guitars Good for Metal?: Best Under $200
Jackson JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS22 DKA
Are you looking for a Jackson guitar that has a time-tested design, effortless playability, and is well suited to producing metal tones? Then check out the Jackson JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS22 DKA.
It features a poplar body in Jackson’s proven Dinky design with an arched top and a bolt-on neck which means it has a tighter tone, a sleek look, and is very comfortable to play.
The maple neck is in Jackson’s “Speed” shape and has a compound radius of 12″-16″ so it has a classic sound, a shape that feels natural in your hand, and a radius that ensures easy playability all the way up the neck.
With 24 jumbo frets and Pearloid sharkfin inlays, the amaranth fretboard has an aggressive look and provides a full 2-octave playing range as well as ensuring bends are easier to play.
The Jackson High-Output ceramic humbuckers at the neck and bridge positions deliver full, rich tones that allow you to play with lots of power and aggressiveness while still delivering clear tones.
Plus, the pickups are controlled by a 3-way switch, a master volume control, and a master tone control so you can craft your preferred sound.
Finally, the 2-point fulcrum tremolo lets you add some vibrato to your playing while also ensuring solid tuning stability.
Pros
- Available in Multiple Colors
- Also Available in Left Hand Model
Cons
- Plastic Nut
As you can see, the Jackson JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS22 DKA delivers a classic design, dynamic tones, and easy playability.
We think you’ll find it’s a great choice for anyone looking for a Jackson guitar to play metal.
Don’t miss this out! Click here to get yours now.
Are Jackson Guitars Good for Metal?: FAQ
- Are Jackson guitars good for rock?
- What guitar do you need for metal?
- Heavy metal music means distortion, so you need humbuckers pickups. If you’re playing extremely distorted tones, you might even prefer a guitar with active pickups which more easily cut through heavy distortion.
JT currently resides in Southern California and has been playing the guitar since he was 13. He enjoys baking French pastries, drinking loose-leaf tea, and running Slackware Linux.
