Best Electric Guitar for Shredding

Identifying the best electric guitar for shredding can be a challenge.
There are so many options to choose from, and different body shapes to consider.

You’ll find of them are very understated, and some of them are extreme. In the end, it’s up to you.
Here I’ve whittled it down to help you find the best guitar for shredding for you.

Whether you’re a student on a budget, or are looking for the best of the best, you’ll find it here.

Best Electric Guitar for Shredding: Best Overall

Charvel Pro-Mod DK24 HSS

If you’re looking for a guitar that’s versatile, and designed for shredding, you need to check out Charvel’s Pro-Mod DK24 HSS.

It features the classic Dinky body shape made of alder in a satin finish, and includes a shredder’s cut heel giving you effortless access to all 24 frets.

Additionally, it has a bolt-on caramelized 5-piece maple neck in “Speed” shape. This will ensure easy playing, lots of sustain, and plenty of durability.

Next you’ll get rolled fretboard edges and a 12″-16″ compound radius, so you’ll be comfortable shredding all the way up to the last fret.

The fretboard is made of caramelized maple with jumbo frets and 4mm pearloid dot inlays. All this ensures better neck stability during temperature changes, and a great surface for shredding.

Furthermore, the pickups are designed for shredding, with a Seymour Duncan Custom Full Shred SH-10B pickup in the bridge position, and Seymour Duncan Alnico II Pro APH-1N pickups at the neck position and middle. This means you’ll be able to play a wide variety of tones and sounds.

A Gotoh Custom 510 tremolo and a Graph Tech TUSQ XL nut will keep your tuning stable, and easy to intonate.

The Charvel Pro-Mod DK24 HSS is a great choice for the guitarist who wants to easily shred, as well as experiment with sonic boundaries.

With excellent craftsmanship, and great pickups, you’ve got a quality electric guitar built for you to shred on.

Best Electric Guitar for Shredding: Best Budget

Kramer Focus VT-211S

If you’re on a budget, the Kramer Focus VT-211S is a great electric guitar for shredding at a very affordable price.

First, it’s got the classic super-Strat shape with a mahogany body and a bolt-on maple neck.

Second, the neck is in a slim profile with a 12″ radius, making it easy to learn on and play on.

The maple fretboard has 21 medium jumbo frets which are perfect for wailing on notes.

Two Kramer Alnico 5 SC-1 single coils in the neck, and middle position will give you a wide range of classic tones, while a Kramer Alnico 5 humbucker in the bridge position will let you cut through distortion.

A 5-way pickup switch, 2 volume, 1 master tone controls will let you dial in the tone you’re looking for.

Finally, a Kramer Traditional tremolo and Kramer Die Cast tuners will let you add some classic vibrato to your playing, while keeping you properly in tune.

The Kramer Focus VT-211S comes strung with 9s, which are perfect for beginner shredders.

With this in mind, it’s a solid electric guitar for anyone who’s focused on shredding.

Best Electric Guitar for Shredding: Best Runner-Up

Ibanez RG Prestige RG652AHM

Ibanez Prestige line focuses on three things: precision, performance, and playability. If you’re looking for a top of the line shred machine, try the Ibanez RG Prestige RG652AHM.

First, it comes in the classic RG shape with an ash body and bolt-on neck, all designed for shredding.

Next is the Super Wizard HP shaped neck that is composed of 5-pieces of maple and walnut with an unbelievable 17″ radius, making it a dream neck for shredder’s.

While the bound Birdseye maple fretboard, with 24 jumbo frets and dot inlays, provides a simple look, it’ll effortlessly add to a flawless shredding experience.

Additionally the DiMarzio Air Norton neck pickup and DiMarzio ‘The Tone Zone’ bridge pickup are wired to give you versatile tone choices, as well as classic shred tones.

Finally, the Edge tremolo bridge and Gotoh Magnum tuners will provide you with exceptional tuning stability, precise adjustment, and a comfortable playing experience.

The Ibanez RG Prestige RG652AHM is a high-end shred machine, built for speed, and comfort.

If you’re looking for a shred guitar that’s got all the bells and whistles, check this one out.

Best Electric Guitar for Shredding: Best Under $1000

Ibanez Genesis Collection RG550

An updated “reissue” of Ibanez’s original Super-Strat electric guitar designed for shredding the Ibanez Genesis Collection RG550 is a worthy contender for best electric guitar for shedding.

Made in Japan, it’s got a basswood body that’s lightweight, resonant, and comfortable.

Additionally, the Super Wizard shaped neck is composed of 5-pieces of maple and walnut so you’ll find it resonant, stable, and very durable.

The maple fretboard comes with 24 jumbo frets and a radius of almost 17″ making it very easy for you to shred on.

With a V8 in the bridge position, a single-coil S1 in the middle, and a V7 in the neck position you’ll sound great whether playing chords, or lightning-fast arpeggios.

Above all, the versatile pickups and switching system of the RG550 will let you dial in just about any tone you desire.
Finally, the Edge tremolo bridge, locking nut and Gotoh tuners will let you have exceptional tuning stability, precise intonation and a more comfortable shredding experience.

The Ibanez Genesis Collection RG550 is a great alternative for someone who doesn’t enjoy the smaller Dinky sized Charvel, but still wants a electric guitar designed for shredding.

As well as a super-fast neck, it’s got a body that’s inspired shredding for decades, and will let you create all the shredding tones you desire.

Best Electric Guitar for Shredding: Best Under $500

Ibanez Steve Vai Signature JEMJR

If you’re looking to play an affordable guitar designed by a shred legend, the Ibanez Steve Vai Signature JEMJR is a great choice.

First, it’s got a meranti body with Steve Vai’s signature monkey grip cutout.

Second, it’s got a super-fast Wizard III shaped neck made of maple, with a radius of almost 16″ perfect for shredding.

With a fretboard that’s made of jatoba, has the iconic Tree of Life inlay, and 24 jumbo frets, you’ll have the classic shred look and feeel down.

In the neck and bridge position you have Quantum humbucker pickups, while in the middle you have a single coil Quantum pickup. This means you’ll get a wide variety of tones that are perfect for shredding, including split coil.

Lastly, you’ve got a double locking tremolo with Vai’s Lion’s Claw routing to keep you in tune after dive bombing.

The Ibanez Steve Vai Signature JEMJR is an affordable electric guitar for shredding that’s geared towards fans of Steve Vai’s playing.

If you’re looking for a great guitar to shred on, this one definitely won’t disappoint.

Best Electric Guitar for Shredding: Best Under $300

Jackson Rhoads JS32T

Who else wants an iconic shred machine at an affordable price? If you’re looking for quality, and looks, it’s hard to beat the Jackson Rhoads JS32T

Starting with a poplar body in the iconic Jackson Rhoads shape, everyone will know you mean business when playing this guitar.

A bolt-on maple neck with graphite reinforcement and scarf joint means the neck will be ridiculously stable over time.

Next you have an amaranth fretboard with 24 jumbo frets, pearloid sharkfin inlays and a compound radius of 12″-16″. This means you’ll be able to comfortably play along the entire fretboard, from top to bottom.

With Jackson High-Output Humbuckers in the neck and bridge positions, your tone will be shred-friendly, and shaped by the master tone and volume controls, keeping things simple, and deadly.

The Jackson TOM-Style adjustable String-through-Body bridge will give you incredible sustain and tone.

The Jackson Rhoads JS32T has a look and feel intended for shredding through notes.

From the fast compound neck, to the pointy headstock, it’s designed to be an electric guitar meant for shredding.

Jackson Kelly JS32T

If the Rhoads isn’t bad ass enough for you, definitely try the Jackson Kelly JS32T. It’s got crazy shred-looks, great tones, awesome playability, all at an affordable price.

With an offset poplar body, you’ll experience a well-balanced tone. And with the pointy Jackson headstock, and pearloid sharkfin inlays, you’re making a statement right off the bat.

The bolt-on maple neck is graphite reinforced with a scarf joint giving you rock-solid neck stability.

In addition, the amaranth fretboard has 24 jumbo frets and a compound radius of 12″-16″. This means you’ll be able to play more notes more comfortably all the way up the fretboard.

With two Jackson High-Output humbuckers you’ll easily be able to get classic tones that are clear, and full.

You will easily shape those tones with no-nonsense master volume and tone controls.

Finally, the Jackson TOM-Style adjustable string-through-body bridge will give you precise intonation, while enhancing your resonance and sustain.

The Jackson Kelly JS32T will give you the classic Jackson shred experience without hurting your wallet.

It’s got the looks, tone, and playing feel of a much more expensive shred guitar.

Best Electric Guitar for Shredding: Best Under $200

Ibanez GIO GRG121DX

Looking for an electric guitar for shredding that’s got a fast neck, and comfy body? Looking for Ibanez quality at an affordable price? Look no further than the Ibanez GIO GRG121DX.

With an okuoume body in Ibanez’s famous RG shape, you’ll get a tone that’s dynamic with a body that’s lightweight.

Additionally the GRG shaped maple neck has a 15.75″ radius guaranteeing plenty of stability, a bright tone, and a neck perfectly designed for shredding.

Next you’ve got a bound purpleheart fretboard with 24 jumbo frets and white sharktooth inlays for a rich tonal character an amazing looks.

Additionally you’ll get two Ibanez IBZ-6 ceramic humbuckers which are perfect for a shred-friendly tone.

Keeping it simple, you’ll get a master tone, and master volume knob, as well as a 5-way pickup selector wired for 5 different tones.

Lastly, the F106 hardtail bridge will give you great intonation, as well as enhance your sustain thanks to its string-through-body design.

The Ibanez GIO GRG121DX will give you a fast neck, a contoured and lightweight body that’s comfortable to play, and high output tones.

It’s an electric guitar designed for shredding, from a company known for creating quality shred machines, at a very affordable price.

Best Electric Guitar for Shredding: Best for Travelling

Traveler Guitar Vaibrant Deluxe

If you’re looking for the best electric guitar for shredding that’s been designed with travel in mind, the Traveler Guitar Vaibrant 88 Deluxe is a shred machine that’s meant for on the go.

It’s got an alder body with a gloss finish, in Traveler Guitar’s Vaibrant 88 Deluxe body shape.

Next its got a full size maple neck in Traveler Guitar’s Vaibrant shape, with a 17″ radius which means you’ll have an easy time shredding on it.

Additionally the ebony fretboard has 24 jumbo frets and dot inlays, giving it a classic look, feel and tone.

The V88X ceramic pickups are in the classic humbucker/single/humbucker configuration, giving you a range of shred tones.

Finally, the double locking Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo will expand your playing sounds and keep you easily intonated.

With 3 pickups, and a super fast neck, the Traveler Guitar Vaibrant 88 Deluxe will give you the tones of a full sized guitar.

If you are looking for a shred machine inspired by the 80s that you will be able to take with you, definitely check this one out.

Best Electric Guitar for Shredding: FAQ

What makes a guitar good for shredding?

• Short answer: The neck radius and shape.
  • The larger the radius of the fretboard, the easier it will be to shred on.

• Longer answer: It depends on a lot of factors. Different neck radii and neck shapes will be better suited to different playing styles.
  • A small neck radius(like vintage Fender 9.5″) will make it more difficult to bend notes, and less easy to play fast arpeggios.
  • A larger radius means the fretboard will be flatter, so it’ll be easier to play runs and arpeggios.
  • The problem is the flatter and wider it is, the harder it is to play chords.
  • Think of a classical guitar neck, it’s very flat and wide so it’s easy to play notes on, but not so much for chords.
  • Depending on the size of your hands, and playing style, different neck shapes will feel better or worse for you.

What about if I just want a cheap guitar for shredding?

See the budget option above, or buy used from Guitar Center.
If you’re just starting out, and don’t know if you’re gonna stick with it, just about any guitar that’s setup properly is one you can learn to shred on.

If you’re a student, or just need the cheapest option, a cheap electric guitar from Ebay or Amazon will suffice while you’re learning.
You’ll do better just practicing shred exercises from Michael Angelo Batio on an acoustic guitar than waiting for the “Perfect Shred Machine.”

What is the best Strat for shredding?

• Short Answer: The best Strat for shredding is the one you already own. That or a Jackson Dinky.

• Long Answer: Guitars like the Jackson Dinky, and the Ibanez RG became popular in the ’80s largely because they were the answer to this question. They’ve become know as “Super-Strats” because they’re based on the timeless Stratocaster idea, just with improvements that are desirable for shredders.
• Having said that, the Fender Jim Root Signature Stratocaster is a tasty option, with lots of improvements that are shredder friendly. For the money, you’re probably going to be happier with a Charvel or an Ibanez. Fender still hasn’t addressed things like the bolt-on heel block, and tremolo tuning issues in their everyday models that led to the development of “Super-Strats.”