The Top 15 Electric Guitar Brands

This list isn’t in any real order, other than by brand I think you might have heard about. I’ve included 3 example models, and a few notable players for each brand. If an artist you enjoy is on the list, you might want to check out their preferred guitar brand. This list is completely subjective, but here are the top 15 electric guitar brands.

1. Fender

Leo Fender introduced the Telecaster, the first widely produced solid-body electric guitar, in 1950 and the Stratocaster in 1954. Since then, Fender has become probably the most well known electric guitar company in the world.

Example Guitar Models:

• Stratocaster
• Telecaster
• Mustang

Notable Players:

• Jimi Hendrix
• Eric Clapton
• Bruce Springsteen

2. Gibson

Gibson is probably most well know for its Les Paul guitar. The company has a long, and storied history, but in modern times their electric guitars have become synonymous with blues and rock players. Their quality has suffered in recent years, and in 2018 they went through a bankruptcy. Still, Gibson guitars holds a special place in a lot of guitarists hearts, and some of their models are dream axes to many.

Guitars:

• Les Paul
• Explorer
• ES-335

Notable Players:

• Duane Allman
• Jimmy Page
• Angus Young

3. Epiphone

Epiphone started life out as a musical instrument manufacturer in the 19th century. They were a rival to Gibson in some markets, until they were purchased by Gibson in the late fifties. Today Epiphone electric guitars are “inspired” by Gibson, and are common for beginner/intermediate players. They also produce some original archtop models, like the casino.

Guitars:

• Sheraton
• Casino
• Wilshire

Notable Players:

• John Lennon
• Paul McCartney
• Noel Gallagher

4. Squier

Squier was originally a music string manufacturer established in the 19th century. They were purchased by Fender in the 60s, and eventually went defunct. Fender resurrected the Squier name to serve as its lower cost brand of electric guitars. Today, Squier guitars are popular beginner guitars, and come in a wide range of models.

Guitars:

• Telecaster
• Stratocaster
• Paranormal Cyclone

Notable Players:

• Jim Root
• Troy Van Leeuwen
• J Mascis

5. Ibanez

Ibanez is a Japanese guitar company founded in the 50s. They were the first company to mass produce 7 string guitars in the 90s, and are a popular “super strat” guitar manufacturer, with models like the RG. Ibanez also produces a full line hollow body guitars.

Guitars:

• Iceman
• Artcore
• JEM

Notable Players:

• George Benson
• Steve Vai
• Joe Satriani

6. Jackson

Jackson guitars was started by luthier Grover Jackson in 1980. Jackson became very popular in the 80s, and their pointy headstocks and “shark fin” inlays became synonymous with hard rock and metal musicians. Since 2002, Jackson has been owned by Fender.

Guitars:

• Rhoads
• Kelly
• Soloist

Notable Players:

• Marty Friedman
• Phil Demmel
• Scott Ian

7. Gretsch

Gretsch was founded in the 19th century, and as of 2002, is a Fender brand. Gretsch guitars are mainly associated with country and rockabilly music. In recent years they’ve come out with some more affordable guitar models that are manufactured in China.

Guitars:

• Duo Jet
• 6122 “Country Gentleman”
• 6120

Notable Players:

• Chet Atkins
• Malcolm Young
• Brian Setzer

8. Dean

Dean Guitars was founded in Chicago in 1976. In 1997 the Dean trade name was purchased, and production of a wider range of electric guitars began. Dean has became popular with thrash and heavy metal guitarists, and offers guitars from high-end customs, to starter guitars.

Guitars:

• Cadillac
• ML
• Razorback

Notable Players:

• Michael Angelo Batio
• Dave Mustaine
• Dimebag Darrel

9. PRS

PRS Guitars, or Paul Reed Smith Guitars began in 1985 by luthier Paul Reed Smith. Since then, they have expanded their range of guitars to include more affordable ones that are built overseas, as well as custom guitars made in the USA. They are known for their bird inlays, and maple tops.

Guitars:

• CE 24
• Custom 24
• Standard 22

Notable Players:

• Carlos Santana
• John Mayer
• Mark Tremonti

10. Schecter

Schecter Guitar Research is an American company started in 1976 as a repair shop. Today Schecter aims to offer “high-quality instruments with professional components at an affordable price.”

Guitars:

• Hellraiser
• Blackjack
• Banshee GT

Notable Players:

• Robert Smith
• Zakk Wylde
• Derek Smalls

11. ESP

ESP is a Japanese company founded in 1975. They are a popular choice for heavy metal guitarists, and produce a wide range of guitars, from beginner to professional.

Guitars:

• Arrow
• Viper
• Black Metal

Notable Players:

• George Lynch
• Kirk Hammet
• Andrew W.K.

12. G&L

G&L was started in 1980 by George Fullerton and Leo Fender, after Leo Fender left Fender guitars. A lot of G&L’s guitars are similar to Fender models, but with their own design improvements. In 2003 G&L introduced the Tribute line of guitars that are produced overseas. All other G&L guitars are manufactured in Fullerton, California, and

Guitars:

• Skyhawk
• Comanche
• S-500

Notable Players:

• Jerry Cantrell
• Elliot Easton
• Ben Gibbard

13. Charvel

Charvel was started in the 70s by Wayne Charvel in California. Soon after, Charvel was sold to Grover Jackson, and became popular with rock and heavy metal guitarists. In 2002 Charvel became a subsidiary of Fender, and they have experienced a renewed interest, producing a electric guitars inspired by the guitars they produced in past decades.

Guitars:

• Model 6
• DK
• SO-CAL

Notable Players:

• Guthrie Govan
• Jake E Lee
• Richie Sambora

14. Yamaha

Yamaha began producing electric guitars in the 60s. They offer affordable starter guitars, as well as high end and hand crafted models.

Guitars:

• Pacifica
• REVSTAR
• RGX

Notable Players:

• Billy Corgan
• Peter Hook
• Sammy Hagar

15. Harley Benton

Harley Benton is the house brand for Thomann Music, a German music retailer. They carry an extensive line of entry level and intermediate electric, and acoustic guitars.

Guitars:

• RX-10 BK
• Fusion-II
• EXtreme-76 BK

Notable Players:

• Jonathan Koh

You made it to the end, so thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed this list, and I’m curious which brand is your favorite? Which brand did I miss?