If you’re after low, rich sounds for metal, surf rock, country, or cinematic soundscapes, baritone electric guitars offer a whole new range of sound. Some of the most respected and best-loved models have been compiled by us, now the champion is to be chosen by you. Cast your vote for the best model, see how others have voted, and share your playing experiences in the comments to help other guitarists find their perfect baritone.
1. Gretsch G5260
2. PRS SE 277
3. Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster
4. Ibanez RGRTBB21
5. Reverend Descent
6. Danelectro 56 Baritone
7. ESP E-II Viper
8. Schecter Hellraiser C-VI
9. ESP LTD XJ-1B
10. Schecter Keith Merrow KM-6 MK-III EX
Body: Mahogany.
Neck: 3-piece Maple, Neck-through.
Fretboard: Ebony.
Scale length: 28"/711mm.
Pickups: Lundgren Black Heaven Humbucker.
Bridge: Hipshot Hardtail.
11. Harley Benton Agufish Custom BT
12. Danelectro 56 Vintage
13. Danelectro 66BT
14. D'Angelico Deluxe Atlantic
15. ESP LTD M-201B
16. Mayones Guitars Regius 4EVER
Body: Ash (Top: Master grade birds eye poplar).
Neck: 11-piece through neck: Maple / mahogany / wenge / amazokoe.
Fretboard: Ebony.
Scale length: 27"/686mm.
Pickups: One Velvetronic Ironside (bridge) and one Velvetronic Solium (neck).
Bridge: Evertune.
17. Duesenberg Paloma
Body: Alder.
Neck: Maple, Set Neck.
Fretboard: Rosewood.
Scale length: 28"/710mm.
Pickups: Duesenberg Grand Vintage (bridge), Duesenberg Pearlito (middle) & Duesenberg Alnico Blade (neck).
Bridge: Duesenberg 3-Point Radius Bridge, Tremolo.
18. ESP LTD MH-1000
Body: Mahogany.
Neck: 3-Piece Maple, Neck-through.
Fretboard: Macassar Ebony.
Scale length: 27"/686mm.
Pickups: EMG-81 (bridge) and EMG 60TW-R Brushed (neck).
Bridge: TonePros Locking Tune-O-Matic.
19. Hagstrom Viking Deluxe
20. Schecter Meegs PT EX
Body: Ash.
Neck: Maple, Set Neck.
Fretboard: Maple.
Scale length: 27.5"/698mm.
Pickups: 2 x Schecter USA Brimstone Humbucker.
Bridge: Diamond Hardtail.
21. ESP LTD SN-1
Body: Swamp Ash.
Neck: 5Pc Roasted Maple / Purple Heart, Bolt-on.
Fretboard: Macassar Ebony.
Scale length: 27"/686mm.
Pickups: Fishman Modern Ceramic Brushed Stainless.
Bridge: Hipshot bridge.
22. Harley Benton Agufish STD BT
23. Jackson X Series Soloist SLA6 DX
Body: Nyatoh.
Neck: Maple, Neck-through.
Fretboard: Laurel.
Scale length: 26.5"/673mm.
Pickups: EMG 81 (bridge) & EMG 85 (neck).
Bridge: Jackson HT6.
24. Schecter Sunset-6 ET EX Red Dawn
Body: Basswood.
Neck: 3-piece Maple, Set Neck.
Fretboard: Ebony.
Scale length: 27"/686mm.
Pickups: Fishman Fluence Modern Alnico (Neck) & Fishman Fluence Modern Ceramic (Bridge).
Bridge: EverTune.
25. Solar Guitars T2.6BLOP-27+
26. Solar Guitars V2.6FBB
27. Danelectro 58 Longhorn
28. ESP LTD Ben Burnley BB-600
29. ESP LTD EC-1000
30. Harley Benton Amarok-BT
31. Duesenberg Julietta
32. Schecter Kenny Hickey C-1 EX S
Body: Mahogany.
Neck: 3-piece Maple, Set Neck.
Fretboard: Rosewood.
Scale length: 26.5"/673mm.
Pickups: Sustainiac Driver (Neck) & Seymour Duncan SH-4B JB (Bridge).
Bridge: TonePros T3BT TOM.
33. Schecter Kenny Hickey Solo-6 EX S
Body: Mahogany.
Neck: Maple/Walnut, Set Neck.
Fretboard: Rosewood.
Scale length: 26.5"/673mm.
Pickups: Sustainiac Driver (Neck) & Seymour Duncan SH-4B JB (Bridge).
Bridge: TonePros T3BT TOM & T1Z Tailpiece.
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Baritone Electric Guitars: Everything Players and Tone Seekers Need to Know.
Baritone electric guitars are a unique variation of the standard electric guitar, designed to extend your instrument’s range deeper into bass territory while retaining guitar-like playability. Their secret lies in their longer scale length—typically between 27″ and 30″—which allows them to be tuned much lower without losing string tension or clarity.
While standard guitars are often tuned in E standard, baritones are commonly tuned to B standard, A standard, or even lower. This lower register makes them perfect for genres that demand extended low end, such as metal, post-rock, doom, and progressive music. But they’re equally at home in western-inspired soundtracks, surf rock, and alternative country, where the baritone’s deep twang adds unmistakable character.
There are a few design considerations that set baritones apart:
Scale length – Longer than standard guitars for better low tuning stability.
String gauge – Heavier strings are typically used to maintain clarity and feel in lower tunings.
Pickup choice – High-output humbuckers for aggressive tones, single-coils or P-90s for twang and clarity.
Body style – From offset surf-inspired shapes to solid metal machines, baritones come in many forms.
Choosing the right baritone involves thinking about your style and tone goals. If you’re recording cinematic or ambient music, a clean and articulate model with single-coils may be ideal. If you’re writing heavy riffs, look for a model with powerful humbuckers and solid construction to handle high-gain tones.
Baritone electric guitars aren’t just “guitars tuned lower”, they’re creative tools that open up a whole new tonal palette. They can inspire new riffs, arrangements, and even songwriting approaches you wouldn’t discover on a standard guitar.
This list can help you see what other players are using and loving, making it easier for you to find the baritone that perfectly matches your musical vision.
