Metal Guitars Under $500

The Jackson JS32 Dinky is pure, unfiltered attitude at a price that makes high-performance metal accessible to everyone. Its lightweight poplar body with arched top delivers resonant snap and endless sustain, while dual high-output Jackson humbuckers snarl with thick, aggressive tone perfect for everything from chunky rhythms to face-melting leads.
The bolt-on maple speed neck feels lightning-fast, and the fully bound 12"-16" compound-radius amaranth fingerboard gives you effortless chording down low and fearless bending up high without ever fretting out. A genuine Jackson-licensed Floyd Rose double-locking tremolo lets you dive, squeal, and flutter with rock-solid tuning stability.
From its menacing looks to its ferocious voice, the JS32 Dinky is a serious shred machine that plays way above its pay grade, built for players who want real Jackson vibe without the sticker shock.

The Schecter Omen Extreme raises the bar with breathtaking quilted maple tops that shimmer under stage lights, delivering both visual drama and a bright, articulate voice rich in sparkling overtones. Beneath that luxurious veneer lies a mahogany body for warmth and resonance, paired with a fast bolt-on maple neck carved into a Thin C profile and topped with a 24-fret rosewood board loaded with extra-jumbo frets, perfect for effortless bends and lightning-fast runs.
Two USA-made Schecter Diamond Plus humbuckers unleash everything from vintage warmth to modern high-gain roar, while the Tune-O-Matic bridge with string-thru-body design maximizes sustain and tuning stability. From its eye-catching aesthetics to its ferocious tone and silky playability, the Omen Extreme is a standout instrument that blends classic craftsmanship with contemporary metal aggression at an unbeatable value.

The LTD M-200DX proves you don’t need to spend big to wield a seriously classy metal machine. Its sleek M-style poplar body wears a jaw-dropping burled poplar top, while bolt-on roasted maple neck and smooth rosewood fingerboard deliver lightning-fast feel across 24 extra-jumbo frets.
Black chrome hardware, full body binding, offset dot inlays, reverse inline headstock, and a string-thru TOM bridge scream premium refinement. ESP’s punchy LH-150 humbuckers dish out thick, aggressive tone for any genre, and a push-pull tone knob instantly splits them for glassy single-coil versatility.
Light, resonant, and dripping with high-end looks, the M-200DX plays and sounds like guitars twice the price, LTD quality that flat-out over-delivers.

The Jackson JS32 Rhoads is pure metal mayhem at a price that won’t drain your blood bank. Its sharp, angular poplar body, available in Black with White Bevels, Ivory, or Satin Gray, screams stage presence, while the bolt-on maple speed neck with graphite reinforcement and scarf joint delivers unbreakable stability even under the most brutal whammy abuse.
A 12"-16" compound-radius amaranth fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets and iconic pearloid sharkfins gives you effortless chording down low and blistering, fret-out-free leads up high. Dual Jackson high-output ceramic humbuckers roar with tight, aggressive punch, controlled by a simple yet lethal 3-way toggle, single volume, and tone setup.
Topped off with a genuine Floyd Rose double-locking tremolo, sealed die-cast tuners, and all-black hardware, the JS32 Rhoads is swift, deadly, and built to annihilate stages without annihilating your wallet.

The Ibanez RG470DX is a striking addition to the RG Standard series, blending ferocious performance with head-turning looks. Its legendary Wizard III maple neck, thin, fast, and ultra-playable, pairs perfectly with a resonant mahogany body for effortless shredding and precise articulation.
Three Quantum pickups (HSH configuration) deliver everything from searing high-gain leads to crystalline cleans, with the standout single-coil middle position adding classic Strat-like snap. A 5-way switch unlocks a huge tonal range, while the Edge-Zero II double-locking tremolo offers wild pitch control with bulletproof tuning stability.
This RG doesn’t just play hard, but it demands attention onstage. A true modern metal machine at an unbeatable price.

The LTD EC-200DX brings premium Eclipse style and performance to players who refuse to overpay. Its flat-top single-cutaway poplar body with bevelled edges and stunning flamed maple top feels sleek and balanced, while the bolt-on roasted maple neck and smooth rosewood fingerboard deliver effortless speed across 24 extra-jumbo frets.
A classic TOM bridge and tailpiece, dot inlays, and sinister black chrome hardware complete the aggressive yet refined look. Power comes from ESP’s acclaimed LH-150 humbuckers, dishing out thick, punchy tone that excels in rock, metal, blues or any other style. A push-pull tone knob instantly splits the coils for glassy single-coil snap when you need it.
High-end looks, pro-level feel, and massive tonal range at a downright steal, this is LTD quality that punches way above its price tag.

The Jackson JS Series Kelly JS32 is pure high-octane mayhem that won’t empty your wallet. Its aggressive offset poplar body, finished in searing Ferrari Red or Snow White with black hardware, screams stage domination.
A bolt-on maple speed neck with graphite reinforcement stays rock-solid, while the bound 12"-16" compound-radius amaranth board and 24 jumbo frets with pearloid sharkfins give you effortless chugging down low and fearless, fret-out-free shred up high.
Dual Jackson high-output ceramic humbuckers deliver thick, clear tone with serious girth, shaped by a 3-way toggle and single volume/tone knobs. A Jackson-branded Floyd Rose double-locking tremolo lets you dive and squeal with perfect tuning stability.
Swift, deadly, and dripping attitude, the Kelly JS32 is Jackson performance made gloriously affordable.

The Jackson JS Series King V JS32 is pure theatrical metal royalty without the royal price tag. Its menacing poplar body, available in Black with White Bevels, Gloss Black, Matte Army Drab, or White with Black Bevels, demands attention, while the bolt-on maple speed neck with graphite reinforcement and scarf joint stays rock-solid through the wildest whammy abuse.
A bound 12"-16" compound-radius amaranth fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets and pearloid sharkfin inlays offers effortless low-end chugging and screaming, fret-out-free leads up high. Dual Jackson high-output ceramic humbuckers deliver crushing gain and articulate punch, controlled by a simple 3-way toggle.
A Jackson-branded Floyd Rose double-locking tremolo, sealed die-cast tuners, and all-black hardware complete this swift, deadly beast. The King V JS32 rules stages and rehearsals alike.

The Schecter C-1 Standard reimagines the classic S-style with pure metal muscle and premium craftsmanship. A mahogany body capped with stunning flamed maple delivers rich, resonant warmth and eye-searing visual pop, while the fast maple neck and 24-fret rosewood fingerboard invite effortless shredding from top to bottom.
Dual Schecter Diamond Series humbuckers roar with articulate aggression, dishing out everything from thick rhythms to singing leads with clarity and bite. A Tune-O-Matic bridge with string-thru construction locks in sustain and tuning stability.
With its sleek contours, high-speed playability, and electrifying tone, the C-1 Standard is a powerhouse that looks as lethal as it sounds, Schecter’s iconic recipe, perfected and ready to dominate.

The Schecter Omen Elite-6 takes the beloved Omen series to sinister new heights. Its mesmerizing burl maple top grabs eyes instantly, while the proven mahogany body with maple neck delivers the warm, punchy resonance that made the Omen line famous.
Upgrades abound: a lightning-fast Thin “C” neck with 24 extra-jumbo frets feels flawless for both rhythm and lead work, and the ferocious Schecter Heretic humbuckers, hot-rodded for extra output and bite, snarl with modern metal aggression yet retain clarity for chords and cleans.
A string-thru Tune-O-Matic bridge maximizes sustain, and sleek black hardware completes the menacing look. From visual impact to hair-raising tone, the Omen Elite-6 is the definitive evolution of a favorite.

The Ibanez Standard RGA42FM is a modern metal machine that turns heads before you even strike a note. Its sculpted mahogany body, crowned with a flamed maple top, combines aggressive contours with deep cutaways for unrestricted upper-fret access.
The legendary Wizard III maple neck - thin, fast, and flawless, glides under your fingers, while the jatoba fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets makes sweeps and tapping feel effortless. Dual Quantum humbuckers serve up everything from thick, articulate rhythm crunch to searing, defined leads, covering classic rock to modern metal with ease.
Premium hardware, including a rock-solid fixed bridge and stable tuners, ensures tuning integrity and lasting performance. Stunning looks, blistering playability, and versatile high-gain tone at a killer price: the RGA42FM is pure Ibanez attitude, ready to dominate.

The Harley Benton Fusion-III is a pro-level rock and metal machine that looks, feels, and sounds ready to headline any stage, yet costs a fraction of what you’d expect. Its lightweight nyatoh body topped with a stunning flamed maple veneer turns heads the moment it hits the light, while the contoured ergonomic shape and flawless roasted maple neck with modern C profile make long gigs feel effortless.
Dual splittable Roswell HAF AlNiCo-5 humbuckers dish out everything from creamy blues overtones and vintage crunch to searing modern metal gain, plus sparkling single-coil tones at the pull of the tone knob. A Floyd Rose tremolo delivers wild pitch acrobatics with perfect return-to-pitch stability, and the 24 stainless steel frets, compound radius, and slick satin neck finish guarantee lightning-fast playability from the lowest riff to the highest harmonic squeal.
This isn’t just an amazing value, it’s a genuine performance instrument that can hang with the big brands without apology.

The Ibanez JEMJR Steve Vai Signature captures the spirit and spectacle of Vai’s legendary JEM series in a package that won’t require a second mortgage. From the moment you lay eyes on the dramatic acrylic Tree of Life inlay sprawling across the rosewood fingerboard, the infamous monkey grip cutout, and the sleek double-cutaway body, there’s zero doubt whose DNA this guitar carries.
Under the hood, Ibanez loaded it with their own Quantum HSH pickup configuration: two scorching humbuckers flanking a clear-voiced single-coil, served up through a 5-way blade switch for everything from glassy cleans to saturated, harmonic-rich leads. The Wizard III maple neck is thin, fast, and mercilessly playable, while the double-locking Edge-Zero II tremolo lets you dive, squeal, and flutter with rock-solid tuning stability. Whether you’re chasing Vai’s otherworldly phrasing or forging your own path, the JEMJR delivers that signature look, feel, and tonal firepower at a fraction of the price of its flagship siblings.

The Schecter Damien channels the unholy spirit of late-'70s and '80s horror icons, delivering pure sonic mayhem with a devilish grin. Its satin-finished mahogany body, sculpted with deep cutaways and a contoured heel, feels effortless whether you’re chugging low or shredding high.
A lightning-thin maple neck and 24-fret rosewood board make every riff and solo feel wickedly smooth. Power comes from dual Schecter Heretic humbuckers, scorching hot yet articulate, perfect for crushing metal, snarling rock, or anything that demands aggression with clarity.
Black chrome hardware and sinister bat inlays complete the demonic aesthetic. This isn’t just a guitar; it’s a pact with darkness that plays like a dream and sounds like the end of days. The Damien doesn’t just play evil, it is evil. And you’ll love every second of it.

Since its founding in 1975, ESP built its reputation by taking classic guitars and making them faster, meaner, and more playable. The LTD TE-200 carries that same spirit into a modern, affordable package that punches way above its price.
A resonant mahogany body delivers the warm, fat tone that made T-style guitars legends, while the thin U-shaped maple neck and 24-fret rosewood board give you lightning access to every note. At the heart are ESP Designed LH-150 humbuckers, high-output yet articulate, dishing out everything from thick classic rock crunch to biting blues leads and country twang without breaking a sweat.
Whether you’re into rock, blues, country, or anything in between, the TE-200 is a no-nonsense workhorse that looks sharp, plays fast, and sounds massive. Pure ESP attitude, classic shape, unbeatable value.

For decades, the Ibanez RG has reigned as the ultimate metal workhorse: razor-sharp contours, deep ergonomic cutaways, and lightning-fast playability. The Standard RG421-MOL takes that legacy and makes it more accessible than ever.
A resonant meranti body finished in breathable Mahogany Oil gives the guitar a natural, almost naked feel in your hands while delivering warm, open tone with plenty of bite. The legendary Wizard III maple neck and smooth jatoba fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets make shredding and chugging feel effortless.
Dual Ibanez Quantum humbuckers roar with tight, aggressive high-gain punch that refuses to get mushy, yet they clean up beautifully for blues and classic rock. From drop-tuned brutality to singing leads, the RG421-MOL looks raw, feels incredible, and sounds massive, all at a price that leaves money in your pocket for more riffs.

The Harley Benton EX-76 channels the raw, rebellious spirit of late-’50s rock icons without the vintage price tag. A nyatoh body and set neck deliver warm, resonant punch, while the slim-taper C-profile neck and slick ebony fretboard feel buttery-fast from the first chord.
Dual LAF Alnico humbuckers roar with classic bite and midrange snarl, perfect for gritty blues, garage rock, or full-throttle classic metal. The Antique Natural gloss finish lets the stunning grain pop, giving it that timeless, battle-worn vibe straight out of the box.
Looks that kill, tone that bites, and playability that never quits, this is pure rock ’n’ roll heritage reborn and ready to rip.

The Ibanez KIKOSP3 is Kiko Loureiro’s personal weapon of choice, now available at a price that lets every aspiring shredder own a piece of modern metal royalty. A lightweight poplar body with a stunning flamed maple Art Grain top keeps it comfortable for hours, while Kiko’s custom-profiled maple/jatoba neck feels lightning-fast in the hand, and the ultra-flat 400mm-radius fingerboard with 24 medium frets is built for effortless sweeps, blazing pentatonic runs, and crushing Megadeth-style riffs.
The HSH Infinity pickup set (two Infinity R humbuckers with an Infinity RS single-coil in the middle) delivers everything from thick, high-gain thrash to crystalline Brazilian-jazz cleans, all accessed through a 5-way switch. Whether you’re chasing Kiko’s harmonic sophistication or pure metal aggression, the KIKOSP3 gives you pro-level performance and versatility that completely belies its wallet-friendly price tag.

The Ibanez S521 is a no-nonsense shredder’s dream that refuses to compromise on tone or playability. Its lightweight mahogany body with sculpted curves feels glued to you for hours of comfortable aggression, while the legendary Wizard III maple neck (thin, fast, and satin-smooth) makes lightning runs and sweeping arpeggios feel effortless.
Dual Quantum humbuckers roar with tight, articulate high-gain punch, and the 5-way switch unlocks everything from thick leads to glassy, almost single-coil cleans you’d never expect from an HH guitar. A rock-solid fixed bridge with string-through design delivers days of sustain and bulletproof tuning stability.
Whether you’re slamming drop-tuned riffs or ripping neo-classical fireworks, the S521 gives you ferocious Ibanez tone, endless versatility, and that signature superstrat feel at a price that leaves money for more picks and strings.

The ESP LTD TE-201 strips the classic T-style down to its most primal, aggressive essence. A resonant mahogany body delivers thick, warm punch, while the bolt-on 3-piece Thin-U maple neck and glassy rosewood fretboard glide under your fingers for effortless speed and precision.
At the bridge sits a single, scorching ESP Designed LH-150 humbucker, voiced for molten rock and metal tones with snarling mids and tight low-end. A push-pull coil-split expands the palette from brutal saturation to biting single-coil snap.
An LTD fixed hardtail bridge with string-through construction and molded nut guarantees near-endless sustain and bulletproof tuning stability. With blacked-out hardware and menacing styling, the TE-201 is a minimalist, high-octane beast built for players who want maximum attitude and searing tone without compromise.

The Ibanez RGRT421 is engineered for speed and aggression. Its iconic RG double-cutaway mahogany body delivers balanced resonance and effortless upper-fret access, while the lightning-fast 5-piece maple/walnut Wizard III neck ensures blistering playability from top to bottom.
Loaded with dual high-output Quantum humbuckers, it dishes out searing rock crunch, singing blues leads, and tight metal riffing with clarity and power. Comfortable, fast, and tonally versatile at an outstanding value, the RGRT421 is a modern metal machine ready to shred.

The Harley Benton R-446 is pure stealth aggression with its sculpted poplar body and all-black hardware that screams stage domination. Deeply carved horns give you effortless upper-fret access, while the slim bolt-on Canadian maple neck makes lightning-fast riffs and licks feel like cheating.
The gorgeous amaranth fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets and 15.75" radius plays silky smooth from chunky chords to screaming bends. Dual Artec ceramic humbuckers deliver razor-sharp high-gain definition and articulation, with a 5-way switch unlocking five killer voicings for searing solos or brutal drop-tuned chugs.
Master volume and tone controls let you dial in precise aggression. This is premium metal playability and tone that looks and performs way more expensive than it costs.

The Kramer Striker is your fast-pass into the world of high-performance shred machines. Its satin-finished maple neck with Kramer’s K-Speed SlimTaper C profile feels lightning-quick and buttery-smooth, perfect for blazing runs and hours of play.
Loaded with three Alnico 5 pickups, a zebra-coil bridge humbucker plus two single-coils, it effortlessly flips from sparkling Strat-like cleans to thick, hard-rocking crunch. A licensed Floyd Rose locking tremolo lets you dive-bomb, squeal, and flutter with zero tuning worries.
Classic Kramer looks, modern speed, and massive tonal range at a price that makes shredding accessible to everyone.

The Ibanez Standard S561 is a lean, mean S-series machine built for players who demand speed, comfort, and sonic range without spending a fortune. Its sculpted meranti body hugs your frame for hours of fatigue-free playing, while the ultra-thin Wizard III maple neck and smooth rosewood board with 24 jumbo frets make blistering runs and wide bends feel effortless.
The HSS Quantum pickup array, two bright Alnico single-coils plus a scorching ceramic bridge humbucker, delivers everything from crystalline cleans to tight, palm-muted metal crunch that stays focused in drop tunings. A sturdy F106 fixed bridge and reliable die-cast tuners lock it all down. Fast, fierce, and ridiculously versatile, the S561 is pure Ibanez attitude at a wallet-friendly price.

The PRS SE CE 24 revives the classic bolt-on recipe that shaped rock history, but with unmistakable PRS refinement. A carved maple top over a mahogany back delivers the perfect blend of warmth and snap, while the bolt-on maple neck adds instant attack and lively resonance that defined countless legendary recordings.
The 85/15 “S” pickups serve up extended highs and lows with remarkable clarity and balance, and a push/pull tone knob unlocks single-coil sparkle for even more tonal range. Finished with a smooth rosewood fretboard, signature bird inlays, and PRS patented tremolo, the SE CE 24 offers iconic looks, effortless playability, and versatile, stage-ready tone that works for any style, from blistering leads to shimmering cleans, at a price that makes PRS quality accessible to everyone.

The Harley Benton CST-24T is a stunner that refuses to act its price. Its sculpted body wears a dramatic arched flamed maple top in Black Flame with classy wooden binding, while a smooth mahogany back delivers warmth and endless sustain.
Dual high-output humbuckers serve up thick, refined rock and metal tones, and a push/pull tone knob splits them for sparkling single-coil sounds when you need funk or fusion flavors. The fast roasted maple neck, 24-fret rosewood board, and 635 mm scale feel effortless for any style, and the Wilkinson tremolo stays rock-solid through dives and flutters.
Looks that kill, tones that thrill, and playability that inspires, this CST-24T does it all without breaking the bank.

The Ibanez GRG121DX is a ridiculous amount of metal guitar for the money. Its lightweight poplar body with sleek, you guessed it, those classic RG contours feels great for hours, while dual Infinity R humbuckers crank out thick, aggressive tone with plenty of bite and clarity.
A rock-solid hardtail bridge keeps tuning locked no matter how hard you dig in, and the fast maple neck with flat, bound purpleheart fingerboard and 24 jumbo frets makes shredding, sweeping, and tapping stupidly easy. Iconic sharktooth inlays and a choice of killer finishes seal the deal.
If you want maximum Ibanez attitude, playability, and looks without spending big, the GRG121DX is basically cheating.

The Ibanez Gio GRGR131EX is the ultimate no-frills metal starter that looks downright menacing. Dressed head-to-toe in stealthy black and gray, its sleek RG-shaped poplar body and super-thin maple neck with amaranth fretboard feel built for speed right out of the box.
Dual Infinity R ceramic humbuckers slam out everything from tight, aggressive rhythms to searing leads and surprisingly usable cleans, while the rock-solid F106 fixed bridge and die-cast tuners keep tuning locked even under heavy palm-muting and dive-bomb abuse.
Affordable, comfortable, and ruthlessly efficient, the GRGR131EX is pure entry-level metal attitude that plays and sounds far meaner than its price tag suggests. Perfect for up-and-coming shredders ready to conquer the pit.

The Ibanez GRG320FA joins the GIO lineup with a stealthy dark finish that blends timeless elegance and modern edge, making it the perfect all-rounder for any genre. Its responsive maple neck, carved to the slim GRG profile, feels lightning-fast, while the 24-fret amaranth fingerboard invites everything from soulful bends to razor-sharp shred.
Dual Infinity R humbuckers deliver tight, articulate tone with impressive clarity, whether you’re dialing in thick rhythms or searing leads. Separate volume and tone controls for each pickup give you precise sound sculpting on the fly. Black hardware and sleek aesthetics seal the deal. Affordable, comfortable, and tonally versatile.

The Ibanez Gio GRG121 is the ultimate entry-level shred weapon, built for players who want iconic RG aggression without the big price tag. Its sculpted poplar body and smooth AANJ joint deliver that classic, comfortable RG feel, while the slim roasted maple GRG neck makes fast runs and brutal riffs feel effortless.
Dual Ibanez Classic Elite humbuckers, wrapped in nickel covers, roar with tight, juicy tone, and the clever 5-way switch unlocks everything from thick rhythm crunch to surprisingly usable single-coil-esque snap. A rock-solid F106 fixed bridge and reliable die-cast tuners keep it locked in tune.
Finished in a jaw-dropping Blue Metal Chameleon with flip-flop shimmer, the GRG121 looks as killer as it plays. Pure beginner-to-intermediate metal mayhem that punches way above its weight.

The Ibanez GRG120QASP is a stunning entry-level RG that looks and plays like guitars twice its price. Its lightweight poplar body sports a quilted maple veneer, while the bolt-on maple/purpleheart neck delivers the fast, stable Wizard III feel Ibanez is famous for.
A smooth jatoba fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets and eye-catching acrylic inlays makes shredding and chording effortless. Dual Infinity R humbuckers roar with tight, aggressive tone, while the Ibanez T102 tremolo invites expressive dives and flutters without sacrificing tuning stability.
Built under the same strict quality control as premium Ibanez models, the GIO GRG120QASP offers pro-level looks, playability, and reliability at a beginner-friendly price. Killer style, killer tone, zero compromises.

Paul Gilbert’s wild style and blazing technique have inspired generations, and now even younger (or smaller-handed) shredders can join the fun with the Ibanez PGMM31. This short-scale signature keeps all the quirky, iconic Gilbert vibes, reverse headstock, bold colors, and that unmistakable attitude, in a compact, easy-to-wield package.
The 22.2" scale maple neck feels lightning-fast for little hands, while dual Infinity R humbuckers dish out the high-gain roar and singing leads Gilbert is famous for. A rock-solid hardtail bridge locks tuning in place, perfect for dive-bombs and hammer-ons alike.
Finally, there’s a Paul Gilbert signature Ibanez that everyone, no matter their size, can rip on with total confidence.