As a musician, there are few things more exhilarating than taking center stage and unleashing a powerful guitar solo.
But the key to creating an unforgettable performance lies in having the right instrument in your hands. With so many guitars on the market, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect one for your soloing needs.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best guitars for soloing that are sure to take your performances to the next level.
Best Guitars for Soloing Reviewed- Top Picks
ESP LTD EC-1000 Duncan Electric Guitar
This guitar features a vintage-looking body and neck. The guitar is made of high-quality mahogany wood on the body and neck, and ebony on the fretboard. The guitar has outstanding workmanship which makes it awesome for solos during live performances.
The guitar has an eye-catching black color with gold accessories which gives it a unique design. Apart from the quality design, the guitar produces a good bright tone. This guitar has high-quality pickups that deliver a clear and loud sound.
This guitar has great sensitive and locking tuners. The frets are flexible and easy to bend which makes soloing easier. Also, if you are looking for a guitar with a comfortable neck that is perfect for fast playing, this guitar is a good option.
If your solo performances involve playing in extreme environments, this guitar is hardy and features high-quality finishing, especially around the neck to keep it sleek and good. Another commendable thing about this guitar is the incredible packaging that keeps it intact.
Pros
- It is hardy
- Does well in extreme weather
- High-quality workmanship
- Great pickups
- Frets are flexible
Cons
- It is heavy
Squier by Fender 50’s Telecaster – Maple
The Squier by Fender 50’s Telecaster features a maple neck and an alder body. It has a vintage tint gloss neck finish that gives it a sleek stylish look. To deliver comfort for solo guitarists, this guitar has a C-shaped neck. It also has nickel-plated hardware which gives it a deep throwback look.
This guitar has an authentic Fender tone, thanks to the alnico single-coil pickups. In addition, the guitar delivers optimal resonance through the barrel saddles. The guitar plays like a telecaster and has minimal buzz effects.
If you are looking for a guitar that will give you an easy time tuning, this guitar is a great option. It features incredible stability for tuning and has a smooth action. This guitar is available for both the right and left-hand orientation.
Pros
- C-shape neck for comfort
- Incredible tuning stability
- Has optimal resonance
- Has a throwback vibe
Cons
- It needs a thorough setup to play
Squier by Fender J Mascis Signature
If you want an affordable guitar for soloing, the squire by Fender J Mascis is a great option. This guitar features a unique combination of gold and white colors, giving it a desirable vintage vibe. The guitar has a basswood body and is made of a maple neck.
This guitar has a C-shape neck profile which makes it comfortable to play. It features a durable rosewood fretboard with 21 frets. To add to its vintage vibe, this guitar has a reliable floating tremolo tailpiece.
The guitar has two single-coil original Jazz master pickups that are fantastic at playing. In addition, this guitar’s volume and tone controls are classically designed to facilitate playing during recordings or live performances.
This guitar is good and versatile. It is suitable for every level of soloing, whether you beginner or an intermediate guitarist. It is lightweight and keeps the guitarist comfortable even when playing for a long time. Also, this guitar is easy to tune.
Pros
- It is affordable
- Has controls for volume and tone
- Amazing pickups
- Floating tremolo tailpiece
Cons
- The G string does not rest in the neck nut
Ibanez RGA61AL RGA Axion Label
This Ibanez guitar is a combination of a rosewood neck and a nyatoh body. It is a beautiful guitar with an Indigo Aurora Burst Flat color. The guitar features premier workmanship, as well as a U-shaped neck profile to give solo guitars a great time during performances.
The neck is made of rosewood to keep it strong. It is also thin to ensure that even players with small hands can comfortably wrap their hands around it. The neck design and thinness improve the responsiveness of the guitar.
This guitar features 24 jumbo frets that are highly resilient to bends and pulling. The guitar has a luminescent side dot inlay that allows guitarists to express themselves accurately when performing on dimly lit stages. This guitar has the needed tune stability.
If you want a guitar with pickups that provide blazing high-end tone with precision low-end articulation, this is a good option.
Pros
- Think neck
- High-quality frets
- Blazing high-end tone
Cons
- It is expensive
Buyer’s Guide for Best Guitar for Soloing
Neck Size
To get the most out of a solo guitar, it is best to go for a guitar with a thin neck. A thin neck gives you more finger room to work with as opposed to a thick neck. Also, if you have small hands, it is better to get a thin neck.
Guitar Weight
Heavy guitars normally are made of heavy wood such as alder and rosewood. Although the heavier woods are suitable for durability, they do not always favor all guitarists. It is easier to perform with a light guitar.
Budget
Expensive guitars do have great features, but they are not always the ideal choice, especially for small budgets. Medium-end guitars are great for solos and have the required features to facilitate comfortable playing.
FAQs
Who is king of Guitar Solos?
Jimi Hendrix is among the best and most iconic guitar solos. Other popular guitar soloists include Eric Clapton and Eddie Van Halen.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Pro Guitar Solo?
It takes about 6 months to learn the basics of the guitar solo. Becoming proficient in soloing could take years of daily practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best guitar for soloing?
Choosing the best guitar for soloing entirely depends on the player’s personal preference, as different guitars have different tones, feels and looks. Some people may prefer the warm, round tones of a humbucker-equipped Gibson Les Paul for their solos. On the other hand, players like Yngwie Malmsteen favor the sharp attack and bright tones of a Stratocaster for their lightning-fast solos. Depending on the genre and playing style, the “best” guitar for soloing can vary.
What is considered to be the best electric guitar?
Deciding on what is recognized as the best electric guitar is largely a subjective matter and greatly relies on the individual guitar player’s preferences and requirements. Electric guitars, all with their unique characteristics, cater to different musical styles. For instance, the Fender Stratocaster is renowned for its crisp, bright tone and is widely used in country and blues. The Gibson Les Paul, on the other hand, boasts a fuller and rounder tone, making it a top choice for rock and roll. It’s all about the right tool for the job, and the best electric guitar might be the one that best matches your style and brings out your expression most effectively.
Which electric guitars stay in tune the best?
There isn’t a single definitive electric guitar model that universally outperforms all others in terms of tuning stability. However, proper setup is key to ensure a guitar holds its tune. Certain features such as locking tuners, a high-quality nut, a fixed bridge, or a locking tremolo system can improve a guitar’s tuning stability. From personal experience, remember to regularly maintain your guitar, including string cleaning and neck adjustment, as this will also greatly increase tuning stability.
What is the most versatile guitar for studio?
The most versatile guitar for studio depends on the genre of music being recorded. There are many variables to consider when choosing a guitar for studio use. The guitar’s shape, size, body style, and wood type all have an impact on the instrument’s tone. Particular guitar models, such as the Fender Stratocaster or Gibson Les Paul, are renowned for their versatility and have been used in a variety of recording genres.