Regardless of what some of the articles in the press and online are saying, the electric guitar is very alive and well in 2025. Its popularity has fluctuated over the years as musical trends change, but since the beginning of the decade, both sales numbers and its use in popular music are on the increase.
It's always been the cornerstone of certain genres, such as rock, blues, metal, and jazz.
But it’s being used a lot more on pop records these days than it has been for quite a while, and is also once again being seen as an important part of live band setups by most of the biggest touring pop artists.
The 2025 electric guitar market is thriving, but with so many options available, what brands and models should you be taking a closer look at? Let’s find out as we delve into the…
Top Electric Guitar Brands in 2025
Fender
Let’s begin with the company that started the electric guitar revolution in 1950 with the introduction of the first commercially available electric guitar, the Fender Telecaster.
For the past 75 years, Fender has remained synonymous with the instrument and still leads the pack in 2025.
Last year, Fender dominated top online musical retailer Reverb.com’s best-selling guitar list, with 10 of the top 20 models sold on the platform bearing its logo. The brand’s appeal lies in its heritage and adoption by legendary guitarists, including Jimi Hendrix, David Gilmour, Eric Clapton, Rory Gallagher, John Mayer, etc., etc.
The company produces some of the most versatile electric guitars you can buy. Their bright, crisp tones are superb for a large number of musical genres, from rock to blues, as well as excelling in pop.
Prices
Quality comes at a cost, so don’t expect to get your hands on one for a few hundred dollars. These are fine instruments, with the associated price tag. At the lower end, the Fender Player Series offers relatively affordable, high-quality guitars for beginners with a bit of cash to spare, starting at around $700.
If you’re a pro or a beginner who's feeling a bit more flush, go for the American Professional II or Ultra series, priced between $1,500 and $2,500, for some premium craftsmanship.
Most buyers go for the ever-popular Stratocaster or Telecaster; however, other models in the range, such as the Jazzmaster and Mustang, have also seen a resurgence in the past few years, especially with the indie and alternative crowd.
Models to Look Out For
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Fender Stratocaster - An icon, insanely versatile, great for just about any musical genre
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Fender Telecaster - Another icon, but less versatile, great for country, but in the right hands, it’s a rock monster
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Fender Jazzmaster/Jaguar - The faves of Indie/alternative/post-rock, etc., guitarists, less versatile but ridiculously cool
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Fender Mustang - One of Fender’s more affordable models, which is again adored by fans of alternative music
2. Squier
If you love the iconic looks and sounds of Fender guitars but can’t stretch the pennies to pay the prices, no worries, get yourself a Squier by Fender.
Squire are a subsidiary of Fender and recreate all their legendary designs but at a more affordable price, aimed at beginners and intermediate players, not professionals.
Understandably, you're not going to get the build quality or sounds of a thoroughbred Fender, but Squier guitars punch far above their weight and are a great choice for a novice's first guitar.
Style-wise, you can have anything you like, a Stratocaster, Telecaster, Jazzmaster, whatever. If Fender makes it, the likelihood is that Squier also makes it for a lot less dollars.
3. Gibson
Gibson have been making musical instruments for over 120 years and are the go-to guitar brand for classic rock and blues tones.
It's most popular model, the Les Paul, known for its warm, thick sound, has been wielded by legends such as Jimmy Page, Slash, Paul Kossoff, Zack Wylde, Mick Ronson, Billy Gibbons, and countless others.
While its SG models are the guitar of choice for such diverse talents as Angus Young, Tony Iommi, Derek Trucks, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Frank Zappa, and Robby Krieger.
Prices
In 2025, Gibson remains a powerhouse; the Les Paul Standard, priced at between $2,500 and $3,500, is known for its endless sustain and tonal depth, while the similarly priced semi-hollow ES-335 appeals to jazz and blues players.
If you’re looking for something a little more affordable, go for some of Gibson’s more esoteric designs, such as the Flying V, the Explorer, or the Firebird.
Regardless of your choice, Gibson’s premium craftsmanship and iconic designs will ensure its popularity as a brand well into the future.
Models to Look Out For
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Gibson Les Paul - the King of Solid Body Guitars, a rock monster, with sustain for days!
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Gibson SG - Another Goliath of rock, but with its own unique sound.
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Gibson ES-335 - More versatile than a Les Paul or SG, making it a superb choice for many genres.
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Gibson Flying V - Can only be played standing up, but with that shape, who cares! - Rock with a capital R!
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Gibson Explorer - If the Flying Vs two points just aren’t enough, get yourself an Explorer.
4. Epiphone
As with Fender, Gibson also has a budget-friendly sister brand, Epiphone, which delivers Gibson’s iconic designs at affordable prices.
But unlike Squier, Epiphone also has some iconic designs of its own, such as the Epiphone Coronet and the Epiphone Casino, the electric guitar that appeared on more Beatles records than any other.
Prices
Currently, Epiphone’s Les Paul and SG models start at around the $400 mark, making them an excellent choice for those taking up the instrument.
Or for around $300 more, you could go for the brand’s Inspired by Gibson series, such as the Les Paul Standard 50s, which offers near-Gibson quality for a fraction of the cost.
Models to Look Out For
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Epiphone Les Paul Standard - The looks and sounds of a Les Paul, but on a budget.
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Epiphone SG Standard - Play like a rockstar without the bank account.
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Epiphone Casino - Super cool, highly versatile semi-acoustic, but prone to feedback.
5. Ibanez
If Gibson is the go-to brand for classic rockers, then Ibanez takes over when it comes to heavy rock and metal players, particularly those into highly technical, high-speed playing. This is predominantly down to the brand's RG and JEM series of guitars, which were developed with the aid of virtuosos such as Steve Vai and Joe Satriani.
Prices
Ibanez remains a favorite amongst shreders for their super-fast necks, high-output pickups, and value for money. Beginner models start at around the $300 mark, going up to around $3,000 for their high-end guitars.
Models to Look Out For
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Ibanez RG550 - a great all-rounder for shredders
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Ibanez JEM - the ultimate guitar choice for any Steve Vai fan
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Ibanez AZ Prestige - modern versatility with vintage-inspired tones, broadening the brand's reach to guitarists in other genres
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Ibanez Gio - good quality, beginner's guitars at budget-friendly prices
6. PRS (Paul Reed Smith)
Founded in the mid-80s, PRS is renowned for the ultimate in guitar craftsmanship and offering a variety of very versatile tones.
Prices
The SE series, including the flagship SE Custom 24 Semi-Hollow Piezo, features piezo pickups for acoustic-like tones and is priced at around $900.
The brand's Core series starts at around $3,000 and goes up to $10,000 plus. For your cash, you’ll get unmatched build quality and the most stunning flame maple tops that you’ll find on any guitar brand.
If the Core series is a little outside you’re budget, go for something in the S2 range, which bridges the gap for mid-range buyers.
Models to Look Out For
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PRS Custom 24 - the Holy Grail of guitars to so many players - incredible build quality, playability, versatility, and tone
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PRS Silver Sky - if you're looking for even more than a Strat can give you, get yourself one of these
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PRS SE Standard 24 - an affordable version of the Holy Grail guitar
7. ESP
If you're more into thrash than technical metal, then ESP are probably at the top of your wishlist. Most famously played by James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett from Metallica, the brand dominates thrash and its countless subgenres.
Prices
ESP and its affordable sub-brand, LTD, offer various models ranging from around $200 to over $10,000.
Models to Look Out For
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ESP Horizon - the sleek design and high-output pickups make this a great choice for many genres
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LTD EC-256 - a superb quality guitar at an affordable price
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ESP Snakebyte - the ultimate guitar choice for any James Hetfield fan
8. Gretsch
Gretsch is most renowned for its hollowbody and semi-hollow electric guitars, which offer warm, twangy tones, making them the perfect choice for rockabilly, country, and classic rock.
But don’t dismiss their solid-bodied guitars; the Duo Jet is a stunning guitar, both sonically and physically.
Prices
Looking for an affordable Gretsch, then the G5420 Electromatic, priced around $800, delivers all the vintage charm you could ever want at an accessible price. Or if money is no object, go all out with either a Country Gentlemen or a White Falcon, both are a collector’s dream.
Models to Look Out For
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Gretsch Country Gentleman - an all-time classic
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Gretsch White Falcon - the ultimate in bling
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Gretsch G5420 Electromatic - the Gretsch vibe at an affordable price
9. Yamaha
Yamaha are more of a lower and mid-market brand than most of the others that I’ve featured. Regardless, they are a fantastic choice for beginners and offer some of the best value for money guitars currently available.
Prices
A prime example is the Pacifica 112V, which is easily one of the top choices for beginners and is priced at around $300. Or, if you’re happy to spend a little more and looking for a great-sounding guitar that separates you from the usual suspects, check out the Revstar series.
Models to Look Out For
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Yamaha Pacifica 112V - superb value for money, first guitar for a beginner
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Yamaha Revstar - competes with guitars costing a lot more
2025 - What’s Trending in the Guitar Industry
Electric vs Acoustic
Electric guitars are currently outselling acoustics by 2 to 1. This is mainly due to their versatility and the fact that they are generally more appealing to new players, as shown by data from Reverb and Sweetwater.
Sales of Quality Used Gear
Platforms such as online marketplace, Reverb, report strong sales of used electric guitars, especially Fender and Gibson. This is primarily because of more affordable prices and general economic concerns.
The Rise of Boutique Brands
Some guitarists are getting a bit more adventurous and deviating from the standard brands.
Relative newcomers such as Suhr, Kiesel, and Strandberg have gained in popularity with their custom, high-performance guitars appealing to players in search of something that differs from the norm.
Focus on Sustainability
A number of brands, including Fender, have introduced more eco-friendly materials into their manufacturing process.
Wrapping it Up!
There you have it, the Top 2025 Guitar Brands. Most produce a variety of guitars across a range of price points, so check them all out to find the next guitar love of your life!
If you’re still a bit confused about what you should go for, take a look at what your favorite guitarists are playing. If you love their sound and the look of the guitar, it could well be the perfect choice for you as well.
So get down to your local music store, get one in your hands, and then make the final decision.
All the best and happy shopping!
