Widely regarded as a go-to purveyor of high-performance guitars for hard rock and metal, Ibanez produces a variety of instruments with sharp lines, fast necks, hot humbuckers and striking looks. The best Ibanez guitars for metal merge premium playability with searing sonics, giving guitarists the tools they need to reach the pinnacle of precision technique. Depending on your individual style, Ibanez offers everything from an ’80s-inspired Superstrat (RG550) to a multi-scale 7-string (RGD71ALMS), and plenty more in between. If you’re searching for the missing piece of metal in your guitar collection, be sure to check out the options presented here.

Left to Right: Ibanez JEMJR Headstock, Ibanez RGD71ALMS Headstock, Ibanez RG470PB Headstock

Table of Contents

On Ibanez's Prominence in Metal
Comparing the Best Ibanez Guitars for Metal
The Best Ibanez Guitars for Metal
   Ibanez RGA42EX Standard Electric Guitar
   Ibanez JEMJR Steve Vai Signature JEM Series Electric Guitar
   Ibanez JEM77P Steve Vai Signature JEM Premium Series Electric Guitar
   Ibanez RGD71ALMS Axion Label Multi-Scale 7-String Electric Guitar
   Ibanez RG550 Genesis Collection Electric Guitar
   Ibanez RG470PB Standard Electric Guitar
   Ibanez Nita Strauss JIVAJR Signature Electric Guitar
   Ibanez GIO GRG121SP Electric Guitar
   Ibanez RG Premium RGT1221PB Electric Guitar
   Ibanez TOD10 Tim Henson Signature Electric Guitar
Conclusion

On Ibanez's Prominence in Metal

Ibanez began rising to the top of the hard rock, metal and shred scenes in 1987 with the release of their flagship, Superstrat-inspired Roadstar Guitar (RG)—the RG550. That same year also saw the release of Steve Vai’s signature JEM, boasting the iconic Monkey Grip handle and Tree of Life fretboard inlay. The RG and JEM belong to a small club of massively successful guitar designs not born in the 1950s, and they helped establish Ibanez’s reputation as a performance-focused innovator for technically ambitious players.  

Pictured: Ibanez JEMJR Steve Vai Signature JEM Series Electric Guitar in White

Ibanez is also credited as the first brand to mass produce 7- and 8-string guitars, beginning with another Steve Vai signature—the Universe—in 1990. The Ibanez Universe 7-string brought extended-range instruments into the mainstream, leading Korn guitarists Head and Munky to each purchase one prior to recording their self-titled debut in 1994. Nu metal stormed onto the scene, and artists were suddenly reaching for 7-string guitars to bring their sound to life.

Continuing in that vein, Ibanez launched the first mass-produced 8-string—the RG2228—in 2007. Over the years, Ibanez has also accumulated an impressive roster of headbangers with signature instruments, including Periphery’s Jake Bowen; Meshuggah’s Fredrik Thordendal and Mårten Hagström; Between the Buried and Me’s Paul Waggoner; and Polyphia’s Tim Henson and Scott LePage.

Pictured: Ibanez RGD71ALMS Axion Label Multi-Scale 7-String Electric Guitar in Black Aurora Burst

For almost 40 years, Ibanez has been unafraid to break tradition and cater to players on the bleeding edge of musical expression through guitar. Today, many of the best metal guitars are, in fact, still made by Ibanez. Let’s have a look at top favorites currently in production.

Comparing the Best Ibanez Guitars for Metal

Model	Body Wood Type	Neck Wood Type	Fretboard Material	Pickups	Bridge Type	Tuners
RGA42EX Standard	Meranti	Maple	Jatoba	Quantum HH	F106 fixed	Ibanez nonlocking
JEMJR Steve Vai Signature	Meranti	Maple	Jatoba	Quantum HSH	Ibanez double-locking tremolo	Ibanez nonlocking
JEM77P Steve Vai Signature	Basswood	5-piece maple and walnut	Maple	DiMarzio Gravity Storm and Evolution HSH	Edge-Zero II tremolo	Ibanez nonlocking
RGD71ALMS Axion Label	Nyatoh	5-piece panga and walnut	Ebony	Fishman Fluence Modern HH	Mono-rail fixed	Gotoh locking
RG550 Genesis Collection	Basswood	5-piece maple and walnut	Maple	V8 (H), S1 (S), V7 (H)	Edge tremolo	Gotoh nonlocking
RG470PB Standard	Meranti with poplar burl top	Maple	Jatoba	Quantum HSH	Edge-Zero II tremolo	Ibanez nonlocking
JIVAJR Nita Strauss Signature	Meranti	Maple	Ebony	Quantum HSH	Edge-Zero II tremolo	Ibanez nonlocking
GRG121SP	Poplar	Roasted maple	Jatoba	Classic Elite HH	F106 fixed	Ibanez nonlocking
RGT1221PB	Basswood with poplar burl top	7-piece maple and walnut	Ebony	DiMarzio Tone Zone and Air Norton HH	Mono-rail fixed	Gotoh locking
TOD10 Tim Henson Signature	Basswood	Roasted maple	Ebony	Fishman Fluence Tim Henson Signature Series HH	Gotoh T1502 tremolo	Gotoh locking

The Best Ibanez Guitars for Metal

Pictured: Ibanez RGD71ALMS Axion Label Multi-Scale 7-String Electric Guitar Neck

Ibanez RGA42EX Standard Electric Guitar

Why It’s Cool: The RGA42EX offers fluid Ibanez playability and the aggressive, supercar-like contours the Roadstar Guitar Arched Top (RGA) series is known for.

Things to Consider:

• Bolt-on Wizard III neck with 15.7" radius
• 5-way pickup selector supports split-coil tones
• Snappy meranti body is great for breakneck riffage

Shop Now: Ibanez RGA42EX Standard Electric Guitar in Black Aurora Burst Matte

The Ibanez RGA Standard RGA42EX is about as quintessential of a metal machine as it gets, especially for the riff-focused players in search of a stable platform to perform. Featuring a fixed bridge, high-octane Quantum humbuckers, 24 jumbo nickel frets and an enchantingly playable Wizard neck, each piece of the puzzle is in place. As a tonewood, meranti is known for being lively and percussive—well suited to enriching the attack of fast-paced riffs. Ditto for the jatoba fretboard, which produces a forward midrange and crisp, clean highs. Paired with bolt-on neck construction and articulate humbucking pickups, the RGA42EX tracks staccato chugs with absolute precision.

Ibanez JEMJR Steve Vai Signature JEM Series Electric Guitar

Why It’s Cool: If there was ever a Flex-Able guitar for progressive, fusion, rock and metal, the Ibanez JEMJR Steve Vai signature checks all the boxes.

Things to Consider:

• Iconic Tree of Life fretboard inlay and Monkey Grip handle
• Floating tremolo system for dive bombs and flutters
• Stylish, timeless aesthetic for hard rockers

Shop Now: Ibanez JEMJR Steve Vai Signature JEM Series Electric Guitar in White

Ibanez’s JEMJR Steve Vai signature provides affordable access to the virtuoso’s prized design, instantly recognizable in rock, metal and shred circles as his guitar. Outfitted with a double-locking, floating Ibanez tremolo system and HSH pickups, there isn’t much you can’t do with the JEMJR. This made-in-Indonesia electric is fully optimized for technical expression, but given its tonal versatility, you can chill out on laidback blues licks or go full throttle into the shred zone. One of our most-reviewed, top-rated models, the JEMJR’s distinct Monkey Grip handle and Tree of Life inlay give this high-performing Superstrat a distinguished look popular among metal players.

Ibanez JEM77P Steve Vai Signature JEM Premium Series Electric Guitar

Why It’s Cool: Steve Vai’s signature JEM77P parts the sea of all-black Superstrats with a sweet floral-patterned paintjob.  

Things to Consider:

• Powerfully flexible DiMarzio HSH pickup configuration
• Thin, flat Wizard neck with jumbo frets offers speed in spades
• Blue plastics and a see-through pickguard complete the vibe

Shop Now: Ibanez JEM77P Steve Vai Signature JEM Premium Series Electric Guitar in Blue Floral Pattern

The JEM77P is produced in Indonesia as part of the Ibanez Premium line, offering top-notch components and build quality. Its striking blue floral finish is sure to turn heads, but discerning metal guitarists stay for the American basswood body, titanium-reinforced maple/walnut neck, DiMarzio pickups and comfortable, expressive Edge-Zero II tremolo system. With a JEM in your hands, it’s almost impossible not to unleash passion and warfare.

Ibanez RGD71ALMS Axion Label Multi-Scale 7-String Electric Guitar

Why It’s Cool: The Ibanez RGD71ALMS’ extended range and bold aesthetic appeals to players in progressive metal (djent), technical death metal and beyond.  

Things to Consider:

• Luminescent side dot inlays guide the way under dim stage lights
• Push/pull volume control switches Fishman Fluence voicing
• Schaller S-Locks included

Shop Now: Ibanez RGD71ALMS Axion Label Multi-Scale 7-String Electric Guitar in Black Aurora Burst

Sporting a Nitro Wizard-7 neck, 25.5–27" scale length and Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers, the Ibanez RGD71ALMS takes extended-range tone and playability to the extreme. The RGD body—where “D” stands for down tuning—is deeply contoured, sharply pointed and everything you’d want in a contemporary guitar for metal. While there’s generally a bit of an adjustment period going from six strings to seven, this guitar eases the transition with a speedy, multi-scale neck, providing the tension and bendability you’re used to up top. The control layout simply consists of a three-way toggle and push/pull tone knob, though the sonic range of Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers is impressive. Customers are thrilled with the RGD71ALMS, rating it 4.79 stars out of five—92% of the group would also recommend it to a headbanging friend.

Ibanez RG550 Genesis Collection Electric Guitar

Why It’s Cool: The Ibanez Genesis Collection RG550 is a callback to the original 1987 Roadstar Guitar, featuring elite shredability and a flashy neon finish.   

Things to Consider:

• Flat 16.9" (430 mm) fretboard radius
• Slinky Super Wizard neck profile
• Alnico bridge and middle pickups; ceramic neck pickup

Shop Now: Ibanez RG550 Genesis Collection Electric Guitar in Electric Blue

In the Superstrat realm, the Ibanez RG550 may be one of the most iconic silhouettes ever produced, inviting adventurous guitarists to take their fretboard acrobatics to new heights. Boasting an ultrafast Super Wizard neck, floating tremolo system and a trio of pickups for tonal variation, the Genesis Collection RG550 is a throwback that continues to feel like it’s on the cutting edge. Built in Japan, the flagship RG550 is still one of the best guitars for metal nearly 40 years into its lifecycle. Many customers agree, certifying its popularity by rating the Genesis Collection RG 4.5 stars.

Ibanez RG470PB Standard Electric Guitar

Why It’s Cool: Punching well above its weight, the RG470PB looks and sounds like a high-end guitar at an accessible, mid-level price.  

Things to Consider:

• One-piece output jack is immune to loosening over time
• Low-profile Edge-Zero II bridge feels comfy under your hand
• Quantum HSH pickups provide balanced, metal-oriented tone

Shop Now: Ibanez RG470PB Standard Electric Guitar in Red Eclipse Burst

The Ibanez RG470PB prominently features a poplar burl top stained in an attention-grabbing Red Eclipse Burst. A contemporary Superstrat through and through, the RG470PB includes all the trappings of a shredder. Its Wizard III neck is a slim 0.8" thick at the 12th fret with a 15.7" radius, so it excels at rapid-fire single-note runs, octave-spanning riffs and complex chord shapes (especially those with a hint of “evil” dissonance). If you’re looking for classic RG playability and a cool, natural wood top, the Ibanez RG470PB should be high on your list. As one reviewer put, “The photos don’t even do it justice. This is such an amazing guitar in person.”   

Ibanez Nita Straus JIVAJR Signature Electric Guitar

Why It’s Cool: Nita Strauss’ signature JIVAJR Ibanez exudes style in a player-friendly package.   

Things to Consider:

• Quilted maple top finished in Deep Sea Blonde
• Ebony fretboard with custom Beaten Path inlay
• Wizard III maple neck offers signature Ibanez speed

Shop Now: Ibanez Nita Strauss JIVAJR Signature Electric Guitar in Deep Sea Blonde

Hurricane Nita became the first female guitarist to earn an Ibanez signature with the top-reviewed JIVA10 in 2018, and the JIVAJR distills its essence into a more accessible option for metal guitarists at any place in their musical journey. The Ibanez S series body incorporates softer features into its contoured, ergonomic frame, but there’s nothing subtle about the JIVAJR. Capturing Nita Strauss’ characteristic style, her signature guitar is built for speed and ready to storm the stage, featuring a unique, multi-color burst on a quilted maple top, a custom Beaten Path inlay and heaps of tone from a Quantum HSH pickup configuration.

Ibanez GIO GRG121SP Electric Guitar

Why It’s Cool: The Gio GRG121SP combines high-quality components and construction, offering beginners and veterans alike the legendary Ibanez experience at an unbeatable price.

Things to Consider:

• Rock-solid roasted maple neck contributes to stability
• Fixed F106 bridge is easier to maintain than a floating tremolo system
• Blue Metal Chameleon finish shimmers and sparkles

Shop Now: Ibanez GIO GRG121SP Electric Guitar in Blue Metal Chameleon

The Gio series delivers the coveted fluidity and aggression of the Ibanez RG to aspiring metal players at the start of their expedition. With a hardtail bridge, roasted maple neck and no-nonsense HH pickup layout, the Ibanez GRG121SP is both easy to play and maintain. In the looks department, it spares nothing, bearing a daring, color-changing finish. Don’t be fooled by the cost—the GRG121SP is a highly rated player’s guitar, earning 4.88 stars from our customers and a flawless 100% recommendation rate.

Ibanez RG Premium RGT1221PB Electric Guitar

Why It’s Cool: “Designed to Inspire” is the Premium series motto, and the RG Premium pairs top-notch tonewoods, electronics and hardware for metal enthusiasts who demand the most from their instrument.

Things to Consider:

• Jumbo stainless steel frets with Premium fret edge treatment
• Acrylic and abalone block inlays lend a splash of vintage-style appeal
• Neck-thru construction enhances resonance and sustain

Shop Now: Ibanez RG Premiums RGT1221PB Electric Guitar in Stained Wine Red Low Gloss

The Ibanez RG Premium RGT1221PB favors bold, intrepid metal guitarists craving unrivaled playability and unhindered sonic flexibility. This RG Premium sports a DiMarzio Tone Zone in the bridge and an Air Norton in the neck, wired to a 5-way blade and Ibanez’s proprietary dyna-MIX10 alter switch for 10 distinct voicings. Jumbo stainless steel frets provide a platform for effortless bends and seamless movement, aided by the unparalleled quickness of a Wizard III neck with thru-body construction. Between a hardtail Mono-rail bridge and Gotoh MG-T locking tuners, the Ibanez RG Premium is incredibly stable, tonally versatile and ready to rock.

Ibanez TOD10 Tim Henson Signature Electric Guitar

Why It’s Cool: Based on the inspiring adaptability of the AZ series, Tim Henson’s signature Ibanez TOD10 covers everything from palm-muted staccato chugs to bell-like, split-coil cleans.

Things to Consider:

• AZ Oval C-shaped neck with rounder 12" radius
• Ebony fretboard features custom Tree of Death inlay
• Graph Tech nut and locking Gotoh MG-T tuners

Shop Now: Ibanez TOD10 Tim Henson Signature Electric Guitar

Tim Henson emerged as a sensational shredder with Polyphia in 2010, developing a unique voice and approach to melodic riff writing that’s already left an influential mark on the world of instrumental progressive rock/metal. The Ibanez TOD10 is Henson’s versatile signature axe built upon an AZ foundation, including an ergonomic asymmetrical body, a comfortable roasted maple neck and a pair of Fishman Fluence Tim Henson Signature Series active humbuckers. The latter especially contribute to the TOD10’s ability to pull off the entire palette of sound Henson uses, from crushing high gain to jangly, edge-of-breakup tones. Overall, the TOD10’s refined aesthetic belies its capability to perform at Henson’s exceptionally high level.

Conclusion

Pictured: Ibanez RG470PB Standard Electric Guitar in Red Eclipse Burst

The best Ibanez guitars for metal share similar characteristics, such as thin, flat necks, deeply contoured bodies and high-output pickups. From floating tremolos to fixed bridges and six strings to nine, the complete Ibanez lineup has something for every subgenre of metal. We’d encourage you to connect with a Gear Adviser if you have any questions on finding the ideal Ibanez for you, and it’s always a great idea to stop by your local Guitar Center for a test drive. Your next metal monster is right around the corner.