When it comes to electric guitars, a few names stand out as legends. These 5 most famous electric guitar brands in the world have shaped the sound of music for decades, showing up in the hands of rockstars, jazz virtuosos, and bedroom players alike.
Let’s take a look at five of the most famous electric guitar brands in the world, what makes them special, and why they’ve earned their spot in music history.
Fender
Starting with Fender, this brand is practically synonymous with electric guitars and is one of the 5 most famous electric guitar brands in the world. Founded by Leo Fender in 1946, the company introduced models like the Stratocaster and Telecaster, which became instant classics.
The Stratocaster, with its sleek double-cutaway design and three single-coil pickups, is known for its bright, crisp tone and versatility. It’s been a favorite of legends like Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Eric Clapton.
The Telecaster, with its simpler single-cut shape and twangy sound, is a staple in country and rock music.
Fender guitars often feature bolt-on maple necks and alder or ash bodies, giving them a snappy, resonant feel. Even today, Fender remains a top choice for players who want reliability and a sound that cuts through the mix.
Artists Using Fender:
- Jimi Hendrix (Stratocaster),
- Stevie Ray Vaughan (Stratocaster),
- Eric Clapton (Stratocaster),
- Keith Richards (Telecaster),
- Kurt Cobain (Mustang/Jaguar),
- David Gilmour (Stratocaster),
- John Mayer (Stratocaster).
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Gibson
Next up is Gibson, a brand that screams rock ‘n’ roll. Founded in 1902, Gibson’s electric guitars like the Les Paul and SG have defined genres from blues to heavy metal.
The Les Paul, with its thick mahogany body and glued-in set neck, delivers a warm, sustain-rich tone perfect for creamy leads and crunchy rhythms.
Think Slash’s soaring solos or Jimmy Page’s riff wizardry. The SG, lighter and with a devilish double-cutaway design, offers easier access to higher frets and a slightly edgier sound.
Gibson also made waves with semi-hollow models like the ES-335, loved by blues and jazz players for their smooth, resonant tones.
While Gibson guitars often come with a higher price tag, their craftsmanship and iconic status make them a dream for many players.
Artists Using Gibson
- Slash (Les Paul),
- Jimmy Page (Les Paul),
- Angus Young (SG),
- B.B. King (ES-335),
- Chuck Berry (ES-335),
- Zakk Wylde (Les Paul),
- Tony Iommi (SG).
Ibanez
Ibanez might not have the century-old history of Fender or Gibson, but it’s earned its place as a giant in the guitar world. Hailing from Japan, Ibanez gained popularity in the 1980s and ’90s by catering to rock and metal players who wanted fast, sleek instruments.
Models like the RG series, with their razor-thin necks and high-output pickups, became favorites for shredders like Steve Vai and Joe Satriani.
Ibanez is also known for its innovation, offering extended-range guitars with seven or eight strings for modern metal players.
But it’s not all about speed—Ibanez has versatile lines like the Artcore series, which delivers classic hollow-body tones at affordable prices.
Artists Using Ibanez
- Steve Vai (JEM),
- Joe Satriani (JS Series),
- Herman Li (RG),
- Paul Gilbert (Fireman),
- Nita Strauss (Iceman),
- Mick Thomson (RG).
PRS Guitars
PRS Guitars, founded by Paul Reed Smith in 1985, bridges the gap between vintage vibes and modern precision.
Known for stunning craftsmanship and eye-catching finishes, PRS guitars are as much art as they are instruments. The Custom 24, with its signature bird inlays and versatile humbucking pickups, can switch from sparkling cleans to searing leads with a flick of the selector.
Artists like Carlos Santana and John Mayer have made PRS a staple onstage, thanks to its balanced tone and buttery playability.
PRS also offers more accessible lines like the SE series, bringing high-quality construction to a wider audience. If you want a guitar that feels luxurious and handles everything from blues to progressive rock, PRS is a top contender.
Artists Using PRS
- Carlos Santana (Custom 24),
- John Mayer (Silver Sky),
- Mark Tremonti (Tremonti Model),
- Mikael Åkerfeldt (SE Custom),
- Orianthi (Custom 24).
Gretsch
Finally, Gretsch brings a touch of retro flair to the electric guitar world, becoming one of the 5 most famous electric guitar brands in the world. Founded in 1883, Gretsch became famous in the 1950s with its hollow-body guitars, favored by rockabilly and jazz players.
The Gretsch White Falcon, with its sparkling finish and gold hardware, is a showstopper both visually and sonically.
Models like the Electromatic Jet offer that classic Gretsch sound—bright, jangly, and perfect for rock ‘n’ roll or surf music.
Artists like Brian Setzer and Chet Atkins have showcased Gretsch’s unique voice, which often includes Filter’Tron pickups for a crisp, articulate sound.
While Gretsch guitars lean into vintage aesthetics, they’re far from outdated—modern players love them for their character and stage presence.
Each of these brands brings something unique to the table. Fender’s bright versatility, Gibson’s warm power, Ibanez’s shred-ready speed, PRS’s polished elegance, and Gretsch’s retro style have all left big marks on music history.
Artists Using Gretsch
- Brian Setzer (White Falcon/6120),
- Chet Atkins (Country Gentleman),
- George Harrison (Duo Jet),
- Jack White (White Penguin),
- Billy Duffy (Electromatic Jet).
FAQ: The 5 Most Famous Electric Guitar Brands in the World
What’s the price range for Fender guitars?
Fender offers guitars for almost every budget. Entry-level Squier models (part of the Fender family) start around 200−400, while American-made Stratocasters or Telecasters can cost 1,500−2,500+. Vintage or custom-shop models go even higher.
What genres are Fender guitars best for?
Fenders are incredibly versatile. Stratocasters shine in rock, blues, pop, and funk, while Telecasters are legendary in country, indie, and rock. Their bright, clear tones work well for clean or overdriven sounds.
Why are Gibson guitars so expensive?
Gibson uses premium materials like mahogany and rosewood, along with labor-intensive craftsmanship (e.g., set necks, hand-wired electronics). Their reputation as “rock royalty” and limited-edition models also drive up prices.
Is a Gibson Les Paul good for beginners?
Les Pauls are heavy and have a thicker neck, which might feel awkward for new players. Beginners might prefer lighter, cheaper options (like Epiphone, Gibson’s sister brand) before investing in a full Gibson.
What makes Ibanez guitars popular with metal players?
Ibanez guitars, like the RG series, have ultra-thin necks for fast playing, flat fretboards for shredding, and high-output pickups for heavy distortion. They’re also affordable compared to some premium brands.
Are Ibanez guitars only for metal?
No! While they’re famous in metal, models like the Artcore series are perfect for jazz, blues, or rock. Even Steve Vai uses Ibanez for everything from virtuosic solos to melodic ballads.
Why are PRS guitars considered “luxury” instruments?
PRS guitars feature flawless craftsmanship, exotic woods, and stunning finishes. They’re built to balance vintage warmth and modern precision, appealing to players who want both beauty and performance.
Is a PRS guitar worth the money?
If you want versatility and top-tier quality, yes. PRS guitars handle rock, blues, jazz, and prog effortlessly. Their SE series offers more budget-friendly options without sacrificing playability.
What’s special about Gretsch guitars?
Gretsch guitars stand out with their retro hollow-body designs, twangy Filter’Tron pickups, and bold aesthetics. They’re perfect for rockabilly, surf rock, or anyone wanting a vintage vibe.
Are Gretsch guitars good for beginners?
Gretsch’s Electromatic series is beginner-friendly, offering classic tones at lower prices. However, their hollow bodies can feel bulky compared to solid-body guitars, so comfort depends on personal preference.
Which brand is best for rock music?
All five brands work for rock, but it depends on the style. Fender Stratocasters suit classic/alternative rock, Gibson Les Pauls dominate hard rock, Ibanez excels in metal, PRS covers prog/rock fusion, and Gretsch nails rockabilly.
Do famous artists really influence guitar popularity?
Absolutely! Jimi Hendrix made the Stratocaster iconic, Slash’s Les Paul became a rock symbol, and Steve Vai’s Ibanez JEM inspired a generation of shredders. Artists shape how we see and hear these guitars.
Can I get a signature model from these brands?
Yes! Most brands offer artist signature guitars. Examples include the Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster, Gibson Slash Les Paul, Ibanez Joe Satriani JS Series, PRS Mark Tremonti Model, and Gretsch Brian Setzer Nashville.
Which brand holds its value best over time?
Vintage Fender and Gibson models often appreciate, especially iconic years (e.g., 1959 Les Paul). PRS and Gretsch retain value well too, while Ibanez’s premium lines (like JEM) hold steady.
How do I choose between these brands?
Try them! Your playing style, comfort, and tone preferences matter most. Love bluesy bends? Try a Strat. Crave heavy riffs? Grab a Les Paul. Want to shred? Ibanez might be your match.
Final tip: There’s no “best” guitar—only the best guitar for you. Whether it’s Fender