The 15 Most Iconic Signature Guitars For Musicians, Ranked
Countless A-list guitarists have collapsed with world-class guitar brands on their own signature series models: a line of special edition instruments modelled on iconic guitars played by the pro in question, rigged with all their personalised touches.
There are some real geniuses and whackjobs out there in the metal and rock scene, and the legendary signature guitars collected on our list prove it. Some of these guitars are discontinued and some have just hit the market, but every guitar on our list captures the sound of a world-famous artist, bringing metal to the masses, for real this time.
1. James Hetfield “Snakebyte” (ESP LTD)
James Hetfield’s signature “Snakebyte” guitar line launched in 2011. Built with Hetfield-style precision rhythm playing in mind, this guitar combines Hetfield’s “love of classic rock ‘n’ roll guitar sound with the modern, razor-sharp tones of active pickups.”
With mahogany body and neck, ebony fingerboard, 22 XJ frets, EMG pickups, and various other top-grade components, the ESP LTD Snakebyte James Hetfield Signature Guitar series currently offers three crowning finishes: Black Satin, Snow White, and Kuiu Camo.
2. Zakk Wylde “Bullseye” (Gibson / Epiphone)
Zakk Wylde’s bullseye guitars made their breakthrough back in Wylde’s Ozzy Osbourne days. Since then, Wylde has produced an extensive series of signature guitars with Gibson and Epiphone replicating the bold and bizarre aesthetics of his original custom-painted guitars.
From the Custom Zakk Wylde Signature Flying V which transplants the optical illusion to a Gibson V, to the Epiphone Zakk Wylde Les Paul Custom Buzzsaw which splatters its optical evolution over a tangerine base paint, these feral creations account for some of the most unforgettable guitars in metal.
3. Brian May “The Red Special” (Brian May Guitars)
The story of how Brian May built his legendary guitar, “The Red Special,” is one of the most iconic in classic rock history. Voicing the works of Queen and even playing on the rooftops of Buckingham Palace, Brian’s original Red Special saw countless rip-offs and replicas before Brian May launched his very own guitar line, producing official BMG Red Specials and spin-off shades of his world-famous guitar.
With a “rich diversity of killer tones,” this signature special features BM brand pickups and various other one-of-a-kind tech specs unseen on any other guitar in the world.
4. Dimebag Darrell Lightning Bolt (Washburn)
After a legendary partnership with Dean guitars, Dimebag Darrell turned to Washburn to produce his signature guitar series; replicating his iconic blue lightning bolt Dean ML original.
A number of guitars featured across Dimebag’s Washburn Dime 333 series, but the Washburn Dime 333 Lightning Bolt steals the show completely, modelled on his ground-breaking ‘80s axe, the “Dean From Hell.”
5. Synyster Gates Avenger (Schecter)
Avenged Sevenfold’s lead guitarist is renowned for his ultra-modern pinstripe aesthetics and, teaming with Schecter, now produces his iconic guitar for the masses.
The Synyster Gates Custom-S and Synyster Gates Standard Signature Guitar carries the rare Avenged guitar shape painted in Synyster’s trademark style, complete with Floyd Rose bridge, ebony fretboard, ultra-thin mahogany bolt-on neck and 24 X-Jumbo frets.
If, like Synyster, you have a tendency to track at least 3 harmonies to every solo, this guitar is built to provide the premium comfort and playability needed.
6. Johnny Depp
True story: Johnny Depp came to Hollywood as a musician, but got sidetracked into acting instead. Since returning to music as guitarist for Alice Cooper’s Hollywood Vampires, Johnny Depp’s signature guitar series with Duesenberg stands as one of the most luxe choices on the market.
Ornamenting its aluminium top plate are etchings of Depp’s tattoos, revealing a story of his life. The alder & ash solid body features chambered construction to enhance tone, while Depp’s own JD-63 P90 pickups feature 1963 windings; a nod to his year of birth.
7. Steve Vai JEM and PIA series (Ibanez)
Session guitarist for Frank Zappa, Alice Cooper, Motörhead, Polyphia and more, Steve Vai is a living guitar virtuoso. While his line of Ibanez signature models is expansive, the most notable guitars are produced in his PIA and JEM series, in particular, the Ibanez JEM7VP Steve Vai Signature guitar.
While spawning cutting sounds with tight low frequencies, stand-out features found in both Steve Vai’s signature series include floral “Tree of Life” inlays and a monkey-grip handle.
8. Glenn Tipton GT-600 Signature Series (ESP LTD)
Judas Priest’s lead guitarist, Glenn Tipton bases his ESP LTD signature model on the Viper body shape, contrasting its classic black and white paint job with harsh red pickups and detailing.
With a thin U-shaped neck, locking tuners and Glenn’s signature EMG pickups, the LTD GT-600 Glenn Tipton Signature guitar commands an acquired taste in aesthetic, matched with the ripping versatility of Glenn’s legendary sound.
9. Mick Thomson “Seven” (Ibanez)
Mick Thomson’s “Seven” guitar was a staple of the nu-metal scene. His Ibanez MTM100 Mick Thomson Signature guitar saw through some of the most brutal riffs of the genre, carved with aesthetics which scream BC Rich, rather than Ibanez.
Its “s e v e n” inlay, reversed headstock and razor-sharp edges make it an iconic guitar from the mere sight of it. But with Seymour Duncun Blackout humbuckers, a 24-fret rosewood fingerboard and locking tuners, this axe was built for down-tuned, Mick Thomson style shredding.
10. Orianthi (PRS)
Orianthi, legendary guitarist for Alice Cooper, takes the crown as one the most famous female guitarist of the metal scene. Her signature PRS is a sight to behold; with maple top, mahogany back, Pattern Thin mahogany neck and rosewood fretboard boasting 24 frets, the PRS Private Stock Orianthi Limited Edition signature guitar comes in a rare pink-purple sunburst shade entitled, “Blooming Lotus Glow.”
It also replaces PRS’ bird inlays with Orianthi’s original “Lotus Vine” design, made from Asian Pink Coral and mother of pearl.
11. Joey Jordison “Blood-Splattered Warlock” (BC Rich)
Original Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison was a beast behind the kit, but as guitarist for side-band Murderdolls, Joey collabed with BC Rich to craft a Warlock like no other. The BC Rich Joey Jordison JJSW2 Signature Warlock features BDSM pickups, a Floyd Rose Special tremolo bridge and bolt-on 24-fret maple neck with ebony fretboard and custom inlays.
This wasn’t the first time Joey opted for a blood-stained signature. The red ink used to decorate his signature Promark drum sticks was mixed with injections of Joey’s own blood!
12. James Hetfield “Iron Cross” (ESP)
Metalica’s frontman has released an army of signature guitars over the years. The ESP Iron Cross was a monochrome beauty and game-changer based on the classic Les Paul shape. With 22 X-Jumbo frets and Iron Cross inlay on ebony fingerboard, mahogany set-neck and mahogany/maple body, this guitar features James Hetfield’s EMG JH SET active pickups, personalised to evoke that pure, Metallica sound.
13. Chuck Schuldiner “Stealth” (BC Rich)
Death frontman, Chuck Schuldiner brought the BC Rich Stealth shape into the spotlight, making his signature guitar a fitting tribute to the “father of death metal.”
Produced post-humously, this signature guitar recreates the legendary single-pickup axe wielded by Schuldiner as he handcrafted the techniques which would soon spawn an entire genre. Featuring neck-through-body construction with alder body, maple neck and Indian ebony fingerboard, alongside one DiMarzio Super X2N Pickup and Sperzel Trim-Lock Tuners, the BC Rich Legacy Series Chuck Schuldiner Signature Stealth guitar sounds just as stunning as it looks.
14. Matt Heafy “Snøfall” (Epihone)
Inspired by the Trivium album, “Silence in the Snow,” Hatt Heafy’s second signature guitar with Epiphone is an albino beauty, presented in both 6 and 7-string models. With white EMG pickups, 22 frets and white phenolic resin fretboard, all aspects of this Epiphone Matt Heafy Snøfall Les Paul Custom guitar are glossed in an unusual Alpine White finish.
15. Dimebag Darrell “Razorback” (Dean)
Alongside his iconic “Dean From Hell” and Washburn signature series, Dimebag Darrell created a whole new guitar shape for his final signature guitar with Dean. The Dean Razorback variates the shape of the traditional star-shaped Dean ML with cut-throat edges and looks that kill.
Dean Razorbacks were made in a striking range of colour combos and cinematic finishes, including a blue lightning bolt edition for that Dimebag touch, fitted with a custom choice of EMG, DiMarzio or Seymore Duncan pickups, and an equally stunning selection of body and fingerboard woods.
