Best Epiphone Electric Guitar for Metal
Epiphone Les Paul Custom
If you're settled on the Epiphone brand, I'd start with the Les Paul Custom for a good metal fit. If you want to niche down, look at the signature models, particularly Adam Jones, Jerry Cantrell, and Matt Heafy.
There are some signature Epiphone Les Pauls that we really like for metal, in addition to the Custom, like the Adam Jones and Jerry Cantrell models. But for the long term and for most people, the Les Paul Custom is the best overall Epiphone for metal styles. It's good for a lot of things, but the combination of high-register chime and percussive aggression is a really good fit for a wide range of genres, including metal and modern rock. If you want to niche down a little more, look at the Adam Jones, Matt Heafy, and Jerry Cantrell signature models.
Our roundup methodology
When recommending electric guitars, I focus on established brands and then look at models I've owned, tested, or that have a very reliable reputation on the musical instrument market. Since we're specifically focusing on Epiphone electrics, that's an easy starting point. From there, I'm looking for guitars that fit the metal style based on their sound, features, and overall quality.
If it weren't for the name on the headstock, you'd have a very hard time telling the difference between this and the Gibson version. Image via Rude Hamburg
Our job when selecting instruments to recommend is to give you the information you need to make an informed decision and help you pick from a solid list of options. We're also trying to give you value, by recommending the highest possible quality at the lowest possible price.
But at its core, our method is personal experience by real musicians (me and many others) and well-researched, reputable brands and products.
If you have questions about our process, leave them in the comments section below.
The Jerry Cantrell signature model is another good Epiphone to try if you're looking for a heavier, modern metal sound. It can do grunge and classic rock pretty well too.
Live Pricing for the Custom, Cantrell, and Jones
Prices updated as of Fri, August 21st, 2026.
Les Paul Custom Features Highlight
While it's no surprise that the Epiphone version of the Custom has to concede some quality, this is still a fantastic guitar for what you pay. At a fraction of the Gibson's price tag, it's a high-value option that still gives you ProBucker 2 and 3 humbuckers, a LockTone ABR bridge, and a solid Mahogany body. This is all with the look and feel of a much more expensive guitar.
Matt Heafy's take on the Epiphone Les Paul Custom. Image via Nafiri Music
There are a couple significant downgrades from the Gibson Custom to the Epiphone version. First, the Gibson has a Maple top piece or "cap" while the Epiphone Custom is a single piece of Mahogany, with binding. I'd prefer the Maple cap with any solid Mahogany body. Second, the Gibson version has Gibson 490R and 498T humbuckers.
However, while disappointing, these differences are not at all surprising, given the difference in price between the two guitars. The Epiphone Custom still sounds great and is a more reasonable amount of money for an intermediate or even semi-advanced player to spend. We don't expect the Epiphone Custom to compete with the Gibson version.
More Epiphone Guitars we Like for Metal
This is just a table with the top recommendation (the Les Paul Custom) and our three primary honorable mentions.
Guitar | Name | Shop |
|---|---|---|
 | Les Paul Custom | |
 | Jerry Cantrell Les Paul | |
 | Adam Jones Les Paul | |
 | Matt Heafy Signature |
Best Epiphone for Metal Summary
If you want to go in a different direction within the Epiphone brand, look at some of their guitars that have Fishman Fluence active pickups included. Those humbuckers are exceptionally good with a metal tone and they just sound great overall. If you have questions about any of the recommendations I made here, feel free to reach out to me via the comments section below.
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Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Electrics & Roundups
Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Electrics & Roundup
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