What are the best guitar brands of all time?

From American powerhouses that shaped rock to Japanese upstarts that redefined speed, these brands have left their stamp on virtually every genre. Whether you're team electric or acoustic, the debate runs deep. Cast your vote!

1

Fender

American guitar maker founded in 1946, creator of the Stratocaster and Telecaster — the backbone of rock, blues, and country music worldwide.

2

Gibson

Iconic American manufacturer founded in 1902, maker of the Les Paul, SG, and ES-335, beloved across rock, jazz, and blues.

3

Martin

The oldest American guitar maker, founded in 1833, renowned for premium acoustic instruments favored by folk and country legends.

4

Taylor

California-based acoustic guitar brand founded in 1974, celebrated for innovative neck design, bright tones, and outstanding playability.

5

Yamaha

Japanese giant founded in 1887 producing quality acoustic and electric guitars across every price tier, trusted by students and professionals.

6

PRS

Paul Reed Smith Guitars, founded in 1985, crafts precision electric guitars prized for sustain, quality, and distinctive bird inlays.

7

Gretsch

American brand dating back to 1883, iconic for hollow-body electrics favored by rockabilly and jazz players like Chet Atkins.

8

Ibanez

Japanese brand famous for thin, fast necks and metal-friendly designs, popular with shredders and progressive rock musicians since the 1950s.

9

Epiphone

Gibson's affordable subsidiary, producing quality Les Pauls and ES-style guitars accessible to intermediate players worldwide.

10

Rickenbacker

California-based maker of distinctive 12-string and bass guitars, famously associated with The Beatles and Tom Petty.

11

Guild

American acoustic brand founded in 1952, known for rich, warm-toned dreadnoughts and jumbo guitars favored by singer-songwriters.

12

Jackson

American brand founded in 1980 specializing in high-performance electric guitars for metal and hard rock, known for the iconic Rhoads V shape.

13

ESP

Tokyo-based guitar brand founded in 1975, popular in heavy metal for custom high-output instruments and artist signature models.

14

Seagull

Canadian acoustic guitar brand founded in 1982, known for hand-crafted instruments with excellent value and rich, warm tone.

15

Ovation

American brand founded in 1966, creator of the bowl-back acoustic-electric guitar, beloved by performers for feedback resistance.