Iconic Metal Machine with a Thin Neck

The Ibanez RG550 is a legendary thin neck electric guitar known for its powerful sound and iconic design, making it a favorite among metal and rock guitarists for decades. Featuring a super thin and fast wizard neck, this electric guitar delivers a comfortable and fast playing experience, perfect for shredding and speedy solos.

Why someone should buy: If you're into metal or rock and want one of the best electric guitars with a thin neck for speedy playing, the Ibanez RG550 is a perfect choice.

Why We Love It:

• Classic metal and rock thin neck guitar
• Super thin and fast wizard neck
• Powerful and versatile HSH pickup configuration

Technical Features:

• Basswood body
• 5-piece Maple/Walnut neck profile
• Maple/Rosewood fingerboard
• Ibanez V7 (neck), S1 (middle), V8 (bridge) pickups
• Edge tremolo bridge

Review:

The Ibanez RG550, one of the best thin neck electric guitars, has been a staple in the metal and rock world since its introduction in the 1980s. The guitar features a thin and fast neck, perfect for quick chord changes and solos.

The HSH pickup configuration offers a wide range of tones, making the RG550 an incredibly versatile thin neck electric guitar. The edge tremolo bridge provides stable tuning and smooth response, perfect for dive bombs and vibrato.

Verdict:

The Ibanez RG550 is an excellent choice for guitarists seeking a high-quality thin neck electric guitar that's perfect for metal and rock playing styles.

The Ibanez RG550 is Perfect For:

• Metal and rock guitarists
• Players who prefer a thin and fast neck
• Versatile musicians who require a wide range of tones

Grunge Icon Reimagined with a Thin Neck

The Fender Kurt Cobain Jaguar pays homage to the legendary Nirvana frontman's modified thin neck electric guitar, featuring a slim neck for easy playability. Designed for modern players, this thin neck electric guitar boasts powerful pickups and a unique aesthetic, capturing the spirit of Cobain's original instrument.

Why someone should buy: If you're a fan of Kurt Cobain or simply love the unique features of his customized thin neck Jaguar, this Fender model offers a slim neck and powerful sound that's perfect for grunge and alternative rock.

Why We Love It:

• Iconic design inspired by Kurt Cobain's modified thin neck electric guitar
• Thin neck for easy playability
• Powerful pickups for a grunge-ready sound

Technical Features:

• Maple body and neck
• Rosewood fretboard
• DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion (bridge), DiMarzio PAF 36th Anniversary (neck) pickups
• Adjusto-matic with vintage-style "Floating" tremolo tailpiece bridge

Review:

The Fender Kurt Cobain Jaguar is a tribute to the late Nirvana frontman and his unique guitar. This model features a slim neck for easy playability, making it perfect for grunge and alternative rock styles. The powerful DiMarzio pickups deliver a strong, aggressive sound, capturing the essence of Cobain's signature tone. The adjusto-matic bridge and vintage-style tremolo tailpiece provide reliable tuning stability and expressive vibrato.

Verdict:

The Fender Kurt Cobain Jaguar is an ideal choice for fans of Nirvana or guitarists seeking a powerful, grunge-ready instrument with a slim neck for easy playing.

This Fender Kurt Cobain Jaguar is Perfect For:

• Nirvana fans and grunge enthusiasts
• Guitarists who prefer a slim neck for easy playability
• Players seeking an aggressive, powerful sound

Fast, Sleek, and Modern

The Jackson MJ Series Dinky DKR is a modern and high-performance instrument designed for the fast-paced guitarist. With a compound-radius fingerboard, speedy neck, and high-output pickups, this guitar delivers the perfect combination of playability and power for metal and hard rock styles.

Why someone should buy: If you're seeking a high-performance guitar with a fast neck and powerful pickups, the Jackson MJ Series Dinky DKR is an excellent choice for metal and hard rock players.

Why We Love It:

• Compound-radius fingerboard for comfortable chording and soloing
• Fast and sleek neck for speedy playing
• High-output pickups for powerful, aggressive tones

Technical Features:

• Mahogany body
• Maple neck profile
• Ebony fingerboard with compound-radius
• Seymour Duncan TB-4 (bridge), SH-1N (neck) pickups
• Floyd Rose 1000 series double-locking tremolo bridge

Review:

The Jackson MJ Series Dinky DKR offers a sleek, modern design and top-notch performance. The compound-radius fingerboard provides comfortable chording and effortless soloing, while the slim, speedy neck makes for easy playability.

The high-output Seymour Duncan pickups deliver aggressive, powerful tones perfect for metal and hard rock. The Floyd Rose double-locking tremolo ensures tuning stability and expressive vibrato.

Verdict:

The Jackson MJ Series Dinky DKR is a superb choice for guitarists seeking a high-performance instrument with a fast neck and powerful pickups, perfect for metal and hard rock styles.

The Jackson MJ Series Dinky DKR is Perfect For:

• Metal and hard rock guitarists
• Players who value speed and playability
• Musicians seeking powerful, aggressive tones

Versatile and Beautiful

The PRS Guitars SE Custom 24 combines the iconic design of the Custom 24 with the affordability of the SE line. This versatile instrument features a beautiful flame maple top, mahogany body, and rosewood fingerboard for a wide range of tones suitable for various music genres. The coil-tapping feature allows players to switch between humbucking and single-coil tones, making it an ideal choice for guitarists who want a versatile and attractive instrument.

Why someone should buy: If you're looking for a versatile, great-sounding guitar with a stunning appearance, the PRS Guitars SE Custom 24 is an excellent choice for various music styles.

Why We Love It:

• Beautiful flame maple top and distinctive PRS design
• Versatile tonal options with coil-tapping feature
• Wide range of tones suitable for various music genres

Technical Features:

• Mahogany body with flame maple top
• Maple neck
• Rosewood fingerboard
• PRS 85/15 "S" humbuckers
• PRS patented tremolo, molded bridge
• Review:

The PRS Guitars SE Custom 24 is a versatile and stunning instrument that offers a wide range of tones. The beautiful flame maple top and iconic PRS design make this guitar an eye-catching choice, while the 85/15 "S" humbuckers deliver clear, balanced tones perfect for various music genres. The coil-tapping feature allows players to switch between humbucking and single-coil tones, adding to the guitar's versatility. The PRS Patented Tremolo provides smooth and expressive vibrato while maintaining tuning stability.

Verdict:

The PRS Guitars SE Custom 24 is an excellent choice for guitarists seeking a versatile, great-sounding, and visually stunning instrument suitable for various music styles.

The PRS Guitars SE Custom 24 is Perfect For:

• Guitarists who play various music genres
• Players who want a versatile instrument with coil-tapping options
• Musicians who appreciate a beautiful, eye-catching design

Iconic Design, Unmatched Playability

The Ibanez Steve Vai Signature JEM JR pays homage to the legendary guitarist with an affordable version of his iconic JEM series. Featuring the distinctive "Tree of Life" inlay, a slim wizard III neck, and powerful quantum pickups, the JEM JR offers unmatched playability and a wide range of tones suitable for rock, metal, and fusion styles.

Why someone should buy: If you're a fan of Steve Vai or want an affordable, high-performance guitar with a distinctive design, the Ibanez Steve Vai Signature JEM JR is an excellent choice.

Why We Love It:

• Distinctive "Tree of Life" inlay and iconic JEM design
• Slim Wizard III neck for fast, effortless playing
• Powerful Quantum pickups for versatile tonal options

Technical Features:

• Meranti body
• Maple (Wizard III) neck
• Jatoba fingerboard with "Tree of Life" inlay
• Ibanez Quantum humbuckers
• Double-locking tremolo bridge

Review:

The Ibanez Steve Vai Signature JEM JR is an affordable version of the iconic JEM series, making it accessible to a wider range of guitarists. The guitar features the distinctive "Tree of Life" inlay and the iconic JEM design, making it a visually stunning instrument. The slim Wizard III neck offers fast and effortless playing, while the powerful Quantum pickups provide versatile tonal options suitable for rock, metal, and fusion styles. The double-locking tremolo system ensures tuning stability.

Verdict:

The Ibanez Steve Vai Signature JEM JR is an excellent choice for fans of Steve Vai or guitarists seeking a high-performance instrument with a distinctive design at an affordable price.

The Ibanez Steve Vai Signature JEM JR is Perfect For:

• Fans of Steve Vai
• Guitarists who want an affordable, high-performance guitar with a distinctive design
• Players who prefer a slim neck for fast playing

Classic Tone, Timeless Design

The Gibson SG Special offers the classic tone and timeless design that has made the SG a staple in rock history. Featuring a solid mahogany body, slim-taper mahogany neck, and dual P-90 pickups, the SG Special delivers a rich, resonant tone with excellent sustain and versatility. The bound rosewood fingerboard and vintage-style keystone tuners add a touch of elegance to this iconic instrument.

Why someone should buy: If you're seeking a guitar with a classic design and a rich, resonant tone, the Gibson SG Special is an excellent choice.

Why We Love It:

• Classic SG design and solid mahogany construction
• Slim-taper mahogany neck for comfortable playing
• Dual P-90 pickups for a rich, versatile tone

Technical Features:

• Mahogany body
• Mahogany (Slim Taper) neck
• Rosewood fingerboard
• Gibson P-90 single-coil pickups
• Tune-O-Matic bridge

Review:

The Gibson SG Special offers the classic design and rich tone that has made the SG a staple in rock history. The solid mahogany body and slim-taper mahogany neck provide a comfortable playing experience, while the dual P-90 pickups deliver a versatile tone with excellent sustain. The bound rosewood fingerboard and vintage-style keystone tuners add a touch of elegance to this iconic instrument. The Tune-O-Matic bridge ensures stable tuning and easy intonation adjustments.

Verdict:

The Gibson SG Special is an excellent choice for guitarists seeking a classic design with a rich, versatile tone and comfortable playing experience.

This Gibson SG Special is Perfect For:

• Guitarists who want a classic, iconic design
• Players seeking a rich, versatile tone with excellent sustain
• Musicians who appreciate a comfortable, slim-taper neck

Modern Design Meets Exceptional Playability

The Ernie Ball Music Man Majesty is a stunning collaboration between the company and guitarist John Petrucci, combining innovative design with exceptional playability. The instrument features a unique, angular body shape, a through-neck design, and premium components such as DiMarzio pickups and a custom-designed piezo bridge. The Majesty is perfect for players seeking an ergonomic, high-performance instrument that excels in various styles.

Why someone should buy: If you're looking for a modern, high-performance guitar with a unique design and exceptional playability, the Ernie Ball Music Man Majesty is an excellent choice.

Why We Love It:

• Innovative, ergonomic design
• Exceptional playability with a through-neck construction
• DiMarzio pickups and custom piezo bridge for a wide range of tones

Technical Features:

• Mahogany body with a maple top
• Honduran mahogany neck
• Ebony fingerboard
• DiMarzio Rainmaker and Dreamcatcher humbuckers
• Custom Music Man floating tremolo with piezo system
• Review:

The Ernie Ball Music Man Majesty is a unique, high-performance guitar with exceptional playability and versatility. The innovative, ergonomic design and through-neck construction make playing comfortable for extended periods. The DiMarzio pickups and custom piezo bridge provide a wide range of tonal options suitable for various styles. The Majesty's unique design and premium components make it a standout choice for guitarists seeking a modern, high-performance instrument.

Verdict:

The Ernie Ball Music Man Majesty is an excellent choice for guitarists seeking a unique, ergonomic design and exceptional playability in a high-performance instrument.

This Ernie Ball Music Man Majesty is Perfect For:

• Guitarists who want a unique, ergonomic design
• Players seeking exceptional playability and comfort
• Musicians looking for a wide range of tonal options

Versatile Acoustic-Electric with Classic Taylor Quality

The Taylor 214Ce is a versatile acoustic-electric guitar that delivers classic Taylor quality and playability. The instrument features a solid sitka spruce top, layered rosewood back and sides, and Taylor's Expression System 2 electronics for natural-sounding amplified performance. With its comfortable grand auditorium body shape, the 214Ce is an excellent choice for guitarists seeking a high-quality, versatile acoustic-electric instrument.

Why someone should buy: If you're looking for a versatile, high-quality acoustic-electric guitar with excellent playability and tone, the Taylor 214Ce is a fantastic option.

Why We Love It:

• Classic Taylor quality and playability
• Solid sitka spruce top
• Layered rosewood back and sides
• Taylor expression system 2 electronics

Technical Features:

• Grand Auditorium with Venetian cutaway body
• Solid Sitka spruce top
• Layered rosewood back and sides
• Tropical mahogany neck
• West African crelicam ebony fingerboard
• Taylor Expression system 2 electronics

Review:

The Taylor 214Ce is a versatile acoustic-electric guitar that offers classic Taylor quality and playability. The solid Sitka spruce top and layered rosewood back and sides deliver a balanced and nuanced tone, while the Grand Auditorium body shape provides comfort and ease of play.

Taylor's Expression System 2 electronics ensure the guitar's natural tone is faithfully reproduced when amplified. The 214Ce is perfect for guitarists seeking a high-quality, versatile acoustic-electric instrument.

Verdict:

The Taylor 214Ce is a fantastic choice for guitarists looking for a versatile, high-quality acoustic-electric guitar with excellent playability and tone.

This Taylor 214Ce is Perfect For:

• Guitarists looking for a versatile acoustic-electric guitar
• Players seeking classic Taylor quality and playability
• Musicians in need of a comfortable, easy-to-play instrument

Compact Acoustic-Electric with Exotic Wood Finish

The Yamaha APXT2EW is a compact, travel-friendly acoustic-electric guitar featuring an exotic wood finish for a distinctive look. The guitar's smaller size and lightweight construction make it ideal for musicians on the go, while the System 68 electronics with a built-in tuner ensure you're always in tune and ready to play. The APXT2EW is perfect for guitarists seeking a portable, eye-catching instrument with a great sound.

Why someone should buy: If you're looking for a compact, travel-friendly acoustic-electric guitar with a unique exotic wood finish, the Yamaha APXT2EW is an excellent choice.

Why We Love It:

• Compact, travel-friendly design
• Exotic wood finish for a unique look
• System 68 electronics
• Built-in tuner

Technical Features:

• APX Thinline 3/4 sized body
• Exotic wood top
• Exotic wood back and sides
• Nato neck
• Rosewood fingerboard
• System 68 electronics with built-in tuner

Review:

The Yamaha APXT2EW is a compact, travel-friendly acoustic-electric guitar with a unique exotic wood finish. The smaller size and lightweight construction make it easy to take with you wherever you go, and the System 68 electronics ensure that you'll always have a great amplified sound. The built-in tuner is a convenient feature that makes staying in tune a breeze. The APXT2EW is perfect for guitarists who want a portable, eye-catching instrument with a great sound.

Verdict:

The Yamaha APXT2EW is an excellent choice for guitarists looking for a compact, travel-friendly acoustic-electric guitar with a unique exotic wood finish and excellent sound quality.

This Yamaha APXT2EW is Perfect For:

• Guitarists seeking a compact, travel-friendly guitar
• Players who want a unique, eye-catching exotic wood finish
• Musicians who need a built-in tuner for easy tuning on the go

High-Performance Electric Guitar with Floyd Rose Tremolo

The Schecter Banshee GT-6 FR is a high-performance electric guitar designed for players who demand the best in playability, tone, and style. Featuring a sleek body shape, powerful Schecter Diamond Decimator pickups, and a Floyd Rose 1500 Series tremolo, this guitar is built for heavy riffing and precision playing. The Banshee GT-6 FR is perfect for guitarists who want a high-quality instrument that looks as good as it sounds.

Why someone should buy: If you're looking for a high-performance electric guitar with powerful pickups and a floyd rose tremolo, the Schecter Banshee GT-6 FR is an excellent choice.

Why We Love It:

• Sleek, stylish body shape
• Powerful Schecter Diamond Decimator pickups
• Floyd Rose 1500 Series tremolo for precise tuning stability

Technical Features:

• Mahogany body
• Flamed maple top
• Maple with carbon fiber reinforcement rods
• Ebony fingerboard
• Schecter Diamond Decimator pickups
• Floyd Rose 1500 Series tremolo bridge

Review:

The Schecter Banshee GT-6 FR is a high-performance electric guitar designed to meet the demands of modern guitarists. With its sleek body shape, powerful Schecter Diamond Decimator pickups, and Floyd Rose 1500 Series tremolo, the Banshee GT-6 FR is perfect for heavy riffing and precision playing. The guitar's construction and features make it a reliable and versatile instrument that looks as good as it sounds. This guitar is perfect for players who want a high-quality instrument with excellent playability, tone, and style.

Verdict:

The Schecter Banshee GT-6 FR is an outstanding choice for guitarists seeking a high-performance electric guitar with powerful pickups and a reliable Floyd Rose tremolo.

This Schecter Banshee GT-6 FR is Perfect For:

• Guitarists who want a high-performance electric guitar
• Players looking for powerful pickups and a reliable tremolo system
• Musicians who value both style and substance in their instruments

Buyer's Guide: Best Thin Neck Electric Guitars

When searching for the perfect electric guitar, one crucial aspect to consider is the guitar's neck. A guitar's neck can significantly impact your playing experience and overall comfort. In this buyer's guide, we will explore the benefits of thinner guitar necks, what to look for when choosing thin neck guitars, and how they differ from their thick neck counterparts.

The Importance of a Guitar's Neck

The guitar neck plays a vital role in your playing experience. A thinner neck allows for faster playing and easier maneuverability, particularly for players with smaller hands or those who enjoy playing intricate solos. Conversely, a thick neck may provide a more traditional feel and better sustain, though it might be less comfortable for those with smaller hands.

Thinner Guitar Necks

• Faster playing: Thinner necks are often preferred by shredders and players who require quick chord changes and speedy solos.
• Better for smaller hands: Players with smaller hands might find thinner necks more comfortable to play.
• Less hand fatigue: Thinner necks can reduce hand fatigue during extended playing sessions.

Thicker Guitar Necks

• Increased sustain: Thicker necks can contribute to better sustain, providing a richer, fuller sound.
• Better for larger hands: Players with larger hands might find thicker necks more comfortable and stable.
• Traditional feel: A thicker neck can provide a more classic, familiar feel to those who prefer a traditional playing experience.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Thin Neck Guitars

Brands

Some brands are known for producing guitars with thinner necks such as Ibanez and PRS. Ibanez guitars are particularly popular among metal and rock players, while PRS guitars cater to a broader range of genres.

Be sure to explore various brands and models to find the perfect thin neck guitar for your playing style, and don't forget to take a look at our list of best electric guitars for small hands.

Neck Material and Construction

The materials used when constructing the guitar neck can impact the instrument's overall feel and stability. Maple and walnut are commonly used in combination for their durability and tonal qualities. Pay attention to the neck construction, such as bolt-on, set-neck, or neck-through designs, which can affect the guitar's resonance and sustain.

Scale Length

The scale length, or the distance between the nut and the bridge, can affect the guitar's playability and string tension. A shorter scale length typically results in a more comfortable playing experience, particularly for those with smaller hands or who prefer a slinkier feel. Conversely, a longer scale length may provide better intonation and a tighter, snappier response.

Fretboard Material

Fretboard materials, such as rosewood or maple, can also influence your playing experience. Rosewood is known for its warmth and smooth feel, while maple offers a brighter tone and snappier response. Choose a fretboard material that complements your playing style and desired tonal qualities.

For those on a budget, check out our guide on the best cheap electric guitars that still offer quality and playability.

Acoustic Guitars with Thin Necks

While this article focuses on electric guitars, it's worth mentioning that some players might be interested in thin neck acoustic guitars as well.

Brands like Taylor and Martin produce acoustic guitars with slim neck profiles that cater to those who prefer a more comfortable playing experience. When searching for an acoustic guitar with a thin neck, consider factors such as body size, tonewoods, and bracing patterns to find the ideal instrument for your needs. Check out our guide on the best acoustic-electric guitars under $300.

Frequently Asked Questions

What electric guitar has the skinniest neck?

Among the best thin neck electric guitars, the Ibanez RG550 stands out for having one of the slimmest necks. Its 5-piece wizard neck is highly regarded for its fast and comfortable playability, making it a favorite choice among metal and rock guitarists who prefer thinner necks.

What brand of guitar has the thinnest neck?

Ibanez is a brand well-known for producing electric guitars with thin necks, such as the RG550 and Steve Vai Signature JEM JR.

For acoustic guitars, Taylor is another brand recognized for its slim neck profiles, offering a comfortable playing experience for those who prefer thinner necks on their instruments.

Are thin guitar necks better?

Whether thin or thick necks are better depends on an individual's playing style, preferences, and hand size. Guitars with thin necks, such as the best electric guitar options with slim profiles we've discussed, are often preferred by players who enjoy faster playing, shredding, and intricate solos. However, players with larger hands or those who prefer a more traditional feel may find thicker necks more comfortable.

Which electric guitar has the best neck?

The "best" neck is subjective and depends on an individual's playing style, preferences, and hand size. Among the best thin neck electric guitars, the PRS Guitars SE Custom 24 and Ibanez RG550 are highly regarded for their comfortable, fast-playing necks. If you prefer a thinner neck, these models are great choices for finding the best electric guitar suited to your preferences and the type of music you play.

Conclusion

Selecting the best thin neck electric guitar is a personal decision that ultimately depends on your playing style, preferences, and comfort. We've explored some of the top thin neck electric guitars on the market and come up with a comprehensive buyer's guide to help you make an informed choice.

Remember to consider factors such as brand reputation, neck material and construction, scale length, and fretboard material when choosing the perfect guitar for your needs. Whether you're a shredder, a rock enthusiast, or simply someone who prefers the comfort of a slim neck, there's a thin neck electric guitar out there that will suit your playing style and elevate your musical journey. Happy playing!

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