By Leroy Tran
Long ago, I once stood before a towering wall of wood and metal, and color and shape loomed over and menaced me with choice.
That’s just the natural experience of any Guitar Center. So many guitars! Whether you’re a budding rockstar or blues expert, standing before so many guitars and deciding on one is a tough endeavor. No guitar model is truly identical to another, and hanging on Guitar Center’s long walls, the catalog seems like an obscure sea—perhaps a symphony of colors and shapes—absolutely distinct to each guitar.
Because guitars may vary so wildly in specifications—pick-ups, scale length, bridge type, string gauge, fret number, material—the unifying factor between most guitars is the shape of their body, as most companies cater to a few common shapes that have cemented themselves as standards of guitar production.
Shapes, however, convey a lot of meaning. Guitar shapes are an effective visual language for communicating who you are. It can tell someone if you’re a grunge-y alt-rocker or a metalhead prog shredder; there’s an air of character when playing a particular guitar. Moreover, it’s a practical decision as well, as the shape affects how a guitar will play, and some genres of music are best played on a specific guitar. You wouldn’t want to play a metal song on a guitar best suited for jazz … It just isn’t right.
So, with that in mind, let’s rank guitar shapes on their character and playability.
8. Gibson Flying V
The Flying V was Gibson’s attempt in the 50s to create a futuristic guitar, but the Flying V’s design is a little too outlandish. It’s cool, but in practice? It doesn’t work very well. It’s too awkward to use sitting down, except in a position with half of the body between your legs, which is a little absurd. It is no wonder that it was discontinued shortly after its production.
7. Gibson Explorer
The Explorer was another Gibson guitar made in the late 50s that attempted to achieve a futuristic look. It looks pretty cool with its angular cuts, and ergonomically, it’s way better than the Flying V. However, it lands a low spot on the list because of the practicality of its size and shape, which make it a little cumbersome to play. You’ll look cool playing it, but you probably won’t feel great.
6. PRS Custom 24
The PRS Custom 24 was Paul Reed Smith’s perfected guitar. It’s a modern shape with classic design elements, including the slightly offset body, double cutaway and uniquely carved top. It’s beautiful and versatile for any genre, so there’s not much to critique; however, it doesn’t have the history and repute as other shapes on this list.
5. Jazzmaster
The Fender Jazzmaster is not a hallmark of jazz guitars, but it is a hallmark of surf rock and indie. The Jazzmaster shape is the iconic shape for anybody who prefers an offset guitar. Its offset shape creates a nice balance when sitting, and its curves just make it more comfortable. If you’re using this guitar, you’re probably a little more refined for choosing a lesser-known and more unique shape.
4. Gibson SG
The Gibson SG is among the quintessential rock guitars. Rock legends like Frank Zappa and Angus Young played the Gibson SG—even Jack Black in School of Rock played an SG. Its symmetrical shape and carved contours are simply striking to the eye. Regarding playability, it’s nice to use when sitting, although it suffers from an issue called neck dive, in which the unbalanced weight of the guitar causes it to fall toward the neck when standing. Still, the reputation and character of the SG place it among the best guitar shapes.
3. Gibson Les Paul
The Gibson Les Paul’s shape, sometimes referred to as a single cutaway shape, is simply iconic. It’s had countless variants and iterations and is seen across every genre. The single cutaway makes playing in the higher frets easier, and it’s a very classy-looking guitar, as it has few frills besides the carved top. Despite this, it still manages to be one of the most comfortable and playable guitars with a great character and history, having been produced for more than seven decades.
2. Fender Telecaster
When you think of an electric guitar, the Fender Telecaster is probably one of two guitars that will appear in your mind. It is the beloved guitar of many—from rockstars and country singers to punks and funk masters. It’s incredibly simplistic; the Telecaster is a single cutaway shape with few contours besides the curves that create its silhouette. However, it is the simplicity of the Telecaster’s shape that makes it so versatile. It is equally playable for any genre, and universally comfortable because of its bare design. It has been recreated over and over in all sorts of T-style guitars, making it the perfect shape for anybody.
1. Fender Stratocaster
The Fender Stratocaster, or Strat, is the guitar of legends. When you think about electric guitars, the Strat should be the first thing that comes to your mind. Reproduced countless times by almost every manufacturer and designer, the Strat’s shape is likely the most influential of all time. Its legendary double cutaway shape, comfortable but also stylish, is a common model for most guitars made today, as seen in Ibanez, Schecter, Charvel and Yamaha guitars. It always feels and looks good.
If you name any guitarist, they’ve likely played a Strat: Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan and John Frusciante, to name a few, were avid Strat players. The Strat’s popularity may make it seem mundane, but its renown and ease of use make it valid for any guitarist. The Strat transcends genres—it is the pinnacle of electric guitars.
But, if you don’t feel like playing a Strat or any of these, then find the electric guitar that suits you. After all, the best electric guitar is the one that you feel is best for you. Just go out there and find yourself a guitar and start playing.
