Is This the Best Electric Guitar for Shredding Solos?
If you are a guitarist, chances are that you have heard of shredding solos. This guitar-playing technique is all about fast-paced, often complicated notes that are executed with perfect precision. Shredding solos are a hallmark of heavy metal, and they are beloved by guitar enthusiasts around the world.
Many guitarists believe that the key to perfecting shredding solos is choosing the right electric guitar. But with so many options on the market, it can be hard to know which one to choose. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best electric guitars for shredding solos.
Table of Contents:
1. What is Shredding Solos?
2. What Makes an Electric Guitar Good for Shredding Solos?
3. Best Electric Guitars for Shredding Solos
a. Ibanez RG550
b. Jackson Pro Series Soloist SL2
c. Schecter Hellraiser C-1 FR-S
4. Conclusion
5. FAQ
What is Shredding Solos?
Shredding solos refer to the guitar technique where the player plays fast and complex notes that often entail tapping, sweeping, alternate picking, and legato. It has its roots in neoclassical music and was popularized in the 1980s by guitar legends like Steve Vai, Eddie Van Halen, and Yngwie Malmsteen.
What Makes an Electric Guitar Good for Shredding Solos?
An electric guitar suitable for shredding solos has to offer the following:
1. Low Action – low action implies that the guitar’s strings are close to the fretboard, reducing the distance the strings travel to the frets, resulting in a much smoother and faster playing experience.
2. Thin Neck – a thin neck provides the player with greater flexibility, allowing them to play fast and complicated riffs with ease.
3. Lightweight – a lightweight guitar is easier to play for more extended periods without experiencing fatigue.
Now that we know what to look for, let’s dive into the best electric guitars for shredding solos.
Best Electric Guitars for Shredding Solos
a. Ibanez RG550
The Ibanez RG550 is a classic shredding guitar that has been around since 1987. Its thin, fast neck and comfortable contoured body make it perfect for playing complicated riffs.
This guitar also features a double-locking tremolo system that enables the player to make even more intricate sounds with greater precision. The guitar comes in a unicolored body with a maple neck featuring 24 jumbo frets. The Ibanez RG550 is a classic guitar that Guitar World Magazine named the second-best guitar of all time.
b. Jackson Pro Series Soloist SL2
The Jackson Pro Series Soloist SL2 is another classic shredding guitar that has been around for years. This guitar was designed for shredding rock and metal guitarists, featuring a slim neck profile, compound radius fingerboard, and 24 jumbo frets that provide excellent playability and fret customization.
The guitar is equipped with high-output Seymour Duncan humbucking pickups that enable players to produce high-quality distortion and clear tone with rich harmonics and sustain. The guitar comes in several colors, including Chlorine Burst, Satin Black, and Transparent Red.
c. Schecter Hellraiser C-1 FR-S
The Schecter Hellraiser C-1 FR-S is another excellent option for shredding solos. The guitar has a set-neck construction with an ultra-thin “C” shape profile and 24 jumbo frets that make it easy to play complex riffs and solos.
The guitar also features a comfortable contoured body and a lightweight design that allows for extended use without fatigue. It has a Floyd-Rose Special Bridge that helps keep the strings stable and adds a wide variety of sound effects. The Schecter Hellraiser C-1 FR-S comes equipped with EMG pickups that provide high output and a wide range of tones.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the best electric guitar for shredding solos depends on personal preference, playing style, and budget. The Ibanez RG550, Jackson Pro Series Soloist SL2, and Schecter Hellraiser C-1 FR-S all have qualities that make them stand out for shredding solos.
Each guitar’s unique features imbue a distinct feel and sound while holding their own in the realm of roc and metal shredding. These electric guitars are regarded as some of the best in the industry and are worth considering if shredding solos is a technique you prioritize.
FAQ
1. Can I use any electric guitar for shredding solos?
Any electric guitar can be used for shredding solos. However, guitars with features such as a thin neck and low action make it much easier to play solos with speed and precision.
2. Can beginners use these electric guitars for shredding solos?
Yes, beginners can use these guitars although it might take a bit of time to adjust to the fast action. However, if you are committed to learning and practicing, you can become a shredding soloist in no time.
3. Do I need to use a guitar pedal for shredding solos?
No, a guitar pedal is not required to play shredding solos. However, some guitarists might find it useful to use pedals such as distortion, delay, and overdrive to create a more dynamic and personalized sound.
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