Baritone setups are a fast way to get the lower tunings metal players want without losing string tension and clarity. If you are chasing heavier riffs, tighter palm mutes, and cleaner low-end response, the right choice matters.
This roundup of baritone electric guitars for metal focuses on practical, buy-it-once factors like tuning range, feel, and value for different player levels.
Best 10 Baritone Electric Guitars for Metal Picks for 2026
Baritone String Set
- Designed for baritone guitars
- Extra-heavy 13-72 gauge
- Balanced nickel wound tone
Best For: baritone players needing a heavy, balanced string set
Metal-Friendly Starter Guitar
- Fast slim maple neck
- High-output Infinity R pickups
- 25.5-inch scale length
Best For: budget players wanting a fast, heavy-music-ready 6-string
Dual Pack String Deal
- Includes 2 sets of strings
- Designed for baritone guitars
- Balanced nickel steel tone
Best For: players who want a backup supply of baritone strings
Starter Metal Guitar Kit
- Dual humbuckers for thicker tone
- Includes 10W amp and accessories
- 25.5-inch scale length
Best For: beginners wanting a complete heavy-music starter bundle
Elixir Baritone String Upgrade
- NANOWEB coating resists sweat, humidity, corrosion, and rust.
- Heavy 12-68 gauge for baritone setups.
- Bright nickel-plated steel tone with a smooth feel.
Best For: Players who want coated baritone strings with long-lasting brightness
Squier Beginner Crunch Option
- Bridge humbucker delivers crunch and growl.
- Hardtail setup with durable chrome hardware.
- Includes 30 days of Fender Play lessons.
Best For: Beginner players who want a simple, affordable heavier-sounding guitar
Stringjoy Balanced Baritone Set
- Balanced 14-64 gauge for even fretboard tension.
- Built for reliable tuning stability.
- Nickel tone is rich, full, and warm.
Best For: Baritone players who want stable tuning and balanced tension
Light Tension Baritone Choice
Nickel Wound Electric Baritone Guitar Strings 13-62
- Light 13-62 gauge for easier feel
- Balanced tone and consistent volume
- Uncoated nickel-wound construction
Best For: Players who want a lighter baritone string set for comfortable modern playing
Mid-Gauge Gigging Pick
Nickel Wound Electric Baritone Guitar Strings 14-68
- Medium 14-68 gauge for controlled feel
- Balanced tone with consistent volume
- Suited to gigging, studio, and practice
Best For: Players who want a versatile medium-gauge set for regular use
Firm Custom Light Set
Nickel Wound Electric Baritone Guitar Strings 13-72
- Custom light 13-72 gauge for firmer feel
- Balanced response across the set
- Built for live, recording, and practice
Best For: Players who want a firmer custom-light set for all-around use
Baritone String Set – Ernie Ball 13-72 Nickel Wound
Ernie Ball 6-String Baritone Slinky Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings, 13-72 Gauge (P02839)
Check Price On AmazonIf you need baritone electric guitars for metal, a heavy-gauge string set like this Ernie Ball option helps keep the low end firm and articulate. The 13-72 gauge is designed specifically for baritone guitars and uses nickel wound construction for a balanced tone.
Best For: Players building or restringing a baritone electric guitar and wanting a balanced, extra-heavy setup for lower tunings.
Pros:
- Designed for baritone guitars
- Extra-heavy 13-72 gauge supports lower tunings
- Nickel wound construction with a balanced sound profile
- Made in California, USA
Cons:
- Strings only, so it is not a full guitar package
- Extra-heavy gauge may feel stiff for some players
For metal-focused baritone use, this set keeps the recommendation simple: purpose-built, heavy, and tuned toward a balanced response rather than added coating or extras. It is a straightforward choice if you already own the right instrument and just need the right string tension.
Metal-Friendly Starter Guitar – Ibanez GRX70QA Emerald Burst
For shoppers exploring baritone electric guitars for metal, this Ibanez GRX70QA is better viewed as a standard 6-string electric with metal-friendly hardware and pickup specs. It offers a slim maple neck, high-output Infinity R pickups, and a 25.5-inch scale length that can suit heavier styles without moving into true baritone territory.
Best For: Players who want an affordable electric guitar with fast playability and high-output pickups for heavier music.
Pros:
- Fast, slim maple neck
- High-output Infinity R pickups
- 25.5-inch scale length
- Quilted maple art grain top
Cons:
- Not a baritone guitar
- Tremolo bridge may not be the first choice for all metal players
This is a practical budget-minded guitar for heavier playing, but it does not deliver the extended scale of a true baritone. If your main goal is the baritone feel and low-tuned metal response, this Ibanez is more of a versatile starter electric than a dedicated baritone option.
Dual Pack String Deal – Ernie Ball 13-72 2-Pack
If you keep a baritone setup for metal, this 2-pack of Ernie Ball 13-72 strings is a practical way to stay stocked. The set is designed for baritone guitars, uses nickel steel construction, and is described as having a balanced tone.
Best For: Baritone guitar players who want a second set on hand for regular restringing or backups.
Pros:
- Includes 2 sets of baritone strings
- Extra-heavy .013-.072 gauge
- Nickel steel construction with balanced tone
- Made in California, USA
Cons:
- Only useful if you need baritone gauge strings
- Uncoated finish may not appeal to players wanting longer-lasting coating
This is the same basic baritone-friendly string spec as the single pack, but with extra value from the two-set format. For metal players who rely on low tunings, it is a simple stocking-up purchase rather than a feature-heavy upgrade.
Starter Metal Guitar Kit – Pyle Heavy Metal Axe with Amp
For buyers comparing baritone electric guitars for metal, this Pyle kit is a full-size starter package built around heavier tones rather than a true baritone specification. It includes dual humbucker pickups, a 25.5-inch scale, and a 10W practice amp, making it a convenient way to start playing metal right away.
Best For: Beginners who want a complete guitar-and-amp bundle aimed at heavy rock and metal tones.
Pros:
- Dual humbuckers with a 3-way switch
- Includes a 10W amplifier and accessories
- 25.5-inch scale length
- Starter package with gig bag, cable, strap, picks, and spare strings
Cons:
- Not a baritone guitar
- Included amp is only 10W
- Accessory pack is starter-focused, not premium
If your goal is a ready-to-go metal starter kit, this package covers the basics well. But if you specifically want the longer scale and feel of a baritone instrument, this is more of a metal-themed beginner bundle than a dedicated baritone choice.
Elixir Baritone String Upgrade – Elixir Baritone 12-68
If you need baritone electric guitars for metal to stay tight and articulate, these Elixir Baritone 12-68 strings are built around a heavy-gauge setup with a bright nickel-plated steel tone. The NANOWEB coating is aimed at players who want a smooth feel and longer-lasting freshness, which can be useful if you play hard and want to delay tone-deadening corrosion from sweat, humidity, and rust.
Best For: Players who want coated baritone strings with a bright, durable feel and extended string life.
Pros:
- NANOWEB coating helps resist sweat, humidity, corrosion, and rust.
- Heavy 12-68 gauge suits baritone setups that need a firmer feel.
- Nickel-plated steel wrap wire delivers a bright, vibrant tone.
- Smooth, comfortable feel can help with longer practice or recording sessions.
Cons:
- Coated construction may not appeal to players who prefer a raw string feel.
- Bright sound profile may be less ideal if you want a darker voicing.
Overall, this is a practical choice for baritone players who value longevity and a crisp response. It is less about extreme customization and more about dependable performance and consistency from a well-known coated string set.
Squier Beginner Crunch Option – Squier Sonic Esquire H
For shoppers comparing baritone electric guitars for metal, this Squier Sonic Esquire H is more of an affordable starting point than a true baritone instrument. Its single bridge humbucking pickup is designed to deliver crunch and growl, so it can fit heavier styles in a simple, beginner-friendly package.
Best For: Beginner players who want an inexpensive hardtail guitar with a humbucker for crunchy, heavier tones.
Pros:
- Single bridge humbucking pickup provides crunch and growl.
- Hardtail bridge and chrome hardware support a simple, durable setup.
- Includes 30 days of Fender Play lessons for new players.
- Affordable option with a 75-year Fender legacy behind it.
Cons:
- Not described as a baritone guitar, so it may not match low-tuned baritone needs.
- Single-pickup layout limits tonal variety.
This is a solid beginner-friendly guitar for heavier sounds, but it is not the right pick if you specifically need a baritone scale. Consider it as a budget metal-leaning starter rather than a dedicated extended-range solution.
Stringjoy Balanced Baritone Set – Stringjoy BAL14B 14-64
If you are shopping for baritone electric guitars for metal, string choice matters almost as much as the instrument itself. This Stringjoy BAL14B set uses a balanced 14-64 gauge and nickel construction to deliver stable tuning, smooth playability across the frets, and a rich, full tone that suits baritone guitars.
Best For: Baritone players who want stable tuning, balanced tension, and a full nickel-string tone.
Pros:
- Balanced 14-64 gauge supports consistent tension across the fretboard.
- Designed for reliable tuning stability during demanding playing.
- Nickel electric string construction gives a rich, full, warm tone.
- Made in-house in Nashville, Tennessee with state-of-the-art winding equipment.
Cons:
- Uncoated design may wear faster than coated alternatives.
- Warm, balanced voicing may be less aggressive than some metal players prefer.
For baritone setups, this set is a strong fit when you want clarity, even tension, and dependable performance. It is a sensible upgrade for players focused on feel and tuning reliability rather than maximum brightness or coating-based longevity.
Light Tension Baritone Choice – Nickel Wound Electric Baritone Guitar Strings 13-62
For players shopping for baritone electric guitars for metal, this 13-62 set is the lighter-tension option in the group, which can help keep fast riffs and wide stretches feeling a little more relaxed. The nickel-wound, uncoated design is aimed at balanced tone, consistent volume, and dependable playability for modern baritone setups.
Best For: Players who want a lighter baritone string set for fast, comfortable playing on modern styles.
Pros:
- Light 13-62 gauge can feel easier under the fingers.
- Balanced sound profile supports even response across the set.
- Consistent volume helps notes stay clear and controlled.
- Uncoated nickel-wound build suits straightforward electric use.
Cons:
- Light tension may be less ideal if you prefer a stiffer feel.
- Sold as a string pack only, not a full guitar setup.
Overall, this set makes sense if you want a baritone string option that prioritizes comfort and balance over maximum stiffness. It’s a practical pick for players who need solid performance across gigs, practice, and modern heavier styles.
Mid-Gauge Gigging Pick – Nickel Wound Electric Baritone Guitar Strings 14-68
If you’re comparing baritone electric guitars for metal accessories, this 14-68 set sits in the medium-gauge range and is built for steady performance. The notes point to balanced tone, consistent volume, and comfortable tension, making it a good fit when you want baritone strings that can handle gigging, studio work, and practice.
Best For: Players who want a medium-gauge baritone string set for gigging, recording, and practice.
Pros:
- Medium 14-68 gauge offers a firmer, more controlled feel.
- Balanced sound profile supports even response.
- Designed for gigging, studio recording, and practice.
- Uncoated nickel-wound construction keeps the setup straightforward.
Cons:
- May feel heavier than lighter-gauge baritone sets.
- Comes as strings only, so it’s not a complete instrument package.
This is a practical middle-ground option if you want baritone strings that stay comfortable while still feeling solid for modern playing. It reads as the most versatile choice in the group for regular use across different settings.
Firm Custom Light Set – Nickel Wound Electric Baritone Guitar Strings 13-72
For baritone electric guitars for metal, this 13-72 set leans toward a firmer custom-light feel without losing the balanced, modern character described in the notes. It’s uncoated, nickel-wound, and aimed at live performances, recording sessions, and practice, so it’s a strong all-around option when you want a little more tension than a lighter set.
Best For: Players who want a firmer custom-light baritone string set for live, recording, and practice use.
Pros:
- 13-72 custom-light gauge adds a firmer playing feel.
- Balanced sound profile keeps the set even across strings.
- Made for live performances, recording sessions, and practice.
- Uncoated nickel build keeps the construction simple.
Cons:
- May feel stiffer than lighter 13-62 options.
- String-only pack, so it’s not a full baritone guitar solution.
As the heaviest-feeling option here, this set is a sensible choice if you want a bit more tension for defined playing. It should appeal to players who want a balanced baritone string set that can move easily between rehearsal, studio work, and live use.
How We Picked These Baritone Electric Guitars for Metal
Our selection emphasizes low-tuning stability, string tension, playability, and value. For metal use, a baritone setup should handle aggressive picking without sounding floppy or muddy, especially in drop tunings and extended-range-inspired riffing.
Because the list includes both instruments and string-focused options, we also considered whether each item helps players reach a usable baritone-style metal setup quickly and affordably.
Quick Comparison
For most players, the best starting point is the option that matches your current guitar and your tuning goals. If you need a full instrument, look for a baritone-friendly neck feel and hardware that can support heavier strings. If you already own a guitar, the right string gauge may deliver most of the benefit at a much lower cost.
Key Buying Factors for Baritone Electric Guitars for Metal
Scale Length and Tuning Range
Longer scale lengths help keep low tunings tight. That matters most if you plan to sit below standard D or C tuning, where shorter-scale guitars can feel loose.
String Gauge and Tension
Heavier gauges, such as 13-62, 13-72, or 14-68 sets, are useful for baritone-style tension. The best gauge depends on your tuning and picking attack, but metal players usually want enough resistance for precise chugs and intonation.
Hardware and Setup
Check bridge stability, nut fit, and the ability to intonate correctly with thicker strings. Even a good instrument can feel off if it is not set up for low tunings.
Feel and Playability
Some players prefer a firmer, more compressed response for riffing, while others want a lighter touch for fast lead work. Balance tension with comfort so the guitar stays playable during long sessions.
Who Should Buy Which Baritone Electric Guitars for Metal?
Beginners and budget-minded players should prioritize simple, affordable setups and string options that improve an existing guitar. Players building a dedicated metal rig should lean toward a baritone-capable instrument and heavier strings tuned to their target range.
If you already know your tuning and prefer a specific tension feel, choose the gauge that matches it closely. If you are still experimenting, start with a versatile mid-heavy set and adjust from there.
In short, the best Baritone Electric Guitars for Metal are the ones that stay stable, feel controlled under heavy picking, and match your tuning goals without forcing constant compromise.