Grrrr! I’m angry and I want to smash something! What’s that, you say? Try playing metal instead? Well, I guess I’d never considered that… alright, I’m pulling your leg. I’ve been playing metal guitar for over 10 years, and today, we’re going to be diving into some of the best metal guitars for under £200.

So, let’s get stuck into the bountiful offerings that exist in this price range. And let me tell you, lower price does not mean lower quality – some of these metal guitars could give models much higher up the pecking order a run for their money.

First up, the Harlem X

Let’s start off with a guitar that really looks like a metal guitar. The Harlem X is a real beauty, with sharpened body edges for a menacing, metal look.

One of the best metal guitars under £200, its open and closed humbucker pickups provide a high output. This means they sound really powerful and thick for a great metal tone. 

There’s even a locking tremolo system – something you usually only see on midrange or high-end guitars. This allows you to add that wide vibrato (wobble) to each note or chord you play – a staple of metal riffing.

Plus, there’s a left handed version of this wicked instrument for all you lefties.

Shop now | Harlem X Electric Guitar by Gear4music 

The classic shape of the Harlem V

For those who want to look like real rock stars, the Harlem V guitar exudes the character that is synonymous with classic metal bands. With a V-shaped body, it really strikes an image, and just picking this beauty up gives you a sense of power and control.

The lovely burl finish adds a majestic, shiny aesthetic that you’d normally find on a much pricier guitar – not one under £200!

As for the pickups, the Harlem V features a pair of humbuckers, meaning it can belt out noise-free, powerful riffs at will. It’s also got a smooth, slim-profile maple neck for effortless, comfortable playing.

Made from basswood, this guitar will feel nice, light, and perfectly balanced when it’s strapped to your body.

Shop now | Harlem V Electric Guitar by Gear4music 

The modern metal Harlem 7-String

For some people, six strings aren’t enough. If you’re one of those people who loves lower – or drop – tunings, the Harlem 7-String is sure to do the trick.

Designed for modern metal, this is one of the most affordable seven-stringed guitars you’ll ever see, yet it still keeps up with its peers.

Once again, the basswood body is lightweight, whilst the ash burl top finishes off the beautiful aesthetics. For your first metal guitar, you’ll find that one of these provides a lot of fun. However, you may find it easier to handle a six-string if you’re a beginner. Fewer strings = fewer things to worry about.

Shop now | Harlem 7-String Electric Guitar by Gear4music

Thrash with the Harlem Z

The shape of the Harlem Z is one you may have seen before. Used on countless higher-end models over the decades, it’s superbly balanced and boasts a unique carve for extra visual flair.

It’s great if you love a bit of thrash, and the shape is synonymous with some of the major thrash bands from the ’80s, meaning you’ll really be in the presence of one of the best metal guitars under £200. 

Once again, this guitar has those trusty high-output humbuckers to give your tone a kick and make it sound loud and proud. The three-way toggle switch lets you change between each pickup, or select both of them for a really thick, textured sound.

Its ash burl top has slight variations on each model, meaning each guitar is totally unique!

Shop now | Harlem Z Electric Guitar by Gear4music

Finally, the Harlem Headless

Last but certainly not least – Harlem’s very own headless beast.

This guitar is really special – most headless guitars are custom-made and come with an immense price tag. Not this one. Under £200, the Harlem Headless not only offers a unique shape once again, but it’s also superbly balanced and lightweight. The lack of guitar nut also means better intonation, whilst restringing will prove to be a swifter process.

The Harlem Headless continues the theme of powerful humbucking pickups and the ash burl finish, but it also has a headless bridge system for fine-tuning each string and maintaining excellent tuning stability.

Shop now | Harlem Headless Guitar by Gear4music

Find out more

So, there you have it, some of the best metal guitars for under £200. As electric guitars go, they’re super affordable, reliable, and made up of fine components.

If you’re looking for your first metal guitar, any of these will serve you well with their powerful humbuckers and player-friendly necks.

The Harlem Series is one of Gear4music’s most celebrated and successful ranges. It’s no wonder Music Radar have rated most of them four out of five stars – a testament to their immense quality.

Want to play metal but not a fan of extreme body shapes? No problem. Gear4music make a range of other shapes at affordable prices – check out the LA Select, Brooklyn Select, and New Jersey Select.