If you’re looking for the greatest guitar for grunge rock, look no further! In today’s article, we’ll take a closer look at eight outstanding guitars that are ideal for that genre. If you want to play songs like Soundgarden, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, or Alice In Chains, this book is for you! So, which guitar is ideal for grunge?
Stratocasters, Jaguars, Mustangs, Telecasters, and Les Pauls are common instruments used by grunge guitarists. Although the majority of them choose solid body guitars, there are those who favor hollow body guitars. Chris Cornell, who used to play the Gibson ES-335, is a prime example of this.
If you are interested in these models, keep reading our 5 Best Guitar for Grunge review for more information below.
Our Top Pick: Squier by Fender Classic Vibe 70's Jaguar Electric Guitar

Description: In terms of sound, it sounds just like a Jaguar. When you plug it in, all you want to do is add additional reverb to your tone and play some surf rock music!
Features: Jaguars are unique in that no other guitar sounds like them. While the Jazzmaster may sometimes sound like a Strat, it’s tough to match with the traditional sound of a Jag. You may either despise it or adore it. Kurt Cobain regarded his Jaguar to be one of his favorite guitars for a reason. It’s fantastic!
If you are looking for the 5 Best Guitar for Grunge, you should give this one a chance. This is probably one of the best 5 Best Guitar for Grunge you can find.
In terms of price, the guitar appears to be rather affordable. Of course, the Classic Vibe Series is more expensive than the Bullet or Affinity Series, but to be honest, it will be tough to find a better offset guitar at this price point.
Pros
- Fender created everything.
- Jaguar cars from the 1970s served as inspiration.
- Alnico pickups designed by Fender
Cons
- Strings are low
Runner Up: Fender Player Stratocaster HSS Electric Guitar

Description: This guitar line is produced in Mexico. In truth, this is one of Fender’s entry-level versions. Nonetheless, it is not inexpensive.
Features: When compared to the Squier Classic Vibe line, many players remark that the overall quality of these guitars is very similar. The main distinction is the headstock logo.
When it comes to sound, the HSS arrangement provides a lot of options. So, if you want to play grunge but also love jazz from time to time, this guitar is ideal for you. It also features a very comfy C-shaped maple neck. We strongly advise you to look into it more. It’s a beautiful instrument!
If you are looking for the 5 Best Guitar for Grunge, you should give this one a chance. This is probably one of the best 5 Best Guitar for Grunge you can find.
Pros
- Pickups sound great
- Necks offer a refined playing experience
Cons
- None
Best for Budget: Fender Kurt Cobain Jaguar NOS

Description: It will be extremely difficult to top that one. Finally, it’s Kurt Cobain’s hallmark guitar. That’s a lot, right?
Features: If you’re seeking the finest grunge guitar, this is unquestionably one of them. This Jag has two incredible DiMarzio pickups, a contemporary C-shaped neck, and a somewhat shorter scale (24′).
It may not be the cheapest guitar on today’s list, but it is unquestionably a top-tier instrument. Words cannot explain that fantastic tone, so be sure to watch some videos. If you are looking for the 5 Best Guitar for Grunge, you should give this one a chance. This is probably one of the best 5 Best Guitar for Grunge you can find.
Pros
- Maintains the modifications from the original
- The basic Nirvana tones are flawlessly executed
- Very well made
Cons
- Expensive
Fender American Performer Mustang

Description: Something for the most discerning gamers. The Fender American Performer Mustang is designed for dedicated artists that enjoy alternative, indie, and grunge rock.
Features: It is currently one of Fender’s best-selling guitars. While lower-cost Fender versions are manufactured in Asia or Mexico, the American Performer series is made in Corona, California.
As a consequence, these guitars have remarkable sound quality and detail. This guitar will undoubtedly be ideal for studio and live recordings. It has earned the title of “greatest guitar for grunge rock.” That is for certain! Feel free to listen to it below.
If you are looking for the 5 Best Guitar for Grunge, you should give this one a chance. This is probably one of the best 5 Best Guitar for Grunge you can find.
Pros
- Pickups that are zingy, even, and expressive
- Playability is slinky
- Vibrato is reasonably tuneable
Cons
- Pickups
Fender Kurt Cobain Jag-Stang

Description: Fender has invented a completely new guitar. In truth, the first Jagstang was Kurt Cobain’s creation.
Features: It sounds really incredible, yet it sparked some debate among Nirvana fans. Why? Kurt Cobain, on the other hand, was a fan of pawn shop guitars. He wanted the Jagstang to be accessible to all fans of the band.
However, as you can see, the instrument is not inexpensive. Nonetheless, the price is considerable due to the exceptional quality of this instrument. If the price were lower, the overall quality would be much lower. It’ll undoubtedly be one of the trendiest guitars in 2022.
If you are looking for the 5 Best Guitar for Grunge, you should give this one a chance. This is probably one of the best 5 Best Guitar for Grunge you can find. The equine side of the Jag-Stang connection is preferred. The Mustang-inspired the bridge, vibrato, pickup switching, control configuration, and even the body size.
Pros
- Pickups that are more adaptable
- The neck is short and thin
- Excellent craftsmanship
Cons
- Narrow neck
Buyer’s Guide for 5 Best Guitar for Grunge
Grunge influenced music, fashion, guitar aesthetics, and gear trends, all of which continue to this day. Check just how many bright young things in 2022 are drawn to the offset guitars that grunge musicians used since they were unfashionable enough at the time to give exceptional bang for the buck.
You should be aware of some stuff before buying your guitar for playing grunge. Check our list below.
Is the Telecaster suitable for grunge?
Without a doubt! The Telecaster is a favorite option among grunge guitarists. You will be able to get a pretty good tone whether you buy a Squier or a Fender guitar. Some people feel that Telecasters aren’t suitable for harder music, however, this isn’t the case.
Is the Stratocaster suitable for grunge?
Absolutely! Stratocasters, like Telecasters, are a favorite option among many grunge guitarists. With the correct guitar amp, you can get a grunge sound whether you use a humbucker and two single-coil pickups or a standard Strat with three single-coil pickups.
Tonewoods: a unique sound signature
Instruments and woods have had a relationship since the dawn of music, and electric guitars are no exception. Tonewoods are woods that are commonly used in electric guitars. When employed in musical instruments, they are widely regarded for having desired tone and sustain.
It’s worth noting that the wood itself takes on varied qualities depending on where it’s utilized on the guitar.
Pickups with single coils
Single-coil pickups were utilized on the earliest electric guitars. A single-coil pickup features only one wire coil. It might have a single magnet, a single magnet with screws for adjustable pole parts, or a magnet for each string separately. If there is only one coil of wire, it is still a single coil pickup regardless of the number and configuration of magnets.
Sound of a single coil
The sound of single-coil pickups is thin, clear, and transparent. These pickups are typically 3/4 inch broad and 2-1/2 inches long. Single-coil pickups are ubiquitous on Fender guitars such as the Stratocaster and Telecaster, which are popular in rock, country, and pop music.
Do frets make a difference?
Most guitarists don’t give frets much care, despite the fact that they can affect both tone and playability. Instead, most players will regard the frets as an inherent element of the fingerboard of a guitar.
If a guitar has a smooth, playable neck that allows you to bend notes, execute hammer-ons and pull-offs, and produce crisp articulations at all locations up and down the neck, it implies the frets have been carefully matched and “dressed” to provide the finest overall action.
Conclusion: 5 Best Guitar for Grunge [2022 Review]
When it comes to deciding which guitar is ideal for writing grunge songs, there is no obvious winner. There have been so many guitars utilized in so many diverse ways throughout history that only one genuine conclusion can be drawn from this list: it is unique.
As a player, you should know what you’re searching for before utilizing this list or any other list to decide which guitar to buy. We hope you liked our 5 Best Guitar for Grunge review and it was helpful.