Compare weights of popular models from Fender, Gibson, Epiphone, and more. Find the perfect balance for your style, from lightweight shredders to hefty tone monsters
You might not think weight is important when it comes to an electric guitar, but you’d be wrong. There’s a reason why chiropractors love Les Pauls – and it ain’t for their tonal qualities.
Whether you’re playing at home or planning on doing this guitar thang full time, the weight of your chosen electric guitar will have a big effect on your ongoing relationship with it.
Trust me, as someone that has toured endlessly, lugging a weighty guitar around stage, night after night, it takes its toll – even if you’re a young buck in your 20s.
Is there any difference in weight between popular models like the Les Paul and the Strat? You bet your ass there is. Check out the table below for a breakdown of how some of the most popular electric guitars compare in the weight department…
Electric Guitar Weight Comparison Table
| Brand | Model | Approximate Weight Range (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Fender | American Professional Stratocaster | 7.5 – 8.5 |
| Fender | Telecaster | 7 – 8 |
| Gibson | Les Paul Standard | 9 – 10 |
| Gibson | SG Standard | 6 – 7 |
| Epiphone | Les Paul Standard PlusTop Pro | 8 – 9 |
| Epiphone | SG Special | 6.5 – 7.5 |
| Squier | Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster | 7 – 8 |
| Squier | Affinity Telecaster | 7 – 8 |
| Harley Benton | SC-450 | 7.5 – 8.5 |
| Harley Benton | TE-52 | 7 – 8 |
| Schecter | Hellraiser C-1 | 8 – 9 |
| Schecter | Omen 6 | 7 – 8 |
| Gretsch | G2622 Streamliner | 7 – 8 |
| Gretsch | G2622T Streamliner with Bigsby | 7.5 – 8.5 |
| ESP | LTD EC-1000 | 7 – 8 |
| ESP | LTD M-1000 | 7.5 – 8.5 |
| Ibanez | RG series | 7 – 8 |
| Ibanez | S series | 6 – 7 |
Let’s Do Some Maths…
Crunching The Numbers…
Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of these axe avoirdupois and see what it means for tone-chasers and riff-masters alike.
Fender vs. Gibson.
The American Professional Stratocaster tips the scales at a respectable 7.5 to 8.5 pounds, while its twangy sibling, the Telecaster, comes in slightly lighter at 7 to 8 pounds. These weights contribute to the snappy, articulate tone Fenders are known for.
Now, brace your back, because here comes the Gibson Les Paul Standard, weighing in at a hefty 9 to 10 pounds. This extra heft is part of what gives the Les Paul its legendary sustain and thick, creamy tone.
In contrast, Gibson’s SG Standard is a featherweight champion at just 6 to 7 pounds, explaining its popularity among nimble-fingered players who like to move around on stage.
Epiphone
Gibson’s more budget-friendly cousin, follows a similar pattern. Their Les Paul Standard PlusTop Pro comes in at 8 to 9 pounds, while the SG Special stays light at 6.5 to 7.5 pounds.
Squier
Fender’s affordable line, keeps things consistent with both their Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster and Affinity Telecaster ranging from 7 to 8 pounds, mirroring their Fender counterparts.
Harley Benton
the dark horse of the guitar world, shows similar weights to the big names. Their SC-450 (likely a Les Paul-style guitar) weighs 7.5 to 8.5 pounds, while the TE-52 (presumably a Tele-style) sits at 7 to 8 pounds.
Schecter
Schecter brings some metal to the mix with their Hellraiser C-1 at 8 to 9 pounds and the Omen 6 at 7 to 8 pounds. These weights suggest a focus on sustain and chunk, perfect for high-gain riffage.
Gretsch
Gretsch keeps it relatively light with both their G2622 Streamliner and G2622T Streamliner with Bigsby ranging from 7 to 8.5 pounds, ideal for those rockabilly licks and jangly chords.
ESP
ESP’s LTD line shows some variation, with the EC-1000 at 7 to 8 pounds and the M-1000 slightly heavier at 7.5 to 8.5 pounds, offering options for different playing styles within their metal-focused lineup.
Ibanez
Finally, Ibanez, known for their shredder-friendly axes, keeps things manageable. The RG series sits at 7 to 8 pounds, while the S series is impressively light at 6 to 7 pounds, perfect for those marathon sweep-picking sessions.
The Ideal Weight For a Guitar
The ideal weight of a guitar is highly subjective and depends on several factors: your physical strength, comfort, and the style of music you’re playing. Most players tend to prefer guitars that range from 6 to 10 pounds (2.7 to 4.5 kilograms).
This weight range provides a nice balance, being heavy enough to feel substantial but not so heavy that it becomes uncomfortable during extended playing sessions.
Is 4.5 kg Heavy for a Guitar?
In the realm of electric guitars, 4.5 kilograms (roughly 10 pounds) is on the heavier side. Guitars of this weight are often solid-body types made from denser woods like mahogany, common in models like the Gibson Les Paul.
Some players might find this weight taxing during long gigs, especially if they’re standing. Still, plenty of the best in the business are more than willing to bear the extra weight for the sustain and warm, full tone these heavier guitars often provide.
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The Average Weight of an Electric Guitar
The average weight of an electric guitar tends to hover around 8 pounds (approximately 3.6 kilograms), although this can vary widely depending on the model and materials used. Guitars with semi-hollow or hollow bodies, for example, are typically lighter than their solid-body counterparts.
Plus, modern Les Paul guitars – both Epiphone and Gibson – are now significantly lighter than they were in the 1970s, for instance, thanks to innovative weight-relief technologies that keep all the best bits (the tonal richness) but reduce the gross weight of the assembled guitar.
Lighter or Heavier Guitars: Which Is Better?
Whether a lighter or heavier guitar is ‘better’ largely depends on personal preference. Lighter guitars, such as those made from woods like alder or basswood, are easier to handle and can be more comfortable for extended periods of play. These are great for energetic performances where the guitarist moves around a lot.
Heavier guitars, on the other hand, often offer better sustain and a warmer tone, which many players prefer. They also tend to feel more substantial and balanced, which some players find enhances their performance. However, they can be fatiguing to play over longer periods, especially when standing.
Gibson’s Les Paul has been known to be something of a back-breaker, especially the older, vintage models that do not have any chambering (weight relief systems) inside them. But, again, what’s a little back pain if you’re getting killer tone?
Factors That Affect Guitar Weight
Several factors can influence the weight of a guitar:
- Wood Type: The type of wood used for the body of the guitar is the most significant factor. Denser woods like mahogany and maple are heavier, while lighter woods include alder, basswood, and poplar.
- Body Design: Solid-body guitars are typically heavier than semi-hollow or hollow-body guitars due to the additional wood used in their construction.
- Hardware: The type and amount of hardware can also contribute to a guitar’s weight. For instance, a guitar with a Bigsby tremolo will be heavier than one with a simple hardtail bridge.
Heaviest Types of Wood
The denser the wood, the heavier the guitar tends to be. Notorious for their heft, mahogany, rosewood, and maple top the list of the heaviest woods commonly used in guitar construction.
Each of these woods is lauded for its unique tonal characteristics and sustain. Ash, another popular choice, can also be quite heavy, but its weight tends to vary more than the aforementioned types.
The Weight-Tone Relationship
Does the weight of a guitar have any bearing on its tone? The answer is a complex yes. Weight, often a byproduct of the type of wood used, can indeed influence a guitar’s tone.
Denser woods like mahogany or rosewood, typically associated with heavier guitars, often produce a warm, rich, and resonant tone with excellent sustain. In contrast, lighter woods such as alder or basswood tend to yield a brighter, more cutting tone.
However, it’s important to note that the weight-to-tone relationship is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. The guitar’s construction, the pickups, the hardware, and even the player’s technique all play significant roles in shaping the final sound.
While some players swear by the thick, resonant tone of a heavy Les Paul, others prefer the bright, punchy sound of a lighter Stratocaster.
Ultimately, the ‘best’ weight for a guitar is a highly personal matter that depends on a player’s physical comfort, stylistic preferences, and the specific sound they’re after.
Balancing Weight and Tone
Striking a balance between a comfortable weight and the desired tone can be a challenge. If you find heavier guitars uncomfortable but love the warm tone they produce, consider models with chambered or semi-hollow bodies.
These guitars have portions of their bodies hollowed out, reducing the weight while still maintaining some of the tonal characteristics of heavier woods.
Alternatively, consider using a wide, padded strap to distribute the weight of the guitar more evenly across your shoulders. This can make playing a heavy guitar more manageable during long practice sessions or gigs.
The Bottom Line
The weight of a guitar is a significant factor in its playability and tone. While a heavier guitar can offer rich tones and excellent sustain, a lighter guitar is often more comfortable to play, particularly over extended periods.
As with many aspects of selecting a guitar, the ‘ideal’ weight boils down to personal preference and comfort.
It’s always a good idea to try out several different guitars in different weight ranges to find what feels and sounds best to you. After all, the ultimate goal is to find a guitar that inspires you to play and create music.
And if you need some advice on what guitar to get and you’re a beginner, here’s my top picks right now (based on 20+ years of touring, testing, recording and playing).
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