The 6 Best Multiscale Guitars for Modern Metal and Fanned Frets Fans
Fanned frets for fret fans
The 6 Best Multiscale Guitars for Modern Metal and Progressive Players · Source: Strandberg
Are you looking for a guitar that dares you to play heavier, faster, and more experimentally? Welcome to the world of the best multiscale guitars. Whether you’re after djenty precision, prog-metal clarity or simply want a guitar that looks like it came straight out of a sci-fi arsenal, this list is for you!
Highlights
- Multiscale guitars offer better overall string tension, especially in lower tunings.
- They are perfect for fast, heavy, complex music, given their design.
- There are multiscale options at every price point.
- You can even find a six-string model on our list.
Our Picks
A Short History of Multiscale Guitars
Multiscale guitars, sometimes also referred to as fan-fret guitars, can be traced back to the 16th century. During that time, luthiers experimented with different string lengths on instruments such as lutes and theorboes. In comparison, the modern multiscale concept took shape in the late 20th century. In 1989, Ralph Novak’s patented Novax Fanned-Fret System became the first widely recognized blueprint for applying multiple scale lengths to electric guitars.
Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, multiscale designs rapidly evolved from a boutique oddity to a more mainstream innovation. Builders such as Dingwall (bass), Strandberg, Ormsby, Schecter, Ibanez, and, more recently, Jackson and ESP began adopting fan-fret layouts. Lower tunings were becoming more wide-spread and new ergonomic designs made further developments possible.
Prominent artists helped bring multiscale guitars into the spotlight, especially within the modern metal and progressive genres. Tosin Abasi (Animals as Leaders), Javier Reyes, Misha Mansoor (Periphery), and Josh Travis (Emmure/Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza) were among those who showcased the clarity and articulation possible with multiple scale lengths.
What to Consider when You’re looking for the Best Multiscale Guitars
When you’re looking for the best multiscale guitars, the most important question is your budget. In the entry-level range, you’ll typically find simple fan-fret designs that get you the core benefits of the design: tighter low strings, smoother highs, and more stable intonation. Moving into the mid-range, things become noticeably more refined. Here, multiscale guitars start offering better materials, more comfortable ergonomics, and hardware that actually takes advantage of the fan-fret layout.
At the premium tier, multiscale guitars become precision tools built for metal, prog, and other modern styles that demand articulation and clarity. Expect smooth fretwork, advanced electronics, ergonomic shaping, and dialed-in fan spreads that feel natural both rhythmically and melodically.
As always, this list of the best multiscale guitars is simply ranked by price.
Harley Benton MultiScale-7 BBB
Starting off the list is the Harley Benton MultiScale-7 BBB, which brings a beautiful look with its satin black burst finish, matching headstock, and fanned frets. Its 648–686 mm multiscale layout ensures the low B string remains tight and punchy, while the higher strings remain comfortable. With a poplar body, purpleheart fingerboard, and 24 fanned frets, it looks far more expensive than it is.
Its two HBZ hi-gain humbuckers deliver plenty of crunch and clarity, which makes them perfect for metal, djent, and drop tunings. The mono-rail bridge and locking tuners provide endless tuning stability. If you’re looking for an affordable way to enter the world of multiscale guitars, this model is an excellent choice. Check it out at Thomann*.
Cort KX508MS II
Next up, the Cort KX508MS II comes with a beautilful Marina Blue Burst.. Its 673–711 mm multiscale setup is designed for serious low-end clarity, providing those bottom strings with the tight, piano-like punch that players look for in the best multiscale guitars. The okume body, poplar top, and ebony fingerboard add a premium feel, while the 5-piece maple/amaranth neck keeps everything stable under high tension.
A very unexpected high-end addition are the two Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers, which will get you everything from crisp clean tones to brutally articulate high-gain riffing. Add in the hardtail string-through bridge, locking tuners, and a no-nonsense control layout, and you get a guitar that’s built to perform—not just look pretty. It’s available at Thomann*.
Ibanez SML721-RGC
The Ibanez SML721-RGC stands out immediately thanks to its Rose Gold Chameleon finish with its shifting colors under stage lights. Instead of an extreme fan spread, this guitar’s 648–635 mm multiscale layout is rather subtle and more comfortable. The slim 5-piece maple/walnut neck, along with stainless-steel jumbo frets, keeps everything fast and fluid.
The two Q58 humbuckers work in conjunction with Ibanez’s Dyna-MIX10 system and Alter Switch to unlock ten distinct pickup combinations, where you get anything from glassy single-coil sounds to tight modern aggression. The Mono-Rail bridge keeps each string isolated for clearer articulation, while the Gotoh locking tuners handle tuning stability with ease. Get it from Thomann*.
Schecter Omen Elite-8
With its See Thru Blue Burst finish and figured poplar top, the Schecter Omen Elite-8 MS brings exactly the kind of menacing look that makes an 8-string feel like a serious piece of gear. The 648–698.5 mm multiscale layout gives the low strings the tension they need for tight, defined chugs. Paired with a Thin C maple neck, jumbo frets, and a slick rosewood fingerboard, it has that familiar Schecter comfort. It’s one of the mid-level models among the best multiscale guitars.
Its two Diamond Heretic humbuckers deliver a high-output voice with plenty of cut for modern metal and prog. Plus, a Hipshot multiscale bridge and Graph Tech Tusq nut ensure rock-solid tuning stability, even under aggressive low-tuned riffing. Take a look here at Thomann*.
ESP LTD M-1000 Multi-Scale
The ESP LTD M-1000 Multi-Scale comes with a 673–647 mm fan spread, which isn’t that extreme, but just enough to tighten up the low strings while keeping the higher frets feeling familiar. That can be great for players stepping into the best multiscale guitars bracket without wanting a drastic learning curve.
What really pushes this model into premium territory is the Seymour Duncan Sentient/Nazgûl pickup combo. The Sentient handles the cleans, while the Nazgûl at the bridge brings crushing high-gain clarity and controlled aggression. Get all the details from Thomann*.
Strandberg Boden Standard NX
Whether it’s headless, 8-strings, or, in this case, the best multiscale guitars, Strandberg tops many of our lists of unusual, djent-happy models. No other guitar maker seems to have it quite as figured out as they do when it comes to these modern designs. Enter the Boden Standard NX series.
You get a massive 666 – 711 mm fan spread, 24 stainless steel frets, and an EGS Pro 7 fixed bridge that works beautifully with the headless design. Speaking of beautiful, the Flamed maple veneer top and all-natural look make for a less menacing, but more inviting kind of vibe. And that’s just one of many, many multiscale models from Strandberg. Certainly one of the best multiscale guitars, check it out at Thomann*.
FAQs
Why do some metal and prog players prefer multiscale guitars?
Lower tunings on these models stay tighter and clearer. This makes multiscale designs ideal for djent, prog, and extended-range metal.
Are multiscale guitars harder to play?
They might feel unusual for a bit, but most players adjust quickly. The fret angles naturally follow your hand position, often making them more ergonomic than straight frets
What scale length spread should I look for?
Mild spreads suit 6-strings and standard tunings. In comparison, larger spreads are better for drop tunings, 7-strings, and 8-strings, where string tension matters most.
Are multiscale guitars only for metal?
Of course, not! While many metal guitarists helped popularize them, multiscale guitars also work well for jazz, fusion, ambient, and any style that benefits from extended note ranges.
Whether subtle or extreme, fan-fret designs offer a few measurable advantages for down-tuned metal, prog, or any other precision-based playing. Across all price tiers, these best multiscale guitars offer more options, smarter ergonomics, and better performance than ever.
Conclusion
The best multiscale guitars will make you feel like you never want to play a normally-fretted guitar again. In terms of sound and ergonomics, these just play in a different league. The louder and more complex the music you love playing is, the more you will benefit from multiscale guitars.
Now, it’s your turn! Which multiscale guitars did I miss? Which ones have you played? Let me know in the comments!
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