When you think of country guitar, there’s a good chance your mind jumps straight to the perennial best-seller—the Fender Telecaster—and you’re not wrong. The snap, the twang, the way a good Tele can practically yodel when you dig in with your pick—it’s baked into the sound of countless country classics.
But if you stick around a while, you’ll find that country music’s electric guitar history runs a whole lot deeper than just one plank of wood and two single coils. From Hank Garland’s smooth, hollowbody jazz-country fusion (he later helped design the legendary Gibson Byrdland) to Glen Campbell’s lush runs on the Fender Bass VI to Grady Martin’s semi-hollow swagger, country players have always been adventurous with their gear—pulling sounds from every corner of the guitar universe.
That’s why this list isn’t just a Tele tribute (though don’t worry, there’s some glorious T-style firepower coming up). We’re showcasing the full range of the most popular electric guitars, from affordable to aspirational, that have helped shape—and keep reshaping—the sound of country music, from golden-age legends to today’s boundary-pushers.
Ready to find the electric partner for your next two-step, tearjerker or barn burner? Let’s dive in.
Headstocks Left to Right: Fender Player II Modified Telecaster, Gibson ES-335 '60s Block and Fender Vintera II '60s Bass VI
Table of Contents
Comparing the Best Electric Guitars for Country Music
The 10 Best Electric Guitars for Country
Find Your Perfect Country Guitar: Flash, Fire and Feel
Comparing the Best Electric Guitars for Country Music
|
Model |
Body Type |
Woods (Body/Neck) |
Fretboard |
Neck Shape |
Pickups |
Price* |
|
Hollowbody |
Laminated Maple/Mahogany |
Ebony |
Rounded C |
3x Epiphone NY Mini-Humbuckers |
$1,299.00 |
|
|
Solid |
Okoume/Roasted Figured Maple |
Rosewood |
Soft V |
3x MM Single Coil |
$2,999.00 |
|
|
Solid |
Alder/Maple |
Rosewood |
1960 Oval C |
Custom Shop Hand-Wound Single Coils |
$5,320.00 |
|
|
Solid |
Alder/Maple |
Rosewood |
Modern C |
Player Series Alnico Single Coils |
$869.99 |
|
|
Solid |
Alder/Maple |
Maple |
Modern C |
Player Plus Noiseless Strat Pickups |
$1,049.99 |
|
|
Solid |
Alder/Maple |
Maple |
Modern C |
Player Plus Noiseless Tele Pickups |
$1,049.99 |
|
|
Solid |
Alder/Maple |
Rosewood |
'60s C |
Vintage-Style Bass VI Single Coils |
$1,469.99 |
|
|
Semi-Hollow |
3-Ply Maple-Poplar-Maple/Mahogany |
Rosewood |
Rounded C |
Calibrated T-Type Humbuckers |
$3,699.00 |
|
|
Solid |
Mahogany/Mahogany |
Rosewood |
Vintage '50s |
Single Dogear P-90 |
$1,599.00 |
|
|
Gretsch G6122T-59 Vintage Select Edition '59 Chet Atkins Country Gentleman |
Hollowbody |
Laminated Maple/Maple |
Ebony |
Standard U |
TV Jones Classic Filter'Trons |
$3,679.99 |
Pricing as of December 2025*
The 10 Best Electric Guitars for Country
Pictured: Fender Vintera II '60s Bass VI 6-String Bass Guitar in Lake Placid Blue
Epiphone 150th Anniversary Zephyr DeLuxe Regent
Why It's Cool: Inspired by the legendary Hank Garland—the session ace who blurred the lines between country, jazz and early rock—this stunning hollowbody brings vintage elegance and a versatile voice to modern country pickin’.
Things to Consider:
- Triple mini-humbuckers offer bright, articulate voicing
- Comfortable rounded C neck with ebony fingerboard
- Fully hollow laminated maple body enhances natural resonance
Shop Now: Epiphone 150th Anniversary Zephyr DeLuxe Regent Hollowbody Electric Guitar in Aged Antique
Hank Garland might not be a household name today, but if you’ve ever marveled at the clean, twangy virtuosity behind early Nashville hits, you’ve felt his influence. The Epiphone Zephyr 150th Anniversary DeLuxe Regent channels that spirit with a fully hollow laminated maple body that delivers rich resonance and sharp articulation. Its trio of NY mini-humbuckers gives you sparkling clarity for complex leads or warm comping, all while maintaining a vintage character. The rounded C mahogany neck and smooth ebony fretboard make fast melodic runs feel effortless. Whether you’re chasing the spirit of old Nashville or crafting a fresh country sound, the Zephyr makes a timeless companion.
Ernie Ball Music Man Albert Lee Limited Edition
Why It's Cool: Designed with country legend Albert Lee, this oddball beauty combines hot-rod performance with a quirky charm that’s tailor-made for fast, fiery country runs.
Things to Consider:
- Lightweight okoume body for comfortable all-night gigs
- Roasted maple neck with soft V profile feels fast and familiar
- Triple single coils deliver bright, articulate tone with plenty of snap
Shop Now: Ernie Ball Music Man Limited-Edition Albert Lee Electric Guitar in Pinkburst
Albert Lee’s name may not come up in every barstool country debate, but ask any Nashville session player—his blistering, joyful style helped define the language of modern country guitar. The Ernie Ball Music Man Albert Lee Limited Edition captures that spirit in a shape that’s as distinctive as Lee’s playing. Its lightweight okoume body and roasted maple neck make it an effortless player’s guitar, with a soft V profile that’s fast without feeling thin. Under the hood, three Music Man single coils deliver chiming cleans, percussive pop and glassy leads, perfect for anything from chicken pickin’ to bro-country bangers. It’s quirky, it’s quick and it’s built to make you sound like a million bucks.
Fender Custom Shop Nashville Telecaster
Why It's Cool: Inspired by the hot-rodded setups of Nashville session greats like Brent Mason, the Nashville Tele blends traditional twang with expanded tonal firepower—a must-have for modern country versatility.
Things to Consider:
- Custom Shop craftsmanship ensures pro-level build quality
- Three-pickup Tele configuration offers Strat-like flexibility
- Comfortable ’60s Oval C neck ideal for hybrid picking and lead runs
Shop Now: Fender Custom Shop Nashville Telecaster Custom Relic with Rosewood Fingerboard in Dakota Red
The Fender Custom Shop Nashville Telecaster isn’t just another take on a classic—it’s a full-blown evolution inspired by the heavily modded workhorses of Nashville legends like Brent Mason. By adding a Strat-style middle pickup to the traditional two-pickup Tele layout, it unlocks “in-between” tones usually reserved for Strat players, without losing that Telecaster bite. This Custom Shop version ups the ante with impeccable craftsmanship, handwound pickups and a comfortable ’60s Oval C neck that’s perfect for fleet-fingered hybrid picking and lead runs. Whether you’re laying down shimmering cleans, punchy rhythms or fiery solos, the Nashville Telecaster makes sure you never feel boxed into one sound.
Fender Player II Jazzmaster Limited Edition
Why It's Cool: Roy Clark once showed the world that a Jazzmaster could tear up a country stage just as easily as a honky-tonk—and the Player II edition brings that spirit roaring back.
Things to Consider:
- Player Series Alnico single coils deliver warmth and chime
- Modern C neck shape and 9.5" radius for comfortable bends
- Floating tremolo bridge adds expressive options for swoops and slides
Shop Now: Fender Player II Limited-Edition Jazzmaster in British Racing Green
Long before it became the darling of indie rock, the Jazzmaster had a country pedigree thanks to players like Roy Clark, who showed that its warm, articulate voice could twang and tear right alongside any Tele. The Fender Player II Jazzmaster Limited Edition carries on that tradition with Player Series Alnico single coils that deliver full, sparkling tones perfect for lyrical leads and lush rhythms. Its Modern C neck and 9.5" radius make bending and fingerpicking easy, while the floating tremolo bridge lets you throw in expressive shimmers and swoops. It’s a Jazzmaster made for picking, grinning and pushing country boundaries.
Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster
Why It's Cool: Vince Gill has long proved that a Stratocaster can sound just as country as any Tele—and the Player II Modified Strat packs the chops to make it happen.
Things to Consider:
- Noiseless pickups offer clean tones without 60-cycle hum
- Modern C neck with rolled edges for effortless playability
- Hotter bridge pickup adds bite for solos and modern country drive
Shop Now: Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster with Maple Fingerboard in 3-Color Sunburst
When you think of Stratocasters in country music, Vince Gill’s soulful bends and pristine phrasing come to mind—and the Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster is built to follow in those tracks. With a trio of Player Plus Noiseless pickups under the hood, this Strat keeps your cleans sparkling and your overdriven tones tight, all without the annoying hum of vintage single coils. A Modern C neck profile with rolled edges makes runs, bends and chicken-pickin’ riffs feel effortless, while the slightly hotter bridge pickup gives you the bite you need when it’s time to punch through the mix. Whether you’re crooning ballads or kicking up some dust, this Strat’s ready to ride.
Fender Player II Modified Telecaster
Why It's Cool: With a dose of modern muscle and classic twang, the Player II Modified Telecaster proves that even a legend can learn a few new tricks.
Things to Consider:
- Noiseless pickups for hum-free clarity at any stage volume
- Modern C neck with satin finish for a fast, smooth feel
- Locking tuners for rock-solid tuning stability
Shop Now: Fender Player II Modified Telecaster with Rosewood Fingerboard in Dusk
The Telecaster may have launched a thousand country hits, but that doesn’t mean it can’t evolve—and the Fender Player II Modified Telecaster is proof. This streamlined, stage-ready Tele packs Player Plus Noiseless pickups for hum-free sparkle and snap, even when you’re pushing through a loud mix. The Modern C neck with a satin finish feels effortless under your fingers, making slick hybrid picking and wide bends a breeze. Add in locking tuners for extra tuning stability during your hottest sets, and you’ve got a Tele that’s ready for today’s country demands without losing the heart of the original.
Fender Vintera II '60s Bass VI
Why It's Cool: Glen Campbell showed that the six-string Bass VI could shimmer and punch its way into country gold—and this Vintera II model captures that magic.
Things to Consider:
- Six-string bass tuned an octave down for rich, deep textures
- Slim ’60s C neck ideal for guitarists and bassists alike
- Vintage-style single coils for lush, chiming low end
Shop Now: Fender Vintera II '60s Bass VI 6-String Bass Guitar in Lake Placid Blue
The Bass VI isn’t just for surf rock—country legend Glen Campbell made it sing with elegance and drive. The Fender Vintera II ’60s Bass VI revives this unique instrument, tuned an octave below standard guitar but ready for everything from warm baritone runs to thundering bass lines. Its slim ’60s C-shaped neck makes it easy for guitarists to adapt, while the vintage-style single-coil pickups offer that unmistakable chiming low-end tone. Whether you’re adding texture beneath a Tele lead or taking center stage yourself, the Bass VI gives you a whole new way to color outside the traditional country lines.
Gibson ES-335 '60s Block Limited Edition
Why It's Cool: Grady Martin helped show that a semi-hollow like the ES-335 could add warmth, bite—and occasionally a little wild magic—to the country soundscape.
Things to Consider:
- Semi-hollow construction blends resonance and feedback resistance
- Calibrated T-Type humbuckers for vintage-voiced clarity
- Comfortable Rounded C neck shape for smooth playability
Shop Now: Gibson ES-335 '60s Block Limited-Edition Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar in Sixties Cherry
When Grady Martin picked up a semi-hollow guitar, he didn’t just play country—he bent it into bold new shapes. (Sometimes quite literally, like the fuzzed-out accident with Martin playing bass that sparked a revolution.) The Gibson ES-335 ’60s Block Limited Edition captures that spirit with its warm, articulate voice and beautifully balanced feel. Its semi-hollow design offers the resonance of a hollowbody without the squeal of full-hollow feedback, while the calibrated T-Type humbuckers keep your tone clear, punchy and expressive. Whether you’re crooning sweet ballads or sneaking a little rebellion into your country licks, the ES-335 makes sure you’re heard—and remembered.
Gibson Les Paul Junior
Why It's Cool: Keith Urban proves that sometimes all you need is one pickup, a great song and a heavy right hand—and the Les Paul Junior delivers that pure, punchy power.
Things to Consider:
- Single dogear P-90 pickup for raw, expressive tone
- Vintage ’50s neck profile for chunky, resonant feel
- Lightweight mahogany body for stage-friendly comfort
Shop Now: Gibson Les Paul Junior Electric Guitar in Vintage Tobacco
Simplicity doesn’t mean limitation—just ask Keith Urban. The Gibson Les Paul Junior keeps it gloriously raw with just a single P-90 pickup, a volume knob and a tone knob. That’s it. And that’s all you need when the goal is pure, soulful expression. The dogear P-90 snarls and sings with touch sensitivity, from crisp cleans to biting overdrive. The vintage ’50s neck profile fills the hand without feeling like a baseball bat, and the lightweight mahogany body means you can sling it low and rock it all night. If you believe tone is in the hands, the Junior is your perfect partner.
Gretsch G6122T-59 Vintage Select Edition '59 Chet Atkins "Country Gentleman"
Why It's Cool: With Chet Atkins’ name on the headstock, this Gretsch isn’t just a guitar—it’s a passport to country class, elegance and pure musical charm.
Things to Consider:
- Fully hollow laminated maple body for lush, airy tone
- TV Jones Filter’Tron pickups for vintage sparkle and snap
- Bigsby tailpiece adds smooth vibrato for expressive phrasing
Finally, no conversation about country guitar royalty is complete without Chet Atkins—and the Gretsch G6122T-59 Vintage Select Edition “Country Gentleman” brings his refined, playful spirit to life. Built with a fully hollow laminated maple body, it resonates with warmth and sparkle, perfect for everything from delicate fingerstyle to swinging lead lines. The TV Jones Classic Filter’Tron pickups capture that unmistakable Gretsch chime and punch, while the Bigsby tailpiece adds silky bends and expressive shimmer to your playing. Whether you’re chasing thumb-picked bass lines, sweet melodic runs or just a little old-school cool, the Country Gentleman holds court with grace.
Find Your Perfect Country Guitar: Flash, Fire and Feel
Pictured: Fender Player II Modified Telecaster with Rosewood Fingerboard in Dusk
Country music isn’t just about the right notes—it’s about the feeling behind them. Whether you’re lighting up a honky-tonk, laying down tracks in the studio or just picking under the porch light, the right guitar brings out your voice, your style, your swagger.
Maybe you’re chasing Tele twang, Gretsch shimmer or the unexpected punch of a Bass VI. Maybe you want a no-frills Les Paul Junior that howls with every bend or a hollowbody that blooms under your fingers. Just like a Nudie suit brought rhinestone flair to the country stage, the right guitar brings the flash, fire and feeling that turn every note into a statement.
Plus, if you need an amp to go with your new guitar, be sure to check out our article on the best amps for country music. If you're also looking to lock down the perfect acoustic to complement your electrified country, check out the Top 10 Acoustic Guitars for Country Music.
Ready to plug in and find your sound? Find a Guitar Center store near you or connect with your personal Gear Adviser to get personalized help picking the perfect partner for your musical adventures. And keep on pickin’.