Here’s why I’ve cast my Les Paul aside for a lighter alternative - plus 6 other lightweight guitars to consider

For as long as I can remember, I've been collecting electric guitars and playing live in bands - amassing a collection that's fast approaching 30 strong. Now, while some players get obsessed with one style of six-string and collect as many variants as they can, I prefer all my guitars to be different. I wouldn't say I gravitate toward one particular model, neck shape, or style. Instead, I focus on what sound will be produced. However, one factor is increasingly affecting how I select my guitars - the weight! 

I feel more drawn to lighter guitars than ever before, opting to put down the Gibson Les Paul in favour of something a little less backbreaking - and I guess I can't be the only player on the hunt for a more shoulder-friendly instrument. Now, don't get me wrong I love my Les Paul, but I definitely don't feel as agile on stage with it around my neck and most of the time I can achieve a very similar - if not better - sound from a lighter alternative, such as my SG. 

So with that in mind, I thought I'd break down some of the lightest guitars I've found on my travels and also talk a little about how the change in weight can affect the playability and tone of an instrument. 

Below you'll find some commonly asked questions surrounding lightweight guitars, as well as six models that I believe are great sounding and offer fabulous value for money.

How we define a lightweight guitar

Now, this is a complicated topic to approach as the weight of guitars doesn't just vary from model to model, but two identical instruments can feel entirely different to hold. For example, I have a trio of Gibson Firebirds, and on the surface, they look pretty similar and are constructed using the same materials. Nevertheless, they each feel vastly different from each other. 

My current number one is a Gibson Firebird V. It's lightweight, resonant, and a joy to play on stage for three hours. On the other hand, my Non-Reverse Pelham Blue is a little heavier, but not so much so that it would stop me from playing it at a long show. However, my Non-Reverse Firebird III with a triad of P-90 pickups can feel like Mjollnir on a good day. Yes, the guitar sounds fantastic, and I love playing it, but before packing for a show, I do consider how long I'll have to stand up with this behemoth of a guitar strapped to my shoulder and tend to grab a different member of the flock. So for that reason, I didn't include any Firebirds in my recommendations. That said, if you find a lightweight one, grab it, as you can't go wrong!

So, while it's easy to categorise specific models as "light", in my experience, it doesn't work like that, as there are too many variables to consider. Also, what some players may consider heavy, could be light to someone else. That said, some manufacturers make guitars especially to be lighter or use materials that just mean the guitar will inherently weigh less than a chunky solid body.

Generally, we consider guitars around 6–7 lbs (2.7 - 3.2kg) to be fairly lightweight and comfortable for most people. 

Why buy a lighter guitar?

Many factors may make you gravitate towards a lighter axe. If you have back and shoulder problems and simply can't take the weight of your beloved guitar anymore - and the thought of standing up with a Les Paul Custom around your neck is enough to make you give up the instrument altogether - then seeking a lightweight option may reignite your love of the guitar and get you back to making music again. 

Numerous gigging musicians will be seeking a more manageable alternative to their heavy number one - especially those with a trusty Yamaha SG-2000, which starts to resemble the weight of a neutron star after the first couple of songs.

Playing a heavy guitar on stage can be a struggle - I've been there - but a lighter choice could be what you need to start enjoying shows again and even help you give a more energetic performance. Personally, I've experienced neck, back and shoulder pain after long rehearsals and shows, and this was practically eradicated when I switched to a lighter guitar.  

Maybe you prefer the way lighter instruments sound. Lightweight guitars possess a different tonal quality than dense, solid-body guitars, and that may be the type of sound you are drawn to. Whatever the reason, you'll be sure to find a great lightweight option at the end of this article. 

Lightweight guitar recommendations

As we stated above, the weight of a guitar can vary slightly even between two identical models and therefore it's often difficult to get an exact weight of the instrument on the brand's website.  

So, while we can safely say each model below sits comfortably in our light guitar range if you want to be sure, you should aim to get the guitar in your hands before you buy - or at the very least buy from somewhere that has a decent returns policy. 

Alternatively, if you email the store you're planning on purchasing from, they'll be able to weigh the exact guitar you'll be sent. 

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