The weight of a guitar is important for a variety of reasons. Not just the obvious of how heavy will it be when playing it but it can also indicate the quality and tone of the guitar.
As someone smaller (alright, weaker) then I get on better with lighter guitars. A really heavy Les Paul gives me back ache quickly and just feels uncomfortable.
So how much a guitar weighs matters. And across all the different models and types of guitars it varies a lot.
So if you want to know how much guitars weigh, including specific models like Fender Stratocasters and Gibson Les Paul’s then keep reading. This guide will look at the weights of a range of the most famous and popular guitars as well as touching on what affects their weight and why it makes a difference.
How Much Do Guitars Weigh
The average electric guitar weighs about 8lbs (3.6kg). Depending on their size, the wood used, hardware, neck type and body shape they can weigh between 5 – 12lbs (2.3 – 5.5kg). A light guitar like a Gibson SG will weigh around 6lbs (2.7kg) whereas a heavy guitar like a Les Paul Standard can easily be above 10lbs (4.5kg).
The average acoustic guitar weighs 3 to 5lbs (1.4 – 2.3kg). As acoustic guitars are hollow and use different woods, necks etc. they are much lighter than electric guitars.
Below you will find the weights of many different types of guitars broken down by their manufacturer – Fender, Gibson, Epiphone etc.
Fender Electric Guitar Weights
| Guitar Model | Average Weight |
|---|---|
| Fender Stratocaster | 7 – 8lbs (3 – 3.8kg) |
| Fender Telecaster | 7 – 8lbs (3 – 3.8kg) |
| Fender Jazzmaster | 8 – 9lbs (3.6 – 4kg) |
| Fender Jaguar | 8 – 9lbs (3.6 – 4kg) |
| Fender Mustang | 7 – 8lbs (3 – 3.8kg) |
| Fender Duo Sonic | 6.5 – 7.5lbs (3 – 3.4kg) |
For a full rundown see our guide to how much a Fender Stratocaster weighs.
Stratocaster
The Fender Stratocaster weighs roughly between 7 – 8lbs (3 – 3.8kg).
Telecaster
The Fender Telecaster weighs roughly between 7 – 8lbs (3 – 3.8kg).
Jazzmaster
The Fender Jazzmaster weighs roughly between 8 – 9lbs (3.6 – 4kg).
Jaguar
Mustang
The Fender Mustangs weighs roughly between 7 – 8lbs (3 – 3.8kg).
Duo Sonic
The Fender Duo Sonic weighs roughly between 6.5 – 7.5lbs (3 – 3.4kg).
Squier Electric Guitar Weights
| Guitar Model | Average Weight |
|---|---|
| Squier Stratocaster | 7 – 8lbs (3 – 3.8kg) |
| Squier Telecaster | 8 – 9lbs (3.6 – 4kg) |
| Squier Jazzmaster | 7 – 8lbs (3 – 3.8kg) |
| Squier Jaguar | 7.5 – 8.5lbs (3.4 – 3.9kg) |
| Squier Mustang | 6.5 – 7.5lbs (3 – 3.4kg) |
| Squier Duo Sonic | 6.5 – 7.5lbs (3 – 3.4kg) |
Squier Stratocaster
The Squier Stratocaster weighs roughly between 7 – 8lbs (3 – 3.8kg).
Squier Telecaster
The Squier Stratocasters weighs roughly between 8 – 9lbs (3.6 – 4kg).
Squier Jazzmaster
The Squier Jazzmaster weighs roughly between 7 – 8lbs (3 – 3.8kg).
Squier Mustang
The Squier Mustang weighs roughly between 6.5 – 7.5lbs (3 – 3.4kg)
Squier Duo Sonic
The Squier Duo Sonic weighs roughly between 6.5 – 7.5lbs (3 – 3.4kg)
Gibson Electric Guitar Weights
| Guitar Model | Average Weight |
|---|---|
| Gibson Les Paul Standard | 9 – 12lbs (4 – 5.5kg) |
| Gibson Les Paul Custom | 9 – 11lbs (4 – 5kg) |
| Gibson Les Paul Junior | 7 – 8lbs (3.1 – 3.6kg) |
| Gibson Les Paul Special | 7 – 8lbs (3.1 – 3.6kg) |
| Gibson Les Paul Studio | 8lbs (3.6kg) |
| Gibson SG | 6lbs (2.7kg) |
| Gibson Flying V | 7 – 8lbs (3.1 – 3.6kg) |
| Gibson Melody Maker | 5.5 – 7lbs (2.5 – 3.1kg) |
| Gibson Explorer | 7 – 9lbs (3.1 – 4kg) |
| Gibson Firebird | 7 – 9lbs (3.1 – 4kg) |
| Gibson ES-335 | 9 lbs (4 kg) |
| Gibson ES-345 | 8 – 9lbs (3.6 – 4kg) |
| Gibson ES-355 | 7 – 9lbs (3.1 – 4kg) |
For a full rundown see our guide to how much a Gibson Les Paul weighs.
Gibson Les Paul Standard
The Gibson Les Paul Standard weighs from 9 to 12lbs (4-5.5kg).
Gibson Les Paul Custom
The Gibson Les Paul Custom weighs from 9 to 11lbs (4-5kg).
Gibson Les Paul Junior
The Gibson Les Paul Junior weighs from 7 to 8lbs (3.1-3.6kg).
Gibson Les Paul Special
The Gibson Les Paul Special weighs from 7 to 8lbs (3.1-3.6kg).
Gibson Les Paul Studio
The Gibson Les Paul Studio weighs from 8lbs (3.6kg).
Gibson SG
The Gibson SG weighs roughly 6lbs (2.7kg)
Flying V
The Gibson Flying V weighs roughly between 7 – 8lbs (3.1 – 3.6kg).
Melody Maker
The Gibson Melody Maker weighs roughly between 5.5 – 7lbs (2.5 – 3.1kg).
Explorer
The Gibson Explorer weighs roughly between 7 – 9lbs (3.1 – 4kg).
Firebird
The Gibson Firebird weighs roughly between 7 – 9lbs (3.1 – 4kg).
ES-335
The Gibson 335 weighs roughly between 9lbs (4 kg).
ES-345
The Gibson 345 weighs roughly between 8 – 9lbs (3.6 – 4kg).
ES-355
The Gibson 355 weighs roughly between 7 – 9lbs (3.1 – 4kg).
Epiphone Electric Guitar Weights
| Guitar Model | Average Weight |
|---|---|
| Epiphone Les Paul Standard | 7.5 – 9lbs (3.4 – 4kg) |
| Epiphone Les Paul Custom | 8 – 10lbs (3.6 – 4.5kg) |
| Epiphone SG | 6 – 7lbs (2.7 – 3.1kg) |
| Epiphone Dot | 8 lbs (3.6 kg) |
| Epiphone Casino | 6 – 7lbs (2.7 – 3.1kg) |
Epiphone Les Paul Standard
The Epiphone Les Paul Standard weighs roughly between 7.5 – 9lbs (3.4 – 4kg).
Epiphone Les Paul Custom
The Epiphone Les Paul Custom weighs roughly between 8 – 10lbs (3.6 – 4.5kg).
Epiphone SG
The Epiphone SG weighs roughly between 6 – 7lbs (2.7 – 3.1kg).
Epiphone Dot
The Epiphone Dot weighs roughly between 8bs (3.6 kg).
Epiphone Casino
The Epiphone Casino weighs roughly between 6 – 7lbs (2.7 – 3.1kg).
Other Electric Guitar Weights
| Guitar Model | Average Weight |
|---|---|
| Ibanez RG | 7.5 – 8.5 lbs (3.4 – 3.8 kg) |
| PRS Custom 24 | 9lbs (4kg) |
| Jackson JS22 Dinky | 7lbs (3.1kg) |
| Gretsch G2622T Streamliner | 6 – 7lbs (2.7 – 3.1kg) |
| Yamaha Pacifica | 7 – 8lbs (3.1 – 3.6kg) |
Ibanez RG
The Ibanez RG weighs roughly between 7.5 – 8.5lbs (3.4 – 3.8 kg).
PRS Custom 24
The PRS Custom 24 weighs roughly 9lbs (4kg).
Jackson JS22 Dinky
The Jackson JS22 Dinky weighs roughly between 7lbs (3.1kg).
Gretsch G2622T Streamliner
The Gretsch G2622T Streamliner weighs roughly between 6 – 7lbs (2.7 – 3.1kg).
Yamaha Pacifica
The Yamaha Pacifica weighs roughly between 7 – 8lbs (3.1 – 3.6kg).
Gibson Acoustic Guitar Weights
Gibson J-45
The Gibson J-45 weighs roughly between 4 – 5lbs (1.8 – 2.3kg).
Gibson J-35
The Gibson J-35 weighs roughly between 4 – 5lbs (1.8 – 2.3kg).
Gibson Montana Hummingbird
The Gibson Montana Hummingbird weighs roughly between 4.5 – 5lbs (2 – 2.3kg).
Fender Acoustic Guitar Weights
Fender Malibu
The Fender Malibu weighs roughly between 3 – 4lbs (1.4 – 1.8kg).
Fender PD-220E
The Fender PD-220E weighs roughly between 4 – 5lbs (1.8 – 2.3kg).
Fender American Acoustasonic Telecaster
The Fender American Acoustasonic Telecaster weighs roughly between 4.5 – 5.5lbs (2 – 2.5kg).
Taylor Acoustic Guitar Weights
Taylor GS Mini
The Taylor GS Mini weighs roughly 3.5 – 4lbs (1.6 – 1.8kg).
Baby Taylor
The Taylor Baby Taylor weighs roughly 3 – 3.5lbs (1.4 – 1.6kg).
Taylor 214ce
The Taylor 214ce weighs roughly 4 – 5lbs (1.8 – 2.3kg).
Martin Acoustic Guitar Weights
Martin LX1 Little Martin
The Martin LX1 Little Martin weighs roughly 3.5 – 4lbs (1.6 – 1.8kg).
Martin D-X2E
The Martin D-X2E weighs roughly 5 – 5.5lbs (2.3 – 2.5kg).
Martin SC-13E
The Martin SC-13E weighs roughly 4 – 4.5lbs (1.8 – 2kg).
Guitar Weight Chart
The chart below looks at all the guitars just listed and the breakdown of their weights into categories.
It shows that 7-8lbs is by far and away the most common weight for a guitar, making up 41% of all the guitars featured here. 6-7lbs and 8-9lbs are identical at just over 20%, with less than 6lbs being rare at just under 3%.
This may mean there is a “sweet spot” for a guitars weight that most people are happy with and that sounds good. It also seems to indicate their are very few actually lightweight guitars, possibly because the lighter the guitar the less sustain it has.
Those seeking the perfect tone will opt for the average or even heavier guitar because they sound better, even if that means they have to put up with some back ache.
The Lightweight Guitars
As mentioned above there aren’t many properly light guitars. If you are determined to get a lighter than average electric guitar then your options from the most common models are Fender Mustangs and Duo Sonics, Gibson and Epiphone SG’s, Epiphone Casino’s and Gibson Melody Makers.
The Melody Maker and both types of SG’s were the lightest guitars.
The Average Weight Guitars
The majority of guitars fall into this category. Most Fenders and Gibsons are considered ‘average’, as well as a fair amount of Epiphone, Squiers, Ibanez’s and PRS’s.
The Heavyweight Guitars
No surprise to see the heaviest guitars being Gibsons. The Les Paul Standard and Custom, both Gibson and Epiphone versions, are the heaviest guitars featured here. Due to the woods used and the way they are made they are very weighty but produced the best sustain.
How Much Does an Electric Guitar Case Weigh?
On average a hardshell guitar case weighs 8 – 10lbs (3.6 – 4.5kg). A soft gig bag weighs roughly 1lbs (0.45kg).
Hardshell cases offer more protection for both storing and shipping or transporting a guitar. But that extra protection comes from the more hard wearing materials used which in turn makes the case heavier.
If you’re shipping your guitar then unfortunately that means a hardshell case will cost more than the soft gig bag. Whether the additional protection it provides is worth it will be up to you.
I’ve received guitars sent in a box with bubble wrap and then the guitar in a gig bag. So far none of those guitars have been damaged. But there’s no doubt a hard case will be less likely to get damaged.
Does a Guitar’s Weight Matter
It all really depends on what matters to you. There are definitely aspects of a guitar’s weight that will impact on the comfort and sound. But to some people this will be a big deal whereas others won’t care.
Comfort
For most of us a heavier guitar will be less comfortable. Especially if you’re planning to play standing for a long period.
Back ache and shoulder ache are going to become issues and generally you don’t want to be in pain or distracted by yourself physical problems as you play.
It’s the reason I decided Les Paul’s weren’t for me. As much as I liked the sound I got from them I just found the weight too much. And to me being comfortable when I play is really important.
But other people clearly don’t mind or aren’t affected in the same way. Heavy Les Paul’s are still huge sellers and used by guitarists everywhere.
So it’s all about personal preference. And what is heavy to someone may be fine for someone else.
Sustain
The heavier the guitar and the denser the wood used then the better sustain it will have. Again, how much this matters to you will be down to personal preference.
Les Paul’s tend to have greater sustain because of the wood and weight of the guitar. However a lightweight guitar like a Gibson SG may not have as much sustain but is still extremely popular and used by some of the best guitarists.
So it’s not like if you choose a lighter guitar it’s going to sound hugely inferior. It will probably sound different, and you probably won’t get quite as much sustain, but I for a lot of people that’s a long way from being a dealbreaker.
Tone
The weight of a guitar can affect the tone. Unfortunately it seems to come from the wood used, and that opens up the debate about whether you can hear the difference between different woods used.
Rather than diving into a confusing and often silly debate it’s best to just play the guitar. If you like how it sounds and how it feels (light or heavy) then great!
Wasting time trying to figure out if a basswood or alder body is gong to have a brighter tone when you could play the guitar and find out yourself seems a bit silly!
What Affects the Weight of a Guitar
If you’re interested in what it is that impacts on a guitars weight it’s fairly straightforward. There are a few factors that play major roles in the weight, or lack of, a guitar.
Wood
Unsurprisingly the wood that makes up the body and neck of the guitar is probably the biggest factor in how much it weighs. Different woods have varying densities and so vary in weight.
For example if you have a Stratocaster made from alder and one made from basswood one is likely to be heavier than the other. Why? Because alder is usually denser and so heavier overall.
However, it’s not quite as simple as that. Because even though woods have different densities, within those densities there is quite a wide range. So even though alder is denser and heavier than basswood overall, it’s still possible to find some basswood that would be heavier than a lot of alder.
Woods are affected by how and where they’re grown. A tree that gets lots of light, water and grows in quality soil will produce better wood than one that is struggling for food, water and light.
And like any natural substance they don’t always follow what you might expect. It’s not like a man made substance created in a lab or factory.
So wood can be a guide to a guitars weight but shouldn’t ever be considered definitive.
Size of Guitar Body
This is quite obvious but the shape and size of a guitar will directly influence its weight. A thicker, larger piece of wood used for the body is going to weigh more than a thinner and smaller piece.
And the size and thickness of different guitars does vary quite a lot. Gibson Les Paul’s are known for being chunky and thick but on the other side you have thinline Fenders and very slim superstrats like the Ibanez S series. At the most extreme is the Parker Fly which barely weighs anything at all.
However whilst body size is usually an easy way to determine weight there are exceptions, as we’ll see next.
Body Type
The most common type of electric guitar is a solid body one. That’s where the body is just a big slab or chunk of wood (sometimes multiple bits of wood glued together). But there are two variations to this: semi-hollow and hollow body guitars, and guitars with chambered bodies.
Chambering
We won’t go too heavily into chambering here (you can read our full guide to chambered guitars if you’re interested) but it’s where pockets are routed in the body of the guitar to reduce the weight.
You can’t see these routed pockets and wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between a chambered and non-chambered guitar until you picked them up. But they make the wood less dense and can both lower the weight and affect the tone. Many Gibson Les Paul’s are chambered nowadays due to their considerable weight.
Hollow and Semi Hollow Body
The name says it all about hollow and semi-hollow guitars. Parts or all of the body is hollowed out which not only makes them much lighter but also has a big impact on how they sound.
You can identify semi-hollow guitars by the F-holes along the body. My Fender TC-90 is semi-hollow and has an f-hole at the top of body.
Hardware
Hardware doesn’t have as big of an impact on weight as body shape or size but it can still make a difference. Having a Bigsby, for example, would add some considerable weight.
But things like pickups, tuners etc. can add up. Locking tuners are heavier than their traditional counterparts and swapping bridges and pickups could make a small but significant change in weight.
Do Lighter Guitars Sound Better?
There is no right answer. It all depends on what you like.
While a lighter guitar may have a different tone and less sustain that might be the sound you are searching for. Alternatively if you prefer more sustain and a fuller sound then a heavier guitar would be more suitable.
Neither is better or worse. Both heavy and very light guitars have been played on some of the most famous songs and albums of all time. So weight isn’t really something you can use to decide if a guitar is better or not.
How to Weigh a Guitar
If you’re interested in how much you’re guitar weighs, maybe to ship it or just to compare it to others, then weighing it is fairly simple.
All you need is a regular set of digital bathroom scales and to follow these easy steps:
- Weigh yourself and remember or make a note of the weight.
- Hold your guitar and weigh yourself again, making note of this weight.
- Subtract your original weight from the weight of you when holding your guitar. This leaves you with just the weight of the guitar.
So if you weigh yourself and find you are 170lbs (77kg), then weigh yourself while holding your guitar and it’s 178lbs (81kg), you subtract 170 from 178 and end up with 8. So your guitar weighs 8lbs (3.6kg).
Conclusion
You should now be much more familiar with how much guitars weigh, including lots of the most popular models, as well as what determines that weight and why. As a rough guide electric guitars weigh between 5 – 12lbs and acoustic guitars weigh between 3 – 5lbs.
Whether a lightweight guitar is better than a heavier one is purely down to personal preference. If you’re buying a guitar and are concerned about its weight then hopefully this guide will have helped you to feel more confident in making the right decision for you.
