Best guitar VST plugins

The electric guitar has become an integral part of the music industry – it is difficult to imagine modern compositions without its sound. However, its popularity can sometimes be a problem: there are many guitarists, most of whom are rather theoretical, and finding the right player can be difficult.

However, there is a solution: an electric guitar can be simulated using software. Electric guitar VST plugins have been in development almost since the beginning of the virtual instrument era, and there are many options on the market. For composers, pianists, and anyone who wants to add rich guitar sound to their creations, we’ve rounded up 15 of the best plugins that emulate this famous instrument.

1. Ample Sound Ample Guitar

The electric guitar has become an integral part of the music industry – it is difficult to imagine modern compositions without its sound. However, its popularity can sometimes be a problem: there are many guitarists, most of whom are rather theoretical, and finding the right player can be difficult.
However, there is a solution: an electric guitar can be simulated using software. Electric guitar VST plugins have been in development almost since the beginning of the virtual instrument era, and there are many options on the market. For composers, pianists, and anyone who wants to add rich guitar sound to their creations, we’ve rounded up 15 of the best plugins that emulate this famous instrument.

02. Ample Sound Metal Eclipse

For connoisseurs of heavy guitar music, Ample Sound presented two unique libraries – Metal Eclipse and Metal Hellraizer. These VST electric guitars from the “heavy” series include samples of the ESP Eclipse six-string baritone guitar and the Schecter Hellraiser eight-string guitar.
The functionality of these instruments is similar to other products in the Ample Guitar line. However, the difference lies in the available settings: the Eclipse can be tuned to a C sharp drop (C, G, C, F, A, D), while the Hellraizer can be tuned to an eight-string C sharp drop (#C, #F, B, E, A, D , G, B, E). In addition, there is an adjustment of the attack strength, a choice of impulses for “heavy” cabinets and a built-in metal riff generator.

03. Heavyocity Scoring Guitars 2

Scoring Guitars 2 from Heavyocity is designed primarily for soundtrack composers, but is also suitable for other music genres. It is especially valuable when you want to add atmospheric guitar elements to an arrangement.
The library’s sonic character is in tune with the powerful guitars characteristic of the soundtracks of masters such as Hans Zimmer and Tom Holkenborg. In it you can find expressive phrases, rhythmic pulsations, sharp short accents and memorable minor chords.
While Scoring Guitars 2 may not be the most flexible tool in terms of style, it is great for adding vibrant guitar nuances to musical compositions.

04. Ilya Efimov LP Electric Guitar/TC Electric Guitar

The collection of virtual electric guitars from Russian musician Ilya Efimov includes digital replicas of a Gibson Les Paul and Fender Telecaster, presented in three versions:

• for solo and melodic playing;
• for accompaniment;
• combined for solo and accompaniment.

These VST electric guitars support up to 12 Velocity levels per note, recreate fret and fretboard sounds, and offer a wide variety of playing techniques. The instruments are equipped with capabilities for slides, hammer-ons and pull-offs, glissando, harmonics and vibrato, and can be played with both regular and variable strokes, staccato and pizzicato.
The libraries offer more than 200 options for extracting chords for different musical styles, with the ability to use software double tracking and sound processing in the built-in effects section.
In general, Ilya Efimov’s products stand out for their flexibility and versatility. Despite the somewhat outdated and not the most user-friendly interface, the developments of this Russian musician are worth a try – they will not disappoint you.

04. Impact Soundworks Shreddage 3

VST electric guitars from Impact Soundworks stand out for their high sound quality, realism and versatility. The Shreddage series was originally designed for heavy music, but over time it has expanded its boundaries.
The Shreddage 3 series includes a variety of instruments: the eight-string Hydra, seven-string Serpent, baritone Rogue, semi-acoustic Archtop and the classic Stratus, available in both paid and free versions. Each of these libraries is easily adaptable to any music genre.
The sound quality of these virtual guitars is highly rated. They are capable of playing open notes, chords, riffs, staccato and pizzicato in different positions, as well as tapping, harmonics, hammer-ons and pull-offs, slides, vibrato and grace notes. They also contain an imitation of the sounds of the game and noise in the electrical network.
In addition, the guitars are equipped with a modular effects section and a set of 30 cabinet impulses, which allows you to achieve the desired guitar sound without external plug-ins and processing.
The Shreddage 3 series has few shortcomings: they sound convincing, have a lot of techniques and great flexibility. The only downside might be the vast selection, which can make it difficult to choose the perfect tool as each one is excellent in its own way.

05. Native Instruments Scarbee Funk Guitarist

Created by Native Instruments and Scarbee, this virtual guitar is perfect for funky rhythm patterns. The virtual guitarist simulates 11 different articulations for each sound, takes into account different playing positions and knows 3,411 unique chords and chord combinations.
When playing chords, the library randomly varies the volume and clarity of each note, complementing them with various techniques such as hammer-ons, pull-offs and slides. This gives the guitar a more natural and realistic sound.
Although this library is not suitable for use as a solo instrument, it will work well as a backing guitarist in funk, pop and electronic genres. However, it is worth noting that after a few days of use, you may begin to recognize the Funk Guitarist sounds in many popular radio hits.

08. Native Instruments Session Guitarist Electric Sunburst

The Electric Sunburst Library is part of Native Instruments’ autoplay line and offers a wide range of patterns, arpeggios and riffs recorded on a Gibson Les Paul guitar.
This virtual guitarist sounds rich and convincing. The developers have included a convenient set of settings in the library, allowing you to mix sound from two pickups, adjust the volume and timbre of pickups, as well as use amplifiers, cabinets and effects.
The virtual guitarist is able to play chords and arpeggios in various positions using both fingers and a pick. Triads can be played on open strings, using the pizzicato technique, or using harmonics.
Despite its simplicity and ease of use, Electric Sunburst inherits some of the problems of its funky predecessor. The virtual Gibson Les Paul is more suitable for the role of accompaniment and is stylistically limited to patterns predetermined by the developers.

09. Prominy LPC Electric Distortion and Clean Guitar/SC Electric Guitar 2

Japanese company Prominy entered the market by releasing virtual models of the Gibson Les Paul (discontinued and supported, but still available online) and Fender Stratocaster. With a huge collection of samples recorded in a variety of situations, Prominy VST electric guitars are some of the most realistic on the market.
Instruments include a variety of pickup combinations, various playing techniques and techniques, tremolo and feedback controls, double tracking, and over 300 chords and rhythm patterns. Although many of the demos have a heavy style, the virtual Les Pauls and Stratocasters are easily adaptable to a wide variety of genres.
Managing these libraries may not be the most convenient, but they make up for it with high quality and advanced features. For those who have mastered the ins and outs of these products, Prominy’s VST electric guitars have long proven to be some of the best on the market.

10. Prominy V-Metal

This specialized version of the VST electric guitar is designed for heavy and extreme genres of music. It is based on samples of Alexi Laiho’s ESP Alexi Blacky guitar, equipped with EMG pickups. The sound of this library is of high quality, and the interface is superior in simplicity and clarity to previous LPC and SC models.
Users have the ability to tune the guitar to drop C and take advantage of a wide range of different playing techniques. Particularly noteworthy is the “cricket” function, a unique technique that involves hitting the tremolo arm during a solo.

11. Solemn Tones The Odin II

The Odin II from Solemn Tones is one of the heaviest electric guitar VST libraries on the market. This instrument contains detailed source samples of a custom ESP LTD 8-string guitar with Evertune bridge.
The developers placed an emphasis on maintaining the purity and accuracy of the guitar sound, deliberately avoiding the addition of effects and additions. The samples are ready to be used with real amplifiers and guitar heads for reamping, which promises interesting possibilities.
The guitar includes 17 types of articulations, including open notes, chords, slides, hammer-ons, pull-offs and bends. Users can tune the virtual guitar to drop C (C), which combined with the KRAKEN bass provides a deep and powerful sound.
Features include control over bend and tremolo intensity, as well as a forced octaver function for extra heavy and low-end sounds.
However, to comfortably use the tool, 8 GB of RAM is required, which can lead to increased system load in complex projects. At $189.99, The Odin II is a fairly pricey choice among heavy music libraries and other more general-purpose options.

12. SONiVOX Bright Electric Guitar

This compact and affordable library provides digital simulation of a Fender Stratocaster. It includes a wide selection of patterns and chord variations, as well as individual note samples.
The instrument includes three layers of normal and muted notes, amp simulation settings, and an effects section. Although there are not many settings, they are quite enough to create the desired sound.
The main focus is on ease of use – Bright Electric Guitar is designed to easily add electric guitar sounds to your arrangement without unnecessary complexity. The Library sound may not be suitable for everyone due to the unique sound of the Stratocaster. Still, for $20 it’s a great choice.

13. Spitfire Audio LABS Peel Guitar

The Spitfire Audio LABS series of instruments are free, yet high-quality sound libraries for musicians and producers who prefer simplicity and functionality. These libraries are based on the company’s paid products, which guarantees high quality audio – users get access to a select part of paid products without charging a fee.
Spitfire Audio LABS Peel Guitar includes Fender Telecaster samples. Some samples are presented in their original, clean form, while others are processed using vibrato, tremolo and a bit of distortion. The library offers great crunch sounds when playing chords in the low registers and great atmospheric guitar sounds when playing in the mid and high registers.
The developers claim that Peel Guitar sounds especially good in combination with an orchestra, but also easily fits into various genres. However, you should not expect excessive versatility from the instrument – Peel Guitar works best as an additional element in arrangements or as a sound design tool.

14. Splash Sound Power Riffer

Power Riffer from Russian studio Splash Sound is not intended for fast passages or technical guitar solos and does not include many sound extraction techniques. This tool also doesn’t have hundreds of knobs for detailed settings or complex parameters. But what she really excels at is playing chords and riffs in a unique way.
This library is designed for a specific purpose, so it doesn’t sample individual notes – just chords. However, it is not inferior in “humanity”: chords change as naturally as when playing a real guitar, each chord is accompanied by noise, artifacts and other “nuances” of the game, which sounds convincing. Power Riffer can completely replace a rhythm guitarist.
The instrument is based on clean DI samples, and although it has a built-in guitar hardware section, all effects can be configured in your favorite emulators. The library automatically plays a double track, allowing you to use one track in a project, since the “riffer” will create a second copy in the adjacent channel. There’s also an automatic mode that decides when to use slides and hammers when changing chords, but this can be turned off if needed.
Bottom line, the Power Riffer is great for those who need a guitarist who can skillfully maintain rhythm. Although the instrument is not flexible and has limited stylistic applications, it is ideal for easily creating an energetic rhythm as arranged by Splash Sound.

15. UJAM Virtual Guitarist IRON

UJAM’s Virtual Guitarist series offers a unique combination of automated and manual playing for the user. This series includes five libraries: three VST electric guitars and two acoustic instruments.
The developers of UJAM emphasize that Virtual Guitarist is created primarily for keyboard players, pianists and composers who do not have much experience playing the electric guitar. The libraries are equipped with an extensive selection of rhythm patterns and a chord recognition system similar to that used in the Orange Tree Samples products.
Each instrument in the series comes with its own effects, selection of pickups, amps, and unique performance features. Particularly noteworthy is the built-in double tracking function, which adds richness and depth to the sound.
VST electric guitars provide quality sound, although their flexibility is limited by the preset styles and phrases suggested by the developers. In certain styles, guitars may require additional tuning to fit harmoniously into the arrangement. This is not critical, but should be taken into account when working with tools.

16. Vir2 Instruments Electri6ity

This superb electric guitar VST library includes 24,000 high quality samples covering a wide range of musical styles. The plugin features the sounds of a variety of electric guitars, including Fender Telecaster, Fender Stratocaster, Gibson Les Paul with humbuckers and P-90 single-coils, Gibson ES-335, Rickenbacker 360 and more. Each guitar model has its own unique set of articulations and playing techniques.
Users can adjust the low and high notes of the guitar’s tuning, as well as select various aspects of sound production, including imperfections and errors in playing. Other options include selecting pickups, volume and tone settings, vibrato frequency and depth, and applying effects. The arsenal of playing techniques has everything you need: pizzicato and legato, slides and bends, hammer-ons and pull-offs, harmonics and others.
The developers claim that this library will allow you to create the ideal virtual electric guitar for any musical task. Although the goal is noble, it was not possible to cover all aspects. As with the acoustic Vir2 Acou6tics, the wide selection has an impact on the overall quality: VST electric guitars sound… quite good.