A guide bar (1) for the saw chain (2) of a motor-driven chain saw includes a longitudinal bar base body (3) of solid material having a reversal section (5) and a mounting section (8). A weight recess (11) is formed in a flat side (13) of the bar base body (3). The weight recess (11) extends essentially along the bar base body (3) and is closed by a cover plate (12). A light-weight, torsion-resistant guide bar is produced in that a longitudinal rib (14, 15) supporting the cover plate (12) is arranged in the weight recess (11) and extends in the longitudinal direction (19) of the guide bar (1).