Embarking on the journey of learning to play the guitar can be an exciting and rewarding experience. As a beginner, one important aspect to consider is finding the best guitar amp that suits both your needs and budget. A good quality amp not only helps in producing a great sound but also enhances the learning process by making practice sessions more enjoyable.
There are numerous guitar amps available in the market, each with its own set of features, price points, and benefits. As a beginner, it is crucial to understand the different types of amps and how they can affect your sound. By exploring the various options and understanding your own preferences, it becomes easier to make an informed decision.
In this article, I will be delving into the world of guitar amps and discussing some of the best options for beginners. By the end of it, you will have a better understanding of what to look for in an amp and be one step closer to finding the perfect one for your journey as a budding guitarist.
Understanding Guitar Amp Basics
Electric Guitar
Electric guitars are musical instruments designed to produce sound by picking up string vibrations through magnetic pickups. They rely on guitar amplifiers (amps) to amplify their signal and provide the desired tone and volume.
Guitar Amp
A guitar amp is a device that amplifies the signal from an electric guitar or an electro-acoustic guitar. It helps shape the tone and provides various effects such as distortion, reverb, and delay.
Valve Amp
Valve amps, also known as tube amps, use vacuum tubes to amplify the guitar signal. They often produce a warm, organic tone, and are favored by some guitarists for their vintage sound and responsiveness to playing dynamics.
Solid State Amp
Solid-state amps use transistors and integrated circuits instead of vacuum tubes. They tend to be more reliable and lower maintenance than valve amps. While they may lack some of the warmth of valve amps, they offer a more consistent sound and can be more affordable, making them attractive for beginners.
Tube Amp
Tube amps are a type of valve amp that utilize vacuum tubes in both the preamp and power amp stages. They are known for their rich, warm tones and natural overdrive, but can be more expensive and require more maintenance than solid-state amps.
| Type | Tone | Cost | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valve Amp | Warm, vintage | Higher | Higher |
| Solid State | Consistent, cleaner | Lower | Lower |
| Tube Amp | Rich, warm | Higher | Higher |
Preamp Tubes
Preamp tubes are the vacuum tubes responsible for amplifying the electric guitar’s signal before it reaches the power amp. They contribute to the amp’s overall tone and can have a significant impact on the sound.
Power Tubes
Power tubes, also known as output tubes, are responsible for supplying the necessary power to drive the amplifier’s speaker. They produce a large amount of heat, which contributes to the tube amp’s signature warm tone.
Wattage
Wattage is a measure of the power of an amplifier, and it affects the maximum volume an amp can produce. Beginners might consider starting with lower wattage amps (e.g., 5-30 watts) for practice and small performances, while higher wattages are preferred for larger venues or band settings.
In summary, beginners should consider their budget, desired tone, and maintenance requirements when choosing between valve, solid-state, and tube amps. Understanding the basics of guitar amps, including preamp tubes, power tubes, and wattage, will allow beginners to make an informed decision that best fits their needs.
Best Beginner Guitar Amps
Fender Frontman 10G
The Fender Frontman 10G is a compact and affordable choice for beginners. It packs 10 watts of power and features a 6-inch speaker, delivering a clear, straightforward sound. This amp is perfect for practice sessions and small gigs, with the classic Fender style admired by many.
Orange Crush 20
The Orange Crush 20 offers 20 watts of power through an 8-inch speaker, providing a warm, dynamic tone. It comes with a built-in tuner and an aux-in, allowing players to jam along with their favorite tracks. The Orange Crush 20 is known for its eye-catching design and simple controls.
Marshall Code 25
The Marshall Code 25 is a versatile amp that offers 25 watts of power, perfect for beginners wanting the classic Marshall sound. Players can enjoy a variety of presets, a built-in tuner, and Bluetooth connectivity for streaming music or connecting to the Marshall Gateway app.
Boss Katana 50 MKII
The Boss Katana 50 MKII is a powerful and flexible amp that offers 50 watts of power, catering to a variety of genres. It features five amp types, multiple effects, and a tone-customizing software. This amp is suitable for both practice at home and playing at small venues.
Positive Grid Spark
The Positive Grid Spark is a smart guitar amp that offers powerful, customizable tones and an innovative app integration. With 40 watts of power, this amp is well-suited for home practice and recording. The Spark app offers interactive learning, backing tracks, and access to thousands of tones.
Factors To Consider When Choosing An Amp
Playing Style
It’s essential to consider your playing style when choosing an amp. different styles such as rock, blues, jazz, or metal require specific tones and features. Identify the type of music you want to play and look for an amp that caters to that style.
Weight
A lighter amp is suitable for beginners who may need to move their equipment frequently. Heavier amps often have a more powerful sound, so consider your needs when choosing between the two.
| Weight | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Easy to transport | Less powerful |
| Heavy | More powerful sound | Harder to move |
Budget
Your budget is an essential factor in determining the right amp. There are many options available at various price points, so set a budget and stick to it while searching for an amp within that range.
- Budget-Friendly – Affordable but may lack advanced features
- Mid-Range – Decent options for beginners, offering a balance between price and features
- High-End – More expensive, offering advanced features or higher quality sound
Rehearsal Space
The size of your rehearsal space affects the amp choice, as larger spaces require more powerful amps. For smaller spaces or playing at home, consider lower wattage amps to avoid overwhelming the room.
Playing at Home
For playing at home, consider amps with built-in headphone jacks or low wattage options, which allow for quiet practice without disturbing others.
Live Shows
When performing live, consider an amp suitable for venue size: smaller wattage amps for intimate settings, and larger, more powerful amps for bigger stages. Additionally, choose an amp with built-in effects or an effects loop for flexibility during performances.
Features And Effects
Built-In Effects
Many beginner guitar amps come with a range of built-in effects, such as chorus, flange, and delay. These effects can add depth and variety to a beginner’s playing without needing additional pedals.
- Chorus – Thickens the sound by slightly detuning and delaying the guitar signal
- Flange – Creates a swirling effect by mixing the original signal with a delayed, shifted version
- Delay – Adds echo-like repeats of the guitar signal at adjustable intervals
Reverb
Reverb is an essential built-in effect for creating natural-sounding ambience. It simulates the sound of a space, such as a room, hall or cathedral. Most beginner amps have a basic reverb control or offer different reverb types to choose from, like:
- Plate – Mimics the sound of a metal plate vibrating
- Spring – Emulates the sound of a spring reverb found in vintage guitar amps
- Hall – Simulates the reverberation in large concert halls
Tremolo
Tremolo is a modulation effect that varies the volume of your guitar signal at an adjustable rate. It creates a pulsating or shimmering sound, common in surf and old-school rock music. Look for an amp with a built-in tremolo, which often includes controls for speed and depth.
Bluetooth Connectivity
Bluetooth connectivity allows you to stream audio wirelessly from a device such as a smartphone or tablet. This feature is especially useful for beginners who want to practice along with their favorite songs, immerse themselves in backing tracks, or access online guitar lessons without needing an auxiliary cable.
Amp Modeling
Amp modeling is a digital feature that replicates the sound of various iconic guitar amplifiers. This technology is increasingly popular in beginner guitar amps, enabling players to explore a diverse range of tones and styles without needing multiple amps. Some common amp models include:
- Fender Twin Reverb
- Marshall JCM800
- Vox AC30
Attenuator
An attenuator reduces the output volume of an amp while maintaining the tone and feel of playing at higher volumes. This feature is essential for beginners practicing at home, where neighbors and family members may be disturbed by loud guitar playing.
USB Port
USB ports on guitar amps offer direct connectivity to computers and recording software, enabling beginners to record their playing with ease. A USB port also allows for firmware updates and additional features delivered through digital amp software.
Built-In Tuner
A built-in tuner is a convenient tool for beginners, as it helps them to ensure their guitar is always in tune without needing a separate tuning device. Look for an amp that has a built-in tuner with bright LEDs or a clear display for easy tuning on the fly.
Resources And Technology
Backing Tracks
Backing tracks are an essential tool for beginners learning to play the guitar. They provide a musical context for practicing techniques, improving timing, and developing improvisational skills. A variety of platforms offer backing tracks in different genres and difficulty levels:
- YouTube – A vast library of free backing tracks created by fellow musicians.
- LickLibrary.com – An extensive collection of guitar and bass backing tracks available with monthly and yearly plans. Includes lessons, courses, and tracks.
- Spotify – A convenient platform for streaming premade playlists of backing tracks.
Lessons
A beginner guitarist can benefit significantly from structured lessons. Multiple resources offer guitar lessons catering to various skill levels, learning styles, and budgets:
- JustinGuitar – A comprehensive and free online platform by experienced guitarist Justin Sandercoe, offering step-by-step courses and video lessons.
- GuitarTricks – A paid online platform providing video lessons, a vast song library, and dedicated instructors.
- Yousician – A popular app that combines interactive lessons with gaming elements for a fun learning experience.
Smart Jam
Smart Jam is an innovative technology that can accompany guitar playing in real-time. It uses artificial intelligence to analyze a player’s skill level and create customizable rhythms and chord progressions, allowing for a more personalized practice session. Some products incorporating Smart Jam technology include:
- Spark Amp – A guitar amp and app combo that offers smart jamming, backing tracks, lesson materials, and more.
- Fret Zeppelin – An LED-based learning system that integrates with a mobile app for interactive learning and smart jamming.
Auto Chord
Auto Chord is a feature that simplifies chord learning for beginners. It can be found in various apps and devices that analyze the music being played and display the corresponding chord shapes in real-time. Examples of products with auto chord technology include:
- Roadie Bass – A smart automatic tuner that also helps users learn chords and scales.
- Chordify – An online tool for identifying chord progressions in popular songs and generating chord sheets.
These resources and technologies can enhance a beginner guitarist’s learning experience, making it more engaging and efficient.
Buying Advice And Tips
When choosing the best guitar amp for beginners, there are several key things to consider.
First, determine the type of amp that suits your needs best. There are four main types of guitar amps to choose from:
- Solid-State Amps – Known for their clean sound and durability, these amps are often more affordable and require less maintenance.
- Tube Amps – With their warm, natural tones, tube amps offer a more classic sound. However, they can be more expensive and require greater care.
- Modeling Amps – These digital amps emulate the sound of various classic amps and provide a wide range of effects, making them a versatile option.
- Hybrid Amps – Combining the warmth of a tube preamp with the reliability of a solid-state power amp, hybrid amps offer a mix of both worlds.
Next, consider the power and wattage of the amp. Beginners should choose a lower-wattage amp, ranging from 10 to 30 watts, as these are ideal for practice sessions and small venues.
Features are another important aspect to consider. Many beginner amps have built-in effects, such as reverb or delay, that can enhance your sound. Additionally, some amps also provide a headphone jack for silent practice and an auxiliary input for audio playback.
Size and portability are also important factors. Beginners might prefer a smaller amp, which is easier to transport and takes up less space in the practice area.
Lastly, consider your budget. There are many affordable options available for beginners without sacrificing quality. Make sure to compare prices and read reviews to find the best guitar amp for your needs.
By following this advice, beginners will be able to make an informed choice when selecting their first guitar amp, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable start to their musical journey.