Beginner’s Guide to Guitar Amps

Let’s say you’re ready to start your rock star career, you’ve already found the perfect guitar, and now it’s time for the amp. You’re probably aware that the selection of guitar amps is vast. Finding the right one for you and your plans can be a daunting task for a beginner. In this article, we’ll give you our best tips with an amp guide for beginners!

What style of music do you play?

This is a very important question to answer for yourself, because every style of music has its favourite basic guitar sounds. Rock calls for good distortion, funk and jazz are more about clean sounds, while slightly crunchy sounds are very popular in blues and country music.

It’s important to choose an amp that covers the essential sounds for your daily style! 

How big should your amp be?

Let’s start with the smaller models. Desktop amps can be placed on a desk or shelf and don’t take up much space in the room. These are great for practising at home, but they’ll quickly reach their limit in the rehearsal room with your band. A great choice can be the Positive Grid Spark 2 BK!

Positive Grid Spark 2 BK

The next step up would be combo amps, which have a slightly larger built-in speaker (10” or 12”) and take up more space, but can also be used in a band. If you need to carry the amp a lot, it might be a good idea to choose one that’s on the smaller and lighter side, depending on your means of transportation.

How loud does your amp need to be?

In addition to the physical size, which is mostly a transport and storage issue, the power rating of the guitar amp is a major factor to consider. In other words, is it loud enough to keep up with the drummer and bass player? If you just want to jam at home, a small desktop amp with up to 20 watts will usually suffice – or maybe you can even make do with a headphone amp.

If you play in a band, you’ll need a little more. However, keep in mind that the number of watts only gives a rough idea of how loud the amp will actually be, as this varies depending on the design. A 20-watt tube amp can be roaringly loud, even to the point that it drowns out a 50-watt modelling amp. So it’s time to take a look at the different types of amps.

Boss Katana 100 Gen 3

Types of guitar amps: Tube, modelling, combo or stack

There are many different types of guitar amps. Some probably aren’t ideally suited for beginners, but it still makes sense to get an overview.

Tube Amp (Valve Amp)

A tube amp uses a circuit based on vacuum tubes or valves (glass bulbs). This type of amp has been used since the 1950s. Many of the most iconic rock sounds were created with tube amps. Classics include the Marshall 1959 (Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page) or the Vox AC30 (Brian May).

Marshall 1959 HW

Vox AC30 C2

Transistor amps (solid-state amps)

For a long time, transistor-based amps were the main alternative to tube amps. These amps are lighter and require less maintenance. The Roland JC-120 is one of the solid-state classics, and the Roland JC-40 is a smaller version of this classic!

Roland JC-40

Digital amps (modelling amps)

Modelling amps use modern digital technology to recreate the sounds of the classic amps of the past (primarily tube amps). Many practice and desktop amps use this technology, and it is now so advanced that even major artists rely on modelling amps in the studio and on stage. One of the advantages is that these amps can produce a wide range of sounds.

Line6 Catalyst CX 60

Headphone amps

Speaker-less headphone amps serve one main purpose: to be able to play silently over headphones. They’re an excellent choice if you want to keep your neighbours or flatmates happy.

Fender Mustang Micro Headphone Amp

Harley Benton DNAfx GiT Mobile II

Which effects do you need?

Most guitar amplifiers come at least with a built-in reverb effect. Modelling amps usually offer a lot more and may also include modulation effects, echo and more. For certain guitar sounds, a full suite of effects is definitely a plus. However, you should always ask yourself how much you really need. Because the more an amp has to offer, the more complicated it is to use and the longer it takes to dial in your perfect sound.

Harley Benton HB-40MFX

Amp Guide for Beginner’s: More tips

Firstly, consider whether a small practice amp might be sufficient for your first steps. Such an amp doesn’t cost a fortune and you’ll probably keep using it for a very long time, as everyone has a small practice amp at home – from beginner to pro. When it’s time for your band’s first stadium tour, you can always add a large stage amp. Many practice amps can now also be controlled over Bluetooth via an app on your phone or tablet (in addition to the controls on the amp itself). This makes it easier to dial in the perfect sound and save it. You’ll often also find additional features such as drum patterns and audio playback for jamming. Also make sure that there is a headphone output for quiet practice sessions.

The best guitar amps for beginners

Here are a few recommendations for different guitar amps in different price ranges.

Very compact practice amp:

Positive Grid Spark Go BK

Modelling combo with 2 x 6.5 speakers: 

Blackstar ID:Core 40 V4

Modelling combo in retro design: 

Mooer Hornet Black 30W Modeling Amp

Desktop amp with wireless transmitter: 

Boss Katana Air

3-channel tube combo: 

Koch Amps Jupiter JUP45-C GR

Beginner’s Guide to Guitar Amps: Your Feedback

Do you already have experience with different types of amps? Do you have a favourite? Let us know in the comments!

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