{"id":868061,"date":"2024-11-28T15:00:51","date_gmt":"2024-11-28T14:00:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/?p=868061"},"modified":"2025-10-01T15:13:29","modified_gmt":"2025-10-01T13:13:29","slug":"beginners-guide-to-guitar-amps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/en\/gear\/beginners-guide-to-guitar-amps\/","title":{"rendered":"Beginner’s Guide to Guitar Amps"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Let\u2019s say you\u2019re ready to start your rock star career, you\u2019ve already found the perfect guitar, and now it\u2019s time for the amp. You\u2019re 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 in this beginner’s guide to amps<\/strong>!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>
<\/div>

You are currently viewing a placeholder content from YouTube<\/strong>. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.<\/p> More Information<\/a> <\/div>

Unblock this content<\/a> Accept required service and unblock its content<\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What style of music do you play?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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

It’s important to choose an amp that covers the essential sounds for your daily style! <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Advertisements<\/div>
\"\"<\/a><\/div><\/div>

How big should your amp be?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Let’s start with the smaller models. Desktop amps<\/strong> 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\u2019ll quickly reach their limit in the rehearsal room with your band. A great choice can be the Positive Grid Spark 2 BK<\/strong><\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Positive<\/a>
Positive Grid Spark 2 BK<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The next step up would be combo amps<\/strong><\/a>, which have a slightly larger built-in speaker (10\u201d or 12\u201d) and take up more space, but can also be used in a band<\/strong>. If you need to carry the amp a lot, it might be a good idea to choose one that\u2019s on the smaller and lighter side, depending on your means of transportation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How loud does your amp need to be?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>
<\/div>

You are currently viewing a placeholder content from YouTube<\/strong>. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.<\/p> More Information<\/a> <\/div>

Unblock this content<\/a> Accept required service and unblock its content<\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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<\/strong>. In other words, is it loud enough to keep up with the drummer and bass player<\/em>? If you just want to jam at home<\/strong>, a small desktop amp with up to 20 watts<\/strong> will usually suffice \u2013 or maybe you can even make do with a headphone amp<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you play in a band<\/strong>, you\u2019ll need a little more<\/strong>. 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<\/strong> can be roaringly loud<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Boss<\/a>
Boss Katana 100 Gen 3<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Types of guitar amps: Tube, modelling, combo or stack<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>
<\/div>

You are currently viewing a placeholder content from YouTube<\/strong>. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.<\/p> More Information<\/a> <\/div>

Unblock this content<\/a> Accept required service and unblock its content<\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

There are many different types of guitar amps. Some probably aren\u2019t ideally suited for beginners, but it still makes sense to get an overview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tube Amp (Valve Amp)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Marshall<\/a>
Marshall 1959 HW<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Vox<\/a>
Vox AC30 C2<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Transistor amps (solid-state amps)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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<\/strong><\/a> is a smaller version of this classic!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Roland<\/a>
Roland JC-40<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Digital amps (modelling amps)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Line6<\/a>
Line6 Catalyst CX 60<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Headphone amps<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Speaker-less headphone amps serve one main purpose: to be able to play silently over headphones. They\u2019re an excellent choice if you want to keep your neighbours or flatmates happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Fender<\/a>
Fender Mustang Micro Headphone Amp<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Harley
Harley Benton DNAfx GiT Mobile II<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Which effects do you need?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Harley<\/a>
Harley Benton HB-40MFX<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Amp Guide for Beginner’s: More tips<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Firstly, consider whether a small practice amp might be sufficient for your first steps. Such an amp doesn\u2019t cost a fortune and you’ll probably keep using it for a very long time, as everyone has a small practice amp at home \u2013 from beginner to pro. When it\u2019s time for your band\u2019s 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\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best guitar amps for beginners<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few recommendations for different guitar amps in different price ranges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Very compact practice amp:
<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Positive<\/a>
Positive Grid Spark Go BK<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Modelling combo with 2 x 6.5 speakers: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Blackstar<\/a>
Blackstar ID:Core 40 V4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Modelling combo in retro design: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Mooer<\/a>
Mooer Hornet Black 30W Modeling Amp<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Desktop amp with wireless transmitter: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Boss<\/a>
Boss Katana Air<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

3-channel tube combo: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Koch<\/a>
Koch Amps Jupiter JUP45-C GR<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

Beginner’s Guide to Guitar Amps: Your Feedback<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Do you already have experience with different types of amps? Do you have a favourite? Let us know in the comments!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n

Advertisements<\/div>
\"\"<\/a><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Discover the ultimate beginner’s guide to guitar amps! \u25b7 Learn the basics, explore types of amps, and find the perfect one to suit your sound! <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":53,"featured_media":10005474,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tblog_post_audio_url":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1083],"tags":[15991,5343,18832,27424],"class_list":["post-868061","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gear","tag-amplificatore-acustica-en","tag-audio","tag-combo-en","tag-combo-amp"],"category_colors":{"color_key":"gear","css_classes":{"text":"cat-gear","text_light":"cat-gear-light","bg":"cat-bg-gear","bg_light":"cat-bg-gear-light","border":"cat-border-gear","text_on_bg":"cat-text-on-gear"}},"reading_time":{"minutes":5,"formatted":"5 min"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/868061","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/53"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=868061"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/868061\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10005481,"href":"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/868061\/revisions\/10005481"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10005474"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=868061"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=868061"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=868061"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}