How to Use a Guitar Amp

Use a guitar amp to get rich full sound from any guitar. Add sound effects and combinations of effects to produce different tones and style variations. Amps create several possibilities for sounds from guitars and styles of play. In addition to altering vibrations, amplifiers increase volume and carry sound over distances for large crowds to hear. Some guitar amps are manufactured specifically for use with an electric guitar, acoustic guitar or bass guitar. Yet they all work on the same premise.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Plug in the amplifier and turn the power switch on. For old amps using tubes, allow a few minutes warming time.

2. Plug one end of a cord into the output on the guitar. Plug the other end of the cord into one of the channel intakes on the amp. For acoustic guitars without output plugs, use a pick--up. Insert the clamp of a pick--up in the sound hole under the strings of an acoustic guitar. Plug the cable into an amp channel.

3. Increase the overall amplifier volume with the "gain" control knob. Adjust volume considering the crowd size and other band instruments.

4. Add fluttering echo with the "reverb" dial. A small amount of reverb will sustain notes.

5. Adjust the bass and treble to get the desired tone. Different tones accommodate various styles of play. Blues tend to sound better with more bass for instance.

6. Use effects to produce special sound qualities. Plug in effects pedals with patch cords between the guitar and the amp. Experiment with the sound capabilities of a single effects pedal or a combination of pedals.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure your amp is well matched with the electric guitar or pick--up you'll use to avoid power struggles. When purchasing an amp, tell the retailer what guitar or pick--up you plan to plug into it.
• Some of the neighbors may not enjoy your playing as much as you do. Consider appropriate volume levels when playing at home.