How to Choose an Amp for an Electric Guitar

Electric guitars require amplifiers.

If you want to play the electric guitar, you will need an amp. Without it, no one will be able to hear your strumming, no matter how good it may be. An amp takes electrical signals derived from the vibrations of your guitar strings, amplifies them and uses them to power a speaker that projects the sound to your audience. There are many different sizes and brands of amps, so you must consider several factors before deciding which kind of amp you need.

Instructions

1. Decide on a price range. Before you even start looking, consider your finances and set a maximum price that you are comfortable with.

2. Choose a size. Manufacturers rate guitar amplifiers according to their watts. If you are a novice who probably will not be performing in front of large crowds any time soon, a 10-watt amp is probably sufficient. If you are more experienced and plan on performing, buy an amp that has enough juice to meet your needs while still fitting within your budget. Remember, though, that you will be transporting this amp around, so don't get something that you do not want to carry from place to place.

3. Choose a brand. There are numerous "off-brands" that are significantly cheaper than the more popular ones, but these are often unreliable and may not come with good warranties. Some of the higher quality brands are Fender, Marshall, Bogner and Vox.

4. Try them out. Go to your local guitar shop or use your friends' amps. Find a model that has a good sound, and then go with that.

References

• Guitar Site: Top 10 Guitar Amplifiers