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Beginners Guitar Amp to Become a Rock Star
Treating yourself to top-of-the-line best beginners guitar amps could also be step one on the road to realizing your dream of turning into a bonafide electric guitar god. There’s nothing better than plugging your electric guitar into a great-sounding guitar amp – and with the proper combination, you’ll never wish to stop playing.
We still have lots of love for the acoustic guitar, however, there’s one thing exhilarating concerning the fusion of electric guitars and amps, that you simply can’t beat. In case you’re still weighing up on what to purchase, do take a look at our guide on acoustic vs electric guitar: which is better for newbie guitarists?
We all know you’ve heard it before, however honestly – the quality of the best beginner guitar amps has never been higher, with lots of the best budget guitar amps doing everything you might need. Need stadium rock sounds at the house without blowing the home windows out? You’ve got them – and a lot more – at your fingertips. When you’re new to the world of beginner guitar amps, then you’ve come to the best place.
Best Beginner Guitar Amps: Strings Kings Choice
For us, there’s one clear winner for the very best beginner guitar amp – the Boss Katana 50. Boss took the guitar world by storm with the release of their newest modeling amp, and for good reason. This guitar beginner amp completely balances price, versatility, and portability, making it an obvious selection for the beginner guitar player.
The Katana comes totally loaded with an array of amp models and access to the effects that made Boss a family name. We’d say it is pretty much impossible to get a bad sound out of this beginner amp. Crucially, the Katana has numerous power modes, from 0.5W to 50W, which means it’s got sufficient power to hold its own at your first rehearsals and even your first gigs. So, in case you’re serious about putting yourself out there, this versatile guitar combo amplifier covers all of the boxes.
In case you’re after a smaller best beginner guitar amps – something probably battery-powered – then we’d absolutely suggest the Blackstar Fly 3 Bluetooth. It’s among the best small practice beginner guitar amps and gives a stunning amount of power through such a small speaker. You can even grab a pair of one of the best headphones for guitar amps connected to headphone output and practice silently.
Bluetooth inclusion turns the Fly 3 into an excellent practice device, allowing you to stream backing tracks to jam along to. With a clean and overdrive channel onboard, in addition to a delay effect, the Fly 3 has everything you’ll want to get started on your electric guitar-playing journey.
1. Boss Katana 50 MKII
Boss is among the guitar industry’s best-known manufacturers, largely because of its incredible historical past in the world of effects pedals. The Boss Katana 50 MKII takes this heritage and translates it into one of the best-value beginners’ guitar modeling amps in the world.
For a shade over $/£200, you get 5 different amp voicings, together with 60 completely different effects, so there’s something tonally here for anyone. Add further features like a USB PC interface, so you’ll be able to record onto your pc, and you have a reasonably compelling package.
Plus, with 50 watts of power and a 1×12 speaker, you have bought a combo that may carry you from the bedroom to the rehearsal room and onto the stage.
You Can Buy Boss Katana 50 MKII at the Links Below!
2. Blackstar Fly 3 Bluetooth
The Blackstar Fly 3 Bluetooth is the proper beginner’s amp for anyone short on space. Weighing in at below 1kg, this tiny amp delivers a stunning amount of volume with its 3-inch speaker, while the 2 channels guarantee you can change between a rich clear sound and something a touch hairier. The inclusion of a delay effect will assist round out your sound too.
We like the way in which you can connect two Fly 3 guitar amps in stereo while including Bluetooth inside for jamming to backing tracks or music streaming provides an additional ingredient of usefulness.
It is a killer purchase for guitarists on the move – no matter your skill – and especially perfect for university students and anybody who must hold the volume down.
You Can Buy Blackstar Fly 3 at the Links Below!
3. Fender Mustang LT50
As perhaps music’s most recognizable guitar brand, it’s reasonable to count on something good from Fender. With the Fender Mustang LT 50, we weren’t disappointed. While this amp is classed as single-channel, in reality, packs in 20 different amp voicings that you can choose from, in addition to a small choice of good-quality effects.
We discovered its preset ability helpfully; with a lot in the way of choice from various amps and effect voicings, it was good to have the ability to store those we preferred for quick recall later. This a wonderful addition to our best beginner guitar amps guide.
You Can Buy Fender Mustang LT50 at the Links Below!
4. Vox VX15 GT
The Vox VX15 GT is a bit different from the opposite amps on this listing. Rather than the usual construction normally found on practice amps, the Vox opts for an ultra-lightweight sealed cabinet made from ABS with a bass-reflex design. This distinctive design offers your tone the tight low-end you’re searching for and ensures all the sound is projected forward, where it’s wanted most.
This amp has a powerful range of sounds onboard, from vintage AC30 tones to killer high-gain metal sounds, which means it is never been simpler to find a tone you like, no matter your playing style or inspiration.
You Can Buy Vox VX15 GT at the Links Below!
5. IK Multimedia iRig Micro Amp
For smartphone or tablet owners, the IK Multimedia iRig Micro Amp is especially fascinating. This tiny amp connects to your mobile device and, by its Amplitube app, means that you can access loads of totally different amp voices, cabinets, effects, and different tools.
The iRig Micro may be powered by a power supply, or by six AA batteries, making it both portable and versatile which, when it comes to the very best beginner guitar amps, is an excellent combination of features. While it might not be the most effective combo amp ever, it undoubtedly ticks all of the boxes a beginner guitar amp needs.
You Can Buy IK Multimedia iRig Micro Amp at the Links Below!
6. Yamaha THR10II
Yamaha is responsible for some of the greatest beginner guitar gear around. They make probably the greatest beginner electric guitars in the form of the Pacifica, and now the Yamaha THR10II amp – among the best desktop guitar amps you will get your hands on. This mighty little amp gives a wide range of tonal options in a compact, stylish package that matches any room.
Straight out of the box, this amp gives 5 extremely realistic amp models, an array of studio-quality effects, one bass guitar model like a beginner bass guitar amp, and an acoustic guitar option. If this wasn’t enough, the mobile editor app allows you entry to much more sounds at the touch of a button.
So in case, you’re tight on space but searching for an amp that delivers big on tone, then look no further than the Yamaha THR10II.
You Can Buy Yamaha THR10II at the Links Below!
7. Blackstar HT-1R
If the promise of multiple amp voicings doesn’t appeal to you, and you need one solid, high-quality sound to work with, then the Blackstar HT-1R could also be the perfect beginner guitar amplifier for you.
It’s an all-tube amplifier, which means you get those wonderful tones the professionals rave about, but in a bundle small enough to suit a beginner – and, fortunately, means you don’t need to turn it up too loud to get nice sounds.
Certainly, what the HT1R lacks in features, it more than makes up for in tone and, as such, is straightforward for us to suggest to any beginner guitarist.
You Can Buy Blackstar HT-1R at the Links Below!
8. Orange Crush 20
While Marshall and Fender are arguably the better-known manufacturers, many players gravitate in direction of British amp giants Orange for their high-gain needs. Put simply, the gain or distortion – sound produced by an Orange is quite unlike any other. Thick, with oodles of mid-range girth, and a raspy high-end, the sound of an Orange at full throttle is something to behold.
The Orange Crush 20 takes all that expertise and knowledge and packs it right into a 20W, beginner-friendly solid-state amplifier that’ll serve any aspiring metal player completely. Sure, it lacks effects of any kind, however, that’s a small price to pay for such a tonally balanced amplifier.
You Can Buy Orange Crush 20 at the Links Below!
9. Blackstar ID: CORE 10 V3
That is the third entry for Blackstar on this listing, however with an amp this good, it needed to be included. The Blackstar ID: CORE 10 is ideal for beginners searching for an easy-to-use amp that packs a punch.
The 5 amp models vary from glassy clean tones to face-melting high-gain and all the things in between. It additionally includes a wide range of effects from reverb, chorus, delay, and even an auto-wah!
Those that prefer to have more control over their amp can benefit from the brand-new Blackstar Architect software. This enables the user to customize many features of the amp, from the effects settings to the Cab Rig. This Blackstar Architect software is accessible for both Mac and PC.
You Can Buy Blackstar ID: CORE 10 V3 at the Links Below!
10. Marshall Code 25
It might be remiss of us to not produce a listing of best beginners’ amps and not embrace a Marshall. After a lot of deliberation, we’ve opted for the Marshall Code 25, which is a solid-state/digital hybrid with all manner of amp models and effects included.
What appealed to us concerning the Code series was the spectacular number of amp combos you’ll be able to choose from. With 14 preamps, 4 power amps, and eight-speaker emulations, there’s a tonal combo for everybody. That’s before you get into the included 24 digital effects, which may even be controlled from your cell device through Bluetooth.
You Can Buy Marshall Code 25 at the Links Below!
What Should I Consider When Shopping for A Beginner Guitar Amp?
Whether you are a complete beginner searching for your first amp, or a skilled player searching for a home practice rig to maintain the neighbors on your side, we have put together some helpful suggestions that will help you discover one of the best beginner guitar amps.
Your main train of thought needs to be considering the wattage and the dimensions of your amp. These are probably the 2 most vital aspects of getting an excellent beginner guitar amp to enhance your practice setup.
How Many Watts Does My Beginner Guitar Amp Need?
Thinking about the wattage of your amp is an excellent important factor when shopping for a beginner guitar amp for house practice or small gigs. When it comes to house practice, the smaller the wattage, the better. Ideally, you need an amp that will not kick out loads of volume – and even a small 5-watt solid-state amp will be loud.
In case you’re looking down the tube amp route, know that the perceived volume of a 5-watt tube amp is way greater than a solid-state amp of the same power. It is for that reason we included the Blackstar HT-1R in this guide, rather than its 5-watt big brother.
If you need an amp that can cover practice, jam sessions, and small gigs, then a solid-state 50 watts needs to be plenty. Tube amp-wise, 15 or 20 watts will see you right.
It is worth noting though that while more skilled players gravitate towards tube amps on the eternal hunt for the proper tone, tube amps are largely overkilled for a beginner. They’re usually costlier than their digital and solid-state brethren, they usually sound best when cranked up loud – a scenario we can’t always facilitate. That is why most of the amps on this listing are solid-state or digital modeling amps. These amps provide a wide range of amp voices and myriad effects. More importantly, they sound incredible at lower volumes.
Sound Volume/Output
The sound volume itself is pretty self-explanatory. It’s how loud the amp is or how much output the amp has. Lots of people think that the number of watts determines volume, but it’s not quite as simple as that.
A great way to think about the output is the higher the number, the louder the volume will be, and still, preserve a good quality sound. A 10-watt amp could also be just as loud as a 20-watt amp, but the 20-watt amp will sound a lot better at higher volumes.
This idea is essential to know in case you’re trying to resolve between two amps that have similar output but it’s considerably limited in scope. For example, a 40-watt amp is most definitely going to be louder than a 1-watt amp.
When deciding what amp is best for you, it’s necessary to think about the place you’re going to be playing. If you would like an amp that you need to use for performances, go for something with more watts to ensure your audience hears you and that you’re creating the very best sound possible. In case you just need something to practice at a house with, lower watts are wonderful.
Sound Quality
As you might have guessed, sound quality additionally has a little bit to do with watts and output. The louder the volume on an amp with low watts, the less extra sound quality is lost. The 20-watt amp sounds better than the 10-watt amp when the volume is cranked up however, once more, it is a somewhat limiting approach to take a look at it.
The connection between watts and volume causes what lots of people refer to as “buzzing”. In case you’ve ever had an amp that performed simply wonderfully at low volumes but lost quality as you turned up the volume, it’s possible the amp didn’t have enough watts.
How Big Should My Beginner Guitar Amp Be?
That is another vital question to ask yourself. There isn’t any proper or incorrect answer, as everyone needs different-sized amps to satisfy different standards. You need to think about the place you are going to keep it, the place you will be using it, and whether you will be leaving it at all times arrange or packing it away after use.
We would normally suggest getting something with the biggest speaker you’ll be able to afford. Something like a 10″ or 12″ speaker will assist you to obtain a full range of frequencies from your new beginner guitar amp. Nevertheless, there are amps just like the Yamaha THR10II that, while having much smaller speakers fitted, are in a position to produce a full tonal range down to a pair of specially designed speakers. It will not kick out the same gutsy tone as a 1×12″, but then, it is not really meant to.
The physical dimension of the amp ties in with speaker sizes nicely. A bigger amp will allow for more resonance and sometimes a fuller tone, however, could be inconvenient in case you’re limited on space.
So long as you think about the size and power you realistically want, and choose an amplifier that offers you the flexibility to try out different sounds, you will be sure to discover the proper home practice companion.
