Every great guitarist deserves to start their journey confidently, and we're here to help. Explore our expert advice on choosing the best beginner amp, setting it up, and mastering essential controls.
With over 60 years of experience crafting amps used by legendary guitarists like Jimi Hendrix, Lzzy Hale, and Angus Young, we have the expertise to help you sound your best from the start.
Whether you're picking your first amp or dialling in your tone, take the first step in your guitar journey and unlock your full potential today.
How to Choose Your First Guitar Amp
Choosing your first guitar amp can be overwhelming, but with the right guidance, it can be an exciting step forward in your musical journey. We've simplified the process by breaking down the key considerations to keep in mind, including amp type, size, playing style and space.
Setting up your guitar amp for the first time doesn't have to be complicated - it's easier than you think. This guide walks you through each step, from connecting your amp to powering it up, so you can dial in the perfect sound every time. You'll be ready to plug in and play in no time.
Want to get the most out of your amp? We'll walk you through the basic controls every beginner should know, from adjusting volume and gain to shaping your tone with the EQ settings. Once you've mastered the basics, you can start experimenting and customising your sound. Get ready to open a world of sonic possibilities.
Proper maintenance is essential to keeping your amp sounding great. Discover our top tips, including regular cleaning, safe storage, and general care to extend its lifespan, so you can be sure it stays in excellent working condition.
Starting to play guitar is an exhilarating journey of self-expression and musical exploration, where every strum holds the promise of unlocking new melodies and emotions. With dedication and passion, the guitar becomes not just an instrument, but a faithful companion on the path to artistic fulfilment and personal growth.
A guitar amplifier is a device that makes your guitar sound louder. It takes the sound from your guitar and boosts it so you can hear it through speakers. Some amps also change the sound to create different effects or tones.
Yes, you need an amplifier to hear the sound from an electric guitar. Without an amp, the sound will be very quiet and hard to hear. However, if you're using an acoustic guitar, you do not need an amp, as it has a natural sound.
There are different types of guitar amps:
Tube amps use vacuum tubes to create a warm, rich sound and are often favoured for their classic tone.
Solid-state amps are modern, durable and use electronic components instead of tubes. They are lighter, more reliable, and generally less expensive.
Modelling amps combine analogue and digital circuits to imitate the sounds of different amps and effects. They are versatile and allow you to experiment with various tones.
Practice amps are smaller, quieter, and more portable, designed for home use. Performance amps are larger, more powerful, and can get much louder, making them suitable for concerts or gigs. Performance amps also tend to have more features to shape your sound.
Every guitarist's journey begins with the selection of the right equipment, and for beginners, the choice of amplifier is crucial. Among the countless options available, Marshall amps stand out as icons of the industry, revered for their legendary tone and unmatched reliability. If you are seeking your first amplifier, Marshall offers a range of options tailored to suit different preferences and budgets. Read more