Amps for beginners

Amps for beginners

KICKSTART YOUR JOURNEY

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.

Explore our beginners amp buying guide
A Marshall MG10 used by a beginner guitarist to play his guitar

Get Ready to Plug in and Play

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.

Learn how to set up your amp
A guitarist adjusting the treble from his combo amplifier by Marshall

Master The Basic Controls

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.

Learn about basic amp controls
The control panel from one of the MG Series Marshall amplifier

Maintain Your Amp’s Sound

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.

Explore our top maintenance tips
The input and output control on the Origin20 amplifier by Marshall

Getting started

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.  

16 items

Front facing image of the 'Marshall CODE25 Combo' amplifier.Back view of a Marshall CODE25 guitar amplifier showing control knobs, model information, safety labels, and power input against a plain dark background.

CODE25 COMBO BLACK

£179.99

Marshall's MG10 combo amplifier  A black and brass Marshall MG10 guitar amplifier combo with control knobs, input jacks, and the brand logo on the front, set against a plain dark background.

MG10 COMBO BLACK AND GOLD

£79.99

Front facing image of the Marshall MG15G Combo.A black Marshall MG15G guitar amplifier combo with brass control knobs and a front panel, photographed against a plain dark background.

MG15G COMBO BLACK AND GOLD

£99.99

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Front facing image of the Marshall MG15GFX Combo.A black Marshall MG15GFX guitar amplifier with gold control knobs and a handle on top, shown against a plain dark background.

MG15GFX COMBO BLACK AND GOLD

£149.99

Front facing image of the Marshall MG15GR Combo.A black and brass Marshall MG15GR guitar amplifier combo with control knobs on the top panel is shown against a plain dark background.

MG15GR COMBO BLACK AND GOLD

£119.99

DSL1 HeadThe back view of a black Marshall DSL1 guitar amplifier head shows various input/output ports, a power switch, a mesh ventilation panel, and labeled controls against a dark background.

DSL1 HEAD BLACK

From £249.99

Front facing image of the Marshall DSL1 Combo.A black Marshall DSL1 guitar amplifier combo viewed from the back, showing input/output ports, control panel, power switch, and ventilation grill against a dark background.

DSL1 COMBO BLACK

From £279.99

Front facing image of the Marshall DSL5 Combo.A black Marshall DSL5 guitar amplifier combo viewed from the back, showing the speaker, power input, and control panel, against a plain dark background.

DSL5 COMBO BLACK

From £329.99

Front facing image of the Marshall Origin20 HeadA black Marshall Origin20 guitar amplifier head is shown against a plain dark background, featuring rear input and output ports and a top handle.

ORIGIN20 HEAD BLACK

From £499.99

Face front image of the Origin20 Combo.Rear view of a black Marshall Origin20 guitar amplifier combo showing the control panel, handle, and partially visible speaker inside the open back.

ORIGIN20 COMBO BLACK

From £589.99

Marshall's MG30GFX ComboA black Marshall MG30GFX guitar amplifier combo with a brass control panel, multiple knobs, and the Marshall logo on the front, set against a plain dark background.

MG30GFX COMBO BLACK AND GOLD

£169.99

MG50GFX Combo.The rear view of a black Marshall MG50GFX guitar amplifier combo showing various input and output ports, switches, and labels on a dark background.

MG50GFX COMBO BLACK AND GOLD

£269.99

Small microamplifier in black color from MarshallA black Marshall MS-2 guitar amplifier with brass control knobs and white logo, photographed against a plain dark background.

MS-2 MICRO STACK BLACK

£34.99

A samll micro-amp in a dark grey color. A gray and brass Marshall portable guitar amplifier with volume, tone, and overdrive knobs, against a plain dark background.

MS-2 MICRO STACK GREY

£34.99

Small micro-amp in red color. A red Marshall MS-2R portable guitar amplifier with brass control knobs and a black front speaker panel is shown against a plain dark background.

MS-2 MICRO STACK RED

£34.99

1W Micro Stack with gain, tone and volume controls in black Rear view of a small black Marshall MS-4 guitar amplifier.

MS-4 MICRO STACK BLACK

£39.99

Common questions





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

Why should I play guitar? 

Beyond the guitar strings and frets lies a gateway to creativity, self-expression, and personal growth. Playing the guitar is more than music, it’s a journey of self-discovery, emotional release, and a sense of belonging. If you’re seeking the perfect partner in their musical exploration, Marshall stands as the perfect companion, offering a blend of heritage, quality, and versatility that amplifies the joys of learning and playing the guitar. Unlike other instruments, the guitar's versatility allows players to discover a variety of genres, from soulful blues to the fiery riffs of rock and roll.  

Where do I start? 

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 their first amplifier, Marshall offers a range of options tailored to suit different preferences and budgets. 

MG Gold 

One option is the MG range. Designed with beginners in mind, the MG range combines simplicity with versatility, offering a range of features that make learning and practicing a breeze. With models ranging from 10W to 50W, you can enjoy a rich array of tones, from clean and crisp to gritty and distorted, allowing you to explore various genres with ease. Additionally, built-in effects on the MG30GFX and MG50GFX such as reverb, delay, and chorus provide ample room for experimentation, enabling you to discover your unique sound while honing their skills. 

Origin 

If you’re seeking a more authentic vintage experience, the Origin range offers the perfect blend of classic aesthetics and modern functionality. Inspired by the iconic sounds of Marshall's past, the Origin amps deliver the distinctive warmth and character that have made Marshall a household name among musicians. Models like the Origin20C and Origin50C feature all-valve circuitry, providing you with the dynamic response and organic tone that define the Marshall sound. With simple controls and intuitive features, these amplifiers are ideal for beginners looking to capture the timeless essence of rock and roll. 

DSL 

Of course, no discussion of Marshall amps would be complete without mentioning the DSL range. Renowned for their versatility and power, DSL amplifiers offer a wide range of tones that cater to the diverse needs of modern guitarists. Whether you decide on the DSL20 Combo or the DSL40 Combo, these amplifiers pack a punch with their dual-channel design – allowing players to seamlessly switch between clean and overdriven sounds with the push of a button. With additional features such as built-in reverb, resonance, and presence controls, DSL amps provide beginners with the tools they need to explore the boundaries of their creativity and unlock their full potential as musicians. 

Through its timeless appeal and universal language, the guitar offers a pathway to expression and fulfilment unlike any other instrument. Moreover, with the right amplifier by your side, the journey becomes even more enriching and enjoyable. Whether you're strumming chords in your bedroom or rocking out on stage, the guitar remains a lifelong companion. So, why wait? Pick up a guitar, plug in a Marshall amplifier, and let the music carry you to new heights of inspiration and possibility.