The amplifier is that piece of equipment that allows an electric guitar to produce a sound loud enough to be heard without difficulty. In reality, each guitar amplifier performs three different tasks: pre-amplification, which increases the volume of the faint signal of the guitar pickups until it is manipulable; power amplification, which adjusts the volume of the guitar; and the speaker phase, which actually produces the sound. Most amps come built with a set of knobs and controls that allow you to produce virtually unlimited sounds. Learning to use a guitar amp is as easy as mastering its controls.
Steps
Step 1. To connect the guitar to the amplifier insert a 6mm jack into the output of your guitar and the input of the amplifier
Always do this when the amplifier is off and avoid turning it on if nothing is connected; this could damage its internal components. Some amps have multiple inputs in order to connect more than one guitar to the same amplifier or because one channel is clean while the other is distorted.
Step 2. Turn on the amplifier
Most amplifiers have a single button or switch for turning on. On the other hand, tube amps have two switches: one called "Power" and another "Standby". Turn on the "Power" switch first and wait at least 60 seconds for the tubes to warm up. Then turn on the "Standby" switch to start playing.
Step 3. Adjust the volume of your amplifier
Amps with simpler layouts have a single knob for volume. Other amps have two knobs: a "Pre" and a "Post". The first adjusts the volume of the signal before it passes through the power amplifier, while the other adjusts the signal after it.
- Using the "Pre" knob will have a more noticeable effect on the overall volume. This happens because the power amplifier cannot handle the signal cleanly beyond a certain level. Keeping the "Pre" knob at a high volume is a great way to achieve natural distortion.
- Using the "Post" knob will have a less dramatic effect. Also, it will not affect signal distortion. If the "Pre" knob is set to very high volume, keep the "Post" at low volume to get a distorted sound at a reasonable volume. If the "Pre" knob is set to low volume, you will need to turn up the "Post" volume to be able to hear your guitar the same way.
- On some amps the knobs will be called "Drive" and "Master" rather than "Pre" and "Post".
Step 4. Adjust the brightness of your guitar tone
All amplifiers have a form of equalization, often in the form of a single control called "Tone". The higher the "Tone" knob is set, the more high frequencies will be highlighted and the tone of your guitar will be brilliant; conversely, lower frequencies will be highlighted and your guitar will have a warmer, lower tone.
Step 5. Switch between channels if possible
Some amps have a button called "Channel". This button is used to switch between the distorted and clean channels and will help you increase the distortion level quickly.
Step 6. Experiment with any other controls on your amp
Many amps have additional controls, such as for effects such as chorus, tremolo, delay and reverb. On the other hand, to get a higher quality tone use pedal effects.
Advice
- While playing, it is a good idea not to keep the guitar volume at maximum. This will allow you to have more control over the volume without the need to use the amplifier controls.
- If you want to produce a great variety of sounds you can use an amplifier that simulates the sound of multiple amps and allows you to choose between them.
