For home practice, a small modeling or solid-state amp of 10 to 30 watts, or a headphone amp, is plenty and the most versatile. Tube amps sound and feel great but need volume to shine and cost more to maintain. For gigging with a drummer, look for at least 20 to 50 watts of tube power or 50 to 100 watts solid-state, or a modeler into the PA. Make sure the amp has a headphone output if you practice at home.
The amp shapes your guitar’s sound as much as the guitar does. The right choice depends on where you play.
Types of amp
| Type | Sound and feel | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tube | Warm, dynamic, responsive | Classic tone, feel | Heavy, needs volume, tube maintenance |
| Solid-state | Clean and consistent | Reliable, light, affordable | Less nuanced overdrive on some |
| Modeling | Emulates many amps and effects | Versatile, quiet practice, recording | Menus, quality varies |
| Hybrid | Tube preamp or power with digital features | Mix of both | Price |
How many watts?
Tube watts are louder than solid-state watts in practice.
| Where you play | Tube | Solid-state or modeling |
|---|---|---|
| Bedroom practice | 1 to 5 W | 10 to 30 W |
| Band practice | 20 to 50 W | 50 to 100 W |
| Gigs (no PA support) | 30 to 100 W | 100 W and up |
Many players gig with a small amp miked into the PA, or a modeler straight into the PA.
Speakers
- 8 to 10 inch: practice amps; light and compact.
- 12 inch: the standard for full guitar tone.
- 2x12 and 4x12 cabinets: more volume and low end for loud stages.
Features worth having
- Headphone output for silent practice.
- Aux input or Bluetooth for playing along with songs.
- USB audio for recording straight to a computer.
- Effects loop if you use pedals like delay and reverb.
- Built-in reverb, which most players use.
Quick picks
- Beginner at home: a 10 to 30 W modeling amp with headphone out.
- Home recording: a modeling amp with USB, or an amp-modeling plugin through your interface.
- First band: a 50 W solid-state or 20 W tube combo with a 12-inch speaker.
Common questions
How many watts do I need for a guitar amp?
For home practice, 10 to 30 watts is plenty. For band practice and gigs with a drummer, around 20 to 50 watts for tube amps or 50 to 100 watts for solid-state, unless you run through a PA.
Are modeling amps good?
Modern modeling amps sound very good and cover many amp and effect sounds in one box. They are often the best value for beginners and home players.
Why do tube amps sound different?
Tubes compress and distort smoothly as you play harder, which many players find more responsive. They need volume to reach their sweet spot and tubes need replacing over time.