Guitar basics: How to use your amp
MusicRadar shows you how to get the most from your new amplifier
Click here for all guitar basics videos.
For most budding guitarists, the big attraction of the electric guitar is that it lets you rock out, and rock out loud. However, it's no good plugging your guitar into an amplifier if you don't know what the controls do.
If you've just got your first amplifier out of the box and don't know where to start, then this is the tutorial for you. We explain how the controls work and what they do, and give you some pointers towards dialing in a decent sound.
The selection of available controls will differ from amp to amp, but we've tried to make this as universal as possible. So, if you are mystified by middle or befuddled by bass, look no further...
Get the MusicRadar Newsletter
Want all the hottest music and gear news, reviews, deals, features and more, direct to your inbox? Sign up here.
“There’s warmth and there’s grit, it’s really quite incredible… and I actually recorded with this amp. I love it”: Orianthi and Orange Amps join forces for the White Crush 20RT – a 20W solid-state combo with onboard tuner
“For guitarists and bassists looking for a portable solution to bring along on their travels…”: Meet the JAMster series, the $42 desktop guitar and bass amps from Harley Benton you can take anywhere
MusicRadar is the number one website for music-makers of all kinds, be they guitarists, drummers, keyboard players, DJs or producers...
- GEAR: We help musicians find the best gear with top-ranking gear round-ups and high-quality, authoritative reviews by a wide team of highly experienced experts.
- TIPS: We also provide tuition, from bite-sized tips to advanced work-outs and guidance from recognised musicians and stars.
- STARS: We talk to musicians and stars about their creative processes, and the nuts and bolts of their gear and technique. We give fans an insight into the craft of music-making that no other music website can.
“There’s warmth and there’s grit, it’s really quite incredible… and I actually recorded with this amp. I love it”: Orianthi and Orange Amps join forces for the White Crush 20RT – a 20W solid-state combo with onboard tuner
“For guitarists and bassists looking for a portable solution to bring along on their travels…”: Meet the JAMster series, the $42 desktop guitar and bass amps from Harley Benton you can take anywhere