Do You Need an Amp for Guitar?
An acoustic needs no amp. An electric guitar is very quiet without one. Here are your options, with two practice amps whose specs and list prices we checked on Fender.com.
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Acoustic guitar: no amp needed
An acoustic guitar produces its sound through its body, so you do not need an amplifier to practise. A microphone or pickup and an amp are only needed for playing live or for acoustic-electric guitars.
Electric guitar: yes, you need a way to hear it
An electric guitar's pickups turn string vibration into an electrical signal, and an amp turns that signal into sound. Unplugged, an electric is very quiet and tells you very little about how you sound. So you need one of three options: a practice amp, headphones with a modelling amp, or a computer with an audio interface.
Option 1: a small practice amp
Two practice amps with specs and list prices checked on Fender.com:
| Spec | Fender Frontman 10G |
|---|---|
| List price | $89.99 (Fender.com, checked 24 Oct 2026) |
| Power | 10 W |
| Speaker | One 6-inch |
| Headphone jack | Yes |
| Built-in effects | None. An overdrive switch only. |
| Stock | Black/silver variant marked sold out at check |
| Spec | Fender Mustang LT25 |
|---|---|
| List price | $179.99 (Fender.com, checked 24 Oct 2026) |
| Power | 25 W |
| Speaker | One 8-inch |
| Built-in effects | 20 amp models and 25 effects |
| Stock | Marked sold out at check |
The Frontman 10G is the budget choice for quiet practice in a bedroom, with a headphone jack. The Mustang LT25 costs twice as much, but has a bigger speaker and built-in effects, which help when you want to try different sounds. Stock changes often, so check retailers before you buy.
Option 2: headphones with a modelling amp
Many modelling amps and small practice amps have a headphone jack, so you can practise quietly at night. Headphones keep the sound private, but they feel different from hearing the guitar through a speaker. Plenty of players use headphones for practice and a speaker when they play with others.
Option 3: a computer and an audio interface
A computer with an audio interface and guitar software can give you many tones for little money. It takes more setup, and latency (delay) can be noticeable if the settings are wrong. It suits players who already use a computer for music.
Dialling in your tone
Once you have an amp, the knobs matter less than you think. For starting settings and what each control does, see Guitar Amp Settings for Beginners.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an amp to learn guitar?
Not for an acoustic. For an electric, you need some way to hear it, such as a practice amp, headphones with a modelling amp, or a computer.
Which wattage do I need?
Around 10 W is enough for a bedroom with the guitar played at a low volume. Around 25 W suits a small room with more volume and headroom.
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