Beginners

A beginner's guide to choosing your first guitar amp

Marshall MG10 amplifier, with its connected cable, is set on a wooden floor beside a guitar neck and a notebook.

Playing the guitar is more than just making music; it's a journey of self-expression, creativity, and personal growth. Whether you're looking to relax with soulful blues or rock out with powerful riffs, the guitar offers endless sonic possibilities.   If you're seeking the perfect partner in your musical exploration, Marshall Amps is the ideal companion, offering a blend of heritage, quality, and versatility that amplifies the joys of learning and playing the guitar. With a Marshall amp by your side, you can explore all the different styles and sounds the guitar has to offer. Expression starts here.

Why do you need an amp?

Why do you need an amp? 

If you're new to the guitar, you might wonder, "Why can't I just play my guitar without an amp?" While an unplugged guitar can be great for practice, it doesn't provide an amp's volume, tone, or effects. An amp allows you to shape your sound, experiment with different tones, and, most importantly, hear the full potential of your guitar. With the right amp, you can control everything from distortion to reverb. 

You have the creative freedom to craft a sound that fits your style, whether it's clean and crisp or gritty and overdriven. 

Key factors to consider before buying your first amp

Key factors to consider before buying your first amp 

Purchasing your first amp can be an overwhelming experience if you don't know what key factors to keep in mind. With the right guidance, it can be an exciting step forward in your musical journey. That's where we come in. We've simplified the amp buying process by breaking down the key considerations to keep in mind, including amp type, size, playing style and space. 

Size and power: Choosing the right wattage 

An amp between 10W and 50W is typically more than enough power for beginners. If you're planning on practising at home or in smaller spaces, amps within the 10W to 50W range provide plenty of volume without overwhelming you or your neighbours (though it may be tempting!). 

SMALLER AMPS (10W to 20W) 

• Ideal for home practice and keeping things simple • Lightweight and easy to carry • Perfect for new players • Our MG Gold series is designed for beginners, combining simplicity with versatility. • The MG10 combo is excellent for those just starting their guitar journey.

MID-RANGE AMPS (30W to 50W) 

• Offer more flexibility for jamming and experimenting with sound. • Suitable to play at moderate volumes and give you the ability to experiment with different tones. • Built-in effects, including reverb, delay, and chorus, give you plenty of room for experimentation, enabling you to discover your unique sound as you develop your skills. • The MG30GFX and MG50GFX models are perfect for this.

Tone: Clean, Crunch, or Distortion
Tone: Clean, Crunch, or Distortion
Tone: Clean, Crunch, or Distortion
Tone: Clean, Crunch, or Distortion
Tone: Clean, Crunch, or Distortion

Tone: Clean, Crunch, or Distortion

The tone of your amp can dramatically change your sound, and different amps cater to different tonal preferences. A Marshall amp can meet your needs whether you're after a classic clean sound, a crunchy rock tone, or an overdriven, high-gain effect.    CLEAN:

• An amp with a crisp, clean sound will be your best friend for those interested in blues, jazz or pop. • The MG Gold and Origin series deliver clear, dynamic tones perfect for these genres. These amps will help you achieve a clear, vibrant sound, whether you're playing smooth jazz or soulful blues. 

DISTORTION:

• If you're more into rock or metal, you'll want an amp that delivers a good amount of distortion. • Whether you want light crunch or full-on metal, the DSL series shines in this area. • The DSL1 and DSL5 combos pack a punch with their dual-channel design, letting you seamlessly switch between ultra-clean tones and heavy distortion - for beginners to explore different sounds without switching equipment. 

Features: Built-in effects to shape your sound

As a beginner, you may want to experiment with various effects and tonal settings. Marshall amps have various features that give you plenty of options to shape your sound.

• Many of our amps, like the MG30GFX and MG50GFX, come with built-in effects such as reverb, delay, and chorus, letting you experiment with sound effects without needing additional pedals. • Amps within the Origin and MG Gold series have easy-to-use, intuitive controls, making them perfect for beginners looking to capture the timeless essence of rock and roll.

Portability: compact for easy transport

• If you're only practising at home, portability might not matter much. • If you're jamming with friends or performing live, portability is essential. • Amps in the MG Gold and DSL ranges offer a compact design without compromising sound quality, making them easy to transport.

Why choose a Marshall amp 

With their renowned tone, simplicity, and versatility, Marshall amps are an excellent choice for beginners. Whether you go for:

MG Gold series for its ease of use  • Origin series for vintage warmth  • DSL series for its versatile range of tones

Marshall amps will provide you with the tools you need to grow as a guitarist. Just remember, when choosing your first amp, consider the following:

• Size  • Power  • Tone  • Portability

The best amp for you is the one that suits your style, space, and budget. Take your time, experiment with different options, and most importantly, enjoy the experience of discovering your sound.

Find the perfect amp for your style

MG10 - Compact and great for home practice

With a Marshall amp, you're ready to take the next step in your musical adventure!

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