14 Best Beginner Guitar Amps of 2019

When you’re a beginner guitarist searching for your first guitar amplifier, the array of choices can be overwhelming. Do you look for as many features as possible, like amplifier modeling and built-in effects? Do you look for a modern version of a classic tube amplifier? Is your choice of amplifier even that important? It is! Read on to learn about 14 of the best guitar amplifiers for beginners from 2019 — we’re sure that one of them is right for you.

Fender Mustang I V.2
20-watt 1×8″ Modeling Combo Amp
Offering a lot of functionality at an affordable price, the Fender Mustang I V.2 modeling combo amplifier is perfect for guitarists who aren’t sure where their musical journey will take them. It packs 24 onboard presets covering a wide range of guitar tones, from clean country sounds to modern metal. It’s got a bunch of built-in effects to play with, an input to connect a music player to play along with, and a headphone output for silent practice sessions. There’s even a USB connection for your computer, making it easy to record when the time comes.

Vox Pathfinder 10
10-watt 1×6.5″ Combo Amp
Just plug in and play — despite its low price, the Vox Pathfinder 10 packs a ton of classic rock tone into a compact combo amplifier. And it’s very easy to dial in a great tone with a clean/overdrive switch that takes your sound from clean to mean in an instant. There are no built-in effects to distract you from practicing, just a headphone output for silent sessions. If you’re looking for a great-sounding, no-frills guitar amplifier, it’s hard to beat the Vox Pathfinder 10.

Fender Frontman 10G
10-watt 1×6″ Combo Amp

Even if you’re tight on space, you still have room for great tone with the Fender Frontman 10G combo amp. With 10 watts driving one 6″ speaker, the Frontman 10G packs two selectable channels — normal and drive — and also sports classic Fender looks. An input for your music player lets you jam along with your favorite songs, and a headphone output ensures your roommates won’t have to hear it.

Fender Acoustasonic 15

15-watt 1×6″ Acoustic Combo Amp
When you play acoustic guitar, it’s easy to forget about amplification, and that would be a mistake. An acoustic combo amplifier like the Fender Acoustasonic 15 doesn’t take up much space, and it will put your playing under a microscope (so to speak) so that you can better judge your progress as a player. Even better, the Acoustasonic 15 also has a microphone input, so you can sing along while you play. And while it isn’t intended to fill a concert hall, you’ll be able to perform for small groups with ease.

Orange Crush 20
20-watt 1×8″ Combo Amp
If you’re a rocker at heart, you’ll feel right at home with the Orange Crush 20 combo amplifier. This two-channel amp covers the full range from chiming clean to furious distortion and leverages advanced technology to provide the character and response of a classic tube amp. And it’ll make your life easy if you decide to record your playing, thanks to its CabSim output that you can connect directly to a recording device.

Roland CUBE Street EX
50-watt 2×8″ Battery Powered Combo Amp
Designed for maximum portability, the CUBE Street EX combo amplifier is as appropriate for busking on the street as it is for home practice. A pair of 8″ speakers put out surprisingly big sound, and additional inputs for a vocal microphone or external music player make it more of a PA system than a typical guitar amplifier. Factor in amplifier modeling, effects, and a built-in tuner, and the CUBE Street EX is your complete practice solution.

Blackstar Silverline Standard
20-watt 1×10″ Combo Amp
Combining digital flexibility with the style and design of a classic tube amp, the Blackstar Silverline Standard combo appeals to guitarists looking for a traditional amplifier experience with a bit more versatility. Its advanced SHARC processor powers its innovative TVP technology, which models the nuances of a tube amplifier with impressive detail. Including six selectable power amp models and six different preamp voicings, the Silverline Standard covers a big sonic range. And it’s equipped for easy recording with USB connectivity in addition to its stereo, speaker-emulated line output.

Yamaha THR5
10-watt 2×3″ Modeling Combo Amp
Yamaha’s THR series of modeling amplifiers have been a huge hit among guitarists at Sweetwater, combining a convenient form factor with incredibly vibrant sound quality. The THR5 modeling combo packs a pair of 3″ speakers for practice sessions and a range of amplifier models and effects suitable for a wide range of musical styles. Like many other entries on this list, you’ll find a built-in tuner, an aux input for your music player, and a headphone output for silent practice. A USB port for direct computer recording is also built right in.

Line 6 Spider V 30 MkII
30-watt 1×8″ Modeling Combo Amp
Whether you want to just plug in and play or spend your time fine-tuning every element of your guitar tone, the Line 6 Spider V 30 MkII modeling amplifier fits the bill. Line 6 has been a longtime leader in amplifier modeling technology, bringing countless rare and unobtainable amplifier models to the masses. With the Spider V 30 MkII you have over 200 amplifier models to explore, plus handy extras like built-in drum loops to play along with. And as a bonus, the Spider V 30 MkII’s full-range speaker sounds great with acoustic guitars too!

Fishman Loudbox Mini BT
60-watt 1×6.5″ Acoustic Combo Amp
Designed for acoustic guitarists and singer/songwriters, the Fishman Loudbox Mini BT acoustic combo is great for both practice and performance. Bluetooth connectivity allows you to pair your smartphone to the amp to play backing tracks or other accompaniment, while built-in chorus and reverb effects are ready to add that final polish to your tone. It also offers a balanced XLR DI output for plugging into a larger sound system — perfect for performance.

Marshall Code 50
50-watt 1×12″ Digital Combo Amp
Want to learn more about what makes famous guitar amplifiers sound the way they do? The Marshall Code 50 combo amplifier is a great place to start. Not only does it pack that classic Marshall growl, but it features 14 different preamplifier models and 14 different power amp models you can combine in any way you like. Wonder what a vintage Fender amp’s preamp would sound like through a Marshall amp’s power section? Now you can find out. And using the included Marshall Gateway software, you can control all functions on the Code 50 combo with your smartphone via Bluetooth — you won’t even have to get off the couch.

Boss Katana 50
50-watt 1×12″ Guitar Combo Amp
With its adjustable wattage control, which allows you to choose between 50 watts, 25 watts, or just half a watt of power, the Boss Katana 50 is capable of giving you cranked-amplifier guitar tones at conversation-level volumes. Five different amplifier voicings, with switchable channels and built-in effects to boot, allow you to explore diverse musical styles. Your roommates will be glad it has a headphone output for silent practice, and you’ll be glad it has a USB port if you want to record your music on your computer.

Fender Champion 20
20-watt 1×8″ Combo Amp
Classic Fender looks? Check. Wide range of amp tones and built-in effects? Check. Aux input for your music player? Check. Headphone output for silent practice? Check. The single-channel Fender Champion 20 combo amplifier‘s beauty is in its simplicity. It’s got a great starting tone with all knobs at noon, and you’ll find a wide range of sounds to explore once you start digging in. You’ll be well prepared to play through just about anything after spending some time polishing your playing technique with the Champion 20 combo amp.

Fender Pro Junior IV
15-watt 1×10″ Tube Combo Amp
If you’ve made it this far without clicking “Add to Cart,” you’re not looking for lots of amp models or added features — you just want iconic tube tone. The Fender Pro Junior IV combo with a 10″ Jensen speaker delivers the classic “Tweed” sound that you’ve heard on countless recordings. You can make this amp go from a sultry, clean jazz tone to a roaring rage just with your guitar’s volume knob. The dynamic range is impressive and will encourage you to really fine-tune your touch and technique. If your tastes lean toward classic rock, country, blues, and so on, you won’t have to look anywhere else to get the tone you seek.

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