Recommended for Beginners! 5 Popular Small Guitar Amps!

"Wondering which guitar amp is the best for you?" If you're a beginner guitarist, this guide will break down the best amps for you!

What is a Guitar Amp?

"When I was a beginner, I thought, 'Wait, doesn’t the guitar make sound on its own?'" I remember being shocked by the truth after buying an electric guitar with my hard-earned New Year’s money. While acoustic guitars don’t require an amp, electric guitars absolutely do! Playing an electric guitar without an amp is like playing soccer in slippers—it just doesn’t work.

Clean Tone and Distortion

Electric guitar sounds can be broadly categorized into two types. The first is "clean tone," which is characterized by a clear, transparent sound similar to an acoustic guitar. The second is "distortion," known for its growling sound, much like the roar of a car accelerating. These tones are used differently depending on the genre; for instance, distortion is essential in rock music. There are various levels of distortion, each with its own name, such as "crunch" (a tone between clean and distorted) and "drive" (a heavily distorted guitar sound).

How Distortion Works

Let's dive into the mechanics of "distortion," a term we've mentioned a few times already. Generally, distortion—when a sound becomes compressed and rough—is undesirable in most musical settings. For example, in choir or orchestra performances, distortion would ruin the soft, harmonious atmosphere. However, in rock music, loudness and grit are key. When the signal sent to a guitar amp exceeds the amp's circuit limits, the output sound becomes compressed and rough—this is what we call "distortion."

Now, let's take a look at some popular small guitar amps!

1. Laney / LX10

Experience the iconic British sound in a compact size! Laney, a renowned brand founded in the UK in 1967, is famous for being the choice of Tony Iommi from Black Sabbath. Despite its budget-friendly price, this amp offers high functionality, including two channels for different tones, headphone and AUX IN jacks, and more!

2. MARSHALL / MG15

When it comes to guitar amps, Marshall is the name that stands out! This iconic brand is synonymous with guitar amplification. This amp not only offers two channels—clean and distortion—but also features a headphone jack and an external input, allowing you to play along with your favorite songs or backing tracks. It's an affordable way to enjoy the legendary Marshall sound!

3. ORANGE / CRUSH MINI

If you're a fan of Japanese rock, you've probably seen this amp at festivals or in music videos. With three knobs—GAIN, SHAPE, and VOLUME—you can dial in everything from a crunchy sound to a hard rock tone. It also comes equipped with a headphone out, AUX input, and even a chromatic tuner. Its cute design makes it a perfect addition to your home décor, too!

4. FENDER / Mustang LT25

For those thinking, "I want a more versatile amp," this one's for you! Guitar sounds often incorporate various effects, and the Mustang LT25 comes loaded with 20 different amp models and 25 effects. With this amp, you won't need to buy multiple amps or pedals. It's perfect for those who are getting more comfortable with guitar or want to hit the ground running with a powerful setup.

5. BOSS / KATANA-MINI

BOSS, a brand renowned for its effects pedals, offers the KATANA-MINI, a compact amp that packs the appeal of BOSS’s flagship amps into a small body. It delivers both clean and distorted tones, and features an EQ (equalizer) for more refined sound shaping. Additionally, it runs on batteries or an optional AC adapter. The KATANA-MINI is known for its warm, rich sound, which is often considered the ideal tone for an amp.

Now, to connect your guitar to the amp, you'll need a **cable**. Let’s take a look at a few options!

CLASSIC PRO / GIC030

These instrument cables come in a variety of colors and lengths, making them versatile and easy to use. They’re perfect for your first cable!

CANARE / LC03

When it comes to instrument cables, CANARE is a top brand that immediately comes to mind. These cables are popular among both beginners and seasoned players alike!

How did you find this guide? You may have come across some unfamiliar terms like "effects pedals" or "EQ," but don't worry! As you dive into playing your guitar, you'll gradually get the hang of these concepts. For now, grab your guitar and try it out with one of the amps we introduced!