There is no debate that an electric guitar amp is essential. But being a guitarist, you should always know how you can play an electric guitar without an amp. Sometimes, there are really no choices. Either you have to wait for some time to get an amp or have to spend money fo two pieces. So, to avoid this kind of struggle, you should always be aware of the alternative means of amplification.
Some of these alternatives are really inexpensive or as the same price of a good quality amplifier. Who knows you already have some of them right now without even realizing. Okay, so let’s find out ways to play an electric guitar without an amp.
How to Play Electric Guitar Without an Amplifier?
Alternative 1: Home Stereo or Boom Box
Try this out. If you can plug your guitar into the aux input of the home stereo or boom box, there are chances that you may never want an amp in your house. Just keep an inexpensive adapter with you so that you can get a female jack on one side and a male RCA plug on the other side. After that, you are all set to connect the electric guitar into the home stereo. An adapter is readily available in any electronic or music store and does not cost you more than 2 to 5 dollars. Also, you just need to explain to the shopkeeper what you want to do with the adapter and he/she will give it to you.
If you want to try a boom box, then many of them already have inputs. Although, it is advisable to use 1/8″ connection and for that, you need to have the same jack as well as stereo plug mentioned above. Other links are easy. Here, you have to take care of one thing is that the adapter’s female end should be mono. Also, before plugging anything to a home stereo or boom box, don’t forget to double-check that the volume is under control. This precaution is necessary to avoid any sudden reaction in the system that may eventually damage the speaker.
After plugging it up, turn on the guitar’s volume to its full. Then, slowly and steadily increase the receiver’s volume knob until there is a comfortable, audible sound. You can set the receiver’s tone controls to get a better quality sound.
Alternative 2: Headphone Amps
A headphone amplifier is a tiny and portable guitar amp which is capable enough to transfer your guitar sound directly through the headphones. If you think that you can hear the guitar just by plugging headphones into the output jack, I am afraid that it will not work. You have to run it through a guitar headphone amp that may cost you around 25 to 30 dollars. Another option is to run it through a multi-effects processor costing more than 150 dollars.
Headphone amps are perfectly fine to play during the night time, or at the places where to keep a volume, high is an issue. You can connect a music player to play your electric guitar along with your favorite piece of music. Generally, headphone amps are battery-operated and come with belt clips so that you can use it easily even at the time of practice. The headphone amp can double the effect because of its multi-effect processor. It also provides many ‘preset’ and other authentic tones which can help you in your day to day life.
Can You Play Electric Guitar Acoustically?
If you are a learner, you can do it at the time of learning basics. You can play anything without an amplifier. You need to find some places where there are no loud sounds or noises. This way, you will be able to hear the acoustic sound of the guitar. Some guitarists believe that without using an amp, you can develop your skills more neatly. You have to focus a lot, and that is the reason for the sharp learning. You will use the amp for the betterment but initially, develop such habits that can help you to build your confidence and allow progress.
So this is your answer on how to play electric guitar without an amp. I hope this information helps you and you will experiment with each one of these alternatives. If you have any queries, post here. I will try to find solutions. Happy to help. Keep learning. Keep playing.
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