How to Set Up a Guitar Amp for Metal
Updated Nov 12, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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To set up a guitar amp for metal, plug your guitar into the input, turn the gain up until the amp distorts, and raise the bass and treble. Pick a high-gain amp model or voice on the amp, add reverb or delay from the built-in effects, and use the headphone output when you need to practice quietly.
Plug in and pick an amp model or voice
Plug your guitar into the input with a cable. On the Spark 2 or Spark GO, open the app and pick an amp model from the HD amp library, or describe the tone you want to Spark AI and let it present tones to match. On the Fender Champion II, turn the Voice knob to pick an amp voice. On the CXLWZ, plug in and use the gain knob to set the amount of distortion.
Turn up the gain
Turn the gain knob up until the amp distorts, and keep the gain high for metal rhythm parts. On the Fender, the Voice knob changes the amp voice, so pick a voice and set the gain again. Turn the volume down while you set the gain, then raise it to the level you want.
Shape the tone with bass and treble
Use the bass and treble knobs to shape the tone. The Fender and the CXLWZ have bass and treble knobs: raise the bass and the treble from the middle, then adjust each knob until the tone matches what you want. The Fender also has an FX Level knob for the built-in effects, so set the effect level after the tone knobs.
Add reverb and delay from the built-in effects
The Fender Champion II has built-in reverb, delay, chorus, tremolo and vibratone effects, and the Spark amps have an HD amp and effects library. Pick reverb or delay for metal rhythm parts, and use the TAP button on the Fender to set delay times and tremolo speeds to match the tempo. Set the FX Level knob to control how much effect you hear.
Practice quietly with headphones
Plug in headphones when you need to practice without sound from the speaker: the Fender headphone output is made for silent practice, and the CXLWZ headphone jack is made for quiet practice. The Spark GO runs on a USB-C rechargeable battery for up to 8 hours, so you can move it to another room and keep playing.
What you need
Positive Grid Spark 2 50W Smart Guitar
A 50-watt smart amp with HD amp models and effects, a built-in looper, Spark AI, Bluetooth and a 12-inch speaker.
- Power: 50 W, the most here
- Speaker size: 12 in, the largest here
- Built-in effects / amp models
- Bluetooth
Positive Grid Spark GO 5W Ultra-Portable Smart
A 5-watt ultra-portable smart amp with 33 amp models, 43 effects, Spark AI, Smart Jam and up to 8 hours of battery power.
- Power: 5 W
- Speaker size: 6 in
- Built-in effects / amp models
- Bluetooth
Fender Champion II 25 Watt Electric Guitar
A 25-watt combo amp with an 8-inch speaker, built-in reverb, delay and chorus effects, a headphone output and a 2-year warranty.
- Power: 25 W
- Speaker size: 8 in
- Built-in effects / amp models
- Headphone output
- 2 year warranty stated
CXLWZ Electric Guitar Amp 20 Watt Amplifier Portable
A 20-watt portable amp with a 6.5-inch speaker, gain, bass, treble and volume knobs, an AUX input and a headphone jack.
- Power: 20 W
- Speaker size: 6.5 in
- Headphone output
These come from our ranked list Best Guitar Amp, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
What wattage do I need for a metal practice amp?
The Spark GO is 5 watts, the CXLWZ is 20 watts, the Fender is 25 watts and the Spark 2 is 50 watts. Pick the wattage that fits where you play, and use the headphone output when you need to keep the volume down.
Do I need pedals for a metal tone?
No. The Spark 2 and Spark GO have a built-in HD amp and effects library, and the Fender has built-in reverb, delay, chorus, tremolo and vibratone. Use the gain knob and the amp models or voices on the amp before you add anything else.
Can I use the Spark GO for metal?
Yes. The Spark GO is a 5-watt amp with 33 amp models and 43 effects, plus Spark AI and Smart Jam. Pick an amp model with high gain, turn the gain up, and use the app to save the tone as a preset.
How do I keep the volume down while I practice?
Use the headphone output on the Fender or the CXLWZ for quiet practice. The Spark GO runs on battery for up to 8 hours, so you can play in another room and keep the volume low.
Ranked guitar amps lists
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