How to Set Up an Electric Guitar Amp
Updated Nov 11, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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To set up an electric guitar amp, connect the guitar to the amp with an instrument cable, connect the amp to power, and set the controls before you play. Start with the volume and gain turned down, then raise them to the level you want. A headphone jack lets you practice without the speaker sounding.
Connect the guitar to the amp
Use an instrument cable with a 1/4-inch plug at each end. Connect the cable to the output jack on the guitar and to the input jack on the amp. Push both plugs fully into their jacks so the connection is firm. Keep the cable clear of the floor where it can be stepped on while you play.
Connect the amp to power
Plug the amp power cable into a mains outlet and switch the amp on with the volume and gain controls turned down. If the amp has a rechargeable battery, charge it before you play so it keeps running through the session. Wait a few seconds after switching on before you raise the volume.
Set the gain and volume
Start with the gain and volume controls turned down. Raise the volume to the level you want, then raise the gain to add distortion. Set the treble, middle and bass controls near the middle of their range as a starting point, then move each control a small amount and listen to what changes. Small moves let you hear what each control changes.
Add effects and connect other gear
If the amp has built-in effects such as reverb, delay or chorus, switch on an effect and listen to what its control changes before you add another. Use the aux input to play music from a phone or other device alongside the guitar. Use the headphone output when you want to play without the speaker sounding.
Listen and adjust the controls
Play a few notes and listen to the result before you change anything else. If the sound is too loud, turn the volume down. If the sound is unclear, move the treble and bass controls a small amount and listen again. Leave the controls where they sound right to you and note the settings for next time.
What you need
Positive Grid Spark 2 50W Smart Guitar
A 50W amp with a 12-inch speaker, built-in effects and amp models, Bluetooth and a built-in looper.
- 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 5W ultra-portable amp and Bluetooth speaker with 33 amps, 43 effects and a USB-C rechargeable battery.
- Power: 5 W
- Speaker size: 6 in
- Built-in effects / amp models
- Bluetooth
Fender Champion II 25 Watt Electric Guitar
A 25W 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 20W portable amp with a 6.5-inch speaker, gain, bass, treble and volume knobs, an AUX input, a headphone jack and a carry handle.
- 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
Do I need a special cable to connect a guitar to an amp?
Use an instrument cable with a 1/4-inch plug at each end. Connect the cable to the output jack on the guitar and to the input jack on the amp.
Why is there no sound when I switch the amp on?
Check that the amp is connected to power and switched on, the cable plugs are fully in their jacks, and the volume and gain controls are turned up.
Can I use headphones with an electric guitar amp?
Yes, if the amp has a headphone output jack. Plug the headphones in, keep the volume low, and raise it slowly until the level is right.
Can I play music from my phone through the amp?
Some amps have an AUX input for an external device. Connect the phone to the AUX input with a cable and keep the phone volume low before you raise the amp volume.
Ranked guitar amps lists
More how-to guides
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