Imagine you’re itching to shred some killer riffs, but your amp decides to give out, or maybe your neighbors aren't too impressed with the prospect of hearing you practice in the early hours - what can you do?
In this article, we'll be talking about playing your electric guitar without an amp. Whilst you can play without an amp, there are some alternative approaches, as well as some tricks and tips that can help you achieve some great sounds without an amp.
Let's get into it.
If you’re forced to play on your electric without an amp, whether that be because you haven’t got round to purchasing one, are needing to play quietly or are pushed for space, there are some ways you can still play and create some great sounds.
Playing unplugged is the easiest and most common way to play your electric guitar without using an amp.
Playing unplugged simply means that you play your electric guitar without plugging it into anything at all. This method uses no other equipment or leads, other than your guitar itself, making it great if you’re still needing to purchase an amp, or have lost some leads.
This method is best for quiet spaces, where you simply want to get some basic practice in.
Whilst this is the easiest way to play without an amp, the sound created is not as sharp as it would be with an amp. You will also notice that the sound created is very quiet, which may make practicing with background noise challenging.
The type of guitar you own will also influence how much sound is produced when you are playing unplugged.
Solid body electrics that do not have a sound hole built into them are most common, and will produce very little sound when played unplugged. Whereas semi-hollow and hollow guitars will allow sound to resonate, and produce a clearer sound, even when played unplugged.
Digital solutions allow you to use electronic devices such as your laptop, tablet or smartphone in order to amplify electric guitar sounds, and access other features such as recording or loop functions without an amp.
Using your computer or laptop with your electric guitar is an effective way not only to mimic amp functions but also to get into some audio recording.
With the use of the right software, you can plug your electric guitar into your computer and have the sound converted into true electric guitar sounds.
These softwares also allows you to record, loo,p and amplify different sounds without the use of an amp.
Digital Audio Workstation (or DAW for short) also allows you to experiment with different sounds, loop tracks and edit different pieces in real time. It's a great start to recording a song without the use of an amp or other recording tools.
Smartphones and tablets have become indispensable for many professional guitarists, as they offer a great, versatile way to play on the go.
One of the ways to do this is by using small interfaces that allow you to plug your guitar into it, and then into your phone or tablet to access different amplifying functions.
If you’re looking at a more sophisticated piece of equipment, and are willing to spend a bit more money, there are also multi-effects processes with headphone jacks, that allow you to play your guitar and listen to the sounds through headphones.
This is the best way to imagine the sounds, as they would be coming out of an amp, without lugging an amp around or bothering your neighbors.
If you’re looking for basic ways to simulate an amp, without the use of sophisticated technology or apps, there are some great analog options you can consider, which are all relatively easy to use and offer great affordability.
A headphone amp is a great investment that is relatively affordable and small enough to fit in your guitar case. Headphone amps are small devices that are plugged into your guitar. You can then plug in headphones to listen to an amplified version of your guitar playing.
Whilst this is great for silent practice and offers great versatility, it can lack the power and feel of a real amp. For me, this wasn’t a problem until I wanted to start playing with and to other people.
Microamps are a great middle ground when it comes to investing in an amp that is small enough to fit in a small apartment but can still create great sounds.
These amps are great for portability, however you may notice the volume is limited, as well as some of the tones.
Another option, which should be used with caution, is using an aux cable to plug your electric guitar into a stereo system.
Whilst this often does work to amplify the sound, most stereo systems are not made to handle the high-impedance signals that come out of your guitar. This may result in poor sound quality and maybe even damage to your stereo.
You’re a guitarist, and creativity is in your bones!
If you’re not scared of a little make-shift work, then there are some creative techniques you can use to amplify the sound of your guitar using what you’ve already got.
Utilizing different resonating surfaces can be a fun way to play around with the sounds your guitar produces while on these surfaces. For example:
You can experiment with playing against a wooden wall, brick wall, or even laying your guitar on a wooden table, to achieve different sounds.
If you're really looking to experiment, there are some fun and exciting ways to modulate your guitar sound without using an amp. These ways can yield creative results and sounds that you would otherwise not be able to create.
For example, playing in front of a fan can help to amplify some sounds, and create new sounds. The interaction between the sound waves, and the air movement can amplify different sounds and create interesting sounds.
Another creative way is using a piezo pickup that is attached to the bottom of your guitar and is used to accentuate the string vibrations and can create an organic sound.
There are some simple ways you can elevate your guitar playing without using an amp. This includes:
It's true that playing without an amp can feel different, due to the lack of physical feedback when playing.
With this in mind, it is important to adapt to playing without an amp, and to focus on the dynamics of your playing, and envisioning the amplified sound, to get the most out of your practice.
If you are anticipating playing without an amp for an extended period of time, it may be a good time to invest in some heavier gauge strings that produce both a louder and fuller sound.
Whilst electric guitars are designed to be used with an amp, there are various other ways in which you can mimic the sound an amp produces.
These varying techniques can open up a world of possibilities and allow you to play with different sounds and techniques, ultimately making you a better guitarist.
If you are finding yourself without an amp, try experimenting with some different methods, and seeing which one suits your playing style best. You never know, you may discover the next best thing!
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