Electric guitar amplifiers have long been synonymous with rock ‘n’ roll and fiery solos, but what if you want to harness the power and versatility of an electric guitar amplifier for your acoustic guitar? Can you achieve that warm, resonant acoustic sound through an amp designed for electric guitars? In this article, we will guide you through the process of using an electric guitar amplifier with an acoustic guitar to create a unique sonic blend.
Part 1: The Basics
1. Compatibility
Electric guitar amplifiers can indeed be used with acoustic guitars, but there are some considerations to keep in mind. Electric guitar amps are optimized for the characteristics of electric guitars, which usually have magnetic pickups. Acoustic guitars, on the other hand, often use piezo or microphone-based pickups. This difference in pickups can affect the sound, so it’s essential to understand what to expect.
2. The Sound Difference
When you plug your acoustic guitar into an electric guitar amplifier, you’ll notice a tonal difference. Electric guitar amps tend to color the sound, adding various levels of distortion or overdrive, which may not be ideal for acoustic guitar tones. However, this can also be an opportunity to explore unique sonic textures.
Part 2: Setting Up Your Gear
Gathering Equipment
Before you begin, make sure you have the necessary equipment:
- Acoustic Guitar: Ensure your acoustic guitar is in good condition and properly tuned.
- Electric Guitar Amplifier: Choose an electric guitar amplifier that suits your preferences, whether it’s a tube amp for warmth or a solid-state amp for clean tones.
- Instrument Cable: You’ll need a high-quality instrument cable to connect your guitar to the amplifier.
- Effects Pedals (Optional): If you want to experiment further, consider using effects pedals like reverb, chorus, or EQ pedals to shape your sound.
Amp Settings
- Clean Channel: Start by setting your electric guitar amplifier to its clean channel or mode. This ensures that you’re starting with an unaltered, distortion-free sound.
- Flat EQ: Set the amplifier’s EQ controls (bass, midrange, treble) to flat or neutral positions. You can adjust these later to fine-tune your sound.
Making the Connection
- Plug In: Take one end of your instrument cable and plug it into your acoustic guitar’s output jack.
- Connect to the Amp: Plug the other end of the cable into the input jack on your electric guitar amplifier.
- Power On: Turn on your amplifier and set the volume to a low level to prevent sudden loud noises.
Tweaking Your Sound
- Adjust EQ: Gradually increase the volume on your amp and experiment with the EQ controls. Find the balance that suits your acoustic guitar’s tonal characteristics.
- Effects Pedals (Optional): If you have effects pedals, connect them to your setup to explore different sounds. Effects like reverb and chorus can add depth and richness to your acoustic tones.
Monitoring and Fine-Tuning
- Listen and Play: Play your acoustic guitar through the electric guitar amplifier and listen carefully. Pay attention to the nuances in your tone.
- Record and Evaluate: If possible, record your playing and listen back to it. This can help you fine-tune your setup and make any necessary adjustments.
Conclusion
Using an electric guitar amplifier with an acoustic guitar can yield fascinating results, allowing you to explore a diverse range of tones and textures. While the setup may differ from a traditional acoustic amplifier, it opens up creative possibilities and can be an exciting way to experiment with your acoustic sound. Be prepared for tonal variations, and don’t hesitate to adjust settings and use effects pedals to shape your unique acoustic-electric fusion. With a little experimentation and creativity, you can create a captivating soundscape that combines the best of both worlds.
