The way that tube guitar amps function is actually quite different to most amplifiers. And the first step here is to develop a basic understanding of how guitar amps work. If you have decided though that you want a tube guitar amp, then the challenge becomes choosing the right guitar amp. If you are unsure whether this is the case for you, I would recommend reading my recent article: ‘ Tube Amp Alternatives: Are There Any Worth Considering?‘ before you continue here. It is however worth noting that there are some cases where I don’t think a tube amp is the best option. You can think about the ways that your pedals interact with your guitar and amp, and this really opens up a whole range of different tonal options.Īs such, I would recommend a tube amp for most blues guitarists in most situations. This allows you to play in a subtle and nuanced way that is crucial to expressive blues guitar. When you then start to add pedals to your set-up, you can extend this even further. They are responsive to dynamics and to the changes you make to your guitar’s volume controls. Tube guitar amps also react to your playing. It is the sound of blues and blues rock guitar.
This is largely because of the sound that tube guitar amps make when they start to overdrive. When you crank a tube amp, it produces a warm and organic sounding overdrive that is just beautiful.
They have been used by almost every notable blues and blues rock guitarist, and have proven popular since they were first introduced in the 1940s. In the history of blues and blues-rock music, tube guitar amps have played a hugely significant role. So without further ado, let’s get into it! Here is everything you need to know about guitar amps for the blues:īefore we dive into the world of guitar amps, I think it is first worth stressing their importance within the blues. It will give you all of the information you need to buy the right guitar amp to suit your needs and help you create the tones you are looking for. But more importantly, this article is a guide. Included is a list of some brilliant guitar amps. This article is not a list of all of the different guitar amps out there that will help you dial in decent tones.