If you’ve been playing guitar for a while and you’re looking to expand your sound, it’s time to run your instrument through two amps. With this technique, you can achieve a wider range of sounds that you can use in different genres and situations. It will also give you the ability to layer parts or blend tones. There are plenty of ways on how to run guitar through two amps, but not all of them are created equal. You’ll want to consider what type of amp you want to use and what tone quality you would like before deciding on the best way for your set up. Once you have your plan figured out, it will be time to get started with this guide.
Related Article: How to drain filter caps guitar amp
The basics of running your guitar through two amps
The basics of running your guitar through two amps are simple. All you need is an amp, a cable, and another amp. The key is to plug one end of the cable into the input of the first amp and the other end into the output of the second amp. It’s important to note that depending on what type of guitar you’re using, you may need to get a tube amplifier in order for this to work correctly.
Why you’d want to do this
If you have an electric guitar and a basic understanding of how to use two amplifiers, this is a simple technique that will give you access to tones that you can’t get from just one amp. Placing your amp in different positions will affect the sound so, if you place your amps facing away from one another, they’ll give off different sounds. Some people like to turn the volume on each amp up so they can achieve a louder sound.
This technique is best for guitarists looking to expand their sound in terms of genre and tone quality. It is also good for experienced guitarists who are looking to layer parts or blend tones. With this guide, any guitarist should be able to easily run their instrument through two amps!
How to do it
Plug one amp into a guitar input, then plug the other amp into an amplifier input. You can use any cables you wish, but be sure to get the right type for your amps.
Find a way to mount the amps so that they are about even with each other and at the same height level. This will help you blend tones and sound more cohesive when you’re playing.
Turn on one of the amps, then turn up its volume until it is at a comfortable listening level. Once it’s at this point, turn on the other amp and wait a few minutes for them to warm up before playing anything.
With one amp set on clean and the other on distortion or overdrive, play some chords with both hands – either by alternating them or adding in a spare note here and there. Find what sounds best for your particular sound preference so you can make adjustments accordingly.
Plugging into both amps at the same time
The most common way to plug your guitar into two amplifiers at the same time is to plug one amp into a power strip. Once this is done, you will run a cable from the output of the first amp to the input of the second amp. You’ll then plug your guitar into the second amplifier. You should also make sure that both amps are off before you engage in any connections.
Once everything is set up, you can use this configuration for a variety of situations including blending tones or layering parts. Make sure that you keep both volumes at an equal level and use different pickup selections on each amp for maximum sound quality and diversity.
Plugging one amp in, turning on the other without plugging it in
Many players choose to run their guitar through two amps but plug only one in. To do this, you’ll need a Y-cable and an extension cord. With the cables and cords, you’ll plug one amp into the extension cord, plug the other end of the extension cable into your amp, then plug your guitar into the extension cable. This might be an easy solution for some players; however, it can be difficult for players with bigger amps that don’t have a lot of space to accommodate another amp without being plugged in.
Best way to set up your amp rig
When it comes to running your guitar through two amps, the best way to set up your amp rig will depend on what type of amp you want to use and what tone quality you want. You can use different methods like a line driver or an effects loop pedal.
Line driver A line driver is an amplifier that connects between the guitar and the amp, allowing you to run two amps at one time. Line drivers are easy to use and good for people who just need a little guitar amp for practicing at home.
Effects loop pedal Another option is using an effects loop pedal. This is a pedal that plugs into your guitar and then goes out to both amplifiers. It’s more difficult than a line driver but if you want to be able to blend tones and layer parts then this is your best bet.
The only downside with this method is that it makes it harder to get both amps in tune so they sound good together without sounding too loud or soft, but once everything sounds right it will be worth the extra effort!
Gear needed
One of the most important things you need to know before running your guitar through two amps is what gear you’ll need.
You’re going to want to use a pedalboard or power strip with an amp footswitch, as well as a cable long enough to reach both amps and your pedalboard. You will also need two mono cables that are long enough to reach from your pedalboard, through the amps and back
If you are using different types of amps, it would be best if they have the same impedance.
Plugging in
Plug two different amps into one guitar using a mono cable.
Plug the end of a mono cable into the input jack of your guitar and the other end into the “instrument” input on your first amp. Plug another end of the cable to the “instrument” input on your second amp, then plug that amp’s speaker output into a speaker cabinet or an amplifier.
Plugging in this way will give you some major versatility between channels to create different sounds. You can adjust levels on each channel so one is louder than the other, or you can play both channels together for drastically different sounds that you have never been able to produce before. This is great because it will allow you to achieve a wider range of tones by playing with these volume settings, which opens up more possibilities for what genre you want to play and what situation you are in (whether it be recording, live performance, etc.).
Choosing a tone for each amp
Many guitarists will choose a clean, classic tone for one amp and an overdrive or distortion tone for the other. For example, one amp could have a Fender Twin with a vintage tweed, blackface, or silverface tone while the other has a Marshall JCM 800 with a more modern high-gain tone. The approach you take is really up to you; it just needs to be something that sounds good.
If you want to blend tones, use the same type of amp on both sides (a Fender Tweed Twin and Fender Tweed Twin). Then set the volume so that it’s louder on one side than the other. This will create some nice blending between the two amps.
How to run guitar through two amps FAQS
Running your guitar through two amps will give you a wider range of tones and a bigger sound. You’ll also be able to layer parts or blend tones.
There are many different reasons why someone would want to run their guitar through two amps, but the most common reason is that it can create a wider range of sounds and textures.
The ultimate guide to running guitar through two amps will show you how to achieve a wide range of sounds and use them in different genres. It will also provide the ability to layer parts or blend tones.
Conclusion
If you’re a beginner, it’s best to start with one amp as you learn the ropes. Once you’ve learned what settings work best for you, you can experiment with running your guitar through two amps. Additionally, running your guitar through two amps might not be the best idea if it’s your only amp and your backup amp, since you won’t have a spare in case of a failure. But if you have two amps and want to experiment with new tones, this is a great way to do so.
The beauty of guitar is that there are so many ways to play it. And a great way to learn new techniques is by trying them out. So if you’ve ever wanted to run your guitar through two amps at the same time, here’s the ultimate guide to make it happen.
