Can You Use An Electric Amp With An Acoustic Guitar?

Plugging an acoustic guitar into an electric guitar amp is indeed possible, but as guitarplayers.net explains, you might not achieve the desired sound quality. While it won’t damage your equipment, the tonal characteristics of electric guitar amps can significantly alter the acoustic guitar’s natural sound, resulting in a less-than-ideal amplified acoustic experience. Explore further to discover how to optimize your guitar amplification setup and get the best possible sound, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro.

1. What Happens When You Plug an Acoustic Into an Electric Amp?

Yes, you can use an electric amp with an acoustic guitar, but expect tonal changes. The result can be a sound that is not optimized for the acoustic guitar’s natural characteristics.

Electric guitar amps are designed to amplify specific frequencies and often introduce distortion or coloration to the sound. Acoustic guitars, on the other hand, typically benefit from a more neutral and transparent amplification to preserve their natural, rich tones. When you plug an acoustic guitar into an electric amp, several things happen:

Frequency Response Alteration: Electric guitar amps usually emphasize the mid frequencies and reduce the highs to create a sound suitable for rock, blues, and other genres. This can make an acoustic guitar sound muddy or compressed, losing its clarity and brilliance.
Distortion: Electric guitar amps are designed to handle and produce distortion, which can negatively affect the clean and natural sound of an acoustic guitar.
Lack of Clean Headroom: Electric guitar amps may not provide enough clean headroom for an acoustic guitar, causing the sound to break up or distort at higher volumes.
Impedance Mismatch: Electric guitars and acoustic guitars have different output impedances. Plugging an acoustic guitar into an electric amp can result in a weaker signal and a less-than-optimal sound.

Using an electric amp with an acoustic guitar might work in a pinch, but it’s not the best solution for preserving the natural acoustic tone.

1.1. Why Electric Guitar Amps Aren’t Ideal for Acoustic Guitars

Electric guitar amps alter the natural tone of an acoustic guitar, which may not be desirable for most acoustic players. Designed with different tonal goals in mind, electric guitar amps color the sound, often boosting midrange frequencies and attenuating higher frequencies, which can muddy the clear and bright tone of an acoustic guitar.

Acoustic vs. Electric Design Philosophies: Acoustic amps aim for transparency, accurately reproducing the guitar’s natural sound. Electric amps, however, are built to shape and color the sound, often adding distortion or overdrive.
Frequency Response Differences: Electric guitar amps are tailored to the frequency range of electric guitars, while acoustic amps are designed to handle the broader frequency spectrum of acoustic instruments.
Headroom Considerations: Acoustic instruments require more clean headroom to avoid distortion at higher volumes, something not always available in electric guitar amps.

1.2. Potential Benefits of Using an Electric Amp with an Acoustic Guitar

Although not ideal, using an electric guitar amp with an acoustic guitar can offer creative sound options. Experimenting with different amp settings can produce unique and interesting tones that might suit certain genres or playing styles.

Creative Sound Design: Electric amps can add warmth, crunch, or other effects to an acoustic guitar, which can be useful in experimental music or genres where a more processed acoustic sound is desired.
Convenience: If an electric amp is the only option available, it can serve as a temporary solution for amplifying an acoustic guitar.
Lo-Fi Effects: The coloration and potential distortion from an electric amp can create a lo-fi or vintage sound, which might be appealing for certain musical styles.

2. What Kind of Sound Can You Expect?

The sound you can expect from plugging an acoustic guitar into an electric amp will be different from its natural acoustic tone, often resulting in a sound that lacks clarity and is overly colored. The amplified sound may be significantly altered due to the frequency response and distortion characteristics inherent in electric guitar amplifiers.

2.1. The Impact on Tone

Plugging an acoustic guitar into an electric amp can have a significant impact on the guitar’s tone, altering its natural sound and potentially introducing unwanted effects. The outcome largely depends on the specific characteristics of the electric amp used.

Loss of Clarity: Electric amps can muddy the acoustic guitar’s natural clarity, making it sound less defined and articulate.
Midrange Emphasis: Many electric amps emphasize the midrange frequencies, which can make the acoustic guitar sound boxy or nasal.
Potential for Distortion: Depending on the amp’s settings and the guitar’s output level, the signal may distort, which is generally undesirable for acoustic instruments.
Reduced High Frequencies: Some electric amps roll off the high frequencies, which can make the acoustic guitar sound dull or muffled.

2.2. Genres Where It Might Work

While not generally recommended, certain musical genres might accommodate or even benefit from the unique sound produced by an acoustic guitar plugged into an electric amp. Exploring unconventional sounds can sometimes lead to creative and interesting results.

Experimental Music: Artists in experimental genres might use this setup to create unusual and distorted acoustic textures.
Lo-Fi or Indie Rock: The lo-fi aesthetic of some indie rock might embrace the imperfect and raw sound of an acoustic guitar through an electric amp.
Garage Rock: The gritty and unpolished nature of garage rock could find a use for the distorted and compressed sound of an acoustic guitar through an electric amp.
Punk: For a more aggressive, raw acoustic tone, punk musicians might find a distorted acoustic sound interesting.

3. Acoustic Amps: The Better Alternative

Acoustic amps are designed to amplify the natural sound of acoustic guitars, making them a better choice than electric amps. These amps provide a clean and transparent signal, preserving the acoustic guitar’s natural tone and dynamics.

3.1. Why Acoustic Amps Are Designed for Acoustic Guitars

Acoustic amps are specifically designed to amplify acoustic guitars, providing a clear, natural, and uncolored sound that enhances the instrument’s inherent qualities. They are engineered to handle the broad frequency range and dynamic range of acoustic instruments.

Flat Frequency Response: Acoustic amps typically have a flat frequency response, meaning they amplify all frequencies equally, preserving the natural tone of the guitar.
High Headroom: These amps offer high headroom, allowing for loud volumes without distortion, which is crucial for maintaining the clarity of acoustic instruments.
Built-in Effects: Many acoustic amps come with built-in effects like reverb and chorus, which are tailored to enhance the acoustic guitar’s sound.
Input Options: Acoustic amps often include multiple input options, such as XLR inputs for microphones, making them versatile for singer-songwriters.

3.2. Key Features to Look for in an Acoustic Amp

When choosing an acoustic amp, several key features can significantly impact the amplified sound and overall performance. Consider these factors to find an amp that best suits your needs and playing style.

Wattage: The wattage of the amp determines its loudness and headroom. Higher wattage amps are suitable for larger venues, while lower wattage amps are ideal for practice and small gigs.
Speaker Size: The size of the speaker affects the amp’s frequency response and projection. Larger speakers typically provide a fuller and more balanced sound.
EQ Controls: Effective EQ controls allow you to shape the amp’s tone, adjusting the bass, mid, and treble frequencies to match your guitar and playing environment.
Effects: Built-in effects like reverb, chorus, and delay can enhance your sound and provide creative options without needing external pedals.
Input/Output Options: Consider the number and types of inputs and outputs, such as XLR, 1/4-inch, and headphone jacks, for connecting various instruments and devices.

4. Alternatives to Acoustic Amps

Besides dedicated acoustic amps, several alternative options can effectively amplify acoustic guitars while preserving their natural tone. These include PA systems, direct boxes, and certain keyboard amps, each with its own set of advantages and considerations.

4.1. PA Systems

PA (Public Address) systems are a versatile option for amplifying acoustic guitars, providing a clean and powerful sound suitable for various performance settings. These systems are designed to project sound evenly across a wide area, making them ideal for larger venues.

Clean and Neutral Sound: PA systems are designed to reproduce sound accurately, providing a transparent amplification that preserves the acoustic guitar’s natural tone.
High Power and Coverage: PA systems offer high power output and excellent coverage, making them suitable for larger venues and outdoor performances.
Multiple Channels: PA systems typically have multiple channels, allowing you to connect multiple instruments and microphones, which is beneficial for bands and ensembles.
Portability: While some PA systems can be bulky, portable PA systems are available, making them convenient for smaller gigs and rehearsals.

4.2. Direct Boxes

Direct boxes (DI boxes) are essential tools for connecting acoustic guitars to mixing consoles or PA systems, providing a balanced signal that reduces noise and ensures optimal sound quality. DI boxes convert the unbalanced signal from the guitar into a balanced signal, which can travel longer distances without losing signal integrity.

Balanced Signal: DI boxes convert the unbalanced signal from the guitar into a balanced signal, which reduces noise and interference.
Impedance Matching: DI boxes match the impedance between the guitar and the mixing console, ensuring optimal signal transfer.
Ground Lift: Many DI boxes feature a ground lift switch, which can eliminate ground loop hum and other noise issues.
Versatility: DI boxes can be used in various settings, from live performances to studio recordings, making them a versatile tool for acoustic guitarists.

4.3. Keyboard Amps

Keyboard amps can be a suitable alternative for amplifying acoustic guitars, offering a broad frequency response and clean amplification that preserves the instrument’s natural sound. Designed to handle the wide range of frequencies produced by keyboards, these amps can also effectively amplify acoustic guitars.

Broad Frequency Response: Keyboard amps offer a broad frequency response, allowing them to accurately reproduce the full range of frequencies produced by acoustic guitars.
Clean Amplification: These amps provide clean amplification, preserving the natural tone of the acoustic guitar without adding unwanted coloration.
Multiple Inputs: Keyboard amps typically have multiple inputs, allowing you to connect multiple instruments and microphones.
Built-in Effects: Some keyboard amps come with built-in effects like reverb and chorus, which can enhance the acoustic guitar’s sound.

5. Optimizing Sound with an Electric Amp

If an electric amp is your only option, you can take steps to optimize the sound for your acoustic guitar. Adjusting amp settings, using EQ pedals, and considering different amp models can help improve the amplified sound and bring out the best in your acoustic guitar’s tone.

5.1. Adjusting Amp Settings

Adjusting the settings on an electric amp can significantly impact the sound of an acoustic guitar. Experimenting with different EQ settings, gain levels, and tone controls can help you achieve a more balanced and natural sound.

EQ Adjustments: Reduce the midrange frequencies and boost the high frequencies to create a more balanced sound.
Gain Control: Lower the gain to minimize distortion and maintain a clean signal.
Tone Controls: Adjust the tone controls to fine-tune the sound, experimenting with different combinations of bass, mid, and treble.
Clean Channel: Use the amp’s clean channel, if available, to avoid unwanted distortion and coloration.

5.2. Using EQ Pedals

An EQ (equalization) pedal can be a valuable tool for shaping the sound of an acoustic guitar through an electric amp. These pedals allow you to fine-tune the frequency response, correcting imbalances and enhancing the guitar’s natural tone.

Frequency Shaping: An EQ pedal allows you to cut or boost specific frequencies, correcting imbalances and enhancing the guitar’s natural tone.
Feedback Control: An EQ pedal can help you control feedback by reducing the frequencies that are prone to causing it.
Versatility: EQ pedals are versatile and can be used in various settings, from live performances to studio recordings.
Customization: EQ pedals allow you to create custom EQ settings tailored to your guitar and amp, ensuring optimal sound quality.

5.3. Considering Different Amp Models

Certain electric amp models may be more suitable for acoustic guitars due to their clean headroom and neutral tone. Researching different amp models and reading reviews can help you find an amp that provides a more balanced and natural sound.

Fender Amps: Fender amps, such as the Twin Reverb and Deluxe Reverb, are known for their clean headroom and balanced tone, making them suitable for acoustic guitars.
Roland JC-120: The Roland JC-120 is a solid-state amp known for its clean and neutral sound, which can work well with acoustic guitars.
Modeling Amps: Some modeling amps offer acoustic amp simulations, which can provide a more authentic acoustic sound.

6. Effects and Electric Amps

Using effects with an electric amp and an acoustic guitar can open up creative possibilities but requires careful consideration. Certain effects, like reverb and chorus, can enhance the acoustic guitar’s sound, while others, like distortion, may not be as suitable.

6.1. Which Effects Work Well?

Some effects work well with acoustic guitars through electric amps, enhancing the instrument’s natural sound and adding depth and texture. Experimenting with different effects can help you discover new and interesting sounds.

Reverb: Reverb adds space and depth to the acoustic guitar’s sound, creating a more immersive and natural tone.
Chorus: Chorus adds a lush, shimmering effect, thickening the sound and creating a sense of movement.
Delay: Delay can add rhythmic complexity and depth, creating echoes and repeats that enhance the acoustic guitar’s sound.
Tremolo: Tremolo adds a pulsating effect, creating a rhythmic variation in volume that can add interest to the acoustic guitar’s sound.

6.2. Effects to Avoid

Certain effects are generally not suitable for acoustic guitars through electric amps, as they can negatively impact the instrument’s natural sound. Avoiding these effects can help you maintain the acoustic guitar’s clarity and tone.

Distortion: Distortion adds harshness and grit, which can muddy the acoustic guitar’s natural clarity and tone.
Overdrive: Overdrive adds a subtle form of distortion, which can still negatively impact the acoustic guitar’s sound.
Fuzz: Fuzz adds a thick, saturated distortion, which is generally not suitable for acoustic guitars.
Wah: Wah creates a sweeping filter effect, which can sound unnatural and overpowering on acoustic guitars.

7. Electric Guitar into Acoustic Amp

Plugging an electric guitar into an acoustic amp results in a clean, uncolored tone, which may be suitable for specific styles like jazz or clean hollow-body playing. However, it may lack the warmth and sustain typically associated with electric guitar sounds.

7.1. What to Expect

When you plug an electric guitar into an acoustic amp, you can expect a very different sound compared to using a traditional electric guitar amp. The acoustic amp’s design emphasizes clarity and a flat frequency response, which can significantly alter the electric guitar’s tone.

Clean Tone: The most noticeable characteristic will be a clean, uncolored tone. Acoustic amps are designed to amplify the natural sound of instruments without adding distortion or significant EQ changes.
Lack of Sustain: Solid-body electric guitars may sound thin and lack sustain because the acoustic amp doesn’t provide the resonant characteristics of an electric guitar amp.
Reduced Overdrive: Overdrive and distortion effects will sound less pronounced and may lack the harmonic richness that electric guitar amps provide.
Emphasis on High Frequencies: Acoustic amps often emphasize high frequencies, which can make the electric guitar sound bright or even harsh, especially with certain pickups.

7.2. When This Setup Might Work

Despite its limitations, there are specific situations where using an electric guitar with an acoustic amp can be beneficial or creatively interesting.

Jazz: Jazz guitarists often seek a clean, articulate tone, which an acoustic amp can provide. The flat frequency response can highlight the nuances of jazz chords and melodies.
Clean Hollow-Body: Players using hollow-body guitars might appreciate the clarity of an acoustic amp, especially if they focus on clean playing styles without heavy distortion.
Practice: For quiet practice, an acoustic amp can provide a reasonable clean tone without the volume and intensity of an electric guitar amp.
Experimental Music: Some musicians might use this setup to create unique, unconventional tones for experimental or avant-garde music.

8. Famous Guitarists and Their Gear

Examining the gear choices of famous guitarists can provide valuable insights into achieving specific sounds and tones. While most professionals use appropriate amps for their guitars, understanding their setups can inform your own experimentation and gear selection.

8.1. Acoustic Guitarists and Their Amps

Many famous acoustic guitarists rely on high-quality acoustic amps to amplify their instruments, ensuring a clear and natural sound that captures the nuances of their playing.

Tommy Emmanuel: Known for his fingerstyle technique, Tommy Emmanuel uses AER amps for their transparent sound and portability. AER amps are highly regarded in the acoustic community for their ability to reproduce the natural tone of acoustic guitars.
John Mayer: While primarily known for his electric playing, John Mayer often uses acoustic guitars in his performances, amplified through AER amps or high-end PA systems. His acoustic tone is typically clean and well-defined, reflecting his attention to detail.
Rodrigo y Gabriela: This dynamic duo uses a combination of high-end PA systems and acoustic amps to project their intricate guitar work. Their setup is designed to handle the percussive and rhythmic elements of their playing.

8.2. Electric Guitarists and Their Amps

Electric guitarists are known for their diverse amp setups, each tailored to their specific playing style and tonal preferences.

Jimi Hendrix: Hendrix famously used Marshall amps, known for their high gain and powerful sound, which helped define his revolutionary playing style.
Eric Clapton: Clapton has used a variety of amps throughout his career, including Fender Tweed amps, Marshall JTM45s, and Soldano SLO-100s, each contributing to different eras of his sound.
B.B. King: B.B. King was known for his use of Fender amps, particularly the Fender Twin Reverb, which provided the clean, articulate tone that was essential to his blues style.
Jimmy Page: Page often used Hiwatt amps, known for their clean and powerful sound, as well as Marshall amps for their overdrive capabilities.

9. Impedance Matching Explained

Impedance matching is a crucial concept in audio engineering, affecting the signal transfer between different devices, such as guitars and amplifiers. Understanding impedance can help you optimize your sound and avoid potential problems.

9.1. What is Impedance?

Impedance is the measure of opposition that a circuit presents to a current when a voltage is applied. It’s similar to resistance but includes the effects of capacitance and inductance, which vary with frequency.

Low Impedance: Low impedance devices, like microphones, typically have an impedance of 600 ohms or less.
High Impedance: High impedance devices, like electric guitars, typically have an impedance of 1 megaohm or more.
Importance: Matching impedance between devices ensures maximum signal transfer and optimal sound quality.

9.2. Why It Matters

Impedance matching is crucial for ensuring the best possible signal transfer between your guitar and amp. Mismatched impedance can lead to signal loss, frequency response problems, and increased noise.

Signal Loss: When the impedance is mismatched, some of the signal can be reflected back to the source, resulting in a weaker signal at the amplifier.
Frequency Response: Mismatched impedance can affect the frequency response, altering the tone of your guitar.
Noise: Mismatched impedance can increase noise and interference, degrading the overall sound quality.

10. FAQ: Acoustic Guitars and Electric Amps

10.1. Can I damage my acoustic guitar by plugging it into an electric amp?

No, you won’t damage your acoustic guitar by plugging it into an electric amp. However, the sound quality may not be optimal, and the amp’s settings might need adjustment to avoid unwanted distortion.

10.2. What type of cable should I use?

Use a standard 1/4-inch instrument cable to connect your acoustic guitar to the electric amp. Ensure the cable is in good condition to avoid noise or signal loss.

10.3. Will an acoustic amp work for electric guitars?

Yes, an acoustic amp can work for electric guitars, providing a clean, uncolored tone. However, it may lack the warmth and sustain typically associated with electric guitar sounds.

10.4. What settings should I use on the electric amp?

Start with a clean channel, reduce the gain, and adjust the EQ to minimize midrange frequencies while boosting the highs. Experiment to find the settings that best suit your guitar and desired sound.

10.5. Can I use effects pedals with this setup?

Yes, you can use effects pedals. Reverb and chorus generally work well, enhancing the acoustic guitar’s sound. Avoid distortion, overdrive, and fuzz, as they may negatively impact the tone.

10.6. Is it better to use a DI box instead of an electric amp?

A DI box is often a better option, as it provides a balanced signal and impedance matching, resulting in a cleaner and more natural sound when connected to a PA system or mixing console.

10.7. What is the difference between an acoustic amp and an electric amp?

Acoustic amps are designed to amplify the natural sound of acoustic guitars, offering a flat frequency response and high headroom. Electric amps are designed to color the sound, often emphasizing midrange frequencies and adding distortion.

10.8. Can I use a microphone with an electric amp for my acoustic guitar?

While you can try using a microphone, it’s generally not recommended, as electric amps are not designed to amplify microphones and may produce feedback or unwanted noise.

10.9. Are there any specific electric amps that work well with acoustic guitars?

Some electric amps with clean channels and balanced EQ settings, like certain Fender models, can work reasonably well with acoustic guitars. Experiment to find an amp that provides a more balanced and natural sound.

10.10. Where can I find more information about guitar amplification?

Visit guitarplayers.net for a wealth of resources, including gear reviews, tutorials, and community forums where you can connect with other guitar enthusiasts.

Exploring the possibilities of using an electric amp with an acoustic guitar opens up new sonic landscapes, even if the results aren’t always conventional. Whether you’re a beginner just starting to experiment or a seasoned pro looking for a unique sound, understanding how different amps interact with your guitar can lead to exciting discoveries. Remember to visit guitarplayers.net for more tips, reviews, and a community of fellow guitar lovers. Join our community to explore lessons, tabs, and connect with other players! Check us out at 1140 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215, or give us a call at +1 (617) 747-2261. Visit our website guitarplayers.net today.