Get Your Tone! Guitar & Amp Setup for Beginners

Course: First Chords, Skills & Songs for Electric Beginners

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In this video

Let me walk you through how to set up your electric guitar and get great sound from your amplifier!

We'll explore the different types of amp sounds (the sounds in a digital amp, eg. Crunch), understand key tone controls and learn how to use effects like reverb and delay without overwhelming your sound.

Whether you’re playing clean or distorted, this guide gives you the confidence to dial in a solid tone with the gear you already have.

Essential Gear Setup

  • Minimum setup: Electric guitar, instrument cable, and amplifier

  • Plug your guitar into the main input on the amp, then power it on

  • Use a clip-on tuner, pedal tuner, or amp tuner to ensure proper tuning

Understanding Amplifiers

The focus in this course is on physical amps with controls on the amp itself

Common amp sounds:

  • Clean – clear, undistorted sound

  • Crunch – light overdrive

  • Lead – more gain and distortion for searing solos!

  • Brown (found on a Boss Katana) – warm, saturated tones (often associated with Van Halen)

Signal Chain & Tone Control

Signal chain: Guitar → Cable → Amp (Gain/EQ/Effects) → Speaker

Start with:

  • Pickup selector on bridge or neck position

  • Guitar volume/tone knobs on full (unless dialing back for effect)

EQ Controls:

  • Adjust Bass, Mid, and Treble slightly to shape tone

  • Don’t expect extreme changes—focus more on amp type and gain

Gain vs. Volume:

  • More gain introduces distortion

  • Master volume controls loudness— watch out for sudden volume jumps

Using Effects the Right Way

  • Reverb adds depth and space

  • Delay adds echo; can get messy if overused

  • Use effects sparingly at first—start with a clean or mildly distorted tone

Smart Gear Use

  • Multi-effects pedals give access to a range of tones (great for exploring)

  • Small practice amps (0.5–10W) are more than loud enough for home use

  • Don’t rush into buying new gear—learn your current setup first

Mindset & Progress

  • Your current gear is good enough to learn and sound great

  • Upgrade only when your playing and musical goals require it

  • Always try new gear before buying—trust your ears, not just specs

Next Up: Electric Guitar Anatomy & Common Shapes

Well done! Let's jump into the next lesson of the course.