When you think of effects pedals, acoustic guitars aren’t often the first thing that comes to mind. The natural organic sound of an acoustic instinctively doesn’t feel like it mixes with pedals, but the reality is that smartly applying one of the best acoustic guitar pedals can offer a new dimension to your sound, especially when playing live.

I’ve tried out some, frankly, silly combinations of acoustic guitars and pedals over the years, getting dynamite results with the likes of overdrives and modulation. I’ve also explored the acoustic guitar preamp pedals, which perform a different task, but can be equally impactful on your acoustic tone. In this list, I’ve combined a mixture of different styles of pedal, so whatever you’re looking to achieve with your acoustic, there will be a pedal to help you get there.

If you just want to improve your tone with an acoustic guitar preamp pedal, then you should check out the Fishman Aura Spectrum, which is in my opinion the best preamp pedal for acoustic players. If you want to add some delay to your sound, the Earthquaker Devices Avalanche Run is my top pick. If you need a looper that inspires creativity, check out the Pigtronix Infinity II.

If you’re brand new to pedals I’ve curated a handy how to choose section for you, which guides you through the important decisions you’ll need to make. I’ve also put together a list of FAQs that guitar players often ask, and a glossary of key terms to help you deal with the technical lingo in this guide.

My top picks

Best acoustic preamp

Overview: Fishman is among the most revered brand names when it comes to electronics for acoustic guitars, be that integrated preamps, pickups, or, in this instance, pedals. The Aura Spectrum DI Preamp is a surefire way to get consistent live (and recorded) sounds out of your acoustic guitar at every single gig.

Build quality: The Aura Spectrum is definitely designed to be taken on the road, with a durable all-metal construction that is made to last. While you can easily adjust on the fly, I see the Aura as a perfect set-and-forget pedal, with the ability to access an unlimited number of acoustic sounds via the Aura gallery and apply them to 16 user preset slots, build your presets, and guarantee great tones.

Usability: Despite its powerful tone shaping, the Aura Spectrum is extremely easy to use, with every knob and control simply labelled, so you’ll struggle to go wrong. The addition of EQ, compressor, feedback suppressor, and even a tuner makes this an all-in-one dynamic and tonal-shaping solution, particularly for live performance.

Sounds: But it isn’t just good for live; the fact of the matter is that an acoustic guitar plugged in anywhere rarely sounds like it does unplugged, but the Aura makes sure this isn’t the case. Utilizing the sound of your acoustic’s pickup and transforming it into a far more organic, mic’d up sound. That doesn’t mean you can’t have plenty of your original tone in though, with a blend control to balance the two. It pretty much guarantees perfect acoustic tones wherever you are, so it could also be ideal for the recording studio.

Best reverb

Overview: Your one-stop shop for ambience and described by Earthquaker Devices as a “dreamy stereosonic exploratory multi-tool” – I usually take manufacturers’ descriptions with a pinch of salt, but in this instance, I’d say they’re spot on. The Avalanche Run has delay and reverb integrated, plus it’s stereo, so if you want to transform your acoustic’s tone into something truly enormous, this is the pedal for you.

Build quality: Built with a dual footswitch design, with each engaging the effect and the tap tempo functions respectively, the Avalanche Run isn’t a small pedal, but considering it has two effects in one, it takes up significantly less real estate than standalone delay and reverb pedals. It also features unique Flexi-Switch® Technology which allows you to simultaneously use momentary and latching style switching, which is a cool addition.

Usability: At first glance, the Avalanche Run might seem a little bit intimidating, but in practice it’s very quick to achieve great results. The expression control is a nice option, giving you the ability to grow your ambience from distant to engulfing with the rock of your foot on an (external) expression pedal. Another thing I’d recommend exploring is the pedal’s ins and outs, which have some secret tricks to provide some quirky stereo output options, including all-wet left and standard mixed right-hand channels.

Sound: The specific types of ambience that the Avalanche Run produces are virtually limitless, with options that include reverse delay, sound-on-sound lo-fi looping, swells, and so much more. The drawback being that there is so much to choose from, it may be more than many need; however, if sending your sound to space is what you’re looking for, this is the pedal for you.

Best looper

Overview: Loopers and acoustic guitars go better than cereal and milk. You’ve got players like Ed Sheeran who have massively commercialized the world of loopers, bringing about the arrival of some seriously powerful and complex loopers, which, frankly, totally terrify me and take a lot of the fun out of looping. The Pigtronix Infinity II Hi-Fi Double Looper is the perfect combination of (relative) simplicity and professional-standard. Just as good when used at home or for live performance.

Build quality: I love the feel of the large ‘Decay’ and ‘Volume’ knobs, made from solid metal with round engraving on the top – little details, but it makes it feel special. The rest of the build is equally solid, with a metal chassis and classic, rugged switches.

Usability: Operation isn’t quite as simple as on some single looper pedals, so if you want extreme ease, then perhaps look elsewhere, but after a brief play, I found the Infinity II to be pretty straightforward, with a combination of six controls/functions that were easy to navigate.

Sound: Pigtronix have made it clear that the Infinity II has hi-fi audio quality, meaning your audio doesn’t degrade when looped. The standout, fun audio effect is the ‘Octave’ mode, which switches the sample rate from 48kHz down to 24kHz, dropping the sound by an octave in the process.

Best compressor

Overview: There are a huge number of brilliant compressor pedals that work superbly with acoustic guitars, but my choice would always be to go with a pedal that is optimized for your instrument, which is why the AFX AcoustiComp Mini Compressor from acoustic experts, Fishman, is my go-to choice for acoustic compressor pedal.

Build quality: Built into a compact factor at just 1.9” wide and 3.8” tall, this would easily fit on most pedalboards, and if it’s the only pedal you use, it will fit in most guitar cases. The tough aluminium enclosure will also mean it travels well.

Usability: I think what I like about it most is its simplicity in operation, with just two knobs controlling the effect. Fishman have made some decisions internally to make sure that wherever you set your controls, you can pretty much guarantee that the compressor will sound great, so it’s ideal for those new to effects, and particularly compressors, which can take some getting used to.

Sound: Tuned specifically to add a more subtle compression to your acoustic, the ‘Comp’ knob can be turned up to provide a fatter sound, or backed off for a lighter compression that is ideal for sitting in the mix. The level control can help you balance with your dry sound, making it seamless when you engage the compressor, rather than there being large volume jumps.

Best delat

Overview: Unconventional at first glance but absolutely perfect in application for acoustic guitars, the Ernie Ball Ambient Delay is an expression-pedal-based delay that allows you to gradually engage the effect, creating big swells of delay.

Build quality: The Ambient Delay is extremely solid, being made from aircraft aluminum, and the hinge feels particularly smooth, while the top of the pedal has a non-slip surface, so it can be used with confidence. The only downside is that it takes up a lot of room on a pedalboard – though less than a delay with an additional expression pedal, so it may work out as a more efficient use of space. If you do want to introduce a secondary pedal, it does have a tap-tempo input.

Usability: The biggest selling point of the ambient delay is its versatility, with delay time, delay feedback, and reverb level controls giving you a broad ambient palette, but when combined with the foot-sweepable effect level control, things go to another level. The ability to adjust the level of your sound in real time is above anything traditional on/off pedals can create. Using the foot-sweep takes a little bit of getting used to for those who aren’t used to expression pedals, but you’ll pick it up quickly.

Sound: The sound from this thing is big and can only be described as “lush”. The plate reverb is particularly special and pairs really well with the delay, which can be anything from a short slapback to a big 1-second echo.

Best chorus

Overview: When it comes to effects pedals, there’s nobody more legendary than Boss, and of all their pedals, there’s an argument that the CE-2 chorus sits at the top of the pile. The CE-2W is the modern reissue of the pedal coming out of Boss’s Waza division – their “premium” department – featuring the same classic sounds as the original, but topped with additional features.

Build quality: The first thing you’ll notice about this pedal is that it is, of course, constructed with Boss’s legendary build quality. There’s absolutely no reason that the CE-2W won’t last for the next 40 years, even if you’re taking it out on the road with you, so in terms of a long-term investment, it’s about as smart as you can make in the world of pedals.

Usability: If you are new to the world of acoustic pedals, as a “starter-effect”, it may be a little on the expensive side, but it is extremely simple, with just two knobs – rate and depth – making it very easy to get your head around. There are three, switchable sound options, with two variations of chorus, plus a vibrato.

Sound: While all of the modes sound brilliant, the standout for me is the vibrato setting, particularly when paired with acoustic guitar. This adds a beautiful wobble to your sound when dialled in gently, which can be really impactful, despite it being subtle. Of course, it doesn’t have to be that reserved, and there is an option to go pretty outlandish with either the chorus or vibrato effects, which makes for a lot of fun.

Also consider

If you didn't find what you were looking for above, here are some more great acoustic guitar pedals for you to have a look at.

How to choose

Choosing pedals for acoustic guitars isn’t unlike choosing pedals for electric guitars – if there’s a sound you’re aiming to achieve, there’s almost certainly a pedal out there that can help you get close to that goal. However, there are always a few things I like to consider when buying an acoustic pedal, which I’ve shared below to help you choose.

1. Starting out

This might seem obvious, but, if you’re anything like me, I’ll buy a pedal on impulse without really thinking about what I’m trying to achieve, which can be fun if you’ve already got a plethora of other pedals to choose from, but if you’re delving into acoustic effects for the first time, there are a few really good places to start depending on your goal.

In the world of acoustic pedals, you might be looking for a consistent live sound, without having to rely on the sound engineer, or you could add a different feeling to your existing sound – to put it in simpler terms, you are likely buying a preamp/tone-shaping pedal, or buying an effects pedal. While both sit at your feet and can be stomped on, they achieve different things, and both can work excellently together too.

If you’re new to acoustic guitar pedals, consider what your priority is and choose that. And don’t forget to make sure to put a tuner pedal somewhere towards the top of your list too.

2. Signal chain

Whether I’m buying a pedal for electric or acoustic, I try to consider where exactly this pedal is going to sit in my signal chain. There’s no harm in moving things around, but it’s nice to try and work out exactly where a pedal is going to fit in your chain before you buy.

For example, if you play with an acoustic amp and are buying a delay pedal, does your amp have an effects loop? Or perhaps you are happy with it going into the front end of your amp? You should also consider any other pedals you may have and how these could work together. There’s nothing worse than buying a new pedal and finding out it doesn’t play nice with one of your old favorites.

3. Feedback issues

Acoustic guitars when plugged in are generally prone to feedback even before you add any pedals to the signal chain, and those issues are only exacerbated when pedals come into the mix – particularly pedals with any kind of gain. If you want to add some dirt to your acoustic, I’d definitely consider pairing that with an EQ or notch filter, both of which can be used to mitigate feedback.

FAQs

Key terms

• Buffer: A device that can be found in some pedals or available standalone that converts a guitar's weak signal into a strong signal (by altering the impedance from high to low), helping to ensure it keeps its original tone and tone suck (the loss of high end).
• Chorus: An effect that produces a copy of the guitar signal but slightly adjusts the pitch and timing and then blends it back in with the original signal. This creates a dreamy sound that loosely replicates the sound of multiple instruments playing at once (ensemble).
• Compressor: A dynamic processing effect that brings up the low dynamics and brings down the high peaks, producing a slightly squashed, more consistent sound with more sustain to your sound.
• DI (Direct Input): Plugging your guitar straight into a DI is taking the raw, unprocessed signal and converting it into a balanced signal, preventing noise and preparing it to be sent to a mixing desk/PA system.
• EQ (Equalizer): A system to alter specific frequency bands of a sound to either boost or reduce those frequencies.
• Feedback: The phenomenon of a sound source being picked up by a pickup or microphone, being amplified, and then being picked up again in a loop, creating a screeching noise.
• Looper: A pedal that engages a record function on the first stomp and a playback function on the second stomp, creating a loop for the player to playback to.
• Modulation: An effects pedal that alters the guitar's signal over time, changing its pitch or amplitude. Chorus, phasers, and flangers are modulation effects.
• Notch filter: A filter used to remove unwanted, resonant/feedback frequencies from your playing. It is named ‘notch filter’ as on an EQ, it would look like a small notch downwards to remove only the specific unwanted frequency, and not impact the rest of the tone.
• Overdrive: A pedal that adds gain to your acoustic signal, introducing dirt and grit. This is more commonly used with electric guitars, but can have a great impact with acoustics, though can cause problematic feedback.
• Phaser/flanger: Phasers and flangers are modulation effects pedals that use a low-frequency oscillator (LFO) to create a swirling, sweeping, or "jet plane" sound by altering phase shifts or delay times.
• Piezo: A type of pickup technology that converts the acoustic guitar's string vibrations into an electrical signal, allowing the instrument to be plugged into an amplifier.
• Preamp: A device that boosts the weak signal from a guitar's pickup or internal microphone to a level that allows it to be amplified by a PA system or amplifier without being noisy or distorted. Many preamps also provide features like EQ controls for shaping your tone. Preamp pedals will also generally have a built-in DI.
• Reverb: An ambient effect that replicates the feeling of space. There are different types of reverb, including hall, plate, and spring (among others).
• Signal chain: The order in which your guitar signal flows from source – playing your guitar – to its end destination – generally, an amp or PA – between this there may be pedals, which are often placed in a specific order to have an optimized signal chain e.g., distortion/gain before time-based effects.
• Stereo: A sound that is across two channels - Left and Right. Some effects will convert your sound to stereo.
• Tremolo: An amplitude modulation effect, which quickly shifts your volume between loud and quiet, creating a fluttering effect.

How we test

When testing the best acoustic guitar pedals, we'll take the same process that we would take with any guitar pedal. We'll always try and spend at least a couple of weeks with any pedal to ensure that we get over the honeymoon period.

First, we'll look at the build quality of the unit in question. Guitar pedals need to be able to put up with plenty of abuse, espeically if you're playing them live, so we'll be sure to closely inspect every aspect of its build and all the components. We'll test footswitches, knobs, and regular switches for sturdiness, and of course we'll be sure to stomp the pedal repeatedly to test its durability.

Next we'll actually use the pedal in a variety of scenarios to see how easy or difficult it is to get the sounds out of it. From playing in the rehearsal room to taking pedals on stage, these tests are all about how it is to live with the pedal. We'll tweak every knob, press every button, and even open the pedal up to access the internal dip switches if necessary.

Finally, depending on what kind of pedal it is, we'll look at the overall sound. This is a very subjective thing, so each pedal is a different case. However, our review team has a lot of experience using different guitar pedals, so that helps us make a judgement on where a particular pedal might sit versus others in the same genre, or when comparing pedals of different types.

Read more on how we test gear and service at Guitar Player

Ever since the effect’s inception in the mid-1970s, chorus has been a mainstay for guitar players of all genres. If you’re looking to introduce some texture to your tone, give a sense of movement, or thicken up your sound, then one of the best chorus pedals is a great way to do that.

A popular effect used by lthe ikes of The Police, Guns N’ Roses, Prince, Metallica, Joe Bonamassa, The Smiths, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and loads more, chorus pedals were massively prevalent in the ’80s, but they never really went away. Over the years I've tested a myriad of different chorus pedals, from vintage-inspired to those more modern ones that can get properly weird.

If you're looking for the best chorus pedal overall, I'd recommend you look at the Universal Audio UAFX Brigade. Easy to use yet with plenty of depth, it offers some of the best chorus tones I've heard. If you need something on a budget, then I'd recommend the TC Electronic Afterglow, which gives you genuine analog chorus sounds for well below the $50 mark.

If you're new to chorus pedals, then be sure to check out our FAQs section which answers loads of common questions. To see the best chorus pedals available right now, keep on scrolling.

My top picks

Best overall

The Universal Audio Brigade gets a lot right; features, build quality, price and, most importantly, sounds. They’re a company known for recreating the sounds of old pieces of legendary hardware very faithfully, and this is essentially their compact pedal version of the iconic Boss CE-1.

It’s a lovely sounding chorus pedal, with the option of switching over to vibrato. You’ve also got a dedicated control for the preamp volume, allowing for a boost in volume should you need it. If you want a more transparent tone, you can switch the preamp off altogether via a dedicated switch on the back of the pedal. There’s also a switch that lets you choose buffered or true bypass.

It’s a really cool take on the classic CE-1, with a few useful modern additions. Their gear is also made to a great standard, and for what it is, it comes in at a reasonable price too.

Best classic

This is Boss’s re-imagining of its first ever chorus units that hit the market in the ’70s. The effects giant has managed to roll the sounds associated with the legendary CE-1 and CE-2 into a compact and very easy to use format.

There are three modes: CE-1 chorus, CE-1 vibrato and CE-2 chorus. The latter sounds a bit more subtle and darker than the former, but if you’re looking for quality analog chorus sounds, then this pedal is perfect for you. You’ve then got the more dramatic vibrato setting if you need it.

What’s also nice is that the depth and rate knobs work for all three modes, and you’ve now got stereo output, which the CE-2 didn’t previously have. It’s very easy to dial in, but you’ve got a good range of sounds at your disposal, plus it’s built to Boss’s legendary standards.

Best budget

If you’re looking for the best chorus pedal on a budget, then the TC Electronic Afterglow is certainly one to consider. Unlike other budget pedals around this price point, the Afterglow is made using a metal chassis, not plastic, so it’s durable and roadworthy.

It’s a vintage-style chorus and uses BBD technology to create warm, analog chorus tones. The Rate and Depth allow you to shape what the effect sounds like and the Mix knob lets you dial in how much of the effect you hear mixed with your dry signal.

It’s very simple, and it does one thing well, which is probably all you can ask for at this price point.

Best analog

Warm Audio has been releasing some incredible replications of classic hardware units, including this chorus/vibrato pedal. It describes the WA-C1 as being a "faithful recreation of the most celebrated all-analog chorus effects pedal", i.e. the ’70s Boss CE-1. It’s a great pedal, though it’s not ideal for players who want compact effect solutions – it’s 6.5” wide.

The pedal serves up lush, warm, vintage chorus sounds alongside wobbly vibrato. It’s faithful to the original design, though there are a few modern updates. You’ve now got depth and rate controls for the chorus and vibrato; not just the latter. Additionally, there’s a selectable impedance that can add more clarity and top-end to passive instruments.

Again, like the original, you can use this as a really nice sounding preamp to add a gentle boost and natural compression to your signal. As well as the on/off footswitch, there’s a dedicated chorus/vibrato footswitch allowing you to change up your sounds without having to bend down and adjust anything.

Best compact

There’s quite a lot of variety in the sounds that you can get out of this tiny pedal. Everything from subtle warble to all-out modulated madness is possible, all via the three knobs. As a result of this, it might take a little while to find your perfect settings, but it will definitely work in some players’ favor.

It’s based on the classic Ibanez CS9 pedal, but it’s a lot more compact. In fact, it’s probably one of the smallest chorus pedals you can buy. Despite its size, it’s still really durable and it’s built well so you can trust it on the road or in costly studio sessions.

Best stereo

If you know you need as much control over your chorus as possible, then something like the Boss MD-500 might serve you well. Alongside other types of modulation – flanger, vibe, phaser, rotary and loads more – you’ve got four different types of chorus at your disposal, including versions of legendary analog units.

It’s a very powerful machine with high sample rates ensuring you get the best sound possible. You can even use two effects at once, plus you can really deep-dive into the menus to edit different parameters and get exactly the sound you’re looking for.

There are a bunch of presets already in the pedal, but you can of course save your favorite settings for quick and easy recall.

Also consider

How to choose

If you're unsure how to choose the best chorus pedal for your needs, it's probably best you learn a little more about them. In this section I'll layout the ins and outs of a chorus pedal, which should help you decide exactly what it is you want from a chorus pedal, and hopefully pick the right one for your needs.

BBD And LFOs

When looking at the best chorus pedals, you’ll come across the terms BBD and LFO. BBD stands for bucket brigade device – it’s a chip whereby audio passes from one tiny capacitor to another, many times. With chorus pedals, your signal is split – part of it passes through this chip which modulates the pitch of the frequency, and part of it doesn’t.

The part that doesn’t plays unaffected, as you’d expect, but the bit that passes through the BBD chip plays back slightly after. You can often control how much it’s delayed, and also the depth of the pitch modulation.

LFO stands for low frequency oscillator. In chorus pedals, it’s a circuit design whereby a frequency, usually under 20Hz is generated that then controls certain parameters like the delay time or pitch of your affected signal.

Chorus vs vibrato

Chorus and vibrato can sound very similar and you’ll find that some pedals have both options on there. As mentioned, chorus mixes your affected, now wobbly-sounding, signal in with your dry signal. Vibrato does away with the latter, so it’s just the new, affected signal creating a more dramatic and noticeable effect.

Digital or analog?

As with a lot of guitar-related gear, you’ve got the choice between analog and digital when it comes to the best chorus pedals.

Digital chorus pedals tend to offer a lot of flexibility. Because you’re dealing with numbers and algorithms, you can manipulate effect parameters more easily than you can with old fashioned chips and circuits. You might also see more preset capabilities on digital chorus pedals.

There are some players that claim digital chorus pedals sound more sterile or brittle, though let’s be honest – digital technology has come a long way in recent years. Analog chorus pedals have a lush warmth associated with them. The sound of chorus for many is thick and organic, maybe with a little natural breakup thrown in too – that’s what you get with analog.

FAQs

How we test

When testing a chorus pedal, I'll take a very similar approach to any other guitar pedal. Our review template makes sure that I give each pedal equal chance, and it's the results of our reviews that define what makes it into our buyer's guides.

Before I get started I'll look at the features of the pedal to determine who it's intended for. This might mean making a note of the connectivity and controls, doing research on other variants of the pedal, as well as using previous experience to determine its place in the market.

Next up I'll look at the build quality of the pedal by examining it in detail. This allows me to determine how well it's put together, and if necessary I'll take it apart to see that everything is nice and neat inside.

For the next phase I'll use the pedal, starting without the manual to find out how easy it is to use. I'll always check the manual at some point, but it's good to get a read of how simple or complex the pedal can be.

With these checks done I'll finally move onto the sound testing portion of the review. Here I'll be judging the sound characteristics using years of experience playing guitar pedals, as well as creating sound demos so that readers can listen to the product in question.

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Whether you’re purely practicing at home or playing live, adding one of the best clip-on tuners to your arsenal is pretty much an essential purchase for any guitarist. Clip-on tuners offer a bit more usability than pedalboard-based ones, and are more accurate than tuning apps for your smartphone. They can play a lot of different roles, which makes having a couple in your locker a smart move.

It used to be that clip-on tuners were far less accurate than pedal tuners, but thanks to the ever-decreasing size of chip technology and ever-increasing power, nowadays a clip-on can be just as accurate as a pedal tuner. There is a caveat here, though, which is that clip-on tuners can be susceptible to picking vibrations other than your guitar due to the way they work. It means they can be less accurate if you’re playing a loud, live show with a band. For the majority of playing scenarios, you’re likely to find yourself in, a clip-on tuner will be just fine.

For me, the best overall is the TC Electronic Polytune Clip. It’s incredibly accurate for a clip-on tuner, is reasonably priced, and has a large screen that makes it very visible from a variety of angles. If you just want something cheap and simple to use at home, have a look at the Fender FT-1 Pro, which delivers good accuracy for a very low price point.

If you’re new to clip-on tuners, then have a look at my how to choose section, which covers everything you need to know before purchasing. I’ve also included a comprehensive FAQs section to answer any questions you might have, plus a glossary of key terms to help you break down the technical lingo used throughout this guide.

Best overall

Overview

When the TC Electronic Polytune Clip came out, I distinctly remember thinking that it had changed the game and set a new benchmark in the clip-on tuner world. There’s a strong argument that it still sits at the top of the pile, boasting specs and a general sense of quality that few other clip-on tuners can match.

Build quality

While some clip-on tuners can feel noticeably flimsy, there is no such issue here. The clip may seem a bit bulkier than some other options, but that just means it is built to last. With a stainless steel construction and a solid 18-hour battery, you don’t have to rely on those fiddly circular batteries.

Usability

The display is where the Polytune really shines. It is bright, readable even in low light, and adapts to your needs by flipping orientation when you turn the tuner upside down. Whether you are left-handed or mounting it on the back of your headstock, it’s always easy to read. There are changeable modes, so it will adapt to your needs, but it’s also simple to get going straight out of the box.

Performance

With 0.02 cents accuracy in strobe mode and 0.5 cents in chromatic mode, this tuner is one of the most precise on the market. The ‘Polytune’ feature is still a bit of a game-changer, allowing you to strum all six strings, and it’ll instantly pinpoint which string needs adjusting, saving you time and effort, especially during live performances. If you’re like me, inevitably you will end up checking every string anyway, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a cool feature.

Best budget

Overview

Fender is renowned for game-changing guitars and legendary amps – but clip-on tuners? It’s not the first thing that comes to mind. That said, the FT-1 Pro deserves a spot in the conversation as a budget-friendly, no-nonsense option perfect for beginners or players on a budget.

Build quality

The FT-1 Pro is made of some relatively affordable materials – black molded plastic – and it doesn’t have the premium looks other clip-on tuners can boast about, but it should be fairly durable and easily beats out the super-budget tuners you can pick up for a few dollars. Unsurprisingly for a budget clip-on tuner, it is battery powered rather than rechargeable, but it does come with a battery included, which many other budget clip-on tuners do not.

Usability

The LCD screen may not be a masterpiece, but it is clear, functional, and easy to read. Its standout feature is the double-hinge design, which allows for nearly unlimited positioning. Whether you're dialing in an electric, acoustic, mandolin, or even a banjo, you won’t have to perform neck gymnastics to check the readout.

Performance

With 1-cent accuracy, it is not the most precise tool in the shed, but it is more than capable of keeping your instrument in tune, particularly for home use and general practice. For a tuner at this price point, it delivers exactly what it promises: simple, reliable tuning.

Best accuracy

Overview

Forget just clip-on tuners – the Peterson StroboClip HD is one of the best tuners out there, period. With top-notch build quality, razor-sharp accuracy, and Peterson's unique sweetened tunings, it’s hard to find much to fault here.

Build quality

The solid, durable construction ensures this tuner is built to last, and the ultra-wide clip, designed to work with a variety of instruments, in particular, is among the best I’ve used in terms of security and grip. I do think a premium clip-on tuner such as this should be rechargeable, though, and the battery cover is a little flimsy too.

Usability

Its large, bright screen offers a wide viewing angle, making it easy to read in any setting.

The only drawback I can think of is the lack of different modes; it is strobe mode only. So if that’s not your thing, you might want to consider other options.

Performance

Boasting an incredible 0.1-cent accuracy, it is the most precise clip-on tuner you can buy, even outclassing the legendary Boss TU-3 pedal in terms of tuning accuracy. On top of that, it has a standout feature of 50 sweetened tunings – a Peterson specialty. These custom calibrations account for the unique tuning quirks of different guitar models, from string-through-body Telecasters to hardtail Les Pauls, ensuring a reading that is true to your instrument.

Best low profile

it Overview

I am a huge fan of clip-on tuners in terms of functionality, but it’s fair to say I, and many others, can’t claim to be a fan of the way they look, particularly if you’re using one during a performance. D’Addario has provided a solution to this, however: the Micro Guitar Tuner. This is a clip-on that can be hidden out of sight, clipped to the back of your headstock subtly, or even when clipped to the front, is far less noticeable than most.

Build quality

The build is simple and functional, and while you wouldn’t expect it to feel particularly premium, it is an affordable tuner – I’d maybe want something that feels slightly more robust. This is the tradeoff with having something so lightweight; it is designed to be compact, rather than built like a tank. On the positive side, the ratchet-style clamp is a strong point – it grips firmly and stays put during playing.

Usability

Despite its size, the full-color display with four selectable viewing angles (two vertical, two horizontal) is easy to see, though those with visual impairments may find it on the small side. The general functionality is simple and easy to use, and it features improved piezo control over previous D’Addario clip-on tuners, which allows for a more reliable tuning experience even in noisy environments. It's also rechargeable via USB-C, which

Performance

The D’Addario Micro Tuner isn’t the most accurate, boasting somewhere between a 0.5-1 cent accuracy, though that is pretty normal for clip-on tuners around this price point. You’ll also be able to use it comfortably on bass, mandolin, and other stringed instruments, provided you can fit its modest clip onto the headstock.

Best display

Overview

Korg has really nailed it with the Sledgehammer Pro, offering a stage-friendly tuner with excellent accuracy and usability. It’s a strange shape, and some people won’t love how it looks clipped to the top of their headstock, but I respect Korg for prioritizing function and visibility.

Build quality

Compared to budget clip-on tuners, it feels solidly built, but the clip could be sturdier. While it works fine, a metallic clip would help it last longer. The lack of an integrated battery is also a little bit of a shame, but that’s not a deal-breaker, and some people might even prefer it.

Usability

Korg has designed the Sledgehammer Pro with the stage in mind. Its 3D tubular curved display is perfect for gigging, allowing you to clearly see the tuner from nearly any angle, regardless of low-light environments. Functionality is another strong point. With shuttle switches on the side, you can easily operate the tuner one-handed, a useful feature when you’re focused on your playing.

Performance

When it comes to tuning accuracy, the Korg Sledgehammer Pro leaves little to be desired. Offering an impressive 0.1-cent accuracy across chromatic, strobe, and half-strobe modes, it’s a reliable choice for any player.

Best for acoustic

Overview

Accessory stalwart D’Addario has a solid range of clip-on tuners, but it is the Micro Soundhole tuner that stands out, particularly for acoustic. D’Addario’s marketing line for this tuner is ‘the best tuner they’ll never see’, which I have to give them credit for – that’s a good line – but it only works if that’s true, and I’m happy to say the clever design fits discreetly in your guitar’s soundhole, making it basically invisible to anybody other than yourself.

Build quality

The overall build and particularly the non-marring mounting clip feel nicely snug, and I had concerns that it would slip off into the sound hole. Having it located out of the way, almost entirely internally, is a great way of making sure it doesn’t take any knocks or bangs.

The auto-shutdown feature helps preserve battery life, and it is versatile enough to work on other acoustic instruments like ukuleles and mandolins.

Usability

Despite its small size, the bright, multi-colored screen points directly at you when installed correctly, making it easy to see while tuning. The only minor downside is that turning it on and off can be a bit fiddly due to the strings getting in the way, but this is a small trade-off for what it offers.

Performance

Positioned within the soundhole, where vibrations are very strong, the Micro is impressively accurate, picking up notes with clarity and helping you tune to around 0.3 cents, which is significantly better than most cheap clip-ons, but can’t match high-end strobe tuners.

Best rechargeable

Overview

PRS isn’t exactly known for making accessories, but what they are known for is attention to detail and exceptional quality in everything they do, so it isn’t particularly surprising to find out that their Rechargeable Clip-On Headstock Tuner adheres to those standards.

Build quality

The first thing you’ll notice about this tuner is the size of the screen, which is huge. Fans of the classic PRS bird motifs will enjoy the inclusion of the ‘Cooper's Hawk’ on the screen, though personally, I feel it’s a little over the top. Overall, it does feel a little plasticy, which would normally concern me about longevity, but PRS is so sure about the quality that this tuner comes with an unlimited lifetime warranty – that is seriously good.

Usability

The PRS Rechargeable Clip-On Headstock Tuner is simple to use out of the box, and if you’re not interested in different modes, simply attach the no-slip clip, which anchors a 360° rotating arm, meaning you should have good visibility regardless of where you position your tuner, and off you go. If you do want to explore other modes, it’s easy to toggle between the four tuning modes (2 needle and 2 strobe). Battery life is also impressive, lasting weeks at a time on a single charge.

Performance

PRS claims this is one of the most accurate tuners on the market, particularly in strobe mode, which is accurate to .5 cent. Those figures don’t quite match up to the most accurate tuners on this list, but it’s still very impressive.

Also consider

How to choose

You’d be forgiven for thinking that every clip-on tuner is pretty much the same. All generally function in the same way, all are clipped to the same part of the guitar (except for clip-on soundhole tuners), and all perform the same task. While this is all true, there are a few things worth considering before taking the plunge on a particular clip-on tuner, as they are not necessarily all made equal, and one may suit your needs better than another.

1. Use case

When buying my first clip-on tuner, it was very much with the mindset that it would be my go-to for practice or to quickly tune, but I wouldn’t take it out of the house all that much, as my pedalboard tuner would be used then. If you’re planning to use a clip-on tuner at home, as I was, then you may be happy enough going for something a little more affordable that gets you decently in tune quickly. If you want this to be your main tuner, I would strongly suggest investing in a premium clip-on with superior build quality and higher levels of tuning reliability, regardless of environment.

2. Multiple guitars

While a decent chromatic clip-on tuner should cover most circumstances, they may not be optimized for every type of guitar, particularly if you play in different tunings, and you may either want multiple clip-ons or a tuner that you can adjust to different specific tunings.

Some clip-on tuners will also be specifically marketed as working across a range of stringed instruments, including bass, mandolin, and even ukulele. If you are going to switch between guitars in different tunings or even between instruments, it’s well worth investing in a clip-on tuner that is designed with this functionality.

3. Live playing

Clip-on tuners are surprisingly competent at giving accurate tuning information even in loud live environments – particularly the high-quality tuners on this list, and some cheaper tuners may not offer such great results – but one thing to really bear in mind is that stages can be dark, especially between songs, when tuning is likely to take place.

Some clip-on tuners have particularly bright displays that are easy to read. While these bright displays can be large and less than ‘cool’, they do make the process of tuning simpler, which should always take precedence. If you’re looking for a live tuner, get one with a good display.

FAQs

Key terms

• A440: Standard tuning reference where the A above middle C is set to 440 Hz. This is what most tuners default to.
• Accuracy: How precisely the tuner detects pitch.
• Calibration: Adjusting the reference pitch (like A440).
• Cents: A unit for measuring pitch differences. 100 cents equals one semitone.
• Chromatic: Can detect all notes, not just standard guitar tuning.
• Flat: A note that’s too low in pitch.
• Hz (Hertz): The frequency at which your guitar notes are measured.
• Intonation: How in-tune your guitar is across the fretboard.
• LCD (Liquid Crystal Display): A screen type with clear visuals.
• LED (Light Emitting Diode): Uses simple lights to show tuning status and is often easier to see on dark stages.
• Nitrocellulose (Nitro): A delicate guitar finish that can be damaged by some clip-on tuners, though some clip-on tuners are specifically designed not to react with it.
• Piezo: A sensor that picks up vibration through the wood and the function by which clip-on tuners “hear” your guitar.
• Pitch: How high or low a note sounds and, crucially, what the tuner is measuring.
• Polyphonic: Lets you strum all strings at once and see which ones are out.
• Sharp: A note that’s too high in pitch.
• Strobe: A highly accurate display style that shows pitch movement. Often the choice of those looking for the most precise tuning.
• Tracking: How quickly the tuner responds to your playing. Faster = more responsive.
• Transpose: Shifts the displayed pitch up or down, which can be useful if you’re tuning to a different key.

How we test

Our team of musicians here at Guitar Player has used loads of different clip-on tuners over the years, so it's safe to say we know the benefits and potential pitfalls they offer. When testing the best clip-on tuners, we'll use them in a variety of different scenarios to see how they perform best.

Our first tests are around the build quality. This means examining the unit in detail, testing all the physical aspects, and making sure they'll put up with live playing and being used at home.

Next, we'll look at the overall usability. Here we're judging how easy it is to use, whether the different functions are easily available, as well as one very important aspect of any clip-on tuner - the display. We want to be sure it will perform just as well in a dark rehearsal room as it will in a sunny living room, and we'll also check the viewing angle.

Finally, we'll look at the general performance of the unit. Does it respond to other sounds in noisy environments? Are all of the features easily available? Does it actually do a good job of tuning the instrument? All of these important questions will be looked at and answered.

Read more on how we test gear and services at Guitar Player.

For most players, a stack of Marshall amps is more likely to get complaints from neighbors and roommates than applause – no matter how spot-on your rendition of Layla might be. If that sounds familiar, the best desktop guitar amps are your ticket to channeling your inner Clapton at a more neighbor-friendly volume. These compact powerhouses aren’t just about keeping the peace – they’re often packed with cutting-edge tech, controllable from devices letting you tweak effects chains, experiment with head and cab combos, and even double as an interface for recording.

Designed to fit perfectly on your desk, these amps are lightweight, portable, and versatile enough to accompany you anywhere, whether that's to a friend’s house for a jam, a weekend getaway, or even your lunch break in the office. In fact, desktop amps have become so practical that the only time I’ve found myself reaching for a tube amp lately is during band practice or gigs.

With brands like Yamaha, Blackstar, and Positive Grid continuously pushing the envelope, there’s no shortage of incredible options in this category. Drawing on over a decade of experience in the industry, I’ve narrowed it down to the eight best desktop amps you can buy right now.

Our top picks

Best Overall

The THR range from Yamaha is a stalwart in the desktop amp category. The first version launched all the way back in 2011, and 15 years later the second iteration continues to impress. The THR10II has 20 watts of power, enough built-in effects to give a pedalboard a run for its money and the capability to amplify electric, acoustic and bass guitar.

Unlike other desktop amps, the THR10II impresses with its responsiveness to your playing. It performs well above its ‘desktop amp’ categorization and those used to tube amplifiers will appreciate the THR’s behaviors. Even the dual 3.1-inch speakers do a fantastic job of dispersing your sound, with a richness that is usually devoid in amplifiers this small. Sure, the small speakers can struggle if you blast the volume and gain, but at a general bedroom level, it sounds great.

Like any desktop amp worth its salt, the THR10II can be connected to Yamaha’s proprietary app for tone editing, signal chain tweaking, saving tones and accessing an additional compressor and noise gate. For its compact size, amp-like tone and numerous features, the THR10II remains one of the top options in the desktop amp category.

Best compact

Positive Grid prides itself on delivering practical, feature-packed, technologically driven amplifiers for guitarists, and the Spark Go is no exception. This pocket-sized amp is a spark – excuse the pun – for creativity and inspiring practice. Weighing only 346 grams and equipped with a 2-inch custom-designed speaker, you can toss it in your gig bag and play whenever inspiration strikes.

Borrowing from others in the Spark range, the Go is compatible with the free Spark app. Here’s where the amp truly shines, allowing tone editing from a range of 33 different amplifiers and 43 effects, giving you almost everything its bigger siblings offer.

Other features include Bluetooth compatibility, meaning it doubles as a wireless speaker when you want to put the guitar down and listen to the professionals. With a USB-C connector, it can also serve as an interface if needed, while the headphone output ensures quiet practice. As for the build, Positive Grid’s thoughtful design is present throughout – the rounded edges, recessed controls and soft detents on the control panel give it a premium feel.

Read the full Positive Grid Spark Go review

Best wireless

A best amplifier guide would be incomplete without a Katana product, and for this particular category, the Katana-Air EX is Boss’ best-in-class desktop option. The EX version is slightly larger than the original Air and features two prominent upgrades: two specially designed 5-inch speakers and a ported wooden cabinet.

The EX delivers 30 watts through its stereo speakers, offering more than enough volume for home practice or casual jamming. While it may not have the raw output to keep up with a drummer in a live band setting, it shines in smaller jam sessions and personal use. Plus, Boss’ wireless transmitter makes cable-free play an absolute joy. We’ve experienced no latency issues, and with 12 hours of playtime before needing a charge, it’s perfect for extended practice.

Like other Katanas, the Air EX comes loaded with over 60 of Boss’ iconic effects and five amp voices, covering everything from sparkling cleans to saturated leads. It even supports acoustic guitar and bass. If you need more flexibility for a band or performance, the stereo line output with mic’d cab emulation allows you to connect it directly to a PA or recording console – showing how this desktop amp can bridge the gap between home and venue use.

Best classic tones

With the Mustang LT40S, Fender takes a slightly different approach. While many competitors are leaning into smartphone integration and app-based control, the Mustang LT40S stands out as a more self-contained option. It’s perfect for players who want a desktop amp that’s plug-and-play, without constantly reaching for their phone.

Featuring a built-in 1.8-inch screen, the LT40S offers 25 effects and 20 amp voices, all designed to be controlled directly on the amp. Sure, you can upload patches via a USB connection and the Fender Tone desktop app, but this amp doesn’t depend on it. Most of the heavy lifting can be done right from the amp, thanks to the large rotary knob that controls the screen and an easily accessible EQ section.

When it comes to amp voices, the LT40S shines with those iconic Fender tones. The Bassman, Champ, Deluxe, Princeton and Twin models all deliver an excellent foundation for layering effects. With 40 watts of power and two 4-inch speakers, there’s plenty of volume on tap. The wooden cabinet adds depth and richness to the tone, giving it an edge over other desktop amp options. While it doesn’t include Bluetooth capabilities, for its attractive price point, that’s hardly a deal breaker.

Best features

The original Spark garnered over 25,000 pre-orders when it was first introduced to the guitar world, so expectations for its follow-up were understandably high. While the second iteration closely resembles the original in appearance, most of the upgrades are under the hood. That said, the most notable aesthetic change is the control panel, which now features a newly installed looper – a welcome addition in our eyes.

The Spark 2 is now more powerful, with 50 watts of output compared to the original’s 40 watts. The new DSP amp-modeling engine handles user tweaks and adjustments more effectively, while the improved FRFR speakers offer clearer sound and an excellent platform for patches. Positive Grid has also improved the AI features within the app. Simply describe the tone you're after – such as a warm, rich vintage overdrive – and the app will generate a custom patch tailored to your request.

On top of that, the Spark 2 includes all the connectivity options you need: Bluetooth, a new stereo line output, and a USB-C option for using the amp as an interface. All in all, the Spark 2 is the ultimate home practice tool and an excellent sequel to the original.

Best on a budget

Emerging from the ranks of ex-Marshall employees, Blackstar has made a name for itself in the world of amplification. From versatile tube amps to affordable practice options, the Fly 3 is a standout in the budget desktop amp category.

This compact little amp is perfect for those who want to keep costs low without sacrificing a decent tone. Powered by a 3-inch speaker and 3 watts of power, it manages to deliver surprisingly clear sound that punches well above its weight. The big appeal of the Fly 3, however, is its size – you can take it just about anywhere. Whether you’re practicing at work, on holiday, or even on the bus, it’s battery-powered, so it’s truly portable.

The layout is simple and effective, with controls for gain, volume, built-in delay, and Blackstar’s patented ISF control, which lets you switch between classic American or British amp tones. There is even an overdrive channel for a bit of extra grit, alongside the clean channel. Not to be outdone by larger amps, Blackstar has included an emulated line-out for recording and an aux-in for jamming along to tracks.

Best with Bluetooth

NUX has long been known for producing high-quality, affordable products that pack in modern features that other brands often charge a premium for. The Mighty series of amps is a prime example, and the Mighty Lite BT MKII stands out as one of the best desktop amp options in the range.

This compact desktop amp packs 3 watts of power – perfect for home use – and offers the convenience of both battery and DC power. However, where the Mighty Lite BT MKII truly comes to life is when paired with the MightyAmp app and Mighty Editor.

The app puts hands-on control in your grasp, offering over 21 different amp voices and the ability to manipulate 7 different effects blocks: reverbs, delays, modulations, overdrives and more.

You can choose different jam tracks and adjust the built-in drum machine, all from the app. If you’re feeling stuck for inspiration, a bank of user presets is available for free, and saving your own presets to the amp’s toggle button is simple and intuitive.

Best FRFR

HeadRush is always innovating, there is no doubt. The FRFR-GO sees the company blend two fairly new amp categories – desktop amps and FRFR speakers. Designed as a compact, no-compromise option, the FRFR-GO delivers a solid 30 watts of sound through its dual 3-inch custom speakers, making it an excellent choice for home practice and smaller spaces.

Despite its small form factor compared to other FRFR options, this desktop-sized amp doesn’t skimp on functionality. It features Bluetooth streaming, allowing you to jam along to your favorite tracks, while its intuitive control panel provides easy access to EQ adjustments. As a space-saving, portable amplifier, the FRFR-GO is ideal for casual play, practice, and use with amp modelers or effect units.

What truly sets the FRFR-GO apart is its seamless integration with modelers, delivering your favorite tones at lower volumes without compromise. Its portability is further enhanced by a 13-hour battery life, making it a fantastic travel companion. Whether you’re heading to a holiday home, the office, or even on a trip, just pack your travel guitar and modeler, and you’re ready to play.

FAQs

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I remember it like it was yesterday, when mini amplifiers were little more than toys, built with terrible speakers that produced truly awful tones - think angry wasp's nest in a tin can. However, over the last few years, manufacturers have realized there is a place for great tones in compact packages that allow guitarists to practice at home or on the move. With the modern guitar player turning away from heavy and loud tube or solid-state amps, the best mini amps can deliver all those same great tones in a more compact package, and so much more.

A mini amp is defined by being lightweight and space-saving, even when compared to the sort of practice amps that typically come bundled with starter sets. They will have much smaller speakers than standard practice amps, and many are battery-powered. The ever-improving quality of passive radiators combined with amp modeling in small guitar amps means they’re quite capable of delivering room-filling sound, all whilst taking up a tiny amount of space. This means they not only cater to the beginner market, but also to professional players looking for a compact companion to practice at home with.

Perhaps my favorite option on the market, the Positive Grid Spark Mini distills the best qualities of a mini amp by utilizing technology alongside the power of smartphones. We were so impressed with the review model that we gave it five stars after rigorous testing. If you’re looking for something similar without having to spend as much, the Positive Grid Spark Go offers a similar experience in a smaller package. It’s a fantastic, affordable option.

I’ve relied upon extensive experience demoing and recommending mini amps in my day job in a guitar store, plus my two decades of playing experience, having seen the mini amp revolution in that time span. So, if you have any further questions you need to ask, have a look at our FAQs section for more information. Also, for complete beginners, my how to choose section will outline three key considerations when purchasing your first mini amp.

Best overall

Overview

The Spark Mini may be mini by name and size, but in every other department, it is anything but. Released in 2022, we are still surprised that an amplifier this size can sound so good. Despite advancements in technology, it is hard to wrap your head around it.

Build

An area where the Spark Mini stands above rivals is its build quality. While it’s only made from glass-fibre, the Tolex on the outside adds a layer of luxury, and the mesh grill is classy. This is an amp you’d be proud to have on display in your home.

Features

It comes loaded with four presets, which are great to get you going, but to unlock the depths of its abilities, the Positive Grid Spark app is a necessity. Technophobes may be put off by having to use the app, but it is generally very intuitive to use and gives you full control over the 43 effects and full amp catalog. If you’re not interested in building your own sounds, there are over 10,000 presets to choose from—no other mini amp can compete with that.

Sounds

Lastly, its two-by-two-inch, cleverly angled speaker design produces a much larger sound than it has any right to, with good, balanced detail and enough low end for most applications. The overall low-end response is impressive for an amp of this size, though really powerful bass sounds like those from bass guitars or baritone guitars can drive the speakers into crackling when driven hard.

Best budget

Overview

The even smaller brother of the Spark Mini, the Positive Grid Spark Go is the most affordable amplifier in the Spark range, also in the smallest package. As with the rest of the Spark range, the Spark Go requires Positive Grid’s Spark app to unlock all of its features, with limited, but usable, options available via the amp itself.

Build

Aesthetically, the Go shares the hallmarks of its bigger siblings. We’re talking about the beautiful woven grille cloth with gold detailing and a custom black hardshell, with a handy carry strap attached. Although this is an affordable option, Positive Grid hasn’t skipped quality control, and the Go feels every bit as considered as the Spark Mini.

Features

When connected to the Spark app, there are pretty much limitless opportunities for sound creation, with 43 effects at your fingertips and 33 amp models to choose from. For some, this may seem overcomplicated, but it makes it extremely versatile. There are precious few physical controls

Sounds

It can’t match its bigger brother - the Spark Mini - for volume, but that is to be expected given its lower price point and smaller size, boasting a single 2” speaker, compared to the Mini’s 2x 2”. This will appeal to people looking for the smallest solution possible that still produces great sounds, or could be a nice addition if you already have one of the larger Spark amplifiers and want to take those tones on the go.

Best for metal

Overview

Bigger and better than its little brother, the Katana Mini, the Katana Mini X is a concerted attempt by BOSS to put themselves at the top of the mini amp food chain, as they have done with the rest of their full-sized Katana range. While the smaller Katana Mini feels a little cheap and hasn’t really set the mini amp world alight, the Katana Mini X is a different beast.

Build

Standout upgrades include far more effects options and more. The big one for any player who plans to use this regularly on the move is the change from disposable batteries (6x AAs) to an integrated rechargeable battery, charged via USB-C. This is so much better, and it’s a real wonder why BOSS has taken so long to upgrade to this.

Features

As always with the Katana range, there is a great selection of BOSS effects, and this is a really exciting amp to add to any player’s collection to achieve great tones on the move. As far as mini amps go, it is on the larger side, so for anybody looking for the truly tiny, it might be a little too big, but it’s still very portable and, compared to the sound it produces, it’s minuscule.

Sounds

The 5” speaker packs plenty of punch and notably a good amount of low end. Switching to the Brown channel, you get an aggressive, thick saturation that gets you comfortably into chugging territory. The speaker can handle it well, but like any mini amp, too much volume and it can get murky. However, for its size, this will appeal to metalheads of all stripes.

Best for gigging

Overview

The Micro Dark is the mini amp to beat when it comes to tiny amp heads. Other manufacturers have created their own microscopic heads to combat Orange’s Micro range - comprising the Micro Dark and Micro Terror - but they haven’t caught on in the same way.

Build

True simplicity is where the Micro Dark excels. A simple 3-knob setup gives a surprising amount of tonal control for the 20W of hybrid power—yes, the Micro Dark has a real ECC83 (12AX7) vacuum tube in the preamp. When compared to the extremely clever and powerful digital options on the mini-amp market, the Micro Dark may feel a touch simple, coming without many bells and whistles.

Features:

It has no integrated effects, but does have an effects loop, which will appeal to those with existing pedalboards. For those looking for a super versatile option with lots of features, this is one to avoid; however, if you are looking for a mini amp with the ability to gig, the Micro Dark is a great option.

Sounds

The obvious issue with the Micro Dark as a practice amp is that once you add a speaker cabinet - and it can even get a 4x12” cabinet pushing air - it’d be fair to argue that ‘the package’ would struggle to qualify as a mini amp. One that's only suitable for players looking for something compact to use at shows. The sheer capability of something this small filling up a venue is almost laughable, but it sounds big, can get aggressive, and punches well above its weight class.

Best for bass

Overview

There’s an argument that when it comes to modern mini amps, the Blackstar Fly is the king. It’s certainly one of the first that took the mini amp seriously, creating an amplifier that was supremely compact but delivered genuinely impressive tones. Blackstar hasn’t forgotten about bassists either, as this legacy series includes the Fly 3 Bass, the best option for low-end warriors.

Build

The Fly 3 Bass is reassuringly solid, and you can find plenty of the original 2014 versions kicking about now, over ten years later. It’s an amp that lasts. The bass iteration uses the exact same DNA as its electric guitar sibling, and as far as portable mini amps go, the Fly 3 Bass shouldn’t give you any durability issues.

Features

Unique to the Fly 3 Bass is a built-in compressor and a ‘Sub’ control. This adds an extra layer of thickness to the low-end, producing a surprising growl for an amplifier this size. The EQ control allows you to adjust the depth of the EQ curve, a nice change from Blackstar’s sole ISF control found on the guitar version.

Sounds

Lastly, this is an amp that can be upgraded with the Fly 103 extension cabinet available to double your wattage (to 6W) and give you a stereo speaker set for music. For beginners, in particular, this is an amp that is perfect to start with, but it will also inevitably remain in your collection for years to come.

Best for acoustic

Overview

NUX has made an effort to stake a real claim in the small guitar amp market with the Mighty Lite BT MKII. Launching a mobile app to go alongside your mini amp is bold, given the quality of those already established in the market; however, the MightyAmp Mobile App is really simple to use with a graphic interface that even technophobes will be able to get their heads around. With the use of the MightyAmp app, the Mighty Lite has lots more tonal options, plus additional effects and presets for acoustic guitar.

Features

If you’re not keen on using an app, the Mighty Lite is ready to go from the box with delay/reverb (only one at a time) with tap tempo, plus your standard gain, volume, and tone to dial in a solid sound. This, alongside a drum machine featuring nine different patterns and Bluetooth connectivity, means you’ve got a really great practice amp.

Build

In terms of features compared to the price, the Mighty Lite is up there with one of the best mini amps on the market, which makes us almost forget it requires AA batteries rather than having an integrated battery. It does have the neat trick of being able to be powered by a third-party USB power bank - the sort you’d charge your phone with - which is a nice trick.

Sounds

While acoustic guitars thrive with full-range speakers to capture their harmonic detail, the 3-inch driver in the Mighty Lite does a remarkable job. You can’t max out the volume without encountering some distortion, but if you select an acoustic preset, the included cab sim provides a surprisingly natural and usable tone for such a small unit.

Also consider

The above amps should, in our opinion, cover the bases for most guitarists out there. We appreciate there's no one size fits all solution however, so here's a selection of other options for you to consider.

How to choose

On a daily basis, guitarists would come into the guitar store I worked in and ask me to show them the best mini amp they could buy. Having done this for 10 years, I said the same thing to each player: you need to consider these three factors when selecting a mini amplifier, and more often than not, they’d walk away with the best option for them. Here are the three things you should consider.

1. Volume

Firstly, how loud do you want your mini amplifier to be? This would usually take players by surprise, as mini amps are often considered to be on the quieter side. However, that’s not exactly the case. An option like the Orange Micro Dark can fill a venue, so volume considerations are important.

2. Features

Then consider the features you would like. Some mini amps are app-controlled, can Bluetooth stream, connect to extension cabinets, and have rechargeable power packs. You name it, if it’s been thought of in the amplifier world, there will likely be a mini amp that can do it.

Of course, you may want something simpler than a mini amp with all the bells and whistles. If you do, then fear not, as an option like the Blackstar Fly 3 offers a decluttered, easy-to-use mini amp that technophobes will love.

3. Power

I’m not talking about output power with this one. Instead, do you want your mini amp to be battery-powered or not? This is an important consideration, as many assume mini amps are all battery-powered. However, that’s not always the case. It’s a point that catches a lot of players out when they first purchase.

You may want a mini amp with a rechargeable built-in battery pack, perhaps you already have rechargeable batteries to use, or maybe you’re not bothered. Regardless, it’s something to decide before buying.

FAQs

Key terms

• Attenuator: This is a device, either built-in or external, that allows you to control the power output of an amplifier.
• Boxy: Terminology used to describe a tone that sits predominantly in the lower mid-range, creating a flat sound that feels like it’s being played inside a box.
• Busking: The activity of playing music in public, typically on a high street, to earn money.
• Cab sim (cabinet simulation): Software that replicates the sound of particular cabinets, typically famous models from well-known brands. Cab sims aim to capture the response, feel, and acoustics of the cabinet they are replicating.
• Chug: A technique in metal guitar where the player repeatedly palm-mutes downstrokes to create an aggressive, percussive sound.
• Clean headroom: An amp with clean headroom is capable of playing loudly while retaining clarity without distorting.
• DAW (Digital Audio Workstation): Software that allows you to record instruments and microphones, typically via an audio interface. DAWs often include effects, amp voices, and engineering tools for optimal recording.
• DSP (Digital Signal Processing): Computer algorithms used to create effects, tones, or emulate guitar amplifiers. This is the technology found in digital modeling amplifiers.
• FRFR (Full Range, Flat Response): Speakers designed to reproduce the entire frequency range with clarity. They provide a neutral platform for amp modelers.
• Fizzy: Terminology used to describe static, buzzy distortion that doesn’t sound particularly pleasant.
• Gain: A control typically found on amplifiers that determines the amount of signal being driven into the preamp, directly affecting distortion and saturation.
• GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome): A tongue-in-cheek term guitarists use to describe the constant urge to keep buying new gear.
• Impulse response (IR): A digital file that captures the sonic characteristics of a specific speaker cabinet, microphone, and room, allowing you to recreate that exact setup in a digital environment.
• Latency: The delay between striking a note on your guitar and hearing it through headphones, an amplifier, or an audio interface.
• Line in: An input used to connect pre-amplified signals, such as a smartphone or MP3 player, allowing you to play music through a guitar amplifier.
• Modeling: A type of amplifier technology that uses digital processors, such as DSP, to emulate the sounds of famous amplifiers and effects.
• Passive radiator: A speaker component that reinforces low-end frequencies without using additional power, helping smaller amps produce a fuller bass response.
• Solid state: A type of amplifier that uses transistor-based circuits to create sound, unlike traditional guitar amps that use vacuum tube technology.

How we test

Here at Guitar Player we've been testing gear since 1967, so it's fair to say we've got a great overview of guitar gear throughout recent history. We've reviewed all kinds of guitar amps from tube classics to modern modeling amps, giving us a great overview of how best to judge a mini guitar amp for our guides. When testing a mini guitar amp we'll take the same steps as we would a full-size guitar amp.

First of all, we'll look at the build quality of the amp. We want to determine the inputs and outputs, how it's put together, what size speaker it has, how many knobs, and any other physical features we can note. This helps us determine who the mini amp is for, and what sort of use case it'll be good for.

Next, we'll take a more in-depth look at the usability of the amp. If it's a modeling amp then we'll determine how many amp models you get and how to access them. We'll look at any effects it has built-in, as well as additional functionality like Bluetooth or an auxiliary output. In using the amp we're looking to see how easy it is to get to grips with it and start dialing in tones, as well as using any extra features it might have.

Finally, and arguably most importantly, we'll test the sound. Depending on the amp type, if it's more a classic type then we'll start with all the EQ knobs at 12 o'clock and start playing to see what a neutral tone sounds like. We'll then tweak to find various tones, making notes of everything as we go.

If it's a modeling amp then we'll start with the built-in presets to see how those sound, before beginning to tweak our own sounds. We'll try building a rig from scratch, seeing how easy it is to put a signal chain together and judging how realistic the models sound versus the actual gear from our own experience.

Read more on how we test gear and services at Guitar Player.

In the pursuit of perfect tone, it might seem counterintuitive to invest in something that is designed to silence your guitar, but the best noise gate pedals can work with your tone to enhance it by removing unwanted noise or hum. The noise gate is a simple concept, and its name is pretty self-explanatory: a ‘gate’ opens and closes to allow or stop noise from going through. It’s really as simple as that.

Having experimented with my fair share of noise gate pedals over 20 years of playing, I’ve developed a keen understanding of what works and what doesn’t. Working in a busy guitar store for nearly 10 years has allowed me to interact with a plethora of different guitarists whose styles vary drastically, and whose use of the noise gate ranges from utilitarian to outright wacky. Relying on this experience, I’ve selected the best possible options for guitarists today.

For those after the best of the best, look no further than the Boss NS-1X. Part of Boss’s premium X-Series, the NS-1X takes everything great about the standard edition and utilizes advanced Multi-Dimensional Processing for better response and expressiveness. For those looking to save a buck, the TC Electronic Iron Curtain is a great option. For ease of use, build quality, and affordability, it’s a no-brainer.

If you’re just foraying into noise gates, I’ve written a helpful how to choose section for beginners, while the FAQ and our glossary of key terms cover common questions, address jargon, and help you make an informed decision. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best noise gate pedals on the market.

My top picks

Best overall

Overview: The NS-1X from Boss is the pinnacle of noise gates. With many noise gates, there can be a slightly jarring feeling, where notes are cut off abruptly, or their attack feels unnatural, but the NS-1X doesn’t have either of these problems, offering a fantastically musical experience and easily allowing the user to dial in the correct settings to reduce only what’s unwanted and retain tonal clarity.

Usability: A feature that sets the NS-1X apart is its graphic LED display which lets you see the gate coming into action. While some will be happy to set their noise gate exclusively by ear, the visual guide is super valuable and will really appeal to those who use software noise gates when recording their guitar.

Sounds: Featuring three modes – gate, reduction, and mute – the NS-1X is anything but a one-trick pony, catering to those who just want to remove hum or those who want a heavy gate that absolutely clamps down all sound between playing. It comes at a premium price tag, but this is everything you will ever want in a noise gate pedal.

Best budget

Overview: The Iron Curtain from TC Electronic is a brilliantly simple noise gate with only two controls to operate: threshold and decay. It is built like a tank, incredibly affordable and will appeal to those looking for a no-nonsense noise gate for their pedalboard.

Usability: Despite its simplicity, these two controls allow you to manipulate the reaction time of the gate drastically, taking you between a hard gate that aggressively slams shut to a more gentle, subtle gate that should be almost undetectable in use.

Sounds: It doesn’t have the bells and whistles of more premium pedals, but at only around $50, you wouldn’t expect it to. For those on the hunt for a super-accurate and endlessly adjustable noise gate, this might not fulfil all your gating desires. However, for those just looking to reduce hum – single coil players, we’re looking at you – this would be an excellent addition to your pedalboard.

Best for beginners

Overview: If you’re not sure whether you will need a noise gate regularly, the Behringer NR300 Noise Reducer is a perfect introduction to noise gates. Coming in at a, frankly, insane price point, it’s ideal for those who want to test how a noise gate can improve their sound.

Usability: Based on the Boss NS-2, the NR300 is laid out very similarly. Featuring a ‘threshold’ and ‘decay’ control, with both ‘mute’ and ‘reduction’ modes, a beginner isn’t going to be overwhelmed with the options on this pedal. The plastic chassis is surprisingly tough and should last well, though it does mean this pedal looks and feels as cheap as it is.

Sounds: For those who play with low to moderate gain, it functions particularly well, though it may struggle to cope with higher gain sounds. The NR300 is a good pedal for the casual gate user, but die-hard enthusiasts should only look here if they are on a very tight budget.

Best for metal

Overview: The majority of noise gate pedals will find their home in the realm of high-gain tones, and this is undoubtedly the genre that the MXR Smart Gate excels in. It’s remarkably simple in operation for such a powerful tool, with just one ‘trigger level’ knob that handles how quickly you want the gate to open, accompanied by a pair of switches (Mode and Hi Trigger). Don’t let the lack of knobs fool you, though; it’s mighty effective despite its simplicity.

Usability: Despite the wide range of gating options the Smart Gate provides through its one knob control, as a gate pedal that sits towards the higher echelons of the market, some users may expect additional controls, with the two switches giving limited parameters to edit the gate’s characteristics.

However, the vast majority will find that MXR has created a pedal that will suit their needs right out of the box, and the three settings of ‘full’, ‘mid’, and ‘hiss’ will generally cover all uses.

Sounds: Full mode offers a really dynamic, quick gate that snaps close and produces a tight sound that is ideal for chugging, while Hiss mode does an excellent job removing any trace of nasty noise in your sound, with Mid sitting somewhere in between.

Best for bass

Overview: As masters of high-gain bass amplification and tone shaping, Darkglass knows a thing or two about the heavier genres where noise gates come into their own. The NSG Noise Gate is certainly made with gain in mind, with an uncanny ability to deliver precise and transparent noise reduction, even when faced with crushing gain or complex signal chains.

Usability: Despite that, it’s really straightforward to operate, with a simple threshold control acting as your sole control option with an integrated switch between hard and soft gain reduction. Some users may prefer more options, and it may not be ideal for those who don’t play with lots of gain; however, it can comfortably remove noise in most applications.

Sounds: Although it features just a single knob, the range of tones on offer makes it well worth the investment. The selectable modes genuinely change the pedal’s character, allowing you to switch between hard and soft settings for either an aggressive or more subtle gate response.

Designed primarily as a pedal for bassists, guitarists may want to look for something built with guitar in mind, though the NSG can work just as well with guitar and even keyboards, so multi-instrumentalists should place this high up on their lists.

Best mini pedal

Overview: There's surprisingly few compact noise gate pedals out there, but out of that select few, I think the Pigtronix Gatekeeper 2 is the best. It does a great job of cutting hum, feedback, and hiss, while remaining compact enough that you'll have plenty of space for more exciting pedals.

Usability: As it's small there are only two knobs, which means you will have to spend some time adjusting the controls to find the perfect balance. Threshold determines how much signal is needed to open the gate, with the release knob determining how long before it closes. It has a fairly limited range compared to other, more complex pedals, but for the vast majority of players this should be plenty.

Sounds: The Gatekeeper is great at keeping things tight and controlled, but you do have to be careful with the knob positions otherwise you will find sustained notes get cut off. It's probably not the best for those who want a more subtle hum reduction, but if you're playing overdriven and high gain tones, then it does a fantastic job.

Also consider

How to choose

If you’re new to the world of noise gate pedals, this section is for you. With over 20 years of playing, testing, and buying pedals – and nearly a decade working in a busy guitar store – I’ve helped countless players find the right noise gate for their setup. Even experienced guitarists will admit that noise gates can be a little confusing at first, but don’t worry. If you keep these three key points in mind, choosing your next pedal will be much easier.

1. Control

First things first, how much control do you need over your noise gate? As our list of pedals states, there are noise gates that are incredibly simple in setup, to much more advanced options with multiple controls. If you don’t require or are just starting out, having a simple threshold control may be enough to get started and to clean up your signal. On the other hand, if you feel a bit more confident, a noise gate that allows you to control the attack, decay and release may be preferred.

2. Connectors

Next up, what connections do you need? If you run a fairly basic pedal setup with only one overdrive to tame, then a noise gate with an input and output will do you fine. On the other hand, if your setup is more complex, you have an overdrive, distortion and three fuzz pedals running into multiple delays and modulations, then a noise gate with a return/send will be better suited. This allows you to place the noise gate in an effects loop, which is beneficial for an advanced setup with more variables.

3. Playing style

Lastly, what do you play and how do you do it? Noise gates behave differently depending on how you play. If you have a tight, percussive playing style or play heavier genres, you’ll want a gate with a fast response that clamps down quickly between riffs. On the other hand, if you play blues, pop, or more expressive styles, a slower, smoother gate will sound more natural and preserve your note sustain. Before buying, think about how you play and what kind of response you will feel most comfortable with.

FAQs

Key terms

• Attack: On a noise gate pedal, attack refers to how quickly the gate opens to let your signal through once it has hit the threshold.
• Bleed: This refers to any unwanted noise that might get through the noise gate pedal’s threshold.
• Chattering: This refers to the rapid, unwanted opening and closing of a noise gate when it struggles to distinguish between your playing signal and background noise, resulting in an uneven or stuttering sound.
• Decay: This control determines how quickly the gate closes after the signal drops below the threshold.
• Downward expander: A more technical version of a noise gate, a downward expander doesn’t completely cut off background noise; instead, it gradually lowers the volume, making the effect sound more natural.
• Floor: The floor, or noise floor, refers to the inherent background noise present in an audio signal or system, below which the noise gate begins to attenuate or mute the sound.
• Gate: This is the part of a noise gate that closes, stopping your signal from going through once the threshold has been reached.
• Hysteresis: This type of noise gate pedal essentially has two thresholds, one to open the gate and one to close it. This helps the gate operate more smoothly and prevents chattering.
• Hold: The hold control keeps the gate open for a certain amount of time after the signal drops below the threshold.
• Look-ahead: This is a feature that analyzes the incoming audio signal and reacts slightly ahead of time. It’s useful for preserving transients and keeping the gated sound more natural and transparent.
• Ratio: Simply put, the ratio control determines how much the volume is reduced once the signal drops below the threshold.
• Release: This affects how long it takes for the gate to fully close after the signal falls beneath the threshold.
• Send/return: Found on more advanced noise gates, this loop allows you to target specific pedals or parts of your signal chain. You can place particularly noisy effects between the send and return so only those pedals are gated.
• Sensitivity: This control adjusts how easily the gate reacts to your playing dynamics. Higher sensitivity means the gate will open more readily to quieter notes.
• Threshold: The level at which the noise gate activates. When your signal drops below this point, the gate begins to close, filtering out unwanted noise.

How we choose

At Guitar Player, our team of writers aren't just music enthusiasts; we're real-life musicians. Our hands-on experience with overdrive pedals ensures that our reviews and recommendations are backed by practical knowledge and real-world testing.

When it comes to selecting the best noise gate pedals, we leave no stone unturned. Meticulously evaluating factors like tonal versatility, sonic character, build quality, and value for money, it's only after rigorous testing in a variety of playing scenarios do we choose products for our guides. We stand by our selections, ensuring that every pedal we recommend is one we'd use ourselves.

Read more on how we test gear and service at Guitar Player

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• Get it all in one with the best multi-effects pedals
• The best delay pedals augment your tone
• Add some space with the best reverb pedals
• The best looper pedals improve your playing

Starting with the best beginner acoustic guitar is the smartest way to kick off your playing journey. Not only will an acoustic build finger strength and improve clarity when fretting chords, but it also lets you focus on the fundamentals; no amp, no distractions, just pure playing.

Whether you’re after a cheap starter instrument or you’re looking to invest a little more into something that will last longer, all of the beginner acoustics in this guide boast specifications that render them suitable for first-time players – take it from us, we were all beginners once.

Slimmer necks and more compact dimensions are quite popular amongst beginner guitars, but we’ve hand-picked a range of instruments from some of the biggest and most trusted names in the industry – Fender, Taylor and Epiphone to name a few – that all showcase something slightly different.

Different players value different features, and everyone learns in their own way. That’s why we’ve curated a broad selection to suit all types of beginners, drawing on over 20 years of playing experience and a decade in guitar retail, helping first-time players find the right fit.

We've also included some useful FAQs further down this page.

My top picks

Best overall

The Taylor Academy series was designed to give players the best guitar possible for the least amount of money and cater to all sorts of different playing styles. It’s by no means cheap, but you do get a high-quality guitar, built well, that plays wonderfully.

It features a solid spruce top and layered walnut back and sides, and sounds rich, clear and articulate. It’s punchy and quite bright, and it works for whatever style of music you’re looking to play, whether that be strumming or fingerpicking. The Grand Concert shape is nice and comfortable too, and is perhaps more subtle than its dreadnought counterpart.

The slim neck profile has been designed with beginners in mind, and the armrest on the body of the guitar makes positioning your body correctly more comfortable. For 2025, Taylor has added its proprietary ES-B pickup system, giving you the option to plug in as your playing progresses. It’s a bit of an investment for your first guitar, but it means you won’t have to upgrade for quite some time.

Best budget

A solid-topped Fender at this price is nothing to be sniffed at. It’s an entry-level instrument, but the addition of a solid spruce top means that you get a richer, more complex tone than you would with a laminate top.

The concert-sized body shape is fairly compact, meaning that players of all sizes and statures will be comfortable playing it. It also helps give it a sweet, articulate tone that responds well to both fingerpicking and strumming. Fender have even equipped it with their ‘easy to play’ neck profile that has been made with those just starting out in mind.

If you’re after a basic but great sounding acoustic guitar at a reasonable price, then this really is one to consider.

Best for small hands

The GS Mini is one of the most popular acoustic guitars on the market amongst beginners and pros alike. Players just starting out love the super compact dimensions, short scale and ultra playable neck, and more experienced guitarists appreciate the rich, balanced tone and premium build quality.

Yes, there are cheaper guitars you can start with, but sit down with a GS Mini for a short while and you’ll quickly see why many beginners choose it. It’s small, but not too small for adults. The neck is easy to get your fingers around and the short scale makes chord stretches and scales a touch easier to play.

The guitar is built using a solid spruce top, and layered sapele back and sides. The result is a beautiful rich, articulate sound with a lovely bright top end, and warm powerful low end. It also throws out a surprising amount of volume for a small guitar!

Best dreadnought

The Dove is one of the most striking acoustic guitars, and Epiphone’s take on the Gibson classic is a great place for a beginner to start. Loads of renowned players have used a Gibson Dove over the years, from Billy Morgan to Bob Dylan. This model is a much more affordable version but shares many of the same qualities.

It sports a dreadnought body shape which offers plenty of power and projection. It has strong low and high frequencies, which is enhanced even more by the guitar’s maple back and sides – this adds a touch more brightness to the sound. Whether you’re looking to play rock, blues, folk, country, the Dove will cater for it.

The dreadnought body isn’t the smallest; it’s probably fine for most people, but it’s something to keep in mind. The neck profile is a nice SlimTaper D shape though, making it easy to get your fingers round to the fretboard. It’s also got a pickup on board, so if you’re looking to play live in the near future, then you’re ready to go.

Best acoustic electric for beginners

If you’re seeking an affordable acoustic guitar fitted with a pickup (aka an acoustic electric guitar) for using at gigs or open-mic nights, then this is one to consider. It’s got a laminate okoume top, back and sides, lending the guitar a full and warm sound.

The laminate wood won’t sound quite as rich and resonant as solid wood does, but it’s still a nice sounding instrument. It’s also fitted with a pickup, which means if you want a guitar to learn on and then go out performing live with, then this Ibanez has you covered. The on-board preamp even has a tuner built in, which is particularly handy when just starting out.

The cutaway is really handy for getting to those top notes, should you want to start experimenting with lead parts or more adventurous chords, and the compact body makes for a very comfortable playing experience.

Best classical

The Yamaha C40II has long been a staple for first-time players, and it’s easy to see why. With a full-size classical body and soft nylon strings, it’s far more forgiving on untrained fingers than a typical steel-string acoustic. The neck has a smooth satin finish, and the low action makes it easy to play straight out of the box.

Tonally, the C40II punches above its price. The laminated spruce top delivers a clear, balanced tone with enough warmth and resonance to suit classical, flamenco, or even casual fingerstyle. It’s not especially loud, but for home practice and learning the basics, it more than holds its own.

What really makes the C40II stand out is just how much guitar you get for the money. Between the solid tuning stability, beginner-friendly setup, and great construction, it offers far more than you’d expect at this price. For new players who want a no-fuss instrument they can actually enjoy learning on, the C40II is the best classical option on the market.

Also consider

The beginner acoustics above should cover most of the bases, but in case you didn't find what you were looking for, here are a few more options for your consideration.

How to choose

Choosing a beginner acoustic guitar can be tough, particularly if you don't have any experience in guitars to begin with. If you're here looking for your first acoustic, or you're looking to buy one for a family member, here's what you should look out for.

1. Cost

How much you want to invest in your first instrument is really down to you. If it’s just to dip your toe in the water, then you might not want to commit too much cash. Anything around the $150 mark should get you something decent and playable, without spending money on features you don’t need.

If you know you’re keen, then it’s definitely worth spending a little more. A better guitar will likely sound better, so you’ll get more enjoyment out of it, and it means that you’re not looking to upgrade it once you master the basics. It'll also last longer, so can accompany you further into your playing career.

2. Wood types

The best beginner acoustic guitars will feature a selection of solid and laminate or layered woods. Solid woods sound richer and more complex; they will gradually break in over time and sound better the more you play them. Like with many of these things though, you usually pay more for solid woods.

Laminate wood is multiple layers of wood glued together, which doesn’t resonate or vibrate quite as freely. It is cheaper to produce though, and it’s also more resistant to fluctuations in temperature and humidity.

With your first guitar, you wouldn’t necessarily notice the benefits that an all-solid guitar would bring. A nice in-between is a guitar with a solid top and laminate back and sides. The top can be seen as the ‘speaker’ of an acoustic so it has a huge impact on tone. Making this from solid wood and the back and sides from laminate yields great tones, but keeps the cost down.

3. Electronics

Some of the options in our pick of beginner acoustics are fitted with pickups. These allow you to plug into an amp or PA system to amplify your signal – this is really helpful if you’re looking to start playing live as it means you don’t have to upgrade from your existing guitar before you do.

4. Neck profile

The neck profile basically just refers to the shape of the neck. Different brands have all sorts of different names for them, but essentially what is helpful for a beginner is a slim neck.

A thin neck means that it’s easier to get your fingers around to reach the strings, as there’s less wood – so less stretching and less hand fatigue. It also means that slightly less pressure is required to press the strings down to get the notes to ring out properly. Getting clear notes ringing out is one of the hardest things for beginners, so any help you can get from the guitar is good!

FAQs

How we test

When testing a beginner acoustic guitar, we'll perform the exact same processes as we do on a regular acoustic guitar. There are several things we look for in an acoustic that are beginner-specific however, focusing particularly on the price and playability.

We focus on the following things with beginner acoustics:

- How does it play?
- Does it sound good?
- Is it well put together?
- Is it good value for money?

These questions inform all of our testing, which typically starts with a close inspection of how well the instrument is put together. We'll look at the neck join, the way any hardware has been installed, as well as the interior of the guitar to see how the bracing is applied.

Next, we'll look at the playability of the instrument, examining the neck for any sharp fret ends, or signs of poor build quality. We'll play the guitar with various techniques and style, checking how it feels all across the neck before moving on to the next step.

Sound arguably isn't quite as important for a beginner as it would be for someone who knows their tonewoods, but we still expect the instrument to sound good. Even if it's made with cheaper, laminated woods, a good beginner guitar should still sound inspiring enough to keep players coming back for more.

Read more on how we test gear and service at Guitar Player.

Related buyer's guides

• The best beginner electric guitars to empower your guitar journey
• Step onstage with out pick of the best acoustic guitar amps

If you’re looking to plug in and begin your six-string journey, then there’s nothing better to equip yourself with than one of the best beginner electric guitars. Having something sturdy and reliable that plays well, stays in tune and sounds good is crucial to making your first steps as a player easy and enjoyable.

There are loads of options out there, some great and some less so, so how do you know which are the best beginner electric guitars? Well, we’ve put together our pick of the bunch, accounting for different styles and budgets.

When you’re starting out, a good beginner guitar is so important - you’ll remember it forever, and it could well lead to great things. So, congratulations on taking the first step, and read on to discover the best beginner electric guitars currently on the market.

The quick list

Best overall

For over 30 years, the Yamaha Pacifica has been the go-to model for beginners looking to try their hand at the electric guitar. Offering Yamaha’s exceptional build quality using durable materials, the Pacifica 012 is built to last, ideal for any potentially clumsy beginners that may be a tad heavy-handed. The Pacifica’s Strat-style body is comfortable, thanks to a few well-placed contours, and in terms of playability, punches well above its price tag.

The HSS configuration is a beginner's favorite, with the humbucker in the bridge delivering a punch that countless novice guitarists have enjoyed experimenting with over the decades. The single coils offer a spanky clarity and, when combined with the humbucker, they cover a wide sonic palette, providing all the tones any learner may potentially need.

Although the Pacifica may not be the flashiest option on our list, it still offers a plethora of well-thought-out elements that add an enjoyable touch, such as the vintage style tremolo. Experimenting with a whammy bar is fundamental in any beginner's journey, and the four different finish options offer enough variety to keep most people happy.

Best budget

While electric guitars from competitors in this price range typically offer a more barebone aesthetic, the Jet Guitars JS-400 delivers all the attractive details you'd expect from guitars at twice its price.

Designed by Primoz Virant, the JS-400 features a Canadian roasted maple neck and either a roasted maple or rosewood fingerboard, depending on the finish. Not only does the neck feel silky smooth and offer fantastic stability, it adds a premium aesthetic that makes it stand out. Looks matter. We believe a visually appealing guitar can inspire more playtime, which is key when you're learning. The modern C neck profile strikes the perfect ‘Goldilocks’ balance – not too thin or thick – offering a comfortable starting point for hands new to guitar playing.

The JS-400 captures the essence of the Stratocaster, featuring similar body contours and double-horned design. This makes the JS-400 feel very comfortable to play, ensuring an easy ride whether you're playing seated or standing and when navigating the higher frets. Learning guitar can be awkward at the best of times, so the comfier the better.

The HSS configuration is ideal for beginners, giving you ultimate versatility and will show you the characteristics of each pickup type, allowing you to decide what works best for your tastes. With a kaleidoscope of vibrant finishes, Jet Guitars are causing quite a stir in the world of beginner electric guitars, rightfully attracting attention left, right and center.

Best for kids

With an eye on the younger market, Epiphone released its Power Players range. Offering kids the opportunity to fulfill their rock hero dreams, the Power Players SG is a short scale, small body electric guitar that has been built to withstand even the most raucous guitar practice. With a pair of Epiphone humbuckers, this dinky SG packs plenty of bark that will impress even experienced players. If your kid has shown interest in rock, blues or any other guitar-based music, this is an ideal option.

With a 22.7” scale length, the Power Players SG is considered a three-quarter sized guitar. Whilst learning chord shapes, scales or riffs, those with smaller hands will find things a lot easier due to the frets being a little closer together. The synonymous double-horned SG shape and sculpted heel allows easy access to those upper frets, making Sweet Child O' Mine a lot easier to reach. With a smaller body, the Power Players SG is pretty lightweight, and all of these qualities together make it a brilliant tool for smaller learners.

Epiphone supplies all necessary accessories for guitar lessons; a gigbag, picks, straps and guitar cable. Since Epiphone has made a conscious decision to use good quality materials, tuning stability isn’t an issue, something a guitar teacher is likely to thank you for. Lastly, if the SG isn’t your young rocker's style, there is also a Power Players Les Paul on offer in the same finishes.

Best for versatility

While PRS is renowned for its lavish high-end American-made models, it's the SE range that truly shines for beginners. With PRS, you can expect top-notch reliability, incredibly smooth playability and a wide range of tones. And we're thrilled to confirm that the brand new SE CE 24 Standard Satin lives up to this reputation without exception.

As PRS’ most pocket-friendly option yet, it clocks in at just under $500, making it a steal for beginners eager to dive into electric guitar territory and carry them through their journey well into intermediate playing. The '24' in the guitar's name signifies the number of frets, 24 in total. The double-cutaway design makes it a breeze to reach the higher frets, especially with the lower horn carved out for extra access when you get around to exploring the neck's upper end. The guitar’s top is also carved and sports a smooth satin finish, making the overall experience very comfortable.

PRS’ own 85/15 “S” humbuckers grace this guitar, offering an affordable option inspired by pickups found in its high-end American models. These humbuckers are warm and punchy, and the coil split found in the tone control opens up even more tones that a beginner will love exploring. Although the SE CE 24 Standard Satin offers great value, PRS still chucks in a gigbag for good luck, so there’s a lot to love with this deal.

Best offset

Squier is one of the best in the business for beginner electric guitars. Owned and operated by Fender, Squier has free rein to create wallet-friendly classic electric guitar designs ideally suited for those at the start of their learning journey. Squier’s Classic Vibe series sits near the top of the brand’s range and for the aspiring shoegazers there isn’t a better beginner option than this Classic Vibe ‘60s Jazzmaster.

Squier has incorporated plenty of features that will make a beginner feel right at home. The universally beloved C-shaped neck profile feels comfortable and sits in your palm without being overly obtuse. Paired with the 9.5”-radius fingerboard and thanks to the narrow-tall frets, beginners will breeze through string bends when they reach that stage in their learning journey. Furthermore, Squier has equipped this Jazzmaster with two fantastic sounding Fender-designed alnico single coils, ensuring beginners feel instantly satisfied when plugging this bad boy into an amplifier. The quality of components here really hits the mark.

The Jazzmaster is an offset guitar, meaning its waist is asymmetrical. Now, although this may sound a little awkward, it’s actually very well-balanced, especially whilst playing sitting down, so don’t let that dissuade you. Lastly, the Classic Vibe series offers a range of retro aesthetics including a tinted neck, ‘60s-inspired headstocks and nickel-plated hardware. So if you’re a beginner starting out, you don’t need to compromise on an underwhelming looking guitar.

Best for metal

Japanese brand Ibanez is well known for its sleek, fast playing electric guitars that are ideally suited to heavy music. However, with its budget-friendly GIO range, Ibanez has made itself accessible to beginners inclined in that direction. The GRG121DX, albeit a bit of a mouthful, is a novice shredder's dream, priced under $/£200 and equipped with all the necessary specs that will assist working on those gnarly chops.

The super smooth satin maple neck, 24 frets and relatively flat 16" fingerboard radius has been purposely built to assist fast shredding. Accompanying this are the two IBZ-6 humbuckers incorporated. Humbuckers, renowned for their powerful output, work well in rock and metal, and the IBZ-6s deliver a particularly meaty tone when cranked into an overdrive/crunch channel, sure to satisfy any beginner metalhead.

However, the GRG121DX isn’t a one-trick pony, as the 5-way selector switch works as a coil split. Put simply, a coil split switches off one half of the humbucker, giving you spankier single coil tones. So although this mean machine excels with heavier tunes, you can also achieve plenty of pretty jangle. Ultimately, offering plenty of versatility that will work well with a beginner who’ll be exploring different styles.

Best semi-hollow

Gretsch is a brand with a wealth of heritage dating back to 1883. Most well known for semi and fully hollow-bodied guitars, Gretsch guitars are most commonly found in genres such as country, rockabilly or jazz. If you're a beginner and your tastes lean in that direction, then the Gretsch G2655 Center Block Double Cut Jr Streamliner may be the best beginner electric guitar for you.

The Streamliner range offers fantastic value and this G2655 Jr. is capable of a wealth of tones. The Broad'Tron BT-3S pickups are articulate and punchy and have slightly different characteristics to a traditional ‘bucker. The accompanying push/pull coil split control opens up even more enjoyable tones, and its versatility is much more diverse than the looks may suggest.

The G2655 Jr. has a small, lightweight body akin to a Strat or Les Paul. This means it will be much comfier for beginners than other Gretsch models, which can be a little bulky. The semi-hollow design features a solid center block in its body cavity. This design offers the acoustic resonance of a hollow-bodied guitar while significantly reducing amplifier feedback when plugged in, a common issue synonymous with hollow-bodied guitars.

Best lefty

The Telecaster hasn't undergone many changes since its inception in the early 1950s. This is not due to neglect, but rather because Leo Fender's design was so ingenious that it has stood the test of time. Hailed as one of the most versatile models ever, the left-handed Squier Affinity Telecaster offers beginner guitarists incredible value for money, introducing fresh-faced players to the wonderful world of Telecasters.

With two single coil ceramic pickups, a 3-way selector switch, and a single volume and tone control, the Telecaster's straightforward layout is precisely why it's ideal for beginners. The guitar does much of the heavy lifting, and achieving great tones doesn’t require a nuclear physics degree. You’ll get twangy country tones in the bridge position to more bluesy warmth in the neck position.

As for the neck, Squier’s comfortable C-shaped profile makes playing a doddle and the satin smooth finish doesn’t make your hand stick whilst moving between chords or playing up the neck. From our tests, tuning stability has never been an issue and the hardware is robust enough for a guitar in this price range. Overall, for left-handed beginners, the Affinity Telecaster is a no frills option that will help you achieve your electric guitar goals.

Best P-90 model

The Les Paul Special has long been the top pick for punk rockers throughout the decades. In the grubby nightclubs of London, the Godfather of punk, Steve Jones, was known to wield a Special while performing with the Sex Pistols. Epiphone, renowned for its affordable alternatives to pricier American-made Gibson guitars, has truly knocked it out of the park with this Les Paul Special in eye-catching TV Yellow.

Firstly, the bark and clarity of the P-90 PRO Soap Bar pickups works well for intense, fast music that’s a little rough around the edges. However, the Special isn’t a one-trick pony. Cycling through the pickup positions towards the neck reveals the guitar's versatile palette of tones, making it great for blues, indie and classic rock.

Unlike the Les Paul Standard, with its carved maple top adding weight and potentially feeling bulky for beginners, the Special's flat top makes it significantly lighter and more agile. Despite the TV Yellow's eye-catching nature not being everyone's personal style, we can't take our eyes off it – it really pops in the flesh.

Best reliability

The Revstar series has become well known in recent years for its solid build quality, vintage styling and great playability. This new version is no different, plus Yamaha have made some improvements to it. It’s now got a chambered mahogany body which not only resonates well but it also makes it nice and light so when you make the switch to playing stood up, there isn’t too much of a weight hanging from your shoulder.

Its two humbucking pickups have got a fairly hot output making it great for rock, but it will just as easily tackle blues, jazz and many other styles. There’s also a ‘dry switch’ that enables a high pass filter giving you twangy, bright tones in an instant.

The layout is nice and simple, making it completely fuss-free for beginners. There’s a master volume and tone (this pulls up for the dry switch) and a three-way pickup selector. A comfy neck profile and 12” fretboard radius accommodate nicely for chords and string bending, too.

Buying advice

How much should you spend on a beginner electric guitar? 

How much you should spend on a beginner electric guitar really depends on your situation. If you have never picked up a guitar in your life, look to spend around $200. This will get you a solid guitar that will stay in tune, feel comfortable and have a playable action. The Jet JS-400 is the epitome of a brilliant electric guitar at this price range. If you spend any less than this, you run the risk of getting a guitar that will do more harm than good and potentially have a high action, bad tuning stability and poor intonation.

On the other hand, if you’ve been playing for a few months, you may want to up that budget a bit. Currently, the PRS SE CE 24 Standard Satin is below $500. This guitar will get you well into the intermediate level of playing and, although you may want something fancier as you progress, its quality of materials and versatility means that it can stick with you for life. Also, the upside of spending more can be a more enjoyable learning experience. A guitar around the $500 mark will play much smoother, sound better amplified and will generally last longer due to better quality materials. The quality of craftsmanship is instantly noticeable, even if you’ve never held a guitar before.

What scale length should my beginner electric guitar have? 

Younger kids with shorter arms or those who are smaller may find a shorter scale length beneficial. Anything under the 24” mark is generally considered 'short scale' and is worth considering if you fall into either of these categories. A short-scale guitar has a shorter distance between the nut and the string saddles compared to a full-scale length. This difference brings a few advantages: the frets are closer together, which is ideal for little hands moving from note to note; the strings are slinkier, providing a good starting point for building finger strength and practicing techniques like string bending; and with less tension, fingering chords will be less resistant.

What about body style?

It’s wise to consider the shape and size of the body when looking for the best beginner electric guitar. Something with a narrow waist and thin body might be ideal for players of a smaller stature. Remember, the guitar is quite a physical thing, and you need to be able to stand or sit with it comfortably. Getting something that’s hard to play might work against you and could put you off playing.

What pickups should I go with on my beginner electric guitar?

What pickups you have on an electric guitar is the most important aspect to your guitar’s tone. Unlike acoustic guitars where body shape and tonewood plays an incredibly important factor, an electric's pickups have the most influential effect on how your guitar actually sounds when amplified. Pickups are essentially magnets, wrapped with copper wire which creates a magnetic field that, when disrupted by a moving string, creates a signal that is amplified by your guitar amp to create sound.

The two most common pickups found on electric guitars are single coils, found on Telecasters and Stratocasters, and humbuckers, found on SGs and Les Pauls. Both have tonal differences that will appeal to different tastes. Single coils tend to sound much brighter, spankier and thinner than humbuckers. Single coils offer less output and are great for country, pop, funk and indie. Humbuckers offer much more output, and often sound warmer and meatier than single coils. Since humbuckers distort much more quickly, they are the perfect companion to heavier music such as rock and metal.

Although each pickup's characteristics are traditionally found in the genres mentioned above, this isn’t a hard and fast rule. Think of these points as general guidelines and, chances are, the more familiar you get with each, the more you’ll develop your own personal tastes. For a beginner electric guitar, an HSS pickup configuration is often considered the optimal choice. HSS stands for 'humbucker, single coil, single coil', where the humbucker pickup is found in the bridge position. This configuration provides exceptional versatility and a blend of different tones.

How we test

At Guitar Player, our team of writers aren't just music enthusiasts; we're real-life musicians. Our hands-on experience with acoustic guitars ensures that our reviews and recommendations are backed by practical knowledge and real-world testing.

When it comes to selecting the best beginner electric guitars, we leave no stone unturned. Meticulously evaluating factors like tonal versatility, sonic character, build quality, and value for money, it's only after rigorous testing in a variety of playing scenarios do we choose products for our guides. We stand by our selections, ensuring that every set of strings we recommend is one we'd use ourselves.

Read more on how we test gear and service at Guitar Player.

• Unplug with the best acoustic guitars for beginners

Whether you’re entirely fresh to the instrument or transitioning from a six-string guitar to a bass, picking out the best beginner bass guitar is incredibly important. The bass guitar has a significant physical barrier attached to it, so while it may just look like a ‘bigger’ guitar, it has very individual features and can be difficult to master.

If you are (or the person you are buying for is) a smaller individual, or a child, bear in mind that full-scale bass guitars can be intimidatingly big, so you may want to consider what’s called a short-scale bass for young children. Most adults and older children should be fine with a full-size bass guitar, but you could prioritise a short-scale instrument if you have particularly small dimensions or want to make the learning process easier.

For me, the best overall option is the Squier Classic Vibe 60s Precision Bass. It’s a full-size instrument based on an all-time classic, and delivers exceptional value for money when it comes to build quality and tonal versatility. If that’s a little too expensive, or you want something smaller, the Squier Bronco Bass delivers a comfortable playing platform that’s relatively cheap.

If you’re buying for the first time, I’ve got over twenty years of experience playing guitar, and over five years of that in music retail, so you can lean on my expertise here. I’ve included a how to choose section, loads of commonly asked questions in the FAQs, and a glossary of key terms to help you break down the technical lingo associated with bass guitars.

My top picks

Best overall

Overview

The Squier Classic Vibe 60s Precision Bass is about as iconic a silhouette as you’re ever going to get with a bass guitar. Brimming with history, but made affordable thanks to it coming from Fender’s approved sub-brand, Squier, it combines excellent value with fantastic build quality, making it my pick as the top bass guitar for beginners.

Build quality

Modern Squiers have become the frontrunners for budget guitars and basses that also boast supremely high levels of build quality and finish, and that is no different here. The poplar body is comfortably lightweight, without feeling cheap, and the maple neck topped with Indian laurel fingerboard gives a reassuringly premium look and feel. As with any mass-manufactured bass, there can be some minor fit and finish issues, but nothing that is going to stop it from producing great tones.

Playability

A standout area of the whole Classic Vibe range is its playability. The 60s Precision Bass is no exception, featuring the same ergonomic design and user-friendly playing experience as more expensive stablemates. The neck is a little thinner than you'd get on a more traditional P-Bass, but I think this is a welcome change and makes it more comfortable for beginners.

Sounds

That P-Bass growl is present and accounted for here, delivering tones that defy the name on its headstock – and that’s in no small part thanks to the Alnico pickup, designed by Fender. It’s versatile too, with the master tone control perfect for taming things when required. It might sit at the top of what you’d call the ‘budget’ price bracket, but for the money, it’s a lot of instrument and one that will last you well into your playing career.

Best budget

Overview

I love the Squier Sonic Bronco Bass. It’s a simple little rock and roll bass and is instantly comfortable for new players due to its short-scale length and compact body. To top it off, it comes in at a superb price point. Color options are limited, but those they do offer (Daphne Blue, Arctic White, Tahitian Coral, and Black) should provide something for everybody.

Build quality

Squier doesn't let anything leave its factory unless it’s well put together, and that is the case with the Bronco bass. As far as beginner instruments go, it has a solid build quality that ensures stability and should be pretty durable too, meaning it will more than stand up to the rigors of practice and performance.

Playability

The Sonic Bronco bass is absolutely designed with the smaller player in mind, with a shorter 30” scale length, which balances the weighty tones you’d expect from an electric bass with the playability of a much smaller instrument. The narrow neck width makes it super comfortable for beginner players, and it's got Fender's ever-popular 'C' shape neck profile. You may want to factor in the cost of a setup to get it to its best.

Sounds

The solitary single coil on the Bronco bass doesn’t offer a huge amount of versatility, but you may be surprised by the punchy tones you can achieve. The lower tension on the strings due to the shortened scale length provides a characteristic thump and decent resonance. It’s a lot of fun to play with gain too!

Best for kids

Overview

If you’re looking for value, particularly for a budding bassist taking their first steps on the instrument, the Ibanez miKro GSRM 20 is our top choice for the smaller player, though even larger adults might enjoy thrashing this little beast around.

Build quality

I’m usually not a fan of any guitars aimed at children, because they’re generally made extremely cheaply and with poor build quality, which is a bad platform upon which to build your playing. The MiKro is different. It’s built to Ibanez’s high standards and details like the body carve show this hasn’t just been made quickly with little thought. This is a proper bass guitar, not a toy.

Playability

The super short scale makes it very comfortable to play, particularly for younger players who would struggle on a full-scale bass. It does mean extreme downtuning is off the menu, but the playability benefits massively outweigh this slight disadvantage. The maple neck is smooth, and I have a sneaking suspicion that quite a lot of larger bassists would secretly find this more enjoyable to play than they lead on, though the very largest players will struggle.

Sounds

The sound has a thump that is characteristic of reduced scale basses. It’s got a sort of scooped midrange, which I like, but it does limit its versatility a touch. A master tone and individual volume controls for each pickup mean you do have decent amounts of control over your sound, though.

Best for adults

Overview

As a higher-caliber beginner bass guitar, the Sterling StingRay RAY4 offers an elevated playing experience, with superb playability and a more premium grade of craftsmanship. If you're an adult learning to play and you want something more serious, it's the perfect choice.

Build quality

Compared to some other entry-level basses, the RAY4 has notably superior build quality and durability, which mark it out as an instrument that you can grow with. You do pay a little more for it, but I can confidently say this should last a new bassist several years, so it may end up being a bargain over the course of time.

Playability

A highlight of the RAY4 is its playability, with the comfortable, fast-playing satin maple neck a particular highlight. The 9.5-inch fingerboard radius is easy to get used to, and even new players will find it manageable. Out of the box, I’d consider a setup as the action can be a little high, which may make things more challenging than necessary for young hands.

Sounds

The Musicman StingRay bass made waves on release all those years ago due to its punchy humbucking pickup, and the cost-cutting Sterling version shares a similarly voiced humbucker to provide similar results. A powerful onboard EQ gives you plenty of scope to sculpt your desired sound too, making it remarkably versatile, so a great pick for players who want to try different genres.

Best 5-string

Overview

The Squier Classic Vibe 70s Jazz Bass V offers beginners a classic aesthetic combined with some neat modern touches. Drawing inspiration from the iconic history of the Jazz bass, despite its name, the 70s Jazz Bass V is perfect for players learning just about any genre, but excels at rock and blues, particularly where you want a bit of extended low range.

Build quality

Though it remains a budget-friendly 5-string, the Classic Vibe Jazz bass is extremely well made, easily surpassing some bass guitars at higher price points. The tone woods are by no means exotic, but they’re perfectly functional and complement each other well – particularly when they’ve been put together this well.

Playability

As with the rest of the Classic Vibe range, the neck is a high point – though I’m not a huge fan of the gloss finish personally, but that will be different for others. As with the majority of 5-strings, the neck is quite wide, so younger or smaller players may find it difficult initially, but that’s par for the course for any 5-string.

It isn’t just the width of the neck that’s larger than usual; the whole of this bass guitar is on the bigger end of the bass spectrum and can be a hassle to store in a guitar rack due to its offset body, but these shouldn’t be deal-breakers, as its pros balance out these minor cons

Sounds

I found the Fender-designed, Alnico pickups to be articulate on the low B, and they deliver plenty of powerful tone with the slightly scooped mids the J-Bass is famous for. Tonally, it’s impressively versatile, and if you’re thinking about gigging, it’ll be a perfect companion, with enough punch to cut through a busy mix.

Best for metal

Overview

The Jackson Spectra JS2 is a great bass if you're a beginner and you love metal. It delivers on the metal aesthetic, and it matches that with plenty of tonal flexibility thanks to its switchable passive/active electronics.

Build quality

Out of the box, the JS2 feels solid and well put-together for its modest price. The neck is sturdy enough to do the job even when being regularly moved around between practice sessions and gigs. I always worry when entry-level basses have additional electronics, but they simply work on the JS2. It really punches above its price.

Playability

I found the neck to be really comfortable and well-suited for faster playing – thrash fans, this will suit you. A belly cut-out makes it nice and comfortable, which is always an excellent trait for beginner bassists who will need to spend plenty of time practicing.

Sounds

The combination of Jackson-designed P and J bass pickups means the JS2 has a surprisingly broad tonal range. Combine that with the push/pull ‘bass boost’ selector, which switches active circuitry in and out and lets you dial in a serious amount of low end when required, and you've got a bass that can pretty much do it all, despite looks that suggest otherwise.

Also consider

How to choose

If you're buying a bass guitar for a young child or for yourself, then I've leveraged over twenty years of playing experience to create this guide. Here's what you need to know before buying for the first time.

1. Size considerations

Bass guitars can be pretty large instruments, so if you are a smaller person or buying for a child, you may want to consider whether a full-size bass might be a little too big for them. Fortunately, there are some other options that may be better.

I would never say don’t buy a ¾ bass, because these can be a brilliant way of getting the smallest players playing from an early age. It is definitely worth bearing in mind that they may well grow out of these quicker than you expect. A good mid-point that should suit any player, other than the exceptionally large, is a short-scale bass.

2. Genre

While a beginner may have been inspired to play bass because of a certain genre, if they are anything like me when I started playing, I ended up trying out plenty of different genres during my lessons, so a versatile bass may well be the best option. Don’t necessarily be put off by the names of basses either – a Jazz bass will do much more than just Jazz!

3. Accessories

While most beginner basses are very budget-friendly, and therefore don’t come with any included extras as more premium basses would, some beginner bass guitars may be available with accessories in a pack. Some of these package deals will include amplifiers – though in truth, many of these are not particularly excellent, and you may be looking to upgrade fairly quickly.

Things you should definitely consider as add-ons when buying a beginner bass are a tuner, potentially some picks, and a case so the bass can easily be transported to lessons and jam sessions.

FAQs

Key terms

• Action: How high the strings sit above the frets.
• Active electronics: Pickups or on-board preamps/EQ powered by a battery for a stronger, cleaner signal, or powerful tonal shaping, respectively.
• Bridge: The hardware that anchors the strings at the body.
• Fret buzz: Unwanted rattling when strings hit the frets, often caused by the action being too low.
• Fretboard (fingerboard): The layer of wood on the front of the neck where you press the strings with your fingers.
• Gauge: How thick the strings are. A higher gauge means thicker strings.
• Intonation: How in-tune the bass is up and down the neck. Bad intonation will see you in tune when you play an open note, but be out of tune when you play higher up the neck.
• Nut: The small piece of material where the neck meets the headstock that spaces the strings. Historically made of bone, but more commonly made of a synthetic material on beginner basses.
• Passive electronics: Pickups with no battery that produce a simple, classic tone.
• Pickups: The magnet devices mounted into the body of your bass that turn string vibration into sound.
• Preamp: Boosts and shapes your bass signal, usually part of active systems.
• Scale length: The distance from nut to bridge. Scale length affects tension and tone. Bass scale lengths can range from 30” (short scale) to 36” (long scale).
• Setup: The process of adjusting the bass so it plays and sounds right. This may be required out of the box and is offered at most good guitar stores, or can be done yourself (with experience).
• Short scale: A bass with a shorter neck (30”) that can suit smaller players better than a full-scale bass. Due to the shorter neck, the string tension is looser, giving a signature thump.
• Truss rod: A metal rod mounted in the neck that controls relief (the position of the neck).

How we test

Here at Guitar Player, we've tested our fair share of bass guitars over the years. Our approach to testing has always been meticulous, ensuring parity across multiple reviews in a particular product category. These reviews also inform the choices in our buying guides, giving our writers the expertise to judge whether or not a product is suitable for its particular use case.

Here's a breakdown of what we look for when reviewing a beginner bass guitar:

1. Build quality - We'll start by examining the bass from headstock to bridge. We're looking to see that everything is solid and well put together. We check the neck joint to ensure there are no gaps, the machine heads and knobs are solid, and that the pickups are sitting nicely. We'll also examine the finish to make sure there are no defects there either.

2. Playability - Next we'll play the bass, testing its playability with various playing techniques and different types of music. As we're looking at beginner basses it's important to note the comfort of the neck profile with potentially younger players in mind, as they'll need a smaller size to make the most of the instrument.

3. Sound - Finally we'll test the bass guitar with a bass amp. Sound is a subjective thing, but our writing team has had extensive experience listening to different bass guitars, so we know the qualities to look for. A good bass will be articulate, particularly in the lower registers, delivering plenty of low-end power that with good amplification should deliver room-shaking sounds. It's also important to note the context of the instrument. We'd expect a very different sound from a vintage-inspired instrument to that of a more modern, active pickup-equipped bass.

Typically we'll test any bass guitars we're reviewing over a period of at least a couple of weeks. This allows us to really get to know it, and use it in various contexts whether it's from the comfort of our own home with headphones, right through to playing it at live shows.

Read more on how we test gear and services at Guitar Player.

If you’ve got a little one wanting to make an entrance into the wonderful world of music-making, then investing in one of the best guitars for kids might be just the encouragement they need. Learning an instrument is great for kids, as it helps them acquire all manner of skills from improved memory and problem-solving to fine motor skills, teamwork, and self-expression.

Having started learning guitar at the age of 7, I’ve had a skill that turned into a passion and has accompanied me for the last few decades. It’s given me opportunities, allowed me to meet people I never would have otherwise, and helped me through plenty of tough times. With that in mind, I’m an avid encourager when it comes to little ones who show an interest in learning guitar.

Of course, when looking for the best guitars for kids, there are all sorts of things to consider, with so many different brands, types, and models out there. If you’re considering an acoustic guitar, look no further than the Taylor GS-Mini. It’s compact, delivers incredible tone, and is genuinely a guitar they'll play for life. Alternatively, if your little rocker wants to make some noise, the Epiphone Power Players SG brings plenty of attitude, thanks to its pair of punchy humbucker pickups.

If it’s your first time buying a guitar for your child and you’re unsure about anything, don’t worry. I’ve cultivated 20 years of playing experience into this guide in order to ensure you’re armed with all the knowledge you need. Check out my how to choose section for buying advice, my comprehensive FAQs for any burning questions, plus a glossary of key terms to help you decode any guitar-specific lingo.

Best acoustic

Overview: The GS Mini is one of the most popular smaller-sized guitars there is, and for good reason. It sounds fantastic, offering superb projection and dynamics. Although this may be overkill for some kids, if you’re looking to treat the young guitarist in your life, there aren’t many better options.

Build quality: Spec-wise, a solid sitka spruce top is paired with layered sapele back and sides, plus you’ll find high-quality ebony on the fingerboard – just like Taylor uses on its top-of-the-range guitars. Should you want a variation in tone or perhaps a pickup, then there are multiple versions of this guitar available.

Playability: The Taylor GS Mini is fairly close to being a 3/4 guitar, but it retains the same string spacing as a full-size guitar. This means that for kids just starting out, chord stretches and scales are made easier, as the frets are all slightly closer together, but as they grow, they shouldn’t find that their fingers are cramped, thanks to the 1-11/16” nut width.

Sounds: Notes ring out clearly, and there’s a beautiful brightness to the tone that only gets better the more you play it. You’ll even see some professionals using them on stage.

Best budget acoustic

Overview: The Fender FA-135 is a concert-sized acoustic guitar aimed squarely at beginners. Coming from one of the biggest names in guitars, it offers an affordable and approachable starting point for kids who want a proper acoustic without the size or cost of a full-scale model.

Build quality: It features fully laminated construction, with a spruce top and mahogany back and sides. While solid wood would improve the tone, the laminate build makes the FA-135 more resistant to temperature and humidity changes, which is useful for school use or younger players.

Playability: The concert body shape is slightly more compact than many acoustics, making it easier for smaller arms and hands to manage. Fender’s “easy-to-play” neck profile helps beginners form chords comfortably, though it may still feel a bit large for very young children.

Sounds: Sonically, the FA-135 sounds good enough for a first guitar. The spruce top gives it a bright, clear response, while the mahogany adds some warmth through the midrange. It’s versatile enough to handle a variety of styles and won’t hold a beginner back.

Best small acoustic

Overview: Some kids just starting out might find steel strings a little too tough. That’s where nylon-strung guitars can be really helpful. The strings feel much softer underneath their fingers, so they’re less likely to be put off playing altogether while they’re building up the calluses on their fingers.

Build quality: Yamaha is, of course, well known in the music world for creating high-quality instruments of all levels. The CS40 is built well and will act as a worthy starter instrument for a child wanting to learn the guitar. With a laminate spruce top and laminate meranti back and sides, this no-frills guitar is robust enough to survive a few knocks.

Playability: The Yamaha CS40 is a 3/4 sized guitar, making it perfect for younger beginners or those who prefer something smaller. The dimensions of everything on this instrument have been scaled down from the full-sized version, making stretches on the fingerboard and reaching around to pluck the strings easier.

Sounds: Nylon strings do yield a mellower and warmer tone, too, which can work well for certain styles of music, such as classical or folk. However, if your kid is looking to play rock or pop, a steel string may better suit them, despite the calluses that will occur.

Best electric

Overview: Built especially with younger players in mind, the Epiphone Power Players SG is built extremely well and features a pair of really punchy-sounding humbuckers. This makes it one of the best guitars for kids who want to explore the world of rock, blues, metal or pretty much any other style of electric guitar-based music.

Build quality: This compact SG sits around the 3/4 size mark, with a 22.73” scale length, thin neck profile, and smaller body. Because Epiphone has made and fitted this guitar with good quality hardware and components, it holds its tuning and intonation well – something that can really be a problem with kids’ guitars.

Playability: Thanks to the shorter scale length, chord shapes are easier to get right, offering real encouragement for beginners. A low, comfortable action also helps, and smaller players won’t struggle as much reaching around the body to get to the strings.

Sounds: Thanks to the thoughtful build quality, this guitar rings out nicely even before you plug it in. When amplified, the Epiphone humbuckers provide plenty of grit and body. I can see any young rock ’n’ roll fan having the time of their lives learning classic riffs with this guitar.

Best budget electric

Overview: Squier makes some really good guitars and basses, using their sister company Fender as a basis for most models. This Sonic Mustang has been stripped down and simplified somewhat, making it one of the best guitars for kids.

Build quality: Though it is a full-size model, the Mustang has a shorter 24” scale, with a compact offset body. The double-cutaway provides easier access higher up the neck, whilst the satin finish offers smooth transitions as you work your left-hand up and down.

Playability: It’s also got a nice, slim neck profile, so there isn’t much to battle with there and little hands will appreciate less bulk. The layout has been simplified too – the Sonic Mustang does away with the individual pickup switches, opting instead for an easy-to-use three-way pickup selector.

Sounds: The single coil pickups are fairly bright-sounding, with lots of articulation and clarity. For kids about to discover the worlds of rock, alternative, and indie guitar, this one is perfect.

Best small electric

Overview: This is perfect for younger children who are showing an interest in guitar. Ukulele can be a good place to start, but if they want to take the next step, then something like this Loog Telecaster could be just the thing!

Build quality: It’s made in collaboration with Fender and sports the timeless Telecaster body shape. It’s fitted with a single pickup and just one knob, so it’s very easy to use. The build quality is reminiscent of Squier’s Sonic series, which is serviceable and lightweight; for the price, that’s about right.

Playability: With just three strings, a shorter 20.6" scale length, and simplified controls, this Telecaster is very easy for young children to get to grips with. Chord shapes and single-note lines are far less intimidating than on a full six-string, helping build confidence early on. It’s light, comfortable to hold, and sized appropriately for smaller hands, making it far more inviting than a standard electric guitar at this stage.

Sounds: The sound is very jangly, and the tuning is higher than a standard guitar, plus it’s only got three strings, making it more manageable for very young players. If a child is craving an electric guitar, but you know they’re not quite ready for a full-sized, 6-string instrument, then this is a good in-between. It even comes with a range of helpful learning materials to get them going.

How to choose

When buying a guitar for a kid, there are a few key points you need to consider. Having worked in a guitar store for the best part of a decade, these are the steps I went through with almost every parent looking for a new guitar for their child. I’ve put this section together to help you select the best option and give your kid the best possible start.

1. Scale length

One of the most important factors to consider is scale length. This refers to the distance between the nut and the saddle, and it plays a big role in how easy a guitar is to play. It really comes down to common sense. If you’re buying for a very young child with shorter arms, a full-size scale length of around 25.5 inches will likely feel too long. In this case, something between 20 and 22 inches will be far more comfortable.

This works the other way around too. If you’re buying for an older child, or one who’s growing quickly, a full-size scale length will feel more natural and help future-proof the guitar for the years ahead.

2. Body shape

The next consideration should be body shape. For electric guitars, the most common options are S-style or single-cut designs. An S-style guitar features two cutaways, allowing easier access to higher frets, while a single-cut design only has one.

Body contours are also worth paying attention to. Some guitars feature ergonomic shaping on the back, making them more comfortable when resting against the body. For acoustic guitars, body size is especially important. Larger bodies, like dreadnoughts, can feel unwieldy for kids, whereas smaller concert-sized bodies are often much easier to manage.

3. Style

This one might sound trivial, but I genuinely believe that a guitar your kid likes the look of will encourage them to practice more. From my experience, the kids who stick with playing are usually the ones who feel good when they pick up their instrument. Practice is obviously key, but so is choosing a guitar that makes them feel excited to play.

It might take a conversation to figure out what style, finish, or general vibe they like, but getting this right can make a real difference in whether they stick with it.

FAQs

Key terms

• Action: This refers to the height between your strings and fingerboard; higher action is typically harder to play as it requires more force to fret the note.
• Amplifier: The device you plug an electric guitar into to amplify the guitar’s weak signal into one that is much louder.
• Body: This is the largest part of the guitar and is the resonant chamber that produces most of the sound. On an electric, the body houses the pickups and electronics, whilst on an acoustic, this is where you find the soundhole.
• Bridge: The piece of hardware that anchors the strings to the guitar’s body.
• Chord: This is a combination of three or more notes to create an entire chord. You play chords with your left hand as you fret the strings.
• Cutaway: If a guitar has a cutaway, its body has had a section removed to make it easier for your hand to play higher up the neck.
• Fretboard (fingerboard): This is the section of wood on the front of the neck where you press the strings down to play notes and chords. It’s marked with frets to help you find the correct pitches.
• Frets: These are the metal strips embedded into the fretboard. Pressing a string down behind a fret changes the note being played.
• Headstock: Located at the end of the neck, the headstock holds the tuning machines and is where the strings are anchored at the top of the guitar.
• Humbucker: A type of pickup that uses two coils to reduce unwanted noise and hum. Humbuckers tend to sound thicker and more powerful than single-coil pickups.
• Intonation: This refers to how accurately a guitar stays in tune across the entire fretboard. Poor intonation means notes sound out of tune as you move higher up the neck.
• Neck: The long section of the guitar that connects the body to the headstock. It’s where your fretting hand does most of its work.
• Nut: A small piece of material at the top of the fretboard that guides the strings from the neck to the tuning machines. It plays a role in tuning stability and string spacing.
• Nylon strings: Strings made from nylon, most commonly found on classical guitars. They’re softer on the fingers and lower in tension than steel strings.
• Pickguard (scratchplate): A protective plate fitted to the body of a guitar to prevent scratches from strumming and picking.
• Pickup: A magnetic or electronic component that captures the vibration of the strings and converts it into an electrical signal for amplification.
• Pickup selector: A switch that allows you to choose which pickup or combination of pickups is active on an electric guitar.
• Scale length: The distance between the nut and the bridge. Shorter scale lengths are generally easier to play, while longer ones offer more tension and clarity.
• Setup: The process of adjusting a guitar to make it play its best. This includes action height, intonation, neck relief, and tuning stability.
• Single coil: A type of pickup that uses one coil. Single coils sound bright and clear, but are more prone to electrical noise interference than humbuckers.
• Strap pin: A small metal pin on the guitar body used to attach a guitar strap.
• String gauge: This refers to the thickness of the strings. Lighter gauges are easier to press down, while heavier gauges offer more volume and tension.
• Truss rod: A metal rod inside the neck that helps control its curvature. Adjusting it can improve playability and prevent neck issues.
• Tuner: A device used to help bring the guitar strings up to the correct pitch.
• Tuning machines: The mechanisms on the headstock that tighten or loosen the strings to tune the guitar.

How we test

At Guitar Player, our team of writers aren't just music enthusiasts; we're real-life musicians. Our hands-on experience with kid-friendly guitars ensures that our reviews and recommendations are backed by practical knowledge and real-world testing.

When it comes to selecting the best guitars for kids, we leave no stone unturned. Meticulously evaluating factors like tonal versatility, sonic character, build quality, and value for money, it's only after rigorous testing in a variety of playing scenarios do we choose products for our guides. We stand by our selections, ensuring that we only recommend guitars that we'd use ourselves.

Read more on how we test gear and service at Guitar Player.

Between the Klon Centaur’s esteem amongst guitarists and its undeniable rarity, there is a veritable black hole of demand. There is also the practical reality that no one has upwards of $5k spare for a clean-boost-slash-overdrive at any one time. Enter the best Klon clones.

The Klon Centaur is a guitar pedal that needs very little in the way of introduction. It is a holy grail device, the source of many guitarists’ avarice; a pedal whose reputation precedes it in more than one way. Some know it for the incomparable overdriven tones it grants to the worthy, while others know it for the insane prices it commands in second-hand markets. Either way, the Klon is up there with good king Dumble as a font of mojo-tone incomparable.

The best Klon clones, or 'Klones' as they're often known, are new interpretations and iterations of the Klon Centaur design, that will get you that rarefied tone without you having to remortgage your house for the privilege. From household-name pedal companies to boutique brands, there are myriad klones that aim to recreate the unique richness of the original circuits – with varying degrees of spin on the theme. But which one is worth that outsized space on your pedalboard?

Well, this is where my handy guide comes in. We at Guitar Player have played myriad Klon clones over the years, testing them for reviews as well as using them on our pedalboards in our own musical endeavors. This lived experience has enabled me to narrow the huge array of Klon clones out there down to just a select few. These are the cream of the Klon crop, picked for their applicability to different ‘boards and use cases.

If you want the best Klon clone overall, I'd go for the Wampler Tumnus. It packs all that classic Klon tone into a much more manageable size for your pedalboard, and some would go as far as to say it's actually a better option than an actual Klon. For those after something a little more budget-friendly, have a look at the Behringer Centaur, which for my money is as close as you can get to the real deal for below the $100 mark.

If you want to know a little more about Klons, Klones, and clean tones, take a sec to check out my how to choose section below. If you just want to find your mojo-tone now please, then read straight on!

My top picks

Best overall

Across just about every metric, the Wampler Tumnus is the best Klon clone you can buy. The benefits of the Tumnus start with its comparatively tiny size when placed next to the original Centaur. At less than 2 inches wide, the Tumnus is around a third of the size of the Klon Centaur, which makes it far easier to find room for on a pedalboard.

Whilst the Tumnus differs in size from the original Klon Centaur, the tones it produces are remarkably similar. It retains the warmth and trademark ‘chew’ of the original, providing the scope to take the user from a subtle clean boost to a pleasing overdrive that stacks brilliantly with other pedals. These features make it so close to the original sonically that in a blindfold test, the likelihood is even the most die-hard Klon fan will struggle to tell the difference.

The only real ‘con’ of the Tumnus is its lack of a battery compartment, but that’s also a contributing factor to its small footprint, so it’s hard to complain about. The reality is that even if you can afford an original Klon Centaur, there is a very solid case to be made that the Tumnus is still the better option.

Best budget

It’s, if anything, a surprise that Behringer hasn’t thrown its hat into the Klon-clone ring until this year of our Lord 2025. This is a brand synonymous with recreations, from those turn-of-the-Millennium plastic-chassis’d copies of popular Boss circuits (which only got their flowers some years after being sold in blister packs at your local guitar store) to the wide variety of synths and MIDI controllers that ape designs past and present.

Whatever your feelings about Behringer’s deft skating around intellectual property laws, it's clear that creator Bill Finnegan feels that this clone is a little too close to the original for comfort. While there are quite a few budget options available from such makers as Electro-Harmonix and TC Electronic, there’s absolutely room for Behringer to do what it does best. And, thankfully, it’s excelled at it.

The Behringer Centaur has a metal enclosure that closely resembles the original Centaur, as well as a three-knob control with that dual-gang gain pot that enables smooth movement from clean boost to transparent overdrive. It’s also much smaller than the OG Klon, so much happier squidging into that spare space on your ‘board. The 18V internal headroom (stepped up from 9VDC in) seals the deal for this rich-sounding sub-$/£100 stompbox.

Best accuracy

Warm Audio is a master of cloning sought-after musical equipment, though it started primarily in studio outboard gear. In recent years, it has moved into the realms of effects pedals; and if you’re a master cloner, there is one pedal that would be top of the list to clone.

The Centavo takes precision recreation to the max, replicating not only the exterior of the Klon Centaur, but also using premium grade components including TL072 op amps, vintage-style diodes and a charge-pump voltage regulator to get extremely close to the original internally too. Warm Audio has also added something extra to its Klon clone; a MOD switch on the back extends the bass response to produce lower-end drive tones – this is based on the modification requested by Jeff Beck on his original Klon.

It’s fair to say, very little creativity has been exerted in the design of this pedal; from aesthetics to circuitry, this is a clone in the truest sense. Whilst almost every manufacturer has released their take on an existing circuit before, the issue some have with Warm Audio is that their clones verge on plagiarism. In the eyes of copyright law, they’ve done nothing wrong, and in terms of the audio that comes out of their pedals, it’s also hard to criticize – however there will always be some who think Warm Audio’s ‘homages’ take it a step too far.

Best compact

The MXR Sugar Drive doesn’t play on any pony-themed puns, nor does it go for the classic golden color of the Klon, but make no mistake, beneath the surface of the Centaur is from where the Sugar Drive takes its inspiration.

Unlike some other Klon clones, the Sugar Drive does feel more of an homage rather than an outright copy, with a slightly different EQ curve to the Klon, featuring slightly pushed high-mids, which means it does have some crossover into the Tube Screamer realm of overdrives, though the mid boost isn’t that pronounced. Users of classic Fender tube amps should seriously consider the Sugar Drive as it will work really well with the classic, scooped profile of your amp. It also differs from the Klon by having a switchable bypass taking you between buffered or true bypass – where the Klon is only buffered – so both Klon purists and true bypass fans are catered for.

The Sugar Drive doesn’t have crushing high gains, though it does feel like it has a bit more to play with than some other Klon clones. With the drive knob turned all the way up and using some humbuckers, the Sugar Drive has a thick and chunky gain, which could be an awesome rhythm tone for anything from classic rock to punk. Given its modest price point, and for those looking for something a little different from your run-of-the-mill Klone, the Sugar Drive is well worth a go.

Best headroom

The Archer from J. Rockett Audio Designs (JRAD) is one of the stalwarts of the high-end Klon clone market, with the original Archer design hitting stores in 2014. The pedal was an immediate hit, but some felt there were some tweaks that could improve it – enter the Archer Ikon.

Whilst ‘girth’ may not be what you are looking for in a Klon, the Archer Ikon addressed some concerns that the original Archer lacked low end, meaning the Ikon is generally warmer at low gain, whilst at higher gain it is more reminiscent of the original Klon. It is worth noting that the Archer Ikon has slightly less gain than its silver sibling (the Ikon is gold in color) so for those looking for bags of gain – which even the Klon has never been famed for – this is not the pedal for you.

Built with germanium diodes and featuring an internal charge pump, the incoming 9V power supply is doubled to 18V, which gives the Archer Ikon plenty of headroom, making it among the very best pedals you can use as a clean boost. At one point, the Archer was considered by many as the Klon clone to beat in all areas, but others have gotten closer in recent times – and in a congested market it is not the clear champion, but it’s still one of the best on the market.

Best modern

Origin Effects has a unique ability to elevate just about every pedal/circuit it tries to recreate, and this is no different when it comes to the Halcyon Gold Overdrive, its take on a Klon Centaur. From first viewing, you can see that the Halcyon Gold has an additional knob to the classic 3-knobbed Klon – a ‘dry’ knob, to blend in your unaffected signal, as well as two additional switches, one for voicing and the other an ‘adapt’ switch that allows the player to alter their tone from mid-pushed to transparent boost without adjusting their settings.

The dual voicings are the standout of this pedal, with the ‘KLN’ setting offering quintessential Klon tones, while the MOD setting unveils a more gentle overdrive with a wider mid hump, perfect for Strat players who typically have their guitar amp set to clean.

The Halcyon Gold is a fantastic overdrive pedal, and labeling it merely a Klon clone seems somewhat of a disservice to what is a brilliant feat of engineering. However, if you are looking for a simple Klon clone that will deliver classic tones without complications, this may have one too many layers of complexity for you.

Also consider

To be honest, we think those pedals above are the ones you should spend your money on. But, we also understand they might not quite meet everyone's needs, so here are some other options for you to check out.

How to choose

Looking at a storied bit of history like the Klon can make it difficult to choose the right model for you. There's a lot of talk on the internet around this legendary pedal, so to ensure you make the right decision, here's three key things you should look at when choosing what to buy.

1. Price

It's pretty unlikely that most mortals can afford to put an original Klon Centaur on their board. Fetching upwards of $5000 on used websites, even those who can stretch their budget to that price would struggle to justify that sort of outlay for an overdrive pedal.

Thankfully there's a lot of choice for Klon clones at the moment, from budget options such as the Behringer Centaur and TC Electronic Zeus that are around or below the $100 mark, up to high-end boutique copies like the Ceriatone Centura which costs over $200.

2. Power

Even if you did have the money and arguable lack of common sense necessary to buy up an OG Klon, you’d have at least one 20th-century pedal-making pitfall to contend with. The Klon needs to be powered with a polarity-reversed 3.5mm jack, as opposed to the modern standard 2.1mm center-negative barrel jack.

This means you’d need to exercise special caution when powering from your power supply; indeed, you may notice that many Klon owners today choose to use a 9V battery instead of mains-supplied power, to remove any chance of them blowing their outsized investment.

The majority of Klon clones, meanwhile, will happily be powered from your average 9V supply without needing such careful wiring - but it is always good practice, nonetheless, to check precisely what power requirements your pedals have before plugging them in.

3. Size

The size of the Klon is also a big no-no for some. That footprint is uniquely large, and was even at the time of its release! Since then, pedals have gotten even smaller, and pedalboard space has become all the more important for guitarists too. Most of the best Klon clones enjoy significantly smaller form factors than the OG, from the Wampler Tumnus to the EHX Soul Food.

Thankfully for those for whom size isn’t an issue, and mimicking not only the sound but the style of the Klon is key, there are a number of Klon clones that don’t just emulate the tones of the original, but also its looks; the Ceriatone Centura and Warm Audio Centavo choose to replicate the Centaur’s chassis more closely, to the point that most may not even notice the difference.

FAQs

How we test

When testing a Klon clone, we're comparing it against a very famous, and very expensive icon of the guitar pedal world. That means the clone has a lot to live up to, even if a Klon is a relatively simple pedal. Nearly every major pedal manufacturer has a Klon clone too, so narrowing the field down takes some doing.

First and foremost, the pedal needs to sound like the original. We're not expecting that it will be exactly the same, but ultimately guitarists who want a Klon clone are looking for that same sound minus the huge fee. Klon clones need to be transparent, retaining your original tone whilst simultaneously boosting it or adding gain when required.

We'll test any Klon clone into the front of an amplifier on its own, as well as putting alongside another pedal to see how it reacts. A classic example is running a Klon into a Tube Screamer, or vice versa to get a range of tones. We'll also test it alongside other effects like reverbs and delays to see how it reacts.

We'll then look at any extra functionality, whether that's additional modes or controls. Many Klon clones offer extra modes that change the EQ profile, making them more flexible than the original. Of course some guitarists may want the pure Klon experience so this can also be a negative, but we're essentially looking to see how much value is added by these additions.

Read more on how we test gear and services at Guitar Player.

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We're firmly in the age of amp modelers now, with digital units continuing to trounce sales of traditional tube amps over the past year. The truth is, adding one of the best amp modelers to your rig is much more flexible than carrying around a single amp sound with you, and for those playing in multiple bands or touring, a modeler is much easier to handle.

I've been using a modeler as part of my own rig for around four years now, and I can't see myself doing without one nowadays. I've tested all of the big boys too, from Neural DSP, Line 6, Boss, HeadRush, and more. Whether it's using them at live shows, bringing them into the studio, or just playing at home, amp modelers are very much the core of my guitar playing.

The best one I've tried? It's the Neural DSP Quad Cortex. Sounds aside, it's just so easy to use that I find myself coming back to it time and time again. It's super quick to dial in sounds and change your signal path, and that's worth its weight in gold as a working musician. It isn't cheap though, so if you fancy trying something out without committing financially, have a look at the Hotone Ampero II Stomp for something good quality on a budget.

If you're new to amp modelers, then you'll want to check out my FAQs section, which answers loads of common questions around amp modelers. I've also put together a selection of FAQs with all the most commonly asked questions I get about modelers, and if you're struggling with the tech-y lingo around digital amps and effects, there's a glossary of key terms to guide your way.

Best overall

Overview

Even after the hype from its launch in 2020 has had time to die down, Neural DSP’s Quad Cortex is still the modeler to beat. With sounds so close to the real thing, countless musicians have traded their tube amplifiers in to use the QC full-time.

Build quality

The QC is an all-metal construction that feels incredibly durable when you get your hands on one. It's not ridiculously heavy, but sits nicely in that Goldilocks zone of feeling solid enough. I've seen it on enough touring rigs to know that it's more than capable of putting up with the rigors of the road.

Usability

With class-leading processing power courtesy of its SHARC quad-core processor, the Quad Cortex suffers from zero latency, regardless of how advanced the user wants to go with complex internal effects chains to complement their captured amplifier.

And complex effects chains are where the Quad Cortex stands above rivals, as its intuitive interface allows even total novices to fairly quickly get their head around the system and create everything from natural tube-amp tones to cinematic, stereo soundscapes. Managing these complex chains is also remarkably simple, thanks to the graphical signal-chain displayed and edited via the inbuilt LCD touch-screen, which is a particular highlight.

Sounds

With such a huge scope of sounds available, you'd have to be looking for something very esoteric for it not to be on the QC. And even then, you can always download captures from Cortex Cloud if you can't find the specific amp model you're looking for.

The quality of the models is really fantastic, and it's easy to get lost in thinking you're playing in front of a cranked tube amp rather than sitting in your bedroom with your headphones on. The pitch shifter is absolutely remarkable, tracking brilliantly and allowing you to quickly drop tunings with doing anything to your guitar, great for those playing in function bands.

Whilst those looking to be a bit ‘different’ may be deterred by the fanfare over the Quad Cortex, it does come with the benefit of a vast community of users who have created their own amp presets on the ‘Cortex Cloud’. All the plaudits are accurate – this is the best amp modeler you can buy right now.

Best for touring

Overview

Unlike rivals from Kemper and Neural, which sit firmly in the same price bracket, Axe-Fx III Mark II is a genuine amp modeler, rather than a profiler, so its amps are created without the cue of a hardware amplifier.

This doesn’t mean the Axe-Fx sounds worse though, and the rack-mounted version of the unit has been among the top choices for live players for years, due to its supreme reliability, immense processing power, and spellbinding in-built effects – which can be programmed to be controlled by MIDI, to seamlessly engage during a set.

Build quality

The fact that so many touring players use these things live tells you something about how bulletproof they are. Naturally, rack-mounted units are subject to a bit less wear and tear than guitar amps with all their individual parts, so they inevitably hold up a bit better under the stresses of touring.

The great thing is, even if you're using it with a cabinet rather than in a rack mount system, it's super lightweight and easy to carry around versus a tube amp head of similar size.

Usability

The Mark II Turbo version comes equipped with a 25% clock speed boost that allows players to go even more complex with their effects chains, whilst the addition of extra flash memory makes it future-proofed for updates.

Sounds

The sonic capabilities of the Axe-Fx system are remarkable and its ability to react to playing dynamics makes it feel just like a real amplifier – the real barometer for tube amp aficionados. It also reacts with external pedals well, so for people who don’t necessarily want to move both amp and effects over to a modeler, the Axe-Fx III will be great with your existing pedalboard.

The big downside to the Axe-Fx remains the fact that Fractal still only sells directly/through singular select dealers per territory, which isn’t ideal if you want to go to your music store to A/B test against rivals.

Best profiler

Overview

The legacy pick and still among the best. Whilst some of the Kemper hardware is starting to feel its age, the company does still release software updates that keep its hardware firmly within the grasp of its contemporaries in the area that matters most; the amp sounds.

Build quality

For those looking for a modeler to go straight on the road with, Kemper’s build quality has become legendary and is perfect for professional gigging musicians, who rely on the reliability of their equipment, even after being thrown about.

Its Floorboard Profiler Stage is our pick of the range due to its portability and sleek design, however we’d recommend checking out Kemper’s powered heads if you require a modeler with an integrated power amp.

Usability

Where it has lost some ground on rivals is its ease of use, which isn’t totally effortless during set-up, though in a performance situation, it is far more intuitive and natural for guitarists. The screen is pretty small, which could hamper certain players, but chances are if you're buying this, you'll be doing a lot of the initial work through the Rig Manager software.

One of the best options is the ability to change more than one parameter at the same time, which means you can dial up the gain on an amp as you roll back the reverb mix, making it incredibly flexible. It does take time to set this up, but your imagination is the limit when it comes to the flexibility of the Profiler Stage.

Sounds

Despite its age, the Kemper Profiler Stage still sounds brilliant, and the ability to ‘digitally clone’ any vintage amplifier you like through its profiling technology remains Kemper’s biggest selling point. With over 16,000 amp models available for the Profiler Stage, you've certainly got a lot of choice using this unit.

These are a blend of professionally recorded and user-uploaded models however, so it will take some sorting and editing to get the very best out of them. That said, you're quite unlikely to not be able to find your ideal amp here. Recent updates have also improved the effects, adding some fantastic quality wahs, distortions, delays, choruses, and modulations into the mix.

Best under $1,000

Overview

Line 6 was among the first players in guitar modeling, back when other manufacturers laughed at the idea that people would trade in their amps for modelers… with the success they’ve experienced with their Helix range, Line 6 definitely had the last laugh.

The Helix LT is Line 6’s stripped-back, ‘budget-friendly’ version of its full Helix floorboard modeler. For us, it’s the pick of its extensive range and ideal for players looking to get a gig-worthy modeler, without breaking the $1000 barrier.

Build quality

Having used Line 6 modelers for many years now, I can personally attest that they're very robustly built. The footswitches will put up with plenty of abuse, and the overall quality is more than capable of putting up with life on the road.

Usability

Its LCD screen is bright and easy to see, though the lack of a touchscreen is noticeable compared to some rivals. That said, it's fairly easy to use once you get used to the knobs and buttons, and there's an excellent software companion for building more complex chains in Helix Native.

There are regular software and firmware updates by Line 6 to improve these, which is commendable after all the years the Helix range has been in production.

Sounds

Despite the earlier reputation that Line 6 amp models weren't quite as refined as others, those recent updates have made it much better than when it launched. Add in some 3rd party impulse responses, and you'll get yourself some stunning sounds out of it.

For sheer choice, it's hard to beat the Helix ecosystem, and the effects are simply stunning, providing more delays, reverbs, and modulation blocks than you'll know what to do with.

What has to be considered with the Helix LT, though, is that it undercuts its illustrious competition by a significant amount, with the quality remaining high. If you’re looking for a modeler for the live environment and can’t stretch past $1000, this is the best amp modeler on the market at that price point.

Best compact

Overview

The Headrush Core is ideal for anybody looking for a compact modeler for the live environment, particularly for those who want control over their vocals too, with the standout feature of the Headrush Core being its built-in vocal processing, including Antares Autotune. This makes it a superb live tool for those who want full control over their vocal sound as well as their guitar tones.

Build quality

Some may be tempted to pay a little bit extra to go for the Core’s big brother – the Headrush Prime; however, the size and weight reduction in the Core (at around half the weight of the Prime) can’t go unnoticed, and that could be a real plus point for those who want something compact and easy to travel with. It also has the same digital signal processor as the Prime, the same software, and it happens to be significantly cheaper, which makes it my pick of the two.

Usability

The intuitive touch screen makes both vocal and guitar manipulation effortless in use, and the overall simplicity and user-friendliness of the Headrush Core are among its biggest selling points. And it doesn’t stop there with its tricks; it also has the ability to ‘clone’ an amp with Headrush’s unique amp cloning feature – which is equally intuitive in use as the rest of the Core – meaning there are potentially infinite tonal options.

A recent update has brought in a full-fledged drum machine, utilizing sounds from Alesis and BFD, which adds a lot of extra functionality. Combined with the loope,r you can craft some awesome sounds from it, whether performing live or songwriting at home.

Sounds

Despite not being a huge name in the modeling world, the sounds of the Headrush ecosystem are really quite good. There are plenty of amp and effects models, and the ability to capture your own is an excellent addition to such a compact unit. That said, versus more expensive units like the Quad Cortex and units from Fractal, it's not quite as refined as those.

Still, there's a great selection on offer, and with some tweaking, you'll very much find these sounds usable for live performances. Adding in your own impulse responses can make things sound more refined, and in the recent update, another excellent amp model and two classic effects pedals were added, which bodes well for the future.

Best budget

Overview

The Ampero II Stomp is powered by the catchy ‘Advanced CDCM HD (Comprehensive Dynamic Circuit Modeling High Definition)’ and ‘F.I.R.E. (Field Impulse Response Enhancement)’ systems, which use dynamic feature modeling where independent amp ‘components’ are rebuilt digitally to create very accurate models.

You'd be forgiven for thinking that this sounds like a lot of marketing nonsense, but in practice the Ampero II Stomp backs up the acronyms with superb and varied amp models, which feel and sound organic and natural.

Build quality

Areas that often let budget-friendly products such as the Ampero II Stomp down is the build quality, and while the 4” touchscreen is smaller than on many rivals – which is to be expected at this price point – it is bright and easy to read, and the rest of the chassis is durable and rather handsome. Whilst beginners should seriously consider this as an excellent way to get on the modeling ladder, even pro players shouldn’t sniff at it.

Usability

Hotone has also upped its components from the initial Ampero lineup, with the Stomp II coming loaded with additional processing power, better AD/DA conversion, improved dynamic range, and upgrades in just about every other area. The only thing it has lost over the original Ampero is the inbuilt expression pedal and one of its footswitches, though an external expression pedal can be added.

Sounds

The Ampero II Stomp does high-gain tones really well out of the box, but I found the clean sounds needed some work. You'll still get some great sounds out of it with some tweaking. Considering the cost there's a huge selection of tones on offer, and while the lack of a big brand name makes it a bit of outlier, I'm not complaining at this price.

Spec comparison

Struggling to decide between a few different options? Here you'll find a direct comparison of all of my top picks to help you narrow down the field and get what you really want.

Also consider

For me, the amp modelers above should have most guitarists' needs covered. I do appreciate that there's no one-size-fits-all solution here though, so here are some more great amp modelers for your consideration.

How to choose

If it's your first time buying an amp modeler don't worry, I've put together this guide that will ensure you get the most out of your first purchase. These are all the things you should be considering before you pull the trigger on what will likely be an expensive bit of kit.

Why buy an amp modeler?

Amp modelers typically offer multiple amp models and a wealth of built-in effects, making them an excellent tool for unlocking creativity. Players can experiment with new amps, speakers and effects without being limited by physical gear. Some modelers take this further with loopers, allowing players to stack different amp sounds on top of each other.

What should I look for when choosing an amp modeler?

It's important to think about what it is you need from an modeler. Are you playing live or just playing at home? Do you currently use lots of effects pedals or are you the sort that prefers playing straight into the amp? Do you like the sound of a particular amp, or are you the sort that jumps from sound to sound?

All of these questions will help inform which you should buy, whether that's an all-encompassing solution like the Neural DSP Quad Cortex, or something more focused like the Strymon Iridium.

Will an amp modeler sound as good as a real amp?

It depends what you’re looking for, but the reality is that high-end amp modelers are almost indistinguishable from their analog counterparts. Achieving this level of quality is still relatively new, however, and some would argue there is an intangible quality to a tube amp that a modeled amplifier can never recreate.

An area that is often cited as where modelers fall down isn’t the sound at all, but rather the feel. As with any digital computing, there are fractions of a second where it takes the signal of your guitar to reach the processor of your modeler, be converted into a digital signal through a process called analog to digital (A/D) conversion, then be processed through the modeled amplifier, be converted back to an analog audio signal (D/A conversion), and finally come back out of your speaker or headphone system.

The time in which it takes this to happen is referred to as ‘latency’. To anybody externally listening, they would likely notice no difference whatsoever, however for the player – particularly a veteran player – this can be an issue. Fortunately, as processing power continues to improve, the latest and greatest amp modelers suffer less and less with the issue of latency, going through all of these steps to produce your final, modeled amp sound instantaneously.

What are the benefits of an amp modeler?

Beyond amp and effects modeling, most modelers come with significantly more technological capabilities than traditional amplifiers. Features like MIDI integration allow users to map out an entire live set, controlling their sound in real-time and ensuring consistency from one performance to the next.

This level of precision and reliability is why amp modelers have become the go-to choice for many gigging musicians, letting them dial in their tones ahead of time and achieve exactly the same results every time.

Is an amp modeler worth it?

For the vast majority of players, yes an amp modeler is worth it. I couldn't see myself without my own, as it's such a versatile piece of kit whether I'm performing live or practicing at home. There's a reason more and more pro players are turning to amp modeling, mainly that it sounds great, and that it's just so much more convenient.

While I'll always have a place in my heart for my tube amp, ultimately I'm spending the majority of my time playing through an amp modeler which gives me 98% of the tube amp experience without any of the incovenience.

Key terms

Confused by some of the terms used in this guide? I've put together a list of commonly used terms and initialisms that you'll come across often when dealing with amp modelers and other amp-related technology.

• Amp modeler - an amp modeler is a piece of hardware that aims to recreate the sound and feel of a traditional guitar amplifier, particularly vintage tube amps.
• Cab sim - A cabinet simulation recreates the sound of a miked-up guitar cabinet in a room.
• Capture - A capture is a snapshot of a guitar amplifier's tone with particular EQ settings, pedals, and microphones used in the signal chain.
• DI (Direct Input) - A DI takes the instrument level of your signal (in this case your guitar) and converts it to a microphone level signal, either for clean recording with an audio interface or for sending to a mixing desk during live performance.
• DSP (Digital Signal Processing) - DSP is a wide term for the technology that allows the recreation of guitar amp and effects pedal models using algorithms.
• FRFR (Full Range, Flat Response) - Refers to a type of speaker that allows the full spectrum of audio to be played through it, often used with amp modelers as a way to monitor your sound.
• IR (Impulse Response) - A digital file that captures the sound of a specific speaker, space, or piece of equipment. Often used to capture the sound of a guitar cabinet and a microphone in amp modeling.
• Latency - Latency is the delay that occurs in Digital Signal Processing as the signal is converted, which can affect the feel of an amp modeler.
• Preamp - The section of an amplifier that shapes the sound, giving you the core tone and gain of an amp.
• Power amp - The section of the amplifier that takes the preamp signal and amplifies it to drive the speaker.
• Profiling - A way of capturing a 'snapshot' of a particular tone in order to use it in an amp modeler. This might be an amp, pedal, cabinet, microphone, or combination.
• Signal chain - Refers to the sequence of processors you use in audio, to get a particular sound.

FAQs

How we test

We test amp modelers in much the same way we would a regular guitar amplifer. Of course there are a lot of other options available in an amp modeler, but ultimately it's there to do the same job as your run-of-the-mill guitar amp.

The first thing we'll look at are the overall features. How many switches it has, what kind of connectivity is on offer, the amount of amp models and whether or not there are any effects pedals. We'll compare it to other offerings on the market and alongside the price, judge how it fits into the current range and whether it's better value than other offerings or not.

Next we'll get stuck into the usability of the unit. We'll try to use it without the manual, falling back on other documentation if we need but this is an important aspect as generally speaking, a guitar amp is very simple to use. Amp modelers have a lot of features but ultimately coaxing a great sound out of it should be relatively easy.

We'll test out all the switches and connection options, load up any additional software onto our PC or Mac if it has a dedicated app and ensure we explore every available option. By doing this we're looking at how the end user, and ultimately ourselves, would go about using it day to day. For the average guitarist an amp modeler needs to provide enough depth to keep you coming back, but be accessible enough that you can get it up and running with minimal Googling or watching of YouTube videos.

Finally, we'll take into account the sound. We've reviewed countless guitar amps over the years here at Guitar Player, so we're well versed in how classic amps like the Fender Twin, Vox AC30, Marcshall JCM800, and Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier actually sound like in the room. Many amp modelers aim to emulate these classic amps and others, so its critical to test that they hit the mark.

We'll try amp modelers through a variety of mediums too. It could be a 2x12 guitar cab, a pair of studio monitors, or just some run of the mill headphones, but ultimately we're trying to test it in the same conditions a regular musician would. We'll integrate it with regular guitar pedals too, seeing how the modeled amp reacts to feeding an analogue drive pedal into the front end.

Read more on how we test gear and services at Guitar Player.

Latest updates

Whether you're chasing edge-of-breakup blues tones, gritty rhythm crunch, or full-bodied lead saturation, the best overdrive pedal for your preferred style is an essential purchase. From iconic mainstays like the Ibanez Tube Screamer and Boss SD-1 to modern tone machines from Wampler, JHS, and EarthQuaker Devices, the overdrive market is stacked with options. Luckily, we’ve sifted through them to bring you the very best.

I've used more overdrive pedals than I can remember over the last few decades of my playing career, and I've tried all of the icons and plenty of lesser-known options too. An overdrive pedal is a very personal thing to the player, so choosing one for your particular sound is often a process of experimentation.

It's for that reason that I've sorted the pedals in this guide by type, as an overdrive pedal can play a lot of different roles. OD pedals are also stackable, so you can run a bunch of them together to get differing levels of saturation. No matter which pedal you pick off this list, I don't doubt that all will serve you well, but as overdrive pedals are relatively cheap, it's definitely worth your time to try a few different ones and see what's out there.

For me, the Boss BD-2W Waza Craft overdrive is one of the best out there, and I've seen it used on all kinds of 'boards, from blues players to prog metal riffers. It stacks beautifully with other drive pedals, and reacts brilliantly to your playing dynamics. If you're after your first overdrive pedal, I recommend getting started with the budget-friendly TC Electronic Mojo Mojo with its flexible EQ and nice, transparent overdrive tones.

With all the different types and styles of overdrive that are on offer, it’s easy to get confused. To help make things easier for you, I've included a glossary of key terms for first-timers looking to get started with overdrive pedals. I've also curated an FAQs section if you want to learn more about overdrive pedals before buying.

My top picks

Best overall

The BOSS Blues Driver BD-2 is a legendary overdrive and a pedal that just about every player should own. First released in 1995, the experts at BOSS’s Waza Craft division have reworked and improved the classic drive to create the BD-2w – one of the very best overdrive pedals you can buy at any price.

With all-analog circuitry, the BD-2W stays true to the classic Blues Driver sound while refining it in nearly every way. It’s quieter than the standard BD-2, feels more responsive under the fingers, and adds tonal flexibility via a switchable voicing mode. Roll back the gain for a touch-sensitive blues crunch, or push it for rich, saturated drive that suits heavier styles.

However, what really sets it apart is how well it responds to dynamics; dig in for bite and ease off for clarity. Pair it with a single-channel amp and a dual-volume controlled guitar, and you’ve got a powerful tool for switching between clean and driven tones with nothing but your fingers and your volume knob.

It is around double the price of its non-Waza sibling – and if you can’t stretch your budget to the Waza version, the standard Blues Driver is fantastic in its own right – but it still represents excellent value in the market, producing boutique-quality tones and feel at an accessible price point.

Best Klon clone

The Klon is often considered the holy grail for ‘transparent’ overdrives, however getting your hands on one can set you back in the region of $5k+, which doesn’t make financial sense for most. Our recommendation is to invest in a Wampler Tumnus, a modern day Klon clone that won’t cost an arm and a leg, sounds just about identical to the original, and has a comparatively microscopic footprint on your pedalboard.

As a transparent overdrive, The Tumnus doesn’t drastically alter the EQ of your sound. When you kick it in, you get a gain boost that brings out those sought-after harmonics in your tone and produces plenty of luscious sustain that is perfect for solos. It’s not a one trick pony either – if your other pedals aren’t quite cutting it, try using the Tumnus in conjunction and it fattens them up and gives you a thicker, fuller drive tone.

If neither of those options float your boat but you want that additional harmonic richness to your tone, you can dial back the gain and use the Tumnus as an ‘always-on’ pedal, that simply makes everything sound better.

The team at Wampler has done its very best to accurately reproduce the magical quality of the original Klon, carefully and thoughtfully replicating the original circuitry – and they’ve done a more than admirable job. Bill Finnegan – manufacturer of the original Klon Centaur – doesn’t buy into the hype of spending thousands on his classic pedal and we’d argue that neither should you. Get a Tumnus instead.

Best Blues-Breaker

The MXR Duke of Tone is a mass-market remake of the legendary Analog Man Prince of Tone, designed in conjunction with Analog Man itself. If you do want a legitimate Prince of Tone, you’ll have to get in line and add your name to Analog Man’s five-year waiting list. Fortunately the Duke of Tone is readily available and sounds absolutely identical, and that’s because its circuit has been designed identically too, save for a few internal dip switches.

The Duke of Tone is essentially a ‘bluesbreaker’ style design, which adds warmth and provides a really strong backbone to your sound when engaged. With three modes, taking you from a pushed clean (in ‘Boost’ mode), to crunch (in ‘OD’ mode), to dirty (in ‘Distortion mode), the Duke of Tone is a pedal for those looking for versatility. It’s not as pronounced and bitey as some overdrives and the EQ curve of your sound should remain largely flat, but in every mode it is articulate, cuts through a mix, and has an excellent ability to react dynamically to your playing.

A really nice feature of the Duke of Tone is the ability to run it at either 9V or 18V, with the 18V mode providing an extra level of headroom, which is particularly pronounced in its ‘boost’ mode, and only adds to the pedal’s versatility. For those looking for something compact in size, but rich on tonal options, the Duke of Tone should be a serious consideration.

Best Tube Screamer

You can debate all you want about which version of the Tube Screamer is the best, but in terms of value for money, the Tube Screamer Mini is the pick of the range. Despite its TS808 inspired design, internally the Tube Screamer Mini shares its components with the TS9… but in all honesty, that doesn’t matter – it does precisely what you’d hope any Tube Screamer would do.

As with all genuine Tube Screamers, there is a pronounced mid-push which works brilliantly with some amps – Fender tube amps for example – making it ideal for cutting through a busy mix. It is however worth stating that amps that have a lot of mids of their own – a Vox AC30 for example – may not work quite so seamlessly. Those looking for a pedal that can effortlessly push your tone into focus for lead sections should definitely give this a go, but it may not be an ideal fit depending on your amp.

With a mass of cheap Tube Screamer clones on the market, why settle for an imposter when you can have the real thing? The Tube Screamer Mini is among the first pedals every guitarist should own.

Best transparent overdrive

The Morning Glory put JHS on the map and was one of the pedals that changed the concept of boutique manufacturers forever, and for good reason. Whilst some may look at it as yet another Bluesbreaker-style, transparent overdrive, the Morning Glory provides certifiably fat low end and crisp highs, that are unctuous and delightful to the ear. With tones to die for, it took boutique to the mainstream.

As a ‘transparent’ drive, it really amplifies the characteristics of your guitar and amp, so for those with a set-up they aren’t super happy with, the Morning Glory may only make you more dissatisfied. That being said, if you love your rig as it is, the Morning Glory is like the cherry on top of the cake, opening up a new dimension of sweet but subtle harmonic content that you wouldn’t have had before.

The Morning Glory is effortlessly simple, which is one of its endearing qualities, however if you want more tonal options, JHS’s ‘Double Barrel’ has two overdrives in one: the Morning Glory on one side, and their Moonshine – a more saturated overdrive – on the other. It’s a lot of fun, but (unsurprisingly) costs twice as much.

Best budget

The TC Electronic Mojo-Mojo is a natural, tube-style overdrive pedal that aims to reproduce vintage Tweed-style tones. For those looking for an extra gain stage in their effects chain, the Mojo-Mojo is an excellent addition as it doesn’t vastly color your tone. With all the controls in the 12 o’clock positions, the Mojo-Mojo gives you a nice transparent overdrive that works beautifully with your amplifier, allowing you to ramp up or down the drive knob to suit your needs. The bass and treble knobs do give you good control of the EQ though, so you can crank the highs and cut back the lows for soaring solos.

At one stage you could pick up a Mojo-Mojo pedal for next to nothing, but it quickly gained credibility (and grew in price) because of its use by the likes of Thurston Moore, Steve Lukather and Paul Gilbert – the latter of whom even has their own signature version. You may not get one for that super-low price anymore, however, at under $70 it’s still a really competitively priced pedal with tones that far exceed other pedals at this price point.

Also consider

For me, the pedals above are the ones you should be looking at. That said, I appreciate there's no one drive pedal to fit all, and that you might be looking to stack an existing overdrive pedal with something else, so here's some more great options for you.

Key terms

When shopping for an overdrive pedal you're going to come across a huge array of terminology you may not understand, so here's a breakdown of common buzzwords you're likely to come across:

Soft Clipping – A ‘gentle’ overdrive that is smoother and doesn’t cut off the top of your guitar’s sound waveform, helping retain a natural curve.

Hard Clipping – A more aggressive overdrive that uses diodes at the end of the circuit and affects your entire guitar signal. Used typically in harder rock settings, this will square off your waveform.

Transparent – An overdrive that doesn’t color your tone and works with your guitar and amp, without drastically changing the EQ.

Not Transparent – An overdrive that does make changes to the EQ of your sound, boosting specific frequencies, e.g. a mid boost.

True Bypass – A true bypass pedal allows the signal to pass through without any boosting. A great way to test this if you're not sure is to disconnect the power or battery and see if it still passes the signal. If it does, it's true bypass, if it doesn't it's a buffered pedal.

FAQs

How we test

At Guitar Player, our team of writers aren't just music enthusiasts; we're real-life musicians. Our hands-on experience with overdrive pedals ensures that our reviews and recommendations are backed by practical knowledge and real-world testing.

When it comes to selecting the best overdrive pedals, we leave no stone unturned. Meticulously evaluating factors like tonal versatility, sonic character, build quality, and value for money, it's only after rigorous testing in a variety of playing scenarios do we choose products for our guides.

We test overdrive pedals in a variety of scenarios, whether that's with single coils, P90s, or humbuckers, stacking it with other overdrive pedals, and trying a variety of amplifiers including tube and modeling amps. This allows us to get a great overview of what the pedal is capable of, thus enabling us to recommend it for a particular purpose.

We'll also be sure to check over the construction of the pedal to ensure it is rigid and open it up to take a look at the circuitry inside. This ensures we can fully understand the pedal and its capabilities, as well as what it's likely to be like in everyday use.

We stand by our selections, ensuring that every guitar pedal we recommend is one we'd use ourselves. Read more on how we test gear and service at Guitar Player.

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Guitars aren’t the most transport-friendly objects in the world, composed of a number of delicate parts that combine to create a bulky design. The reality is that many guitarists want to take their guitars with them on their excursions and we’d argue the ideal way to do that is equipping yourself with one of the best travel guitars.

A travel guitar will be designed to be ideal for the guitarist on the move, typically designed with smaller bodies that take up less room in a car or train, with some even fulfilling the criteria for handheld luggage for planes, so you don’t have to worry about damage occurring at the hands of baggage handlers. Travel guitars aren’t limited to just something for when you’re on the move; the best travel guitars will also be perfect as a compact instrument to keep around the home for comfortable and easy playing.

Whether you’re a fan of acoustics or are more of an electric player, there is a travel guitar for you, and we’ve selected the best across both varieties.

Best acoustic traveler

Though this might be on the larger side of a travel guitar, it is still more compact than all of Lowden’s other offerings. Simply put, the Wee Lowden is one of the best sounding smaller-bodied acoustic guitars on the market.

It’s incredibly bold and punchy, with superb note definition and clarity. Its dimensions are smaller than that of a more traditionally sized acoustic guitar, but the projection that it delivers would have you fooled – this guitar is loud when you push it. It also reacts beautifully to playing dynamics, offering all the shades of quiet and loud that you’d want.

Different versions of this guitar are available, but the mahogany back and sides combined with the red cedar top deliver a wonderfully balanced sound. The build quality is absolutely second to none; though of course, at this price point, you’d expect that.

Best with larger body

Not Taylor’s smallest offering, but definitely one of their better sounding compact instruments, the GS Mini has proven to be a hit with all manner of guitarists. You’ll even see pros use them on the biggest stages in the world.

This GS Mini-e Koa Plus sports a solid koa top and laminate koa back and sides which allow notes and chords to ring out with complete clarity and detail. Koa responds really well to your playing – it’s responsive and dynamic so allows you to play with lots of expression. The shaded edge burst finish looks truly incredible and adds a touch of class to the whole thing too.

This 23.5” scale guitar comes fitted with Taylor’s flagship pickup system as well – the ES-2. This allows you to amplify your guitar through a PA system or amp in a way that’s more dynamic and more natural. It ships with a fantastic Aero Case that offers nearly as much protection as a hard case, but is much lighter.

Best foldable traveler

Folding guitars have been done before, but the Furch Little Jane is a folding guitar that actually sounds very, very good. This acoustic travel guitar is made from all solid woods – a solid red cedar top and solid mahogany back and sides, giving it a beautiful, mellow and warm sound. It’s harmonically rich, and has some of that parlor-style punch in the midrange. It’s also extremely dynamic, projecting when you want it to, but responding nicely to softer playing.

It’s extremely well designed. The body, neck and headstock are all separate when packed down, but it’s very quick to construct when it’s time to play. The clever locking mechanism keeps the neck in place, adding the right tension to the strings, and even retaining tuning somewhat between sessions. The Furch Little Jane even comes with its own padded backpack so you can take it on your travels right away.

Best for small hands

Probably one of the most popular compact six-strings ever made, the Martin LX1E has truly earned its place on our list of the best travel guitars. It’s around a 3/4 size, with a 23” scale. Players who are already accustomed to a full size guitar might get along with this particularly well as the neck width is about the same, measuring 1 11/16” at the nut.

Solid spruce sits atop a high pressure laminate mahogany back and sides creating a balanced but fairly bright tone. There is a touch of that boxy sort of sound you often get with smaller acoustics (though nowhere near as much as some cheaper models), and there aren’t tons of low end frequencies, but that’s if we’re being picky. Overall, the projection and tone of the LX1E is excellent.

It is available without (Martin LX1), but this is equipped with a Fishman Sonitone pickup. The controls are easily accessible and it’s very much a case of plug in and play, making it one of the best travel guitars for potentially gigging with. If you’re navigating public transport to get to shows, then this is definitely one to consider.

Best electric traveler

Blackstar’s Carry On range aims to provide players with quality instruments that are easy to take on planes so that you don’t have to skip your practice sessions when you’re traveling.

Cheaper versions of this are available, but the flagship Carry On model has a number of features that make this one of the best travel guitars on the market. Made in partnership with the master luthiers at Gordon Smith, this compact instrument has a one-piece okoume body, set neck and a coil-splittable humbucker. This gives you a range of amazing tones, as well as bags of sustain.

It stays in tune well, and the intonation is just right. It’s really compact, but it plays more like a full size guitar, so you don’t lose much of the feel you’d normally get with a bigger instrument. It also comes shipped with a quality gigbag, so you’re ready to hit the road as soon as you get it.

Best with full scale length

A travel guitar doesn’t necessarily always have to be short scale, and this is a case in point. The Ultra-Light Travel Guitar boasts a full 24.75” scale length, but the entire thing measures just 28”. They say that it’s actually 28% shorter and 68% lighter than your average electric guitar. The lap rest detaches when not in use too, making it extremely portable.

It’s fitted with a single dual rail humbucking pickup that delivers punchy but articulate tones. It’s not the most versatile instrument in the world, but that’s not really the aim here. Still, you can probably tackle most styles of music with it. The tuning pegs are also built into the body which obviously gets rid of the necessity for a headstock, and they actually work very well too.

If you’re flying a lot, or maybe space is at a premium in the car and you want to take this and maybe a battery powered amp with you, then this makes for a fantastic travel guitar.

Best traveling offset

A 3/4 size guitar is smaller all over – smaller scale length (22.75” in this case), smaller body, neck, headstock etc. You might have to adjust your playing somewhat to accommodate these shrunken features, but most players can become accustomed to it. The short scale also lends the guitar a really nice slinky feel, so you might find yourself playing a little differently to normal, which can spark creativity.

This fantastic looking offset is fitted with a pair of quite high output, punchy sounding humbuckers. So, if you’re seeking a portable guitar for rocking big riffs and ripping solos, then this is absolutely one to consider.

It’s also well priced. Maybe you’re just seeking a guitar to take out occasionally, enabling you to leave your main instrument at home. This is of a good enough standard to do the job well, and it means that you’re not having to throw your more expensive guitar in the back of a car or van etc.

Best for Strat fans

This effectively cuts the body of a Strat down to just its scratchplate, reducing its size dramatically. The 6-in-line is then reduced to 3+3 making a further size reduction. All in all, it’s about the size of a regular Strat, minus the headstock, making it altogether a lot more portable.

You’re not having to sacrifice anything in terms of tone here. The Travelcaster has three single-coil pickups and a five-way selector, giving you all the chimey, glassy tones that you’d expect from this kind of configuration. The tremolo works nicely too – again, something you don’t have to sacrifice.

What’s particularly great about this model is that it has the full 25.5” Strat scale length meaning that your fretting hand won’t have a clue it’s playing on a travel guitar. Chords, scales and licks will feel as they do on a full size guitar, though you might just have to slightly accommodate for a different neck profile.

Best for versatility

Steinberger is probably the king of the headless guitar, with original models fetching thousands of dollars on the used market. Fortunately, Steinberger has relaunched the shape as the Spirit GT-PRO Deluxe, a far more cost-effective way to get your hands on one of these truly wild guitars.

Featuring an HSH pickup configuration paired with an on-board, locking tremolo system, the Spirit GT-PRO Deluxe is probably the most versatile electric travel guitar money can buy when it comes to tones.

It’s not quite as ergonomic as some guitars, particularly if you sit down a lot when you play, but we think that, despite its diminutive size, it could easily be your main instrument. It has all the guts and tone of a bigger-body electric and plays just as you’d hope, with 24 medium-jumbo frets and a familiar 25.5” scale length. The looks won’t be for everyone, but for others, it’s an iconic shape that would make for an ideal part of your collection.

FAQs

How we test

At Guitar Player, our team of writers aren't just music enthusiasts; we're real-life musicians. Our hands-on experience with travel guitars ensures that our reviews and recommendations are backed by practical knowledge and real-world testing.

When it comes to selecting the best travel guitars, we leave no stone unturned. Meticulously evaluating factors like tonal versatility, sonic character, build quality, and value for money, it's only after rigorous testing in a variety of playing scenarios do we choose products for our guides. We stand by our selections, ensuring that every set of strings we recommend is one we'd use ourselves.

Read more on how we test gear and service at Guitar Player.

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I've always thought the best guitar stands and hangers are essential for keeping your guitar safe, secure, and ready to play. While placing your guitar in a hard case is still the most protective option, at home, it doesn't encourage spontaneous playing, and the impracticality often outweighs the need for maximum security.

In my day job at a busy guitar store, stands and hangers are our bread and butter. They're easily the most requested accessory, and I've helped everyone from first-time buyers to collectors with walls of instruments find the right option. Sometimes that means a simple, no-fuss stand for a first guitar, perhaps a multi-guitar rack for both electrics and acoustics, and often something nitrocellulose-safe for displaying that dream instrument. Wall hangers, meanwhile, clear floor space and are perfect for smaller rooms, while compact stands fold for travel.

With so many choices, it can be tough to know which way to go, but if you're looking for my top pick straight away, then I've gone for the excellent Hercules GSP38WB thanks to its robust build quality and space-saving design. For those with multiple guitars, you should check out the K&M Guardian stand which holds 5 guitars securely.

Further down the page you'll find a how to choose section for complete beginners, alongside a curated FAQ section which will answer any queries you might have. I've also included a glossary of key terms in case you're getting your head spun by any of the stand-specific terms used in this guide.

My top picks

Best overall

Overview: If you've ever seen a guitar hanging on a wall, there's a good chance it was supported by a Hercules hanger. Trusted by players everywhere, this hanger is a simple but reliable way to keep your instrument safe while also freeing up floor space. It's particularly popular for home setups where guitars double as decoration as much as instruments.

Build Quality: The GSP38WB features a sturdy plastic hanger mounted on a smart wooden base that'll suit most decors. Like Hercules’ stands, this wall hanger is built to last, offering strength and stability that inspires confidence. The hanger arms are designed to move upward when weight is applied, locking the guitar securely in place.

Usability: Installation is required, but once it's mounted, the GSP38WB is easy to use and offers peace of mind. The auto-locking mechanism helps prevent accidents from knocks or bumps, making it a dependable choice if you want your guitar accessible and on display.

It's an ideal option for players looking to save space without compromising on safety. Plus, Hercules has made this nitro-safe, so hanging your Gibson won’t cause any issues.

Best multi

Overview: If you own multiple expensive or vintage guitars, the K&M Guardian is one of the safest and most stylish ways to keep them on display and within easy reach. Its wide base design accommodates electric, acoustic, and bass guitars of varying shapes and sizes, making it a versatile choice for serious collections.

Build Quality: The Guardian stands out for its exceptional construction. The contact points contain no dye and are covered in a soft, non-marring material, so you'll not need to worry about marks or finish damage, even on nitrocellulose-coated guitars. The stand is solid and stable, with a reassuring sturdiness that reflects its higher price.

Usability: Although the neck cradles aren't adjustable, the stand works well across most common body shapes and sizes. The rubberized contact surfaces add extra peace of mind, helping protect instruments even if they're set down quickly or with a bit more force than intended. For players with multiple guitars, this rack is an excellent way to keep a collection organized and safe.

Best acoustic

Overview: If standard black plastic or metal stands do not do justice to your instrument, the Taylor Guitar Stand offers a more elegant solution. Designed specifically to complement Taylor’s acoustic guitars, it is available in two shades of mahogany and pairs beautifully with the natural look of an acoustic guitar and your living space.

Build Quality: Constructed from solid mahogany, this stand is sturdy and built to last. Rubber pads at each contact point protect the guitar from scratches or scrapes, so you can display your acoustic with confidence. The overall design feels premium and matches the craftsmanship associated with Taylor guitars.

Practicality/Usability: This stand is not nitrocellulose safe, so owners of such guitars will need to be cautious; albeit, Taylor doesn’t tend to opt for nitro. It is also designed exclusively for acoustic guitars, so it will not suit electric or bass models. However, it is compact and will fit into most spaces that you are likely to want to display a guitar. If you own a Taylor acoustic and want a stand that shows it off at its best, this is a stylish option worth the extra cost.

Best electric

Overview: If you are after a single guitar stand you can completely trust, and you aren't too concerned about it being super portable, then the Hercules GS414B Plus has to be one of, if not the best, guitar stands out there.

Build Quality: The three legs give it great stability, but then the rubber feet on each of them create more friction against the ground. Although if the area is a premium in your space, it may not be the best solution for you, as the legs protrude and take up more room than usual.

It's generally fine with nitro finishes, as long as the finish has been cured properly – many Gibson dealers use Hercules hangers or stands without any issues.

Usability: There's then of course the auto-grab feature that Hercules stands are well known for. Simply rest the headstock in the slot, and the weight of it will cause the two arms to lock it in place. The body then rests against a padded material on the two front legs.

Best for bass

Overview: If you want a reliable stand that can comfortably support a bass guitar, the K&M 17685 Memphis 20 is a great choice. It brings together a mix of useful features that make it versatile and dependable without being over-engineered.

Build Quality: Although it doesn't carry the largest price tag on my list, the Memphis 20 is solidly built and easily strong enough to handle heavier instruments. The adjustable lower supports give it the adaptability to accommodate a wide variety of body shapes and sizes, which is particularly useful for bass players with different styles of instruments.

Usability: The combination of a hanging system and two support arms gives this stand excellent stability. Its adjustable height works well for different scale lengths, and the safety strap at the neck cradle provides extra security. On top of that, the stand collapses for easy transport, making it a practical option for both home and stage use.

Best double

Overview: If you need a double guitar stand for gigs or home use, the Hercules GS422B PLUS is one of the best options around. Designed to hold two guitars back-to-back, it's a compact and dependable stand that showcases the features Hercules is known for.

Build Quality: This stand delivers the rugged construction and stability associated with Hercules. The instant height adjustment clutch makes it easy to fit guitars of different lengths, while the included narrow instrument neck adjustment allows the cradle to accommodate smaller instruments such as banjos or mandolins.

Usability: Hercules’ AGS system is present here, automatically adjusting to the size of your headstock for a secure fit. The stand folds for portability, which makes it ideal for shows, though it is worth noting that some players report less stability when only one guitar is on the stand. With both guitars in place, however, it offers excellent security and ease of use.

Best portable

Overview: Picture this: you've finished soundcheck and need to set up the merch stall. Where does your guitar go? For many, the answer is leaning against an amplifier. Two steps away and you hear a crash; your guitar is now face down on the floor. Sounds familiar? If so, the Ibanez ST101 stand could be the solution.

Build Quality: The ST101 is not the most robust stand, so it might not be the best choice for your most valuable guitar (MVG) at home. However, for players on the move who need something compact and practical, it does the job well. It's a clear improvement over leaving your guitar propped against an amp or drum riser, and it barely takes up any space.

Usability: This stand is especially handy for gigging musicians. It folds down small enough to fit inside many gig bags or backpacks, and setup is quick and simple. Just unfold it, pull out the supporting leg, and it's ready to use. For portable convenience, it's hard to beat at the price.

Best for nitro

Overview: This is a very simple stand and, though it doesn’t offer any neck support, it’s good for players who maybe don’t have a lot of space, or want something they can travel with easily. Probably its biggest plus point, however, is the fact that it’s nitro-friendly.

Build Quality: The contact points of this stand are covered in a translucent non-marring plastic material so that you don’t get any unwanted marks or discoloration on your instrument, regardless of the finishing process it’s gone through.

You can get them either for an electric guitar or an acoustic – they have been designed to accommodate the thicknesses of the bodies, especially so that they’re more secure when in place.

Usability: At its core, this is a fairly simple A-frame stand. It offers a level of compactness that tripods can’t, and it's very stable, regardless of having no neck support. When you're not using it, you can fold it away, which may come in handy when transporting it. Overall, it's an uncomplicated stand that does the job well.

Best premium

Overview: The Zither G04 handcrafted wood guitar stand is arguably one of the best-looking stands available and the walnut finish is my personal favorite. If you own a premium guitar, this serves as a worthy throne for it to rest upon.

Build Quality: Crafted from premium solid wood, the G04 is not only durable but also showcases a unique wood grain pattern, ensuring no two stands are exactly alike, which adds to that distinctly luxurious feel. Zither even includes a bottle of lemon oil.

Practicality/Usability: Featuring a string swing cradle design, it provides 38 inches of hanging room, making it suitable for most acoustic and electric guitars. However, this is no small stand; with such quality and craftsmanship, it's designed to take center stage and will fill up a small space. Plus, this level of high-end craftsmanship comes at a cost, and the Zither G04 is a sizeable investment.

How to choose

Although guitar stands and hangers carry out a simple task, there are a few features you will want to consider before making a purchase. I've been helping musicians for the best part of a decade select the right option, and this is the process I take them through when they walk into the guitar store I work in.

1. Stand or hanger

This is a basic first step, but an important one. What will suit your space better, a stand or a hanger? Both have pros and cons. A guitar stand requires less setup; you do not have to screw it to the wall, and it can be moved around the house to your liking. They are also available as multi-racks to store several guitars at once.

Wall hangers, on the other hand, are a brilliant way of displaying your guitar. They keep it safely off the ground, out of the way of pets, small children, or accidental knocks. If floor space is limited, hangers make great use of otherwise dead space on your walls. Just be sure you are screwing into a solid wall; otherwise, it will come tumbling down as soon as you hang up your guitar.

2. Material

Next up, consider what material the stand is made from. This is particularly important if you have a guitar finished in nitrocellulose lacquer. Nitrocellulose can react with untreated rubber in a devastating way. Known as lacquer burn, this chemical reaction can leave marks, blemishes, or even melt the finish.

If you own a nitro-finished guitar, it is essential to choose a stand or hanger specifically labeled as nitro safe. Polyurethane lacquer, which is the most common finish used today, will not react in the same way with untreated rubber.

3. Number of guitars

As mentioned, stands can come in multi-rack formats, ideal if you need to house more than one instrument. For players with larger collections, a multi-guitar rack can be a game-changer. They keep everything organized, cut down on clutter, and often take up less space than several single stands.

Buying one multi-rack can also save you money in the long run compared with buying multiple single stands over time. If you only own one guitar, though, a simple single stand or hanger will be more practical.

FAQs

Key terms

• A-frame stand: This is a type of singular floor stand with a compact profile that doesn't feature a neck cradle. Instead, you rest the guitar on its base.
• Auto grip: An auto grip stand features a mechanism that'll secure your guitar in place by using rotating grips. An auto grip tends to be weight-activated.
• Drywall anchor: A type of anchor that's designed to distribute the weight for hanging heavy objects on plasterboard, like a guitar.
• Headstock cradle: This is an accessory that supports your guitar’s headstock, typically when on the workbench to stop it from slipping.
• Load rating: This is the maximum amount of weight a guitar stand can take before breaking.
• Neck warp: This is the part of a guitar stand that wraps around the neck, or underneath the headstock, where you can securely rest your guitar so it is stable and doesn't slip.
• Nitro-safe: A guitar hanger or stand considered ‘nitro-safe’ is one that's been treated so it doesn't chemically react with nitrocellulose lacquer.
• Stud mounting: Fixing a guitar hanger directly into a wall stud, rather than plasterboard, to ensure maximum security and avoid accidents.

How we test

When testing a guitar stand there are a few things we need to take into account before they can make it into one of our guides. Despite being a simple device a guitar stand does a very important job, and you're placing a lot of trust in one when you put your guitar on or into it.

First and foremost we'll look at how easy it is to set up. Some a-frame stands just need to be opened but guitar hangers require installation. In this case, we'll look at how easy it is to mount it on the wall, whether you get all the tools you need or not, as well as how clear the instructions are for installation. With floor stands we'll look at how easy they are to put together once out of the box, do you get everything you need in the box to put them together and is everything clearly marked?

Once this is done we'll use the stand with a variety of guitars to see how well it suits different instruments. In the case of a guitar hanger, we'll be looking at how securely it huge the instrument headstock, and whether the wall attachment feels solid enough that we'd trust our own instruments with it.

Floor stands get a similar treatment, but we'll look at how stable they are on the floor and in the case of multi-stands, whether they're still as stable when only partially full. We'll also look at the collapsible aspect of these stands, how easy they are to take down and put up, and whether you'd find it easy to do it on a dark stage.

Read more on how we test gear and services at Guitar Player.

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Once upon a time, 3/4-size acoustic guitars were nothing but glorified children’s toys, however, that is no longer the case. Savvy manufacturers recognized the demand for high-quality acoustic instruments suited to smaller players and traveling musicians, creating a market segment that has since exploded. So, if this is you, you're in luck, as we've hand-selected the very best 3/4-size acoustic guitars available right now.

Nowadays, there are many high-end 3/4 acoustic guitars made of solid tonewoods with a depth of sound that makes a mockery of the idea that bigger is better. Typically, these acoustics are 37 inches or shorter, making them significantly smaller than a typical full-size dreadnought guitar, for example, but their tones would have you thinking otherwise.

On this list, you’ll find my picks for the best 3/4-size acoustic guitars, with options suited for everyone from beginners to experts, with my top pick overall going to the Taylor GS Mini-e Rosewood – a well-priced and reliable acoustic that carries a bright, full sound.

So whether you’re looking for a scaled-down guitar as a first six-string for you or your child, a great travel acoustic, or a more comfortable option for a smaller player, I've got you covered.

If you have any further questions about 3/4 acoustic guitars, I've also included a handy FAQ section at the bottom of this page.

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