The 100-watt full stack is certainly an iconic image in rock. Over the past couple of decades, though, there's been an increasing shift to small guitar amps. They've always been in the home practice room, and are frequently found in recording studios. Advances in technology, and the changing nature of public music venues, have such compact amps appearing more and more on the stage. This guide will look at small amps by type and application, so we can help you find a great-sounding guitar amp that won't break your back or your budget.

Table of Contents

What Makes a Guitar Amp Small?
   Wattage
   Speaker and Cabinet Size
Define Your Needs
Best Small Guitar Practice Amps
   BOSS Katana Mini X Combo Amp
   Positive Grid Spark MINI Combo Amp
   Blackstar Fly 3 Combo Amp
   Line 6 Spider V 20 MkII Combo Amp
   Fender Champion II 25 Combo Amp
   Orange Amplifiers Crush 35RT Combo Amp
   Marshall CODE 50W Combo Amp
   Positive Grid Spark 2 Combo Amp
Best Headphone Guitar Amps
   BOSS Waza-Air Headphone Amp
   Fender Mustang Micro Headphone Amp
   Fender Mustang Micro Plus Headphone Amp
   VOX AmPlug 3 AC30 Headphone Amp
Best Small Guitar Amps for Gigging
   BOSS KATANA Gen 3 50-EX
   Fender '65 Princeton Reverb Tube Amp
   Orange Amplifiers Rocker 15W Tube Amp
   Marshall DSL40CR Tube Amp
   Blackstar Debut 50 Combo Amp
   Blackstar HT Venue Club 40 MKIII Combo Amp
   Fender Tone Master Twin Reverb 200W Combo Amp
   Why Use Small Guitar Amps for Live Performance?
   Tube vs. Modeling vs. Solid-State for Live Performance
Best Small Guitar Amps for Recording
   VOX AC4C1-12 Classic 4W Tube Combo Amp
   Fender Blues Junior IV 15W Tube Combo Amp
   Marshall Studio Classic 20W Tube Combo Amp
   Roland JC-40 Jazz Chorus Combo Amp
   Fender Mustang GTX 50 Combo Amp
   What Makes Small Guitar Amps Ideal for Recording?
Strengths and Weaknesses of Small Guitar Amps
Types of Small Guitar Amps
   Tube Amps
   Solid-State Amps
   Modeling Amps
   Acoustic Amps
The Ideal Accessories for a Small Guitar Amp
The Output Stage

What Makes a Guitar Amp Small?

Before we start digging in, let’s talk about just what the term "small amp" means. From a Fender Champ to a 40W Marshall combo, there are many factors that can contribute to a guitar amp falling into the category of "small." Power, cabinet size, speaker size—all of these, separately, or in combination, can put amplifiers in the category. Let's take a moment to address those.

Wattage

For many people, when they think of a small amp, one of the first things that comes to mind is "low power." A power rating of 5–15 watts tends to put an amp into the low-power category. Note that this doesn't mean that they can't get loud. With an efficient speaker and cabinet design, a 15W amp can be more than loud enough for gigging. Even a five-watt amp, cranked, can be louder than your neighbors want to hear. You'll notice that some of the amps we mention here are rated at as much as 50W and are still classified as "small." What's up with that? Read why in the next section.

Speaker and Cabinet Size

While amp heads can safely be put in the small amp category based on wattage ratings alone, combo amps can be a little more complex. Some combos can be tiny but boast a lot of power, like the ZT Lunchbox. This tiny powerhouse pushes 100W through a custom-built 6.5" speaker and still weighs less than 10 pounds. Others can be loaded with a 15" speaker but have 15W or less of power and weigh close to 40 pounds. Most of the combos we'll be looking at here are considered small because of the combination of cabinet and speaker size and overall weight, as well as output power. When you're comparing guitar amps, remember that the right cabinet design and size can make even a 4" or 6" speaker sound pretty massive. The amps we'll be looking at range from a 4" up to a 12" speaker.

Define Your Needs

Small amps are great for a lot of different applications. Before you buy one, though, you need to go through a little mental checklist of just what you intend to use it for, so you can make the right choice. Will it be mostly for practice at home? For recording? For rehearsal? For gigging? Each of these applications have their own special requirements and are best suited to different types of small amps. So, let's dive into these applications, one by one, to get you ready to say, "That's the one for me."

Best Small Guitar Practice Amps

Traditionally, the biggest need for small amps has been for practice. Wherever you practice, and whether you practice alone, jam with friends or practice with your band, small amps are easy and help keep "volume wars" under control.

Pictured: Positive Grid Spark MINI Combo Amp

Amplifier	Type	Number of Channels	Onboard Effects
BOSS Katana Mini X	Solid-state	1	10 available effects, 2 effects slots
Positive Grid Spark MINI	Solid state with modeling	4 simultaneous, programmable presets	43 built in
Blackstar Fly 3	Solid state	2	Tape delay
Line 6 Spider V 20 MkII	Solid state with modeling	16 onboard presets	100+
Fender Champion II 25	Solid state with modeling	1	Reverb, delay, chorus, tremolo, Vibratone and more
Orange Crush 35RT	Solid state	2	Reverb
Marshall CODE	Solid state with modeling	1	24
Positive Grid Spark 2	Solid state with modeling	8 simultaneous, programmable presets	43 built in

BOSS Katana Mini X Combo Amp

Why It's Cool: Get BOSS' Tube Logic system Katana sounds in a rechargeable practice amp with essential effects and classic three-knob tone stack.

Things to Consider:

• Contains three Katana amp types—Brown, Crunchy and Clean, each with three voicings
• Analog tone stack for smooth adjustment and rich tones
• Ten classic BOSS effects types available across two effect sections

Pictured: BOSS Katana Mini X 10W Battery Powered Combo Amp

The BOSS Katana amp series pops up several times in this guide, and that's for good reason—they sound great. The Katana Mini X puts that great Katana sound in a 10W, battery-powered, rechargeable practice amp that delivers BOSS' Tube Logic tones along with a terrific assortment of the effects you want and a smooth, three-band analog tone stack. Dual voicings for each amp type ups the versatility factor. An added plus is a built-in tuner, and the onboard Bluetooth enables you to stream tunes from your mobile device, which helps make practice more fun.

Positive Grid Spark MINI Combo Amp

Why It’s Cool: With the Positive Grid Spark MINI, you can find your sound with thousands of ToneCloud patches, hone your chops with extensive practice features, shoot social media content via the Spark app and more—it even works with acoustic guitar and bass.  

Things to Consider:

• Passive bass radiator delivers impressive low end from a compact cabinet
• Rugged glass-fiber construction finished with genuine Tolex
• Amp weighs a feathery 3.3 pounds for optimal portability

Pictured: Positive Grid Spark MINI Combo Amp

The Positive Grid Spark MINI is the definition of a tiny terror. This pint-sized powerhouse is so small it can be tossed into a shoulder bag, but it unleashes huge sounds with potent versatility. The 10W Spark MINI packs four onboard amp sounds (Custom, Solo, Lead, Rhythm), but can access 33 amp models and 43 effects via the free Spark app, as well as 10,000+ more tones through Positive Grid’s ToneCloud community. The extensive flexibility doesn’t stop with oodles of sounds.

You can deploy Spark MINI as a USB audio interface, bring it onstage by using the ¼ Smart Output to route your sounds to powered speakers and PA systems, post your songs and performances to social media (via Spark app) and turn it into a “classroom” with the Auto Chords app that displays chords as you listen to your favorite play-along songs on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube. Furthermore, Spark MINI includes Bluetooth audio and a rechargeable lithium battery with up to eight hours of power.

Portable practice-amp fans can also choose to go smaller or bigger than Spark MINI. The 5W Positive Grid Spark GO combo amp can practically be worn on your wrist as some kind of “amp bangle,” while the 40W Positive Grid Spark Guitar Combo can cover bedroom practice, band rehearsals and small club gigs.

Blackstar Fly 3 Combo Amp

Why It’s Cool: Sonically versatile and easy to dial in, the take-anywhere Blackstar Fly 3 has everything you need to lock down and stay inspired during a spirited practice session, including the brand’s renowned tone in a tiny package.

Things to Consider:

• Patented Infinite Shape Feature (ISF) for one-knob tone sculpting
• Runs on AA battery or DC power
• Authentic Blackstar sound on the go

Pictured: Blackstar Fly 3W Guitar Combo Amp 

For low-volume practice, the Blackstar Fly 3 is hard to beat. A top-selling item since its release, it has a built-in digital delay, two channels with the ability to move between "American" and "British" amp voicing, an aux input for playing along with tracks and both a headphone out and a recording-compensated line out. It also has an available powered extension cabinet that doubles the wattage, making it a "mini-stack." A nice touch is that it comes in a variety of classic looks to suit the vibe you want.

Line 6 Spider V 20 MkII Combo Amp

Why It’s Cool: The notorious Line 6 Spider series has come a long way over the years, and the Spider V 20 MkII injects serious venom into your sound for at-home practice, rehearsals and casual jams.

Things to Consider:

• 16 onboard presets and up to three simultaneous effect blocks
• Spider V Remote app unlocks over 200 additional amps and effects
• USB port for direct recording and tone editing

Pictured: Line 6 Spider V 20 MKII Combo Amp 

Stepping up to a modeling practice amp that's got enough oomph for small rehearsals or jams, the Line 6 Spider V 20 MkII boasts remote connectivity and editing so you can create your own presets and access additional amps, effects and more. It also includes presets for acoustic guitar and bass, and comes with a free version of Steinberg Cubase LE to get your recording career started. Built-in stompbox effects with tap tempo and tuner round out the feature set. If you aren’t satisfied with just one sound and like the flexibility to swap genres in a flash, this Spider spins an alluring web.

Fender Champion II 25 Combo Amp

Why It’s Cool: Widely heralded as countless guitarists’ first practice amp, the Fender Champion II is a feature-rich, affordable unit for players of every taste and skill level.   

Things to Consider:

• Multiple amp voicings for tons of versatility
• Built-in effects so your practice tone is never too “dry”
• Front-panel tap tempo to time your reverb, delay and modulation

Pictured: Fender Champion II 25 Combo Amp

The Fender Champion II 25 features a custom 1x8 cabinet with 25 watts of solid-state output. A flexible bedroom staple, this champ of an amp offers several selectable voicings, from celebrated Fender cleans to British crunch and modern high gain. Onboard effects—including reverb, delay, modulation and more—cover a broad swath of tonal territory, ensuring your sound is always yours. With the Fender Champion II 25, you can play everything from jazz to country and blues to metal. An 1/8" AUX input, headphone out and rear USB-C port only sweeten the deal, making the Fender Champion II a real winner in our opinion.   

Orange Amplifiers Crush 35RT Combo Amp

Why It’s Cool: Inimitable looks take it all the way back to 1968, yet the Orange Crush 35RT is every bit a modernized small guitar amplifier for tone purists seeking the style and sound of one of the music industry’s most iconic names.  

Things to Consider:

• All-analog circuitry lends itself to classic Orange dynamic responsiveness
• Two-channel, high-gain preamp goes from cleans to bluesy crunch to metal
• Proprietary Orange Amplifiers Voice of the World Speaker

Pictured: Orange Amplifiers Crush 35RT 35W Combo Amp 

The Orange Crush 35RT packs 35 watts of power in a 1x10 cabinet with two channels. Besides the legendary Orange sound, the Crush 35RT features built-in reverb and tuner and a fully buffered effects loop to make it easy to integrate whatever effects you desire. There's a headphone out with cabinet simulation for practice, which can also be used as a direct out for performance or recording.

Marshall CODE 50W Combo Amp

Why It’s Cool: Harness the power of Marshall-Softube (MST) modeling technology and play through exquisitely detailed emulations of the legendary amp maker’s most treasured creations.

Things to Consider:

• Shipped with 100 editable onboard presets and 24 built-in effects
• Access the MyMarshall platform to share and download sounds
• Enough power to jam with your band or play small gigs

Pictured: Marshall CODE 50W Combo Amp 

Marshall is one of rock's legendary amp manufacturers and the Marshall CODE 50W is a 1x12 combo that's loaded with both classic Marshall vibe and state-of-the-art technology. Featuring mix-and-match preamp and power amp models of Marshall amps from vintage to modern, you can stick with the classics, or create new amps of your own devising. Multiple cabinet simulations and a choice of two dozen effects cap off the choices. It's all easily editable via USB or Bluetooth connections from your computer or mobile device.

Positive Grid Spark 2 Combo Amp

Why It’s Cool: Powered by an impressive DSP modeling engine and Sonic IQ Computational Audio, Positive Grid’s Spark 2 is the epitome of cutting-edge technology in small-footprint amplification.   

Things to Consider:

• Two 4" FRFR speakers and reflex ports offer wide stereo image and punchy bass
• Lightweight and durable for backstage practice and jams on the move
• Suitable for acoustic and electric guitar, as well as bass

Pictured: Positive Grid Spark 2 Combo Amp 

Everything about the Positive Grid Spark 2 is designed to ignite your passion to play, commanding a comprehensive array of ultramodern features for deep tonal flexibility and wildly immersive sound from a compact 50W amp. With 33 onboard amp models and 43 effects—plus, access to thousands of presets via the Spark app and ToneCloud—you can get lost for hours dialing in sounds for every style. Now, you can even use Spark AI to automatically generate a selection of tone options based on your own descriptive prompt. Other AI-driven features include Smart Jam to build backing tracks and Auto Chords to analyze virtually any song and display its chords in real time. To call Positive Grid’s Spark 2 a “modern amp” would be an understatement.  

In response to community feedback, the Spark 2 also incorporates a built-in looper with realistic drum grooves, so you can practice and write to rhythmic accompaniment.     

Best Headphone Guitar Amps

For players who appreciate convenience and portability, headphone-style amplifiers deliver inspiring “big amp” tones in an ultracompact footprint for silent practice. Small enough to fit in a pocket or gig bag, headphone amps are perfect backstage warmup companions, and are equally enjoyable for jamming on the couch at home. Just plug straight into your guitar jack, grab a pair of headphones and quietly riff away—many models even offer audio interfacing capabilities for direct recording.

Amplifier	Type	App Connectivity?	Onboard Effects
BOSS Waza-Air	Headphone (Over-Ear)	Yes	5 amp types, 60 effects
Fender Mustang Micro	Headphone	No	12 amp models, 12 effects
Fender Mustang Micro Plus	Headphone	Yes	25 amp modles, 25 effects
VOX AmPlug 3 AC30	Headphone	No	Reverb, Delay, Tremolo, Chorus

BOSS Waza-Air Headphone Amp

Why It’s Cool: Waza-Air by BOSS is a wireless headphone amplification system for those who want to silently rock out untethered by cables.    

Things to Consider:

• Up to five hours of play time on one charge
• Headphones fold down for storage and travel
• Unique, aural onboard tuner provides audible pitch references (visual tuner available via Tone Studio app)

Pictured: BOSS Waza-Air Wireless Headphone Guitar Amp 

The BOSS Waza-Air headphone amp is an actual over-ear guitar sound system for developing players and pros alike. Featuring five Katana-derived amp types, up to 60 effects, Bluetooth streaming and smartphone editing, the Waza-Air is a wearable tone station. Carefully considering the isolation that headphones create, BOSS delivers a totally natural, familiar sound by using a gyro sensor and specialized spatial technology to recreate the sensation of hearing your amp in the room. The large, custom-designed 50 mm drivers certainly don’t hurt either, delivering outstanding fidelity and lush tones straight to your ears.  

Paired with the BOSS Tone Studio app for mobile, you can wirelessly edit, organize and download patches for complete control over the Waza-Air unit from your device.

Fender Mustang Micro Headphone Amp

Why It’s Cool: The Fender Mustang Micro is an all-inclusive personal headphone amplifier driven by powerful DSP to craft record-ready tones.

Things to Consider:

• 12 amplifier models and 12 effects
• 270° rotating input jack fits nearly every guitar and bass
• Internal battery handles four hours of continuous operation

Pictured: Fender Mustang Micro Guitar Headphone Amp 

The Fender Mustang Micro packs powerful performance in a personal headphone amplifier for guitarists of all stripes. Its sonic engine consists of 12 onboard amp models, covering everything from jangly cleans to high-gain distortion, and you can further refine the Mustang Micro’s tone with one of 12 effects presets and adjustable EQ.

Bluetooth also makes it easy to stream audio directly to the amplifier from your mobile device, so you can play along to your favorites in real time, without latency. Ready to record? Simply run the USB-C output to a computer or tablet—it also doubles as a charging port to keep the internal battery topped off.

Fender Mustang Micro Plus Headphone Amp

Why It’s Cool: Kick into high gear with the Fender Mustang Micro Plus, featuring more amps, more effects and (presumably) more fun.  

Things to Consider:

• 1/8" output accommodates wide range of professional and consumer headphones
• Responsive touch and tube-like feel for dynamic expression
• Integrated tuner keeps you on point and in pitch throughout sessions

Pictured: Fender Mustang Micro Plus Guitar Headphone Amp 

A step up from the standard model, the Fender Mustang Micro Plus packs 25 amps and 25 effects, as well as up to 100 editable preset slots to house your favorite settings concocted in the TONE app. Ideal for players of all stripes, it’s quick and intuitive to set up—just plug the unit into your guitar jack and connect your favorite pair of headphones. Bluetooth with automatic audio/visual sync is an outstanding practice feature as well, allowing you to play alongside online lessons or tutorials in real time, with zero latency.

Musical content creators can also take advantage of a USB-C port, which outputs both the amp’s sound and any audio sent to the Mustang over Bluetooth. Record playthroughs, shoot videos or livestream using the Fender Mustang Micro Plus headphone amp as your ultimate guitar sound source.

VOX AmPlug 3 AC30 Headphone Amp

Why It’s Cool: The VOX AmPlug 3 series consists of affordable two-channel headphone amps based on timeless models, including the legendary AC30.

Things to Consider:

• Sonics modeled on a 1963 AC30, with Normal and Top Boost channels
• Versatile AUX input for direct-to-device recording or device-to-amp streaming
• 16 hours of continuous play on two AAA batteries

Pictured: VOX AmPlug 3 AC30 Guitar Headphone Amp 

The flagship of the VOX AmPlug 3 series of headphone amps is a faithful reproduction of the legendary AC30 in all its British-voiced glory. Despite its size, the AmPlug 3 AC30 boasts behemoth sound from Normal and Top Boost channels, utilizing unique analog circuitry to capture the dynamic responsiveness and harmonic richness of an authentic tube amp.

Onboard effects include reverb, delay and modulation for sonic depth, and a rhythm function provides nine drum patterns to accompany your practice session. The VOX AmPlug 3 AC30 also includes a TRRS cable for recording straight to a smartphone or tablet, or for streaming audio from a host device to the amplifier.

Additional VOX headphone amps in the AmPlug 3 series are the High Gain model offering aggressive modern sounds; a Boutique amp for bouncy cleans and silky overdrive; the UK Drive unit covering timeless full-stack rock tones; and the US Silver version recreating a classic ’60s combo. Bassists can also enjoy the versatile tonality of the Bass AmPlug 3 headphone amp, which is ideal for pop, rock and jazz. Contemporary players requiring more grit and grind can deliver raucous low-end rhythms with the VOX Modern Bass personal amplifier.

Best Small Guitar Amps for Gigging

Even on arena stages, more and more guitarists have switched to small amps for performance. For worship bands and cover bands, there's an increasing demand from venues like churches and resort showrooms for either a low-volume or "silent stage" setup. Small amps are ideal for these in a number of ways.

 

Pictured: BOSS KATANA 50EX Gen 3 Combo Amp

Amplifier	Type	Number of Channels	Onboard Effects
BOSS KATANA Gen 3 50-EX	Solid state with modeling	4	15 onboard, 60 via app integration
Fender ’65 Princeton Reverb	Tube	1; dual inputs	Reverb and vibrato
Orange Rocker 15	Tube	2	None
Marshall DSL40CR	Tube	2	Reverb
Blackstar Debut 50 Combo Amp	Solid-state MOSFET	2	Digital Reverb
Blackstar HT Venue Club 40 MKIII	Tube	2	Reverb
Fender Tone Master Twin Reverb 200W	Solid state	2	Reverb and vibrato

 

BOSS KATANA Gen 3 50-EX

Why It’s Cool: With this 50W BOSS Katana combo, you can skillfully carve out superior sonics for the studio, stage and daily practice routine.  

Things to Consider:

• Tube-like sound and feel with Power Control for cranked-amp tone at lower volumes
• Up to 15 onboard effect variations, expandable to 60 via the BOSS Tone Studio
• Upload and download more Katana patches through the BOSS Tone Exchange

Pictured: BOSS KATANA Gen 3 50-EX Guitar Amp

The BOSS KATANA Gen 3 50-EX—released in May 2024—is a 1x12 50W combo amplifier ideal for practice, stage, and studio use. Leveraging BOSS' Tube Logic technology, the 50-EX features six amp characters with the feel of vintage tube amps, including the new Pushed mode for harmonically rich overdrive—just like the non-master-volume amplifiers often favored by some blues and classic rock guitarists. In addition, an onboard Variation button expands the amp characters to 12. Tailor your tone further with independent Booster, Mod, FX, Delay, and Reverb sections offering more than 60 effects overall, as well as extensive editing parameters. The KATANA Gen 3 50-EX also includes a Power Amp In for pedalboards or modelers and a Stereo Expand function to link a second Katana. Connect to the BOSS Tone Studio app for comprehensive patch editing and more. Weighing just under 26 lbs., the BOSS KATANA Gen 3 50-EX is an extremely portable amp that delivers tons of tonal options.

Fender '65 Princeton Reverb Tube Guitar Amp

Why It’s Cool: Sensibly scaled for the everyday guitarist who craves unmistakable tube tone, the Fender ’65 Princeton Reverb is a certified classic ideal for gigging and recording.   

Things to Consider:

• Single channel and streamlined control panel
• Famous Fender cleans and cutting crunch when pushed
• Assembled by hand in the USA

Pictured: Fender '65 Princeton Reverb 12W Tube Combo Amp

The Fender Princeton is, in all likelihood, the "first serious amp" of a large percentage of guitar players. This 1x10, 12W, all-tube design is a true classic, having been around, in one form or another, since the mid-1950s. With a tube-driven long-spring reverb and tremolo, it's the source of legendary sounds from crisp and clean to full-on crunchy. This is an ideal amp for blues, Americana, country, classic rock and more. It also responds exceptionally to pedals, if your desire is to twist your sound a little or a lot.

Orange Amplifiers Rocker 15W Tube Guitar Amp

Why It’s Cool: The bedroom-friendly Rocker 15 is a little combo boasting big valve sound, equally viable on stage as it is in the studio and practice room.  

Things to Consider:

• 0.5, 1, 7 and 15W power scaling for “sweet spot” tone at home or on the road
• Volume-only Natural channel and Dirty channel with 3-band EQ (FS-1 footswitch sold separately)
• Efficient, sonically balanced Voice of the World Gold Label 10 speaker

Pictured: Orange Amplifiers Rocker 15 Tube Combo Amp

On the other side of the Atlantic, the Orange Rocker 15 1x10 combo is home to the characteristic British punch. With twin channels, you can go from a clean to overdriven natural sound or a seriously dirty, in-your-face channel. Always touch-responsive and incredibly dynamic, the Rocker 15 also features a tube-buffered effects loop and switchable output from 15W down to half a watt for screaming sounds at bedroom levels when necessary.

Marshall DSL40CR Tube Guitar Amp

Why It’s Cool: Marshall’s DSL40CR is a two-channel, four-voice tube monster capable of sparkling cleans and roaring driven tones in signature British style.  

Things to Consider:

• I/O includes an effects loop, AUX input, MIDI in and emulated speaker out
• 12" Celestion V-Type speaker offers vintage-modern tonality
• High- and low-power modes (40W/20W)

Pictured: Marshall DSL40CR 40W Tube Combo Amp

Stepping up in output to 40 tube watts, we have a pair of amps that originate in the UK. First, the Marshall DSL40 features refined EQ sections and adjustable power output to help match volume to venue. Loaded with a Celestion V-Type 12" speaker, it's a compact powerhouse. A recent development is a speaker emulated output that delivers an accurate emulation of Marshall's beloved 1960 4x12 cabinet.

Blackstar Debut 50 Combo Amp

Why It's Cool: Blackstar's Debut 50 delivers classic tube tone with solid-state reliability.

Things to Consider: 

• Analog circuit design uses MOSFET chips for tube-like breakup and response
• Just because it's light doesn't mean it's not loud
• Designed to be a great pedal platform

Pictured: Blackstar Debut 50 Combo Amp

If you think that solid performance and great tone are better than more "bells and whistles," the Blackstar Debut 50 (and its big sibling, the Debut 100R) may be the amp you've been looking for. With an impact that belies its size and weight, this 50W 1x12 combo features tube-style tone and response from its all-analog MOSFET preamp design, giving you rockin' tone and a pedal platform that makes sure what you want to hear is what you get. 

Blackstar HT Venue Club 40 MKIII Combo Amp

Why It’s Cool: The Blackstar HT Venue Club 40 MK III delivers boutique-style cleans and snarling modern overdrives to give guitarists a highly flexible playing platform suited to nearly every style.  

Things to Consider:

• Clean and overdrive channels, each with a circuit-altering voice switch
• Onboard power reduction down to 10% of full wattage
• Built-in digital reverb with a Dark/Light character switch

Pictured: Blackstar HT Venue Series Club 40 Combo Amp MKIII 

Our second 40W combo is the Blackstar HT Venue Series Club 40 MKIII. Featuring flexible clean and drive channels with selectable voicings, it's a great choice for players who love high-gain tones. The Club 40 is also ideal for those who live in the mid-gain world, where you can push from clean to overdriven with a pedal or a twist of the guitar's volume knob. With fully foot-switchable modes, this is an amp designed for performance. A switchable power-reduction circuit makes it easy to keep your tone while dropping the levels for smaller venues, while still keeping the amp in the "sweet spot." The amp also has a USB recording out to maximize flexibility.

Fender Tone Master Twin Reverb 200W Combo Amp

Why It’s Cool: Digital modeling and solid-state amplification emulate the old-school Fender Twin Reverb’s circuitry and power output in this groundbreaking Tone Master version.   

Things to Consider:

• Tone and dynamic response are nearly identical to the original
• Dual-input Normal and Vibrato channels
• Keep firmware up to date with dedicated USB port

Pictured: Fender Tone Master Twin Reverb 200W Combo Amp 

Finally, topping the wattage category is the Fender Tone Master Twin. This incredibly lightweight (33 lb.) 2x12 combo comes in at a rating of 200W of Class-D digital power, to emulate the original Twin Reverb's 85 watts of tube power. The original Twin Reverb was the amp of choice for many touring musicians, thanks to its amazingly punchy clean sound and ability to take pedals exceptionally well. The Tone Master Twin does an amazing job of emulating the original, at less than half the weight. The addition of features like selectable output power, balanced line out with cabinet simulations, a mute switch for silent stage or recording applications and a USB port for computer connections bring it fully into the modern age.

Why Use Small Guitar Amps for Live Performance?

You may be saying to yourself, "But what about all those classic touring bands with multiple full stacks in their backline? Don't we need that for that big, rock-and-roll sound?" Back before modern sound reinforcement, you did. But, if you go backstage today, you'll see that almost all those cabinets are empty. Sometimes, there's just one small combo amp with a mic on it, hidden behind that false front. Here are some of the main reasons why small amps are taking over stages around the world.

First, there's far better control of stage levels. With modern stage monitors, especially with the use of personal in-ear monitors, small amps make it possible for everybody to hear everybody else. When you hear each other better, you play better together. Even lower-tier touring bands are carrying their own in-ear monitoring systems these days for consistent sound from night to night. Small amps are a big part of that equation.

Second, small guitar amps make for fast set up and teardown. Less stress, both on your back and your time, makes for better soundcheck and a more relaxed vibe. If your performance amp has a dedicated speaker-compensated output that you can simply plug direct to the front-of-house (FOH) and stage monitor boards, it's even easier.

Third, and probably most important for most players, is tone. For most guitarists, getting "their" tone is one of the single most important factors on whether a show is a great one or not. With a small amp, you don't have to sacrifice your tone when you have volume constraints from the venue or the situation. Your guitar can sound just as huge at a coffeehouse gig as it does in a large theater.

To make sure that all of these are the case, it's important to put some thought into just what you want your live sound to be. That means careful consideration of which type of amp you choose.

Tube vs Modeling vs Solid State for Live Performance

The type of amp you select for live performance is going to depend on the final result you want.

Modeling amps are great if you need a wide variety of sounds, like for a cover band or worship band. Modeling makes it easy to dial in tones for individual songs as presets and build a set list where you can simply step through each song with minimum hassle. They're also especially good for "silent-stage" gigs, because they enable you to give the FOH engineer a pre-processed, performance-ready tone that will be consistent from venue to venue.

A small tube amp for performance is all about the tone and feel. If you don't need a huge variety of tones, but are happy to work with one great tone and a small pedalboard, or even just a guitar straight into an amp, a tube amp has the response and the feel many players seek. If you tend to play with more gain, it's easier to achieve and more controllable with a small amp. Your choice is going to be determined by both how much gain you want to have available and how you want to connect to FOH systems. Many of the latest generation of small tube amps have some variety of direct connection available, or you can go classic and slap a mic on it (see our articles on how to mic your amp).

If you're all about the clean sounds, or about using a pedalboard or multi-FX unit to get your overdriven and distorted sounds, a small solid-state amp will do you right for live performance. Consistent and reliable, many modern solid-state guitar amps have some built-in effects and/or an effects loop, making it easy to integrate your other gear. Direct outs for FOH or recording are also standard on many, so you can easily get your sound, no matter where you are.

Best Small Guitar Amps for Recording

With the boom in home recording, small amps have been the key to getting great guitar tones without creating rifts with your neighbors or housemates. In fact, many current small amps have been designed and built with recording as one of their main purposes.

Amplifier	Type	Number of Channels	Onboard Effects
VOX AC4C1-12 Classic	Tube	1	None
Fender Blues Junior IV	Tube	1	Reverb
Marshall Studio Classic	Tube	1	None
Roland JC-40 Jazz Chorus	Solid state	1	Chorus, vibrato, reverb, distortion
Fender Mustang GTX 50	Solid state with modeling	1	Overdrive, fuzz, delay, pitch shift and more

VOX AC4C1-12 Classic 4W Tube Combo Amp

Why It’s Cool: The AC4 brings reputed VOX voicing to guitar players in a compact, low-wattage footprint.

Things to Consider:

• Minimal headroom for crunchy breakup at lower levels
• Contains a 12" Celestion VX12 Custom speaker
• Speaker output can be paired with external cabinet

Pictured: Vox AC4C1-12 Classic 4W Tube Combo Amp 

Let's start with the Vox AC4, a 4W powerhouse of a combo amp. The sparkle and chime of Vox amps practically defined the sound of the British Invasion and later Brit-Pop. This 1x12 true Class-A combo may be only 4W, but in the recording studio it's a true powerhouse with Vox's legendary Top Boost tone and EL84 power tube.

Fender Blues Junior IV 15W Tube Combo Amp

Why It’s Cool: If 1950s and ’60s Americana is your jam, the Fender Blues Junior IV offers an ageless sound synonymous with the electric guitar itself.      

Things to Consider:

• Included one-button footswitch engages FAT mid-boost circuit
• Modified preamp increases fullness and articulation
• Lush, smooth spring reverb built in

Pictured: Fender Blues Junior IV 15W Tube Combo Amp 

On the American side, the Fender Blues Jr. features 15 watts of power and a 12" Celestion A-Type speaker for a tone that's simply classic. With a traditional Fender 3-knob tone stack and switchable FAT circuit for that little bit extra, you've got an amp that sits in a mix comfortably and distinctively.

Marshall Studio Classic 20W Tube Combo Amp

Why It’s Cool: This Marshall Studio Classic combo takes the raw aggression of the ubiquitous JCM800 and shrinks it down to friendlier wattage, where it’s even easier to drive the tubes into full-blown natural saturation for legendary high gain.   

Things to Consider:

• Precise recreation of JCM800 2203 from the ’80s, sonically and functionally

• 10" Celestion VT-Junior speaker balances formidable low mids and sparkling highs
• Assembled at the Marshall factory in Bletchley, England

Pictured: Marshall Studio Classic 20W Tube Combo Amp 

If heavy guitars are your bread and butter, the Marshall Studio Classic 20 is hard to beat. Designed to deliver the full-blown, '80s hard rock and metal impact of Marshall's JCM800 head in a package that can easily tuck into a corner of your studio, this 20W, 1x10 combo goes from clean to aggressive at the tweak of a knob. An effects loop and DI out add to the versatility, and you can drop the power from 20W to 5W when you want all the grind, but not quite so much dB.

Roland JC-40 Jazz Chorus Combo Amp

Why It’s Cool: The flagship Roland JC-120 set the benchmark for clean guitar tone, and the JC-40 is a moderately scaled-back version with contemporary refinements.   

Things to Consider:

• Two custom 10" speakers driven by independent power amps
• Signature Dimensional Space Chorus with fixed and manual modes
• Works incredibly well as a pedal platform

Pictured: Roland JC-40 Jazz Chorus Combo Amp 

For decades, one of the most revered clean sounds was the Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus. Roland has repackaged that "JC Clean" into the 2x10 JC-40, putting that classic stereo clean sound in a refined package that shimmers like the original, but with some new twists of its own. It's a great pedal platform, and one of the few with true stereo input, so that second output on your stereo effects pedals doesn't have to have an inferiority complex. This also makes it great as a platform for multi-FX pedals, guitar synths and stereo modelers. With ample onboard effects of its own, including the trademark Dimensional Space Chorus stereo effect, it's an amp that you'll use for more than just recording guitars.

Fender Mustang GTX 50 Combo Amp

Why It’s Cool: Developed by the people who know them best, the Mustang GTX lineup features digital emulations of historic Fender amps, in addition to a selection of other tried-and-true classics.  

Things to Consider:

• Includes 40 amplifier models and dozens of effects
• Integrates with Fender TONE 3.0 app via Bluetooth
• 60-second onboard looper

Pictured: Fender Mustang GTX 50 Combo Amp 

Finally, the Fender Mustang GTX 50 is a 1x12 50W modeling amplifier with a remarkable selection of quality models and the flexibility to capture any mood you may be feeling. Not known as a modeling amp company, per se, Fender has been quietly refining their approach to modeling. They’ve come up with a series of amps, many of which are aimed at practice, that showcase a great range of tones. If you need a wide variety of sounds in your studio and only have room for a single amp, the GTX 50—with 200 presets, solid onboard effects and easy editing via WiFi and Bluetooth—could be your secret production weapon when inspiration strikes.

What Makes Small Guitar Amps Ideal for Recording?

Control is usually the most important factor in the recording process. Small amps help with that control. Of course, they are no newcomer to the recording process. The classic, seminal rock, blues and soul recordings of the 1950s and early- to mid-1960s were made with small amps. Some prime examples are Billy Gibbons' and Eric Clapton's preference for the classic Tweed Fender Champ and Steve Cropper's reliance on a 12W Fender Harvard combo. Small amps make it easier to avoid bleed from other instruments, as they're far easier to isolate than something like a half-stack or even a larger combo amp.

Most players and recording engineers will agree that nothing quite matches the sound of a cranked tube amp. Small amps make that far easier, especially for home recording setups. A close-miked setup on a tiny tube amp can sound like the roar of a full stack in playback. Using a multi-mic setup to record a small amp will make it sound even bigger (but that's a whole other article).

Modeling amps are a natural match for a recording setup where you need a wide variety of great tones and have limited space. Since every modeling amp has a recording out, they're also great for getting excellent sound direct to your DAW, even if you're doing insomniac recording with headphone monitors at 3 a.m. As an added bonus, some modeling amps make it possible to change your virtual amp setup by swapping different virtual cabinets and mics.

Solid-state amps are superb here for clean sounds that will sit well in a mix. Like all the other amps we've discussed so far, they record exceptionally well at low volumes, and many also have direct recording outs that are great for late night sessions.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Smaller Guitar Amps

Now that we've looked at some basic selections of small amps for different applications, we'd like to take a moment to talk about why you might want to consider a smaller amp, in case you're still undecided as to which amp is best for you.

The biggest advantage of small amps is that they're, well, small. Tiny and light are always a big advantage, whether you're dealing with a small home practice space, cramped rehearsal facility or typical small venue stage. Especially with amps that feature built-in effects, there’s nothing better than "set it down, plug it in, turn it on" ease of use. For rehearsals and gigs, you're packed and out the door before the drummer gets his hi-hat off the stand. Note: It's still polite to stay and help the rest of the band. Just take comfort in the fact that you're doing it because you can.

The second advantage is tone. Most guitar amps have a "sweet spot" where they sound their best. With even slightly larger amps, that spot is all too often at a volume level that will either get complaints or cause hearing damage to yourself and others. Small amps have sweet spots at much lower volume levels and a cranked up and singing tiny tube amp is a thing of beauty, indeed.

Finally, and firmly connected to the previous point, is increased control over your volume. Regardless of your application, getting the tone you want at a volume that's comfortable for everyone involved is a primary concern. Whether practicing at home with headphones, rehearsing or jamming with friends, recording or on stage, you want to be heard, but you want everyone to be grooving instead of reaching for the earplugs. Taking into account modern designs and recent advances in stage monitoring and sound systems, with a good small amp, you can hit all the sweet spots.

Probably the biggest hurdle you'll have to deal with is that small amps need careful placement in rehearsal, jam and live situations. On larger stages, you'll need to make sure you've got decent monitoring. For rehearsals and jams, you'll want it pointing at your head, not the back of your knees. This writer rehearsed, gigged and toured for years with a 1x12 15W amp, and it was never not loud enough, provided careful attention was paid to where it was set up.

Types of Small Guitar Amps

We've thrown around a lot of terminology in the previous sections, and now that you've seen some choices that are available to you, if you want to know a little more, read on.

There are three basic types of amps we looked at—tube amps, solid-state amps and modeling amps. There are appropriate amp models in each category for each application you might be interested in, and some are versatile enough to cover several different situations. Here's a quick breakdown of what makes those amp types special.

Tube Amps

Since the invention of the triode in 1907, vacuum tubes (or thermionic valves) have been used for audio amplification. Even today, many tube amps can trace their basic circuits to the RCA tube manuals of the 1930s. The end result is a group of truly time-tested amps, descended from amps like Fender's Tweed Deluxe and Champ, the Gibson GA10 and the flood of amps made for Supro, National, Harmony, Gretsch and others by the Valco company. These are the basic designs that reliably deliver the most iconic tones for electric guitar.

Pictured: Fender '57 Custom Champ 5W Tube Amp 

Solid-State Amps

Solid-state guitar amps are our second category. Back when they first appeared in the 1950s and '60s, they were mostly called transistor amps and were largely intended as practice amps. As transistor technology developed, getting renamed "solid-state" as individual transistors were replaced with integrated circuits, higher outputs and more advanced designs brought them into the world of performance-worthy amplifiers that are treasured for their clean sounds. Amps like the Roland JC series, Kustom's "tuck-and-roll" combos, Polytone's jazz amps and metal-capable Randall amps stand as examples of classic designs.

Pictured: Roland JC-22 Jazz Chorus 30W Combo Amp 

Modeling Amps

Our third class of amps are modeling amps. Since their introduction in the mid-1990s, digital modeling amps have become increasingly popular. Modeling amps, like the Line 6 Spider and BOSS Katana use powerful Digital Signal Processing (DSP) hardware to algorithmically recreate the physical behavior of analog amps, both tube and solid-state, as well as classic pedal and rack effects. Modeling can also combine virtual components in ways that couldn't be done in the physical world, to create entirely new amplifiers. As tools for guitarists who want a huge variety of sounds instantly available, they have been an amazingly flexible solution.

Pictured: Boss KTN-MINI Katana Mini Amp 

Acoustic Guitar Amps

While we've been focused on electric guitarists here, it just doesn't seem fair to leave out the gigging acoustic guitarist. But what makes for a great small gigging amp for acoustics? Well, the box should be compact. It should be lightweight—say under 10 lb. It should also be super clean and transparent, and it should be loud. A smart company, like Fishman, would make one and call it the Loudbox, and, because it's so small, dub it the Micro. Well, what do you know? They did exactly that. The smallest member of the Loudbox series boasts 40W of power, set up as a bi-amplified system, so the woofer and tweeter are powered separately for cleaner, clearer sound.

The two-channel amp has a standard 1/4" instrument input for your guitar on one channel and an XLR input for dynamic mics on that other that can be used for a separate guitar mic or, if you're busking or doing a solo show, a vocal mic. The guitar channel has reverb, chorus and a three-band EQ, as well as a unique feedback-fighting Phase switch, and the mic channel gives you an independent reverb. There are also a balanced XLR D.I. output to feed the mixing board and a headphone output for private practice. We've been consistently amazed at what Fishman has been able to pack into this series of acoustic amps, and the Fishman Loudbox Micro is the small miracle worker you'll want next to you on stage.

Pictured: Fishman Loudbox Micro Acoustic Combo Amp 

The Ideal Accessories for a Small Guitar Amp

Once you've selected an amp, there are a couple of invaluable accessories you will also want to consider.

Quality Cables

First, since small amps tend to get used because people want to get the sound of a cranked amp without hearing damage, they tend to be run at higher gain settings. Higher gain means more noise—it's just a fact of life. One of the best ways to keep the hum down is to use quality cables. Better cables mean less radiofrequency (RF) and electro-magnetic (EM) interference. So, go for the good stuff, and you'll be happier.

Amp Stand

Especially for live performance, a small amp needs to be properly placed so you can hear it. If you just plop it on the floor, unless you've had your ears moved to the backs of your legs, that might be a problem. It's a good idea to invest in a small amp stand to get the amp up and aimed at your head.

The Output Stage

We hope we've shown here that, no matter what your application is, there's a small amp that will fit right into your life and your playing space. From jazz to metal, country to djent, you can get the tones you want with less strain on your ears and your back.

If you've got questions that haven't been answered here, or want more detail about different amp types, check the website or talk with one of our associates, in the store or at the call center. They'll be glad to help you find just the gear you've been needing.

If you're just starting out on guitar, be sure to check out our beginner electric guitar collection.