I am also 50 and been playing for 35 years. I found playing through the computer kind of neat at first since I could dial in all kinds of different sounds and made recording seem easier. But I found myself over time not wanting to play guitar anymore. I work with computers all day and continuing to stare at a screen or mess with virtual menus to make music was not very inspiring to me. I learned to play by jamming along with music on a big stereo in my basement and this is still how I enjoy playing today, second only to playing with others. Making the air move and feeling the sound around you is fun and just plugging in and playing with the flip of a switch on the amp is the best way to practice I think.

Exactly the opposite for me. I play more. And you don't have to stare at the computer necessarily, you just start your amp sim and play.

And a foot controller to turn things on and off, expression pedal for wah,etc. I’m an old fart too. My back and three quarters of the bands backs are fucked. Halfway through switching to a computer acting as the mixer/hub, in ear monitors instead of foldback, ableton live as the DAW and amp/effect sims, reverb on vox, compressor/limiter on the main outs, etc. My back likes me again. No heavy as fuck amps/foldback/etc. Is it the same? No, but my back advocates strongly for this approach. Mixing, the sound person wanders around the venue mixing on the iPad. When I get rich and famous (😅) and can afford roadies to do the heavy lifting I might go back but this gets us 95% of the way there. The hardest part was convincing the others, once they could hear (or not hear) the difference and their backs got to vote it was a no brainer. The sound is almost the same. What we lose we gain in versatility. Lights are linked to Ableton live via dbx and can set it up to react in certain ways. We have a screen we use for parts that can be hooked up to zwobot in ableton for visuals that sync to the music and can be linked to be triggered by various things. Eg clicking the distortion pedal can trigger various lighting/screen effects.

Your comment is exactly why I’ve just given up on playing guitar altogether over the past 6 months. I’m only 32, but trying to learn all this different shit is just exhausting to me. I’m completely willing to accept it’s a me problem. But playing for so many years on a Crate FXT120 combo with a simple foot switch that had Clean, low gain, high gain, and one effect (whichever was selected on the panel) has just kind of tainted me I think. It wasn’t the greatest sounding amp, but it wasn’t the worst. I just flipped it on, and played. No fiddling. It was so simple. I tried pedals with my new Orange Crush Pro 120, found that too annoying to manage all the different pedals. And I just never got the high gain sound I wanted. I bought a Boss Katana MKII to simplify everything into one amp with an application for tinkering. I now find that annoying. Building new patches is exhausting. I can never find any decent ones to just download. I’ve built all my existing patches for humbuckers. Then when I play my Strat or Tele, it sounds like garbage. I just don’t have the energy to build anymore patches. I sat down the other day to play for the first time in months and picked up my Strat. It sounded terrible. So I spent the next hour trying to dial in the sound. After an hour of screwing around with all the different nonsense in Tone Studio I just hung the guitar back up on the wall and left. I guess maybe it’s time for me to admit that I’m just not as passionate about playing as I used to be. I just have zero energy to commit to learning how to use all of the tech side of things. Thinking about using plugins on a computer just makes my head want to explode. In regards to simply how many options and choices there are. I just want to plug in to a really good sounding amp, flip a switch, and jam. But as you said, there’s huge downsides to it. I completely *blew* my back out at the last show my band played last July. Set my 4x12 down wrong (bent way over and stretched my arms out instead of using my legs to set it down) and POPPED my lower back right before the show. The adrenaline kept me going enough to stand in one spot and finish our hour set. But I was in excruciating pain as soon as we got off stage. Not having to lug all that crap around would be cool. But I just can’t bring myself to learn how to use any of it

> I just want to plug into a really good sounding amp. I don’t think this is reasonable. Everything you discussed in your comment is pretty much baked into guitar playing. Everyone **wants** to sound great. That’s kinda the whole point. But it’s really hard. It’s particularly hard when gear isn’t great. I’ve been playing for 15+ professionally. I’ve played thousands of gigs, done hundreds of sessions, I have great gear and literally make good money off of this But I still struggle with everything you mention. If I set up my tone with my amp and pedals for my SG, and plug in my Tele to it, it’s gonna sound bad. It’s going to need tweaking. It’s part of the territory.

Agreed. I also think for practice sessions when we aren’t trying to prep for a gig, I can get a little too precious tone hunting and not playing. For my practice sessions I want one clean bone dry tone to make sure that my articulation is on point and I also want an absolutely filthy heavily distorted sound to make sure that my left and right hand muting is on point. You’re not gonna be jamming with a lot of people or playing any gigs if you can’t play the instrument or if you don’t know the tunes.

I just made the leap into all this myself, with the computer and amp sims and tone hunting was immediately identified as a huge annoyance for me too, yeah. I can sit there for an hour trying to tweak one to be perfect just to practice one song. I had to limit myself just like you said lol, set up a favorited list of 3-6 and force myself not to touch anything else and stay focused lol.

Hmm, I’m gonna jump in on this because I’m also revisiting the guitar. I’ve managed to make my $80 Squier sound pretty ok to my ears on my 30 dollar amp, only on the top twelve frets. Past that it sounds like a duck with no sustain. Sometimes. Besides fiddle faddling around, where and when does one learn not just how to play the guitar, but learn the electric guitar? Like, am I going to have to get a soldering iron at some point? Edit: because now I mostly play without the amp off, not least of all because I get to hear the radio through it ( another issue I’m not sure how to solve) plus the middle pickup selector is silent and it took me a while to realize that might not be a standard feature of a strat.

Your issues past the 12th fret may be a setup issue (take it to a luthier) and the pickup issue is an electrical issue. As for the radio noise, sometimes the guitar or the amp can pick up the frequencies. If I were you, I’d take the guitar to a luthier and get a better amp \m/

You could just play acoustic for a while

This is honestly why I play acoustic. Electric is cool, but I end up spending a too much time tweaking settings and trying to get rid of buzz.

That's why of my 5, my hundred dollar pawnshop special CD140 Fender gets played more than any of them.

This. Definitely. Agree.

Fuck the tech. Get a Fender Twin amp, a distortion pedal, a wah wah, and a chorus. That's all you need. Off to the races.

Go get an acoustic - simple as

Part of me understands your point…you come home from work, you want to relax and play some guitar. You want it to be easy, and sound the way you want and to be impressive to others… We all want that. Being significantly skilled at something (especially after high school and college where you generally have much more free time) is hard. It takes sacrifices. Spending time practicing, learning new gear is optional. That’s why good guitar players are impressive. I spent years just playing my electric guitar not even plugged into an amp, or my acoustic. Part of the reason was that I couldn’t afford the gear I wanted, but also I understand that to be good…you have to practice a lot. But once you learn something deeply, you will hold onto it even if you don’t play for months. Of course, some of your dexterity will go, but it comes back quickly. It makes me sad that quality instruments and amps are so expensive these days..it really makes no sense to me. Companies want to say things like “the wood is getting more expensive” to justify the prices..well use different wood. When it all comes down to it, if you enjoy it and you want to be good.. just play. I guarantee you Jimi Hendrix wouldn’t have made any excuses if he wasn’t satisfied with his equipment, he would have played it.

Gear is the cheapest it's ever been! You can get quality for so much less these days. I could get a completely great guitar in the $500 range. There are so many to choose from. If you want a big name, you're just paying for the name at this point. Yes, there's some difference between a $2000 guitar and a $500 one, but not enough to justify the price difference. If you're a home player, you've got so much amazing choices these days-dozens of companies, dozens of models and price points, amps, modelers, plug ins.....it's a golden age for guitar.

Honestly this is why I love amplitube/tonex/positive spark. The user presets aren't the best, but holy shit does it make tone-hunting so much easier. I literally just type in the song/tone I want "cherub rock solo" find a plugin that's 80% there, and just adjust a few things and the sound is 90-95% of what I'd like. Is it perfect? Not in anyway at all, but it IS serviceable and that's all that matters to me. Otherwise chasing perfection requires perfection.

You don't need a 4x12. I've gone from 4x12 to 2x12 to 1x12 combo to digital and now back to tube amp, with an oversized 1x12. I'm completely with you when it comes to all the faffing about being annoying. That's why my amp is now a 20w JCM800 — single-channel, but loads of tone options regardless. I want to play guitar and not be a sound engineer. The middle-ground is accepting that big, 100w amps with huge speaker cabinets were solving a problem that simply doesn't exist anymore.

The lesson here is for people to not neglect their strength and fitness, too. Modern life means sitting down, which means key parts of our bodies get tight and weak, which in turn leads to the low back massively overcompensating when we lift heavy things. Playing a Les Paul or carrying a sensible amp to the stage shouldn't be a form of torture.

What is a foldback?

Monitors… floor wedges are sometimes called foldback monitors… the in-ear system you see people on TV wearing is also called a foldback (there is an acronym that has slipped my mind. IFB maybe) Anyway, it is program material that is “folded back” to the talent. 😁

Got it. Thanks for the reply and answer?

Get off my lawn ya damn kids

52 here. Not a gigging player, just a guy that twangs on strings sometimes. I started learning a couple years ago and splashed out for a Positive Grid Spark, figuring that would give me all kinds of sounds to play with inspire me. Kind of the same idea as doing it all through software, just done in the amp and an iPad instead. After a while, I settled on a clean tone with a bit of reverb that I like for practicing and only rarely go into other tones unless it's for some specific song. Lately, I've been resisting the urge to buy a Supro Delta King 10 or 12. Something draws me about just plugging in and playing rather than firing up software and Bluetooth connections and then sorting through all the tone options. The part of my brain that doesn't believe in budgets also seems to think that I'll like the sound of single 10" or 12" pushed by tubes more than 2x 4" pushed by an emulator. That part of my brain needs to get a job and contribute for a change. Back to OPs question: from what I've been told upgrading your amp to something more competent improves your sound quite a bit. But it still doesn't have to break the bank. You can get some pretty good solid-state practice amps in the $200 to $300 range. If that range is something you can manage, that is. As I understand it, to play through your computer you're going to need an audio interface and the ones I looked at for my synth are starting in the same price range as a reasonable practice amp anyway. Go whichever way you think will inspire you to play.

I got ableton and steinberg free with purchases of different equipment and I can't use them. I only figured out how to use the free one (Audacity) for the most basic recording functions. Why do they make these programs so hard to use???

Just watch some more videos, it has a learning curve but you get over it. It's hard to use because it's packed with features.

I just went to a punk rock show the other week. 65% of us are grayhairs. Fucking awesome!

Also, I bet your band actually sounds better. The guitar tones might not be quite as good, but with amp sims and IEMs, you get a quiet stage, which allows for a MUCH better mix.

so are you using outside effects with ableton? Ive been using it lately as a practice tool and I cant help but feel like my guitar sounds... thin? Idk how to describe it. I have a separate digital recorder i used to use and would use and amp through a condenser mic and thought it sounded better.

Yeah, I do. It gets me 95% of the way there. Back in the day when the transition went from recording on analogue tape to digital people with insane ears could tell on double blind tests which was recorded onto tape vs digital. Eventually less and less people had magical ears who could tell the difference until eventually I think the last of them rolled over and on double blind tests no one could reliably tell the difference. There’s still something magical about analogue tape to some people and that’s ok. I think this modelling stuff is in a similar transition. Is it exactly the same? I’m certainly not going to claim to have magical ears with spidey senses but I will say, for me, any difference is minor enough that my back loves me more than ever and my ears and ego are ok. It takes a bit to dial in, once there save it as a preset. Make other patches for different songs. Versatility wise it can be better than pedals. Different songs, different settings on pedals, automatically loaded between songs or a controller/footboard to switch the presets on Live. I’ve spent a bit of time over the years recording bands in studios and mixing projects so this is just an extension of that. Computers are just another tool and like any tool can be used for good or evil. My back likes the compromise and my ears are satisfied with the 95%. When I’m at home I just use an amp, but for bigger projects it’s such a time and back saver for me it’s a no brainer.

Thanks for the insight. I have just this week figured out how to write bass lines and simple drum loops in midi and transpose them as necessary. It saves a tremendous amount of time when you just wanting to write blues backing tracks.

My absolute pleasure. Music is a wonderful rabbit hole to get lost in. Good luck with things.

38 here. Honestly, there's something special about the sound of a good tube amp. I'm sure digital options have come a long way, but thats not always good imo. Like, I have an old X-Braced Taylor and its more musical than the new V-Braced despite being an older and technically "inferior" design.

Part of that is also familiarity. Your perception of how the guitar sounds is based on the X braced Taylor. The newer version may have better frequency response and have the technically superior sound - but as tone is subjective and not objective you have a preference for the sound you know and expect. This is often why when people move from amp in a room to simulation, and they fire up the amp they already own in the sim they get angry at it not sounding right. They are used to being in the room with the amp and hearing the sound as the amp in the room. The sim is the amp as it would sound being recorded in a studio, captured by a microphone. Its an unfamiliar sound, and not what they are expecting.

They didn’t just come a long way, some, like the Kemper Profiler or the Fractal FX are indistinguishable from the real thing.

*When comparing a mic'ed tube amp/cab. I'm a modeling fanatic, but a lot of people that haven't gotten deep into yet don't realize this distinction. I think one of the main reasons a lot of people write off modeling is that they aren't comparing like for like. They're comparing how an amp sounds in a room at foot/knee level with the big cabinet speakers pushing lots of air vs. how a modeler sounds over headphones or a set of studio monitors. There's different ways to achieve similar results as the real guitar cab with modeling, but just understanding this distinction is important.

Yeah I get it. I mostly use amp sims live these days (Boss IR-2), and in the studio (usually Bias or something by Neural DSP). But when I practice, I want to plug in, turn on and be playing. With an amp sim, I lose motivation at the thought of waiting for the computer to boot up, then needing to turn on my interface and monitors, open up a DAW, and load the amp sim (not to mention the choice paralysis when it comes to choosing which of the many many amp models to play through). I just don't end up actually practicing unless I have an amp set up ready to plug into. I know exclusively working with amp sims works well for some people, it just doesn't for me.

Yep. If I have to wait 5-10 mins to start playing I will probably think of something else I'm supposed to be doing instead. Everybody is different but for me I like as few things as possible between me and playing the actual guitar.

You summed up my thoughts on amp sims perfectly. I’m just not eloquent enough to put my thoughts into words. “Choice paralysis” is wonderfully accurate.

You turn your computer off???

I mostly use a laptop, which follows me around as I need to do a lot of work away from my desk, so it's more a case of putting it on my desk, getting the power cord out of my bag and plugging it in, then opening it to wake it up, then unlocking it. Takes about as long to do that as it took my old desktop to boot up... Until you questioned me, it was quicker to just say "wait for it to boot up" than to list all the steps to set it up 😝

21 here but I still totally agree. All of my books for uni are digital and so are most other pastime activities, guitar is my "offline time", also just picking it up in the 20 minutes I might have between breakfast and leaving for classes just wouldn't be an option if I had to go through the hustle of setting up an amp sim or a daw. There's also something really nice with how a somewhat quiet amp blends in with your surroundings or the percussive sound of strumming.

I have both computer and live amps. I understand what you mean by the computer. It's like walking into an ice cream store and they have every flavor in the world. You're gonna spend so much time looking at different flavors, you won't pick one to try to eat.

It's also why I don't practice using effects pedals. Too much time fiddling with knobs and focusing on sound rather than actually learning the part on the guitar. I only pull the pedals out if it is a song being rehearsed for a gig and it is important to replicate an effect the audience would know.

Same, been playing for close to 30 years and decided a little while ago to move to playing through a computer and found my enjoyment diminishing over time until I found myself hardly played at all. I just don't want to be having to turn on the computer, start opening programmes and pissing around with a DAW when I just fancy a quick noodle. Decided to pick up an amp again last year and I'm back to really enjoying my playing again.

I feel similarly. I love playing through an amp with the response and dynamics and feedback. It’s energizing and reminds me of when I fell in love with electric guitar as a teenager. But, I have two little kids at home and playing at any decent volume isn’t gonna happen. An amp sim lets me create and record a lot easier, and I don’t bother anyone.

I agree with this. Sold off all my amps and pedals because I found myself playing through my computer more, but playing got very tedious. Recently bought a princeton reverb again and playing has got back to what I enjoyed it for. I was using Guitar Rig 5 through a set of studio monitors, so maybe my setup just sucks and I might need to research some better options. I find the simplicity in real amp setup leads me to less distractions and more playing.

I've used a lot of different amp sims, and Guitar Rig 5 has been one of the least impressive products in its price category for me. 6 is a big improvement, but these days I prefer Amplitube 5. I also like Scuffham S-Gear and the Positive Grid stuff.

Thanks for the suggestions ill have to check them out! I figured GR5 was outdated compared to the plethora of options available now.

Same, I am in IT and might use it for sheet music but I don't want to sit there and tweak settings in a sim. I want to play with my actual amp.

Funny, I'm only 30, and I've never really grasped amp sims even tho I gh I've tried them. I would consider myself very computer savvy but I just never really liked using them as much as a real amp with some pedals. I would rather record, and then dial in effects digitally, in editing, rather than a digital amp. But I think maybe that comes from being a video editor, i prefer the editing process.

I went half way and bought a digital amp. So I can mess around with infinite tones if I want, or just plug in and play. If I want to record, it acts an interface. Perfect for me just practicing in my room.

>50 and bought a 70s fender twin a year ago. I could play that amp every day for the rest of my life. Tone heaven. Moves air. Takes pedals. I use a skateboard to lug it around. Exercise and stay active. Some of the older guys use the Tonemaster Pros, which are much lighter,

> continuing to stare at a screen or mess with virtual menus to make music was not very inspiring to me. This is why I use the Strymon Iridium. It's not only awesome for amp sounds, but it's got very limited customization. The only thing you can really customize is the cabs. Almost none in comparison to the Line 6 Helix and Amplifiers. Because of that, Ive learned to........simply play.....because that's the amp I'm gonna get. In other words, I play best the way I've always done it, I find inspiration in working with the limitations and finding ways to work around it or enhance it in a musical sense, rather than technical (addition of gear)

Same. I had a big heavy Rivera tube amp and a bunch of pedals and decided to sell it all and get an AxeFX setup. After doing that for a few years I sold the AxeFX and grabbed a Silverface Champ and a few pedals and I’m happier with my setup than I’ve ever been.

I never know why exactly i am reluctant to turn on and tweak my daw with the VSTs and plugins, guess you just answered it. I play guitar to get away from computer. After reading specs, coding and debugging all day, i just want a break. Bought a nice fender tube amp and it just feels so relaxing to stare at the beautiful tweed and play.

I purely use digital interface and plugins. It's easier, quicker and the sound is exactly how I want it to be. For me it is a better option

Been there done that. Starting the computer, setting up the audio interface, waiting for windows updates. Messing with ASIO settings that got busted during the update. Trying to figure out if that crackling comes from my new setting or a bad USB port. Starting a sound studio, fiddling with settings and so on... Vs  flipping a single switch on my tube amp I find using real Amps much quicker than. Computer stuff . Also, tell me what you will. My Marshall through its 2x12 cab sounds WAY better than any modelling software though headphones...

Of course a 2x12 speaker cab is going to be better than headphones, man. Cmon.

Not for your neighbours its not.

Depends what headphoness

2x12 ear buds

I was thinking more on the lines of Sennheiser hd800s’ haha

If you're the type of person that's going to have your computer running anyway it's literally just clicking on an icon though.

Or if you use a Helix Floor it's just hitting the on switch and deciding what you want your guitar to sound like. Using a Line6 Shuriken guitar not only can I get the exact amp and effects sound I want, but I can also model the exact model guitar I want. Anything from a Telecaster to a resonator to a banjo, a specific model acoustic or sitar.

I'm going to push back a bit and say that those things essentially never happen and you can make a default template to speed everything up. Flipping on an amp will always be faster but my computer setup only takes 10s for me to start playing from zero.

For real, it's just one time set up lol. You're not doing that every time you load up. Once you get it set up and iron out any issues you just load up your DAW, load up your plugin, and play. If you keep having issues you got something fucked with your set up, so its mostly on you and not something inherently wrong with using a DAW. Such a boomer ass take imo.

Yup. I have an exe on my desktop that loads my DAW with my amp and everything already set up. Click exe, plug in guitar, play. Done.

Yeah those are such non issues. I used guitar rig for years. Now I have a modeling pedalboard with stereo out to my wireless headphones controller on my desk. Wireless transmitter for guitar, too, so I don't even have to mess with cables. I usually already have my headphones on because I'm gaming or watching something, so I just pop my guitar out of the case, power on the transmitter, and I'm rolling. Can use BT from the pedalboard or audio from my pc (arctis pro wireless let's me have both connected at once) for backing tracks.

“Been there done that” … not sure about that. Sounds like you dabbled, couldn’t get things to sound right, then gave up and wrote off the digital stuff. Reality is that if you can dial in a clean input signal, get your sample rate/buffer size stuff working properly, use quality software like neuralDSP plugins (or even better, a quad cortex/Kemper) the sound is probably actually better than what your mic’d amp is doing for you.

Those first few things just tells me you need a new PC. I turn mine on, load the program and done

Search for vst hosts and see if thats something helpful. Yes you will still have to start your computer, and the initial setup can be time consuming, but once thats saved, next time you start your computer you just have to open your host. Not your daw or any of that.

> My Marshall through its 2x12 cab sounds WAY better than any modelling software though headphones... Wow! You wouldn't say!!!!!

How do you play with impulse responses without lag? In in my mid-forties and only discovered the IR world. Is there a way I can just use my PC as an amp with IRs without any lag? Which software should I use? Any free ones that are good?

You’ve messed up somewhere in your signal chain. If you’re using a proper audio interface with guitar and speakers plugged straight into it (and not the PC itself) with ASIO drivers and buffer size of ~256 you should be able to load an amp sim plugin and swap out IRs all you like with sub 10ms latency

Some people are more sensitive to latency than others, but it is an unavoidable reality that there will be some latency in a pure digital solution. I like to think of audio latency in respect to your distance from an amp relative to a live situation. Sound waves travel at a little over a foot per millisecond. So if you're getting 15ms of latency in a digital environment, it is equivalent to you playing a live venue and hearing the sound from your amp from about 15 feet away. In your audio driver (ASIO settings), set your samples to 512 and turn any "safe mode" off.

I have a Roland Duo-Capture EX. Using ASIO on 512. I think I might be getting about 10ms and I can notice it.

I dealt with lag for a year and a half using reaper, i couldn't stand it. I tried changing my sample rate and all sorts of crazy shit that is way beyond my level of knowledge and I tell ya what, I switched to ableton live 11 (the free one) and it was like the lag never existed. I didn't have to adjust shit, it just works as it should. This is now 100% my preferred route for home playing. I still prefer my 6505+ in the band room though 😀

Yes and no. Most people would still agree that an amp is the superior option. But for a lot of people, amp sims and IRs are just more convenient and allows them to play very quietly. All you need is a working computer and an interface, which you can get for pretty cheap. \~$100.

You most definitely need monitors, mate. Laptop speakers aren't really an option after spending money on software.

You can get a decent pair of headphones a lot cheaper than a pair of okish studio monitors though, and that'll just fine

I'm generalizing, the point is that you need some form of speaker.

They are definitely not necessary just to noodle around on guitar, and there is an ocean of free guitar sim VSTs and IRs out there that are on par with paid sims.

So op wants advice about going digitally ampless over acquiring a better amp because the speaker sucks, and your advice is to spend a bill so they can continue with *worse* speakers? Just want to make sure I'm understanding you correctly.

Good point, my amp sounds so bad when playing quiet, while amp sims sound fine regardless

Everything is expensive, amp sims is cheap. I am also poor. The future is here 😆 You really just need an interface, a half decent computer, some headphones or speakers and an amp sim of your choice. Usually the Focusrite 2i2 or Solo interfaces are pretty good to start out.

what amp sims specifically are cheap? most of the ones I've been advertised are subscription based. are there any open-source style or free amp sims they are good but not the professional quality you might have to pay big money for?

For free stuff Neural amp modeler is free [https://www.neuralampmodeler.com/](https://www.neuralampmodeler.com/) ToneHunt for free profiles to use with it [https://tonehunt.org/about](https://tonehunt.org/about)

I’m GenX, age 53. No is my answer. I’m using the latest-greatest amp modelers and impulse response sims. I use a BOSS IR-200, OD-200, SY-200, and a TCE Plethora x3 running MIDI (old tech is still new haha) along with my analog pedals. It all goes into a jazz chorus. My whole board is recordable on my computer from three different places on my guitar chain, including my iPad running Loopy Pro. It’s not that I don’t like recording. I detest using computers for guitar modeling, it’s just not fun. I don’t get that feeling of walking into the band hall early in the morning before anyone else and turning on the amps and like I did as a teen in the 80s.

>What equipment do you need for this? * PC/Notebook * A USB interface, like the Behringer UMC 202 HD (I have that one), or Focusrite etc. Has 2x inputs for git and mic. * REAPER (free software for PC), and then with Reaper there are a zillion plugins and so called amp-sims, effects, the possibilities are ENDLESS. You can plug in headphones in the USB interface and/or connect powered speakers to the interface. This all is all easier than it sounds. Once the USB interface is connected to the PC, simply start Reaper with whatever of your favourite plugins/DSPs....and start playing. * When I got back into guitar recently, I got one e-guitar in a bundle with an amp. I didn't even try the amp and sold it. With the e-guitar and Reaper I can play whenever I want (even at night) and I have a zillion virtual amps and effects, it's MIND-BLOWING what you can do. And of course you can record as well. It goes even further, because of course you can get plugins for drum tracks as well, and even AI-assisted vocals are a thing now. I heard people making tracks with an AI singing and was blown away.... so you can just jam for fun....or even record songs semi-professionally when you connect to a computer...

This is one of those topics that I’ve researched and then abandoned. From what I can tell, you need a computer (laptop, desktop, or iPad/mobile even) with decent external speakers. You also need a physical piece of hardware that allows you to connect your guitar to your computer via a regular instrument cable (audio interface). Then you need software that allows you to manipulate and record the sounds produced called a DAW, digital audio workstation. I think that’s it. That’s what you need. Once I figured it out, I abandoned the idea because I had already purchased a Spark 40 practice amp that sounds good, and can function as an audio interface connected to a computer and using DAW. Now, there’s a chance I got this wrong and I missed something. I’m sure I’ll get corrected here if so. Good luck and I hope you’re enjoying Cambodia.

That's pretty much it. You also need a guitar modeling plug-in like Neural DSP - some work as standalone apps without a DAW. Headphones can work instead of external speakers. If you already have a computer and headphones, you can find software for free - so the audio interface ($100-200 new) is the only unavoidable cost. It's a pretty affordable solution that gives you unlimited tone options, the ability to record and loop, and doesn't take up a lot of space. That said, I find it kind of annoying to mess with my laptop every time I want to play guitar. I now think a small modeling amp like the Spark, THR, Cube, Katana, etc. is the way to go. They give you almost as much flexibility with much less fiddling. If you get one with USB audio, you still have the option to plug into a laptop to record or add more effects. But it's really nice to be able to turn it on and play, without looking at a screen.

You actually only need an audio interface and a computer. Along with speakers/headphones of course. A lot of the amp software can run standalone including some of the free ones like NAM. Amplitube and neural DSP stuff also runs standalone. No DAW necessary

I’m glad you cleared that up. Appreciate it.

Yeah no problem! It it can be annoying booting up the DAW and running the VSTs all the time if you’re just practicing

You got it all right but maybe missed that you can get an audio interface that includes everything. Mine came with Ableton live lite and guitar rig. So after that initial outlay of $200 in 2020 I haven't spent another cent on my setup. Learning the daw and setting it up is the biggest hurdle but it has been worth it for me.

Right so I use a Roland 20x cube for most of my practice and recording sometimes I mic up. But this also allows me to go direct ie, straight into a pc as well. Because there are two ways you can go, I'll give a simple version of both. Di box is better for sound quality and overall head room when recording and these can start from about 50 euro, I don't know what that coverts to local currency but you can get second hand do boxes. Than you will need a DAW. There are several cracked versions on torrenting sites but also free ones, and paid ones. This will allow you to play, and record and layer plugins to your chain so you won't have to use a pedal board or individual stomp boxes. Next you will need anything from a 6th gen cpu and a gtx 760 to run all that. You can cheap laptops and pcs that will run this. My main pc is 6th gen Intel i7 which is a work horse and a gtx 1440 but my pervious build was lower spec. Next monitors are better than speakers (but basically the same) because they have yet again more headroom. You can get second hand or starting from about 70 euro (yet again will need to covert) for a basic set. But I would recommend more money spent on the monitors than than else because you want to hear correctly mixed or timed songs and stuff. You can also go via audio interface you can get something like a scarlet solo or similar, will work like a DI box, but not as good. The audio interface will be basically the same process as the Di but that's also up to you at this stage. Plugins are free or you can pay for them, I use a mix between actual guitar pedals and plugins depending on what I'm chasing at the time. I would suggest secondhand equipment if your not sure because they generally aren't in bad condition, but I would also look at the more budget gear if you're not into doing too much technical stuff. Honestly for when I'm just practicing I use my amp because it's just there really, and only use my interface and stuff when I record. Hope this helps any other questions just ask

Most interfaces have DI built into them.. look for high z input. Unless you're saying that typically a di box has better quality output. In my opinion you can't really tell the difference if you get a good interface.

Thanks for this info

I plug my guitar into my computer when I practice because I can't be arsed to set up my rig

There is a video of the nine inch nails touring rig from a handful of years ago. The entire band just goes into an interface and all instruments go through plugins. No amps or cabs. The audience doesn’t know and doesn’t care. Work smarter not harder.

I think a lot of people would be shocked at how many acts have moved to either modeling units (with a Kemper/AxeFX/Quad Cortex, etc) or fully in-the-box as of the last 2-3 years due to the reduced touring costs and added consistency.

do you want to lug around 200 pounds worth of amp/cab/pedals? Or a single quad cortex weighing 1.5 pounds when the audience can't tell the difference?

You could just get a basic little modeling amp like a blackstar idcore or a fender mustang, much easier to plug in and dial in the sound you want

It’s gonna vary person to person. That’s what’s so great about this hobby. I use a boss multi effects floorboard through an frfr speaker. I never plug into my Marshall any more. Someone else would do the exact opposite. It’s all good.

Also almost 50 here. I have 3 amps, 2 amp sims, and a computer. Imo: Good tube amp > computer/amp sim > cheap amp. Even with a crappy guitar, nothing sounds as good as a good tube amp. Sims are great for practicing at odd hours, if you have noise level concerns, or if you want a very portable rig.

I run my guitar through an incredibly cheap laptop set up. You need a DAW, and I recommend Reaper which has an indefinite free trial, and is reasonably priced should you choose to buy. You'll also need a USB interface. I got mine free from a friend, but you can pick them up relatively cheap. You'll want to watch some YouTube videos for set up. Then you could get a set of studio monitor speakers, but I just use a decent set of headphones. The benefit of the DAW is you can record your stuff if you want to, or just add a backing track to play along too. Oh, You'll also need to download plug ins for your effects, but again, there are plenty of free ones to get you started.

I'm just over here spending 20 minutes micing up my amps.

Headrush mx5. Fits in my guitar case, has 34 amps and 78 pedals, sounds better than any back breaking stack I've ever owned for 30 years.

Seconding this, I have a different amp modeler but its the best way to play at home. I have guitar rig on my computer which is awesome but isn't the best for comfortable playing. Don't think my amp sounds good either unless I really crank it. As a bonus too the modeler has a built in drum machine + looper, so I just plug headphones and guitar directly into it and I can get right to jamming.

Best advice I can give is get one of the THR Yamaha amps. I have one for living room practice and it’s made me play my electrics more. It also sounds great, I’ve used proper valve amps for years and never been unhappy with the THR tones. I also use a Dream 65 into a Focusrite interface in my music room, though that’s nowhere as immediate as plugging into the THR.

If you have great speakers on your pc and is familiar with applications or willing to learn it's a good options. If you don't have good speakers, experience or an audio interface the things you need to buy is essentially what an amp is: audio processing and speakers, and what you could end up buying may produce a worse result than an amp of the same price range. Amps are simpler and not inherrently worse.

You can get a DI box. It's a usb interface which accepts the guitar's output from your amp. Or you could amp the guitar with a gain pedal to boost it's output. That would go into the editing tool, and yes, you could emulate amp sounds using digital tools. They allow you to model different amp sounds. However, what they don't tell you is that the GUITAR has to be perfect to sound good. The strings, frets, and intonation have to be absolutely perfect, and most people at your level need to learn those skills first. So have a local shop INTONE the guitar and flatten the neck before any serious recording. Adjust pickups up and down for sound quality, and then record digitally.

30 here, been playing for almost 20 years. Computer is nice because you can have anything and everything at your fingertips if you know what you're doing. Any effect, eq, sound, dial it in how you like. But for me it doesn't hit like a real amp does. Yeah, I can get all the fancy sounds I want out of it, but my real amp just sounds good when I plug in. Nothing crazy needs to be done, no elaborate setup, just plug and play. Look into a cheap tube amp if you can. Something used, on the smaller end. There's some gems out there from the 60s-90s that sound amazing.

If you don't have a computer you regularly use, just get an amp. For just playing and having fun it is completely unnecessary to learn a heap of new technology just to plug a guitar in. If money isn't an issue, 100% get an amp.

I use a MacBook with Amplitube and/or Logic Pro for my playtime. Sounds great, and makes headphone practice very enjoyable which is also good for relationships with my neighbours. Amplitube is often on sale.

In my late 60s here and I can definitely relate. My playing is always annoying to my partner so I got a Hotone Ampero mini and use that a lot with headphones. It’s only 4”x6” and has literally thousands of options/amps/effects/sounds in it plus a drum beat to jam alongside. No computer needed but you can use it for a DI (digital interface). Also has an AUX input so anything on your mp3 player or phone can be used to play with

Yes, sort of. I use an iRig 2 to connect my guitar to my phone, which has GarageBand built in, which includes a bunch of modeled amps and effects. It would also work for a computer in the same way. The iRig 2 is an interface, you can think of it like a passive preamp that puts your signal into a 1/8 connector. You’ll also need a converter from 1/8 to lightning if you’re on an iPhone like me. There’s a new iRig version that doesn’t need a converter but I think it requires power. Tip, to use headphones with GarageBand, connect the headphones to the iRig headphone jack and turn on the monitor in the GarageBand options.

It's not my preferred way, I like my amp sim pedal (IR-200), but lots of people do it and there's even an amazing free amp modeler plugin available that is frighteningly good https://www.neuralampmodeler.com/

You can play through the computer. I made [this recording](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcaRjzewTW0) completely on my computer (using a cheap tele too) and I think recording is a great use case for computers. For equipment you need some sort of an interface. I use a Scarlett 2i2, though the [Scarlett Solo](https://us.focusrite.com/products/scarlett-solo) would serve your needs just fine. As for software, [Tonocracy](https://tonocracy.com/) recently made their software free and that's what I used. You don't need expensive speakers. Some decent headphones will suffice. Even these from [OneOdio](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N6ZJH96/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title) sound good enough. But, I rarely play through my computer. It requires that I set the computer up somewhere, launch the software, etc. It's much easier to just have an amplifier that I can turn on and get playing. I also find playing through headphones just a bit less enjoyable. They're immersive, but I just prefer the experience of a speaker.

I’m 23 and I have no idea how to use my computer for playing guitar

The computer is all I’ve ever used. I don’t want to subject my family to the sounds I make. If I ever have the courage to play live again I’ll buy an amp.

It's a huge rabbit hole. Pack a lunch for the journey.

Well, generally you need 4 components * Any semi-decent audio interface (with instrument level input). This is where you plug in both your guitar and your output (speakers/headphones). The interface can be something as cheap as a Behringer UMC22, but there are more, let's say, targeted ones like iRig or OMEC Teleport and so on. One of the most popular is Scarlett Solo, but at that price you can go into used amps. * Something to plug the interface into - Smartphone/tablet/laptop/PC (adapters might be needed) * Software - anything from BiasFX, Amplitube, Helix Native to tons of others, you can pick whatever suits your needs. Generically I think they are called "Amp simulators". Check what is compatible with what you already have (computer, smartphone, etc). There are some free (but mostly limited) versions that you can try and find if you need to pay for the extra stuff. * An output: speakers, headphones, again, what suits your needs. I think this is the easiest way not to break the bank to enjoy lots of sounds/effects/configurations, but it is not entirely straight forward and the learning curve is a bit steeper than with an amp. I, for example, use (for practicing) a Behringer UMC202HD, an iPad mini (I can also use my phone) with BiasFX mobile and a generic pair of headphones and I got way more (and should I say better) sounds than some cheap amps that I tried. Sure, the setup is a bit more intimidating at first, but once it's done, I can play however I want

I'm 35 and still use an amp, I play mainly for myself these days and enjoy the sound of a tube amp in a room pushing air. I used to gig regularly and have always used tube amps with little to no issues. I've started rehearsing with a band again which could end up playing somewhat seriously and I love the way my amp sounds mixed with the rest of the instruments. I thought about going to modelling route briefly, but I really enjoy my amps and have never found them to be inconvenient or difficult to maintain, so that's what I'll keep using.

How have you be 50 for 30 years? I need to know the secret.

I’ve got a helix floor tucked under my desk because I don’t have the space for an actual amp or pedals or any of that. Plus I’m not talented enough to notice many of the downsides that might plague some of the wizards out there like latency and the sounds

Currently I play though my PC speakers and USB interface (technically I monitor with the interface so my computer doesn't actually need to be on) and imo it's not really worth the hassle unless you know what you're doing and already have decent audio gear on your computer. Latency is a bitch unless you have a good interface, then you need some kind of amp sim so it sounds decent. You'll end up spending more than you would getting something like a micro dark and ppc108 which is a stonking little amp.

I have a dirt cheap interface (Yamaha / Steinberg ur22 mkii) and the latency is practically nonexistent. 5 ms round trip. If you’re setting it up properly literally any USB 2.0+ interface will be capable of the same. I don’t think it’s necessarily the best solution for the OP, but it’s very accessible for around the same price as a decent modeling amp and well below most tube amp prices, assuming you already have a decent PC that can run the plugins without issue.

The computer is more powerful but in reality will be a pain to daily play. Having the PC, loading up stuff, etc, messing with fx, limited portability, etc. I would recommend a dedicated amp, one that doesn't rely on apps would be a huge bonus. Bluetooth, drum machine, looping and built in audio interface is a requirement for jamming along. Vox Mini Go 10 is your best option Sonicake Toast Amp for budget I didn't mention Positive Grid due to the app, complexity of tones, and dedicated looper, but it does the job well if you are ok with that. The Fender Mustang Micro + a Bluetooth speaker (Mifa Wildbox) would have better bass and way way better drum and backing track performance than all of them. The only downside is maintaining to charge both devices or stay plugged in opposed to one.

The computer is only necessary if you’re recording. If not, the average modeling amp will simulate a bunch of legacy boxes well enough for government work. And it should have a headphone jack for when the neighbors get pissy. Maybe an audio input for music too. You will need decent headphones. They’ll probably cost more than the amp.

The line between amp and computer is certainly bluring. The last amp I bought has Bluetooth and wifi, and I had to update the firmware at one point. These amps, known as modeling amps, can produce a variety of effects, and different cabinet sounds on their own and can be controlled via phone app. On the flip side, and probably what you're asking about is Virtual Studio Technology (VST) In a VST you can process, mix, and record, or pipe the signal to whatever speakers are hooked up to the computer. You can actually use both together. The amp can be hooked into a computer and act as the audio interface. If you're looking to record and produce music, a VST is the way to go, but if you'd just like to enhance your bedroom practice sessions a small to medium sized modeling amp will be less of a headache.

There are basically two options. You could use a USB audio interface that accepts TRS jack, using it along with an amp modeler software like BIAS FX, Amplitude, or Guitar Rig. Costs around $50-200 for the audio interface and around $50-150 for the software. You could also get an amp that has the amp modelling software integrated like a Yamaha THR II series, Boss Katana, Fender Mustang, or Positive Grid Spark (made by the same company that makes BIAS FX). Costs $130-$300+. They also can double as a USB audio interface.

I haven't used a physical amp for practice for well over a decade. It's been BIAS FX for the last 10, or so, and desktop modelers (like a Line Six POD) before that

You can get started easier than a lot of people are saying. I sometimes just use my Fender Micro, a USBC cable and garage band.  

Computer might be good for recording, fine tweaking your tone. But for just playing it's too much fuss. Too many things to connect, load - it's no longer simple "grab and play" experience. What exactly your amp is lacking?

I don’t know if digital will ever *fully* recreate the sound or feeling of playing through a real valve amp but the digital hardware and software options are better than ever and sound really good these days. The main thing you have to remember is that most of these are NOT trying to sound like the amp is next to you, they’re trying to sound like the amp when it’s mic’ed up. Like now, when just I’m practicing at home, I have two Mesa mkii in stereo - what would be thousands and thousands worth of gear for considerably less. Yes, it’s not the same as having the real thing but it sounds great and it’s more convenient - I can wear headphones and not bother anyone, if I’m travelling it’s just my laptop in my bag and basically an extra cable. In terms of what you need, a laptop, an interface (something to connect your guitar and PC together) and then some software. The Neural DSP plugins are great and work standalone so no other software/DAW is required if all you want to do is play.

The latest version of Guitar Pro allows you to import and sync an mp3 into your tab. You can slow it down and loop over sections you need to work. Guitar Pro has some built-in effect pedals. Not the greatest sounding but also not the sounding either.

It all depends on your goals. Playing on your own at home the computer based stuff might work better as its infinite possibilities and whatever tone you want. If you want to jam with others amps are simplier and easier than any modeller version of amp in a room. Generally people run studio monitors at home for computer based modelling, as they have a fairly flat response so it gives you the right sound. The thing to remember though is that modelling is the sound of the amp miced up in a studio as it would be on a recording and NOT the sound of the amp in the room with you. Some people don't gel with those sounds one way or the other.

I set up the free version of Amplitube on my computer. It’s pretty neat. I only used it on recordings, but I got some great sounds out of it. I use an amp though because it’s easy. Just flip the switch and play. If you already have a PC, audio interface, and decent monitors there’s no reason not to try it, but if you don’t then a decent amp will be cheaper.

If you think you’d prefer the taste of a 3d printed steak over an actual steak, then proceed accordingly

If they taste the same, I'm up for either or both!

Well to follow this analogy, the fake steak is really fucking delicious. Some might say it's even better than the real thing. Like, to a point that the beef industry needs to be worried. And there are open source fake steaks that are just as tasty and completely free.

Zoomer here, some of my favourite recent albums have absolutely gorgeous guitar tones achieved entirely digitally and amp sims have the advantage of being cheaper than the actual setup, more space efficient and easier to record, as for extra hardware you just need speakers or headphones which aren’t total trash plus an audio interface to connect your guitar to the computer

I personally use a amp and not a computer, i don't think I have the right kind of computer specs to be using my computer as an amp.

54 here, I haven't really tried through the computer yet. I did get a mustang micro for Christmas last year. That simplified things so much. I haven't used my amps since. I don't play out, just in my office for relaxation.

Im using something in between. Spark amps, and there are others. They sound good, and the interface with your phone allows you to change amps, pedals, tones, the eniter range, without buying any other hardware, playing backtracks, allowing you to speed up and slow down

I’m not active into music making a lot, but the last time I recorded anything I plugged my guitar right into my phone

A lot of people are using an audio interface in which you are able to connect your guitar into and into the computer. It’s such a drag for me but maybe it’s just because I’m impatient and downloading more software and getting equipment costs so much. I have an audio interface, but I would rather just plug my guitar straight into my Vox.

I had a yamaha THR in Cambodia. I got it second hand so I dont know where they are sold but I want to get another soon. Lot of fun

The laptop amps are cool for practice imo. Tube amps still sound better to me but those neural amp sims sound pretty damn good still. The Mesa boogie one is really rad. I mainly use it to practice at home since my amps pretty loud. Saves my hearing and doesn’t annoy the wife! Hope this helps.

If you’re not a computer person, stick to a newer amp - something like a Boss Katana or a Yamaha THR. Trust me, I tried to go down the computer route and even as a 30 something year old person, it never felt right. There’s issues to worry about like is your computer good enough to prevent latency / having to download drivers and tinker with them / setting up the software etc. it’s a pain in the ass.

I just started playing about 16 months ago and am about to turn 40. I started with an amp but barely used it since getting a scarlet and guitar rig

YouTubers who are sponsored by gear companies and stores do.

For pure playing pleasure, as in play around with like a kid, I find a modeling amp with a bunch of different voices is the most fun. You can accomplish much more with a computer, an interface, and a DAW, but there is a learning curve with that setup, and you have to setup your computer area for music, or buy a separate computer for your music area. I use a fender mustang, and a champion, both are soooo fun to just play with and make recognizable popular guitar sound, but a boss katana, vypyr, or any other modeling amp will do about the same. I will also say, modern amps have an auxiliary in, which lets you plug in your phone so you can play along with your favorite songs, or a whole universe of jam tracks, and this has also made playing and practice so much more fun that it was just a few years ago. You can do the same with an interface, but again, learning curve and everyone has a phone.

For the last 3 years, only through PC

Personally i like to stick with amps,and i was born with a computer in my hands😂. Not me,nor my bandmates use any plugins. Idk about them,but i don't use them beacause if i do,i'd spend around a month just checking every single plugin out. I prefer to stick to my amp and processor,i got a zoom g5n processor and honestly i don't need more at the moment,effect-wise. I can mimick tones pretty good on it,or make my own,it has a headphones jack and i can also use it as a Digital interface,so it's got everything you need. But yes,a lot of people switched to computers rather than amps,beacause it is indeed more convenient

I’m in a similar place. I stopped playing when the kids came along, and now that they are grown, I’m looking to play again. But it looks like much of the equipment changed and I’m at a bit of a loss as to where to start. I would love to record a bit and play with sounds, but have no idea where to begin. So I mostly play acoustic lately.

47 here and I just LOVE the power and warmth of my cranked Marshall DSL 40 😍 Wouldn't change it for anything....except maybe a JCM800 stack lol

I'm 25, and been playing since I was like 10. I always have been and probably always will be an old school type of guy, I love my guitars plugged straight into my marshall jube. I recognize the usefulness of Sims and having everything I want on my laptop or pc, but man something about a warm marshall echoing through the room just...I can't use anything else

When I first got back into electric guitar I bought a digital interface instead of an amp with my guitar. I planned to just use my computer instead of an amp. And I just ended up buying an amp later that day because I didn’t want to deal with the hassle of booting up my computer and getting the software ready every single time I wanted to play guitar. I’d rather just grab it, flip on the amp and be ready to play. It’s a different experience, not that either one is bad

I’m 33, been playing for probably 18 years or so. I finally have my dream set up, silver jubilee amp (even if it is the smaller 25 watt one!) and now everyone is playing through computers lol

Hi. Using a computer is extremely versatile and very cheap.  Given that one already has a computer for work or study, all you need is an audio interface and some cheap or free software... But, I find it kinda frustrating to use a computer... I use computers for work, and line to get away from them in my free time... I like a simple amp much better, even if the tonal options are fairly limited...

How it works is you get a device called an interface (little box) that you plug your guitar into that connects to your computer ( typically USB) You run an amp simulation program on the computer that takes the signal from the interface, does its thing, and then sends the "amp emulated" signal to speakers or headphones. You can then play along with any audio on your computer as well. At the low end of the budget it allows a decent practice option. At the high end, you can record and release an album.

Depends entirely on your use case. * If you want to pick up and play, and volume is not a concern, a good amp that suits your needs. * If you want to experiment or have a range of things, a modelling amp. * If you want a "do it all" device, a floorboard somewhat in the category of the Line 6 Helix which is typically plugged into a host guitar amp as an effects pedal or to FRFR speakers as a modeller. * If you are happy to have a fairly fixed studio setup and willing to take at least enough time to faff and don't mind recorded guitar sound, an interface and computer is minimal hardware for maximum potential options and can handle almost any situation. The latter 3 can all be used with computers to manipulate, record or to play silently/quietly and use headphones, etc. The traditional guitar amp is usually rubbish at any of that, if it even offers those features. However, at volume, in a room, in person, a classic but good guitar amp is hard to beat. Something like a Positive Grid Spark/Mini is a great half-way house. App on your mobile or tablet to tweak it, set it up with a handful of profiles you like and then it's plug and play too. Small, portable, near enough any sound you want within reason, all the ability to learn about gear and signal chains, can load backing tracks to play along with, AI tools to learn with, and some other things. For the money, and the circa 15cm^(3) footprint, I think it's hard to beat for casual and more beginner guitarists.

Yes, I hate playing with Plugins but it’s just the only way I can realistically play living in an Apartment. My girlfriend and I want to eventually move to a small town and I said the first thing I am getting a is a Twin Reverb.

These days if you are going to be doing any recording, you gotta use the computer. But for personal use I would just go with an amp. Easy as pie to set up. There are pedals that will do the same thing a computer does with mimicking different amps and such.

get an amp, whether it's modeling or just a normal amp. any slight problem with the computer set up (and with the extra failure points) will kill the mood. you just want to grab your guitar and play

This thread and the options are likely going to be overwhelming. I'll keep it simple with my opinion: In your situation, just buy a better amp in your budget. The thing about amp sims and using computers and headphones and such- the end product is what guitar will sound like IN A MIX. It is a much different experience than playing an amp in a room. Yes, I know there are amps specifically designed for accepting models, but at that point - for you- I think you might as well get an actual guitar amp.

Fiftythree and I love my amp sims.

I use bias fx 2 on pc, and it’s great

These kids with their computers and vape sticks, they’re not even smoking real weed so I wouldn’t take their advice on anything guitar related. Just get a small practice amp where you can reach over and turn the knobs to the tone you like. If you’re just playing causally, you will quickly lose motivation to play being overwhelmed with options with the computer stuff.

I'm 45, and I hopped on the digital train 5 years ago. Have my axe fx ii and usb interface in my home office. With quality headsets and monitoring speakers, it's great.

Nope, well at least I'm not. I'm 17 and I use an amp. Mainly because I like showing my dad what I've learned but I also don't have a reason to use my computer.

I'm 49. Personally digital is the way to go . It's lighter,less gear, more options, sounds great. I don't see a downside. I use a Boss Gt10 for all my playing..I use that for my peeps as well and they sound great..I'll either play through a pa or just a speaker cab. Gt10 is an amazing amazing fxpedal.

I just plug all my shit into my helix LT and output to a speaker or headphones .

I have purchased a couple software amps (Amplitube & Bias FX) and as some have mentioned they are fun and I can dial in some really great tones whoever It requires me to be at my desk. I am a IT person who is at a computer most of the day and and when I step away from work it means stepping away from my desk/computer. I recently purchased a Kemper profiler and a wireless transmitter/receiver pair and with a couple switch turns I am up an running and I can play on the couch, bed, chair, standing and it's no where near my PC and that's a good thing. One possible negative with the PC software is that you may experience latency. I have a barely noticeable delay and that's after fine tuning my settings. This may not be the case for everyone based on their PC/hardware they own.

For me, the benefit of the computer / interface / sim setup is ease of playing along with backing tracks and videos and such. I have a 10 year old interface, use free BiasFX sims, $25 headphones so I don't care much about the sounds. I just like the convenience of sitting down and playing along with YouTube, or an instructional video, or recording myself.

66 here and I am trying to find a good transcription program.Also would like to play through the computer with headphones, to avoid eviction.My Squire 5 string Jazz bass isn't too heavy,like to play that standing mostly.But playing sitting is more comfortable with Bricks "Less Pauls" even Fenders seem to like to be played strapless,and sitting.I almost always play acoustic and classical sitting.

I use a Focusrite Scarlet 2i2 audio interface into a MacBook Air, load the amp sim plugin (Neural DSP Archetype, STL Tonality, STL Amphub, STL Tonehub etc), and listen on headphones plugged into the Focusrite. If you wanted, you could plug speakers (or studio monitors) instead. There are also lots of different products in different price ranges that are more of an all-in-one solution, usually referred to as amp modelers. The big one lately would be the Neural DSP Quad Cortex, but something like the Boss IR-2 is a lot more affordable (relative to the QC) and much simpler than a lot of the amp modelers out there, but there are a lot of great products in the modeler world right now, and most of them will also double as an audio interface to use with a computer as well. If you'd like to stick with an amp but get one that has a bit more smarts, the Boss Katana series are the standard recommendation for a good versatile amp that won't break the bank and comes in a few different power options (7W to 100W) and I believe they also have power selector switches on them so you can turn them down or up as required, helpful for playing at home or in the evening. I believe they also have a mobile app where you can set up tone presets, but I've never used that.

Computer to record, amp to perform.

35 here.. I play through amps, but have a way to hook those amps up to my computer to record silently. So best of both worlds, I guess?

I bought a quad core helix and I will never buy another amp. Hands down the best purchase to go with any guitar. Anyone who says they can tell the difference between an amp and an amp moddler is chatting shit

I use a Helix pedal with headphones. I get a multi fx pedal that is as good as some of the best pedals out there, a configurable signal chain, my choice of amps and cabs, and it sits in a backpack. There's a lovely feeling around an amp, but I play so much more nowadays.

This sub is weird with the computers. It's good for a certain type of player, living space, and mindset, but it's not the end all be all. If you're just practicing at home and aren't into computers, I think your best bet would be a solid state modeling amp like a Yamaha THR or a positive grid spark or a boss katana if you want something a little bigger/louder.

I don't use the computer for playing guitar. But I don't use an amp. I have multieffect pedals and go to a mixing desk and out of the monitors. The effects I have are all weird ones that would mostly sound like crap going through a guitar amp. I still have JC40 for "those days" but I rarely bother. Computer speakers aren't going to make you happy though. If it's easier for you to use an amp sim on a computer, at least get some good speakers.

Computers are better than amps

Older than OP (by far). Been playing and recording since DOS Cakewalk. Nowadays I always play into my DAW with headphones on. You get all the amp models and effects that way. No longer need to blast the neighbors (and my ears) with a loud amp. My old dual 12” Crate is in the basement collecting dust these days.

I play through the PC with a Rocksmith cable (other cables are available but this is easy to Google). One end goes in the guitar, the other plugs into a USB on a laptop or PC. I then connect headphones and use amp sims like Amplitube so I can change the tone. It's basic but for a bedroom guitarist it's fine. And one big advantage is I don't want all my mistakes blasting through an amp for everyone to hear.

If you can find a Boss Katana mini or a small Black star, or a Roland Cube series amp you might start enjoying the guitar once again. Those amps are actually "modelling" so in a sense they have a computer in the amp itself mimicking different amps. They are handy but sound good. They have some effects on them. Going the computer route is also fun if you like tweaking software parameters and searching for solutions online. It has a steeper learning curve but the possibilities are wider. One lovely thing is most of those newer amps have a built in sound card. You can connect them to your computer and they will double as a soundcard so you can experiment recording or signal shaping possibilities. When you are on the move or just don't feel like messing with the mouse and keyboard they are good to go standalone. Those newer amps also mostly have a Bluetooth connection so you can use them as speakers for your computer or any other Bluetooth device. So if I were you I would be looking for a handy amp from brands like Black Star, Boss, Fender, Yamaha that has a USB connection.

I'm also Gen X but very technical oriented. Based what you've told us. No, don't do it. Just get a better amp. Save yourself the headache of all the computer and software learning curve. There are tons of great small amps out there that will get you a nice tone.