The guitar is among the most widely revered musical instruments today. Whether you attribute its widespread popularity to the affection women seem to feel for guitarists or some other consideration, the guitar is a fashionable instrument. There are a multitude of musical bands on the planet playing rock, heavy metal, and many other musical styles. But most have one thing in common and that is the use of guitars.

There are many types of guitars; acoustic guitars, bass guitars, electronic guitars, etc are some of them. While there is no need for an acoustic guitar to have an amplifier, the electronic guitar cannot do it's thing without an amplifier. Just as the name suggests, an amplifier 'amplifies' the sound of the guitar.

There are many types of guitar amplifiers or "guitar amps" as they are popularly known among musicians. Some of them have built-in processors while others are simple amplifiers. Some amplifiers have very high output whereas others have low output. With different genres of music (e.g., rock, pop, heavy metal, alternative rock, punk, classical, etc), the need for different types of amplifiers for guitars arises.

So-called "guitar amps" are used, for example, to generate the high-treble sounds in some musical compositions. Some genres, however, such as rock, contain heavy solos, which require heavier amplifiers with built-in distortion and other effects. These amplifiers actually have a microprocessor inside, which generates the different sounds. There are also other genres that require specialized amplifiers.

There are a wide variety of guitar amps on the market these days to match the equally large selection of electric guitars available. The amplifier you purchase depends on the style and quality of music you'd like to play. Also be sure that when picking an amplifier for a bass guitar, you choose a bass amplifier.

Selection of guitar amplifiers ceases to be a difficult affair if you know exactly what you want. It is advisable to buy amplifiers of those brands which are established ones. If you have to play the guitar indoor, then you should opt for a 40-watt amplifier. However, if you have to play outdoor then you should buy high-output guitar amps. If you carefully consider your guitar, playing style/genre, and usual venue, you will then be able to select the most appropriate guitar amplifier for your own individual needs. Rock on!

The Guitar Center features dozens of guitar amps including bass amplifiers. Browse hundreds of electric guitars for sale. Vintage or modern, it's all here!