There’s nothing more frustrating than getting ready to rock out, plugging your guitar in, and hearing nothing. Unfortunately, technical issues with guitars and amps are not unusual, and there’s a wide range of possible reasons why your amp may not be working with your guitar.
Reasons why your acoustic-electric guitar is not working with your amp include issues with power, cables, connectors, or batteries. Additionally, the connection will not work if the amplifier is in standby mode or is incompatible with your guitar.
In the rest of this article, I’ll further explain why guitars occasionally don’t work with amps and offer a few possible solutions. If you’ve struggled to get your amp and guitar to work together to create the sound you want, then keep reading!
Related: electric guitar not working when plugged in? 5 fixes and acoustic guitar pickup not working? how to fix it. Our step-by-step guide to cleaning and maintaining a guitar covers the basics in one place.
If you want to find out what my recommended guitar gear is, then here is what I recommend on Amazon:
- Fender Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bundle (MY FAVORITE GUITAR)
- Snark SN-8 Super Tight All Instrument Tuner (Easiest Tuner I’ve Used)
- 6 String Acoustic Guitar Capo (Best CAPO for quick changes)
- Dunlop Max Grip 1.0mm Nylon Picks (Thick Guitar Pick So You Don’t Lose Grip!)
- Universal Guitar Stand (Cheap & Minimalist Guitar Stand I Recommend)
- Levy’s 2″ Wide Quick Adjust Guitar Strap (Best Guitar Strap For Any Level)
Why Your Acoustic Guitar Isn’t Working With Amp
Acoustic-electric guitars typically don’t work with amps because there is an issue with the cable, batteries, connectors, or the amp isn’t compatible with the guitar (Relevant article: Pros and cons of acoustic electric guitar).
As annoying as sound troubles are, if you are experiencing problems with your amp and guitar connectivity, the good news is that the problem is usually small and easily fixable. It can be as easy as realizing that your amp wasn’t plugged in!
An amplifier is essential for any guitar player who needs that extra oomph or volume from their acoustic-electric guitar, especially if they are playing for a crowd.
If the problem is faulty equipment, the best way to avoid this issue is to try and invest in the best equipment you can from the beginning. This can get expensive, but the time and stress you’ll save will likely pay off in the long run. You should also ensure that you’re properly caring for your equipment to make it last longer and work better.
Below, I’ll offer some suggestions on fixing the issue of your acoustic-electric guitar not working with an amp.
4 Fixes for Acoustic Electric Guitar Not Working With Amp
1. Ensure That the Amp Is Turned On and the Cables and Batteries Are in Good Working Condition
One of the most common reasons why an acoustic-electric guitar isn’t working with an amp is that the amp simply isn’t turned on or plugged in, so the first step is to check and ensure that this isn’t the issue. You can also check if there is an overall power outage to outrule that possibility as well.
You should also ensure that your cables are in good working condition. To check your cables, plug something else in that you know is working properly to see if it still works when plugged into that specific cable.
If the amp and the cable are both working, if you turn up the volume on the amp and touch the end of the cable, there should be a loud humming noise. If you don’t hear a noise, this indicates that either your amp or your cable is faulty.
The best way to prevent sound problems is to use premium-quality equipment, including the cable. Whether you’re just casually playing your guitar, recording, or playing for a crowd, you need a high-quality cable to achieve the sound quality you’re looking for.
The following table outlines some of my top recommendations for the best guitar cables on the market. All the links are to Amazon.com:
| Product | Why I Love It |
| Mogami Gold INSTRUMENT-10 Guitar Instrument Cable | Comes in 3, 6, 10, 18, and 25-foot lengths Regularly used by professional studios Innovative technology with an ultra-high density spiral shield and a sub-shield that silences unwanted noise Carbon-impregnated PVC is used for the insulation material Gold-plating makes the cable more resistant to corrosion and tarnishingLifetime warranty |
| Fender Performance Series Instrument Cables | Great option for those on a tight budget Comes in 5, 10, 15, 18, and 25-foot lengths Equipped with a PVC jacket Deliver clear tones with minimum noise level Flexible and allows for twists and tangles |
| Ernie Ball Braided Instrument Cable | Comes in 10, 18, and 25-foot lengthsBraided cable is flexible and allows for twists with minimal damage Durable Dual conductor system provides crisp highs, tight mids, and rich harmonicsMany different color options Made of 99.95% oxygen-free copper for rust prevention |
| D’Addario Guitar Cable | Comes in 10 and 15-foot lengths Affordable price 100% shielded coverage 95% tinned copper braiding Made in the United States with durable and high-quality construction 22 AWG oxygen-free copper conductor Especially good for stage use |
If you have a high-quality cable, you’re far less likely to experience issues with your guitar not working with your amp because of electric connectivity problems. This is especially true if you take good care of your cables. Here are some recommendations on how to make your cables last longer and work better: