In the dynamic realm of modern music production, virtual instruments have revolutionized the way musicians and producers bring their sonic visions to life. Among these virtual tools, Guitar Virtual Studio Technology (VST) plugins stand out as a force to be reckoned with. With the ability to replicate the authentic sound and feel of guitars, these VSTs have become essential companions for composers, songwriters, and producers across various genres.
New to this? Read How to Choose a Guitar Amp: Complete Beginner’s Guide first for the basics, then use the picks below.
Whether you’re a seasoned producer looking to add a touch of realism to your tracks or an aspiring musician searching for an accessible way to experiment with guitar sounds, the world of Guitar VSTs has something extraordinary to offer. In this exploration of the best Guitar VSTs available today, we will journey through a landscape of diverse tones, textures, and playing styles that are bound to spark your creative fires. From rich acoustic strums to blistering electric riffs, the virtual guitar realm is teeming with possibilities waiting to be discovered.
Related: best guitar effects software and best beginner guitar amps.
Let’s dive into the best guitar VSTs and guitar plugins for guitarists.
Best Guitar VSTs (Guitar Plugins)
- Ample Guitar Series: Ample Sound
- Native Instruments Guitar Rig: Native Instruments
- IK Multimedia AmpliTube: IK Multimedia
- Spectrasonics Trilian: Spectrasonics
- Strum GS-2 by Applied Acoustics Systems: Applied Acoustics Systems
- Orange Tree Samples Evolution Series: Orange Tree Samples
- Toontrack EZmix 2: Toontrack
- Lounge Lizard by Applied Acoustics Systems: Applied Acoustics Systems
- Brainworx bx_rockrack V3: Plugin Alliance
- UVI Falcon: UVI
- Line 6 Helix Native: Line 6
- Waves GTR3: Waves
1. Ample Guitar Series – Ample Sound
Specifications:
- Developer: Ample Sound
- Available Instruments: Various acoustic and electric guitars
- Features: Detailed articulations, customizable playing styles, integrated effects, MIDI support
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Authentic and expressive guitar sounds | High-quality samples may require substantial storage space |
| Extensive range of guitar models and styles | Learning curve for in-depth customization |
| Realistic strumming and fingerpicking | More suited for producers with a focus on guitar |
| MIDI control for realistic performances | May be overwhelming for beginners |
| Regular updates with new features |
In-Depth Description:
The Ample Guitar Series stands out as one of the most comprehensive and versatile collections of virtual guitars available. Developed by Ample Sound, this series offers an array of acoustic and electric guitar VSTs, meticulously sampled to capture the nuances and intricacies of real instruments. With an attention to detail that extends from articulations to playing styles, the Ample Guitar Series delivers an authentic and expressive playing experience.
Whether you’re a fan of nylon-stringed acoustic guitars or you’re after the searing tones of electric guitars, the Ample Guitar Series has you covered. Each instrument in the series boasts an extensive range of articulations, covering everything from gentle strums to intricate fingerpicking. The ability to customize playing styles adds to the versatility, allowing you to tailor the sound to match your musical vision.
The integration of effects within the VST simplifies the production process, enabling you to shape your guitar tones without the need for external plugins. MIDI control is another standout feature, enabling you to perform with remarkable realism. For those who are well-versed in MIDI programming, the Ample Guitar Series becomes a powerful tool for crafting lifelike guitar performances.
One of the primary advantages of the Ample Guitar Series is the regular updates and additions to the library. Ample Sound consistently expands the series with new instruments, features, and improvements, ensuring that your creative possibilities continue to evolve. However, it’s important to note that the high-quality samples used in this VST may demand significant storage space, so it’s advisable to have ample disk space available.
In conclusion, the Ample Guitar Series from Ample Sound has established itself as a formidable contender in the world of virtual guitar VSTs. Its dedication to capturing the essence of real guitars, along with its customizable playing styles, integrated effects, and MIDI control, makes it a versatile and reliable tool for musicians and producers alike. While it might require some time to master, the authenticity and expressiveness it brings to your compositions make it a worthy addition to any music production toolkit. Whether you’re aiming for heartfelt acoustic ballads or hard-hitting electric riffs, the Ample Guitar Series has the sonic depth to elevate your music to new heights.
2. Native Instruments Guitar Rig – Native Instruments
Specifications:
- Developer: Native Instruments
- Features: Amp simulations, effects, presets, customization options
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Wide range of amp simulations and effects | May not offer as detailed guitar articulations as other VSTs |
| Extensive library of presets | More focused on amp and effects simulation than guitar performance |
| User-friendly interface for quick setup | Less emphasis on MIDI control and performance aspects |
| Suitable for diverse musical genres |
In-Depth Description:
Native Instruments Guitar Rig is a prominent name in the realm of guitar amp and effects simulations. Developed by Native Instruments, this VST offers a wide array of amp models, effects, and presets that allow users to craft an impressive range of guitar tones. Whether you’re after vintage warmth or modern edge, Guitar Rig’s collection of amp simulations caters to various musical styles and preferences. New to amp sims? Start with guitar amp modeling explained.
One of the standout features of Guitar Rig is its extensive library of presets. These presets provide users with a quick starting point for crafting specific guitar tones, making it an excellent choice for musicians and producers who want to achieve a desired sound without delving too deep into manual tweaking.
The user interface of Guitar Rig is designed with ease of use in mind, making it accessible for beginners while still offering enough depth for experienced users to customize their sounds. This user-friendly approach makes it a great choice for musicians who want to experiment with different amp and effects combinations quickly.
However, it’s worth noting that while Guitar Rig excels in amp and effects simulation, it may not provide the same level of detailed guitar articulations and performance features as other VSTs on this list. If your primary focus is on creating lifelike guitar performances using MIDI, you might find other options more tailored to your needs.
In conclusion, Native Instruments Guitar Rig is a versatile tool that’s particularly suitable for musicians and producers who prioritize amp simulations, effects, and quick sound design. Its extensive range of amp models and user-friendly interface make it a valuable asset for those looking to craft diverse guitar tones across various musical genres. While it may not offer the same level of detailed guitar performance features as some other VSTs, it’s a solid choice for enhancing your guitar sound within your productions. Want a free, capture-based option? Try Neural Amp Modeler.
3. IK Multimedia AmpliTube – IK Multimedia
Specifications:
- Developer: IK Multimedia
- Features: Amp simulations, effects, presets, customizable rigs
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Extensive collection of amp models and effects | May require additional purchases for certain amp models |
| Customizable rigs for creating unique tones | Can be overwhelming due to the vast number of options |
| Integration with hardware controllers | Interface might feel complex for beginners |
| Realistic sound and responsive dynamics |
In-Depth Description:
IK Multimedia’s AmpliTube has established itself as a go-to solution for guitarists and producers seeking a comprehensive amp and effects simulation experience. Developed by IK Multimedia, AmpliTube offers an extensive collection of meticulously modeled amp heads, cabinets, stompbox effects, and rack processors.
The heart of AmpliTube lies in its customizable rig setup. Users can create their own unique signal chains by selecting and arranging various amps, cabinets, and effects. This flexibility enables you to sculpt your tone with precision, from subtle enhancements to full-blown sonic transformations.
One of the key features of AmpliTube is its integration with hardware controllers. If you have a compatible MIDI foot controller, you can easily switch between presets, control effects parameters, and perform other tasks without having to dive into the software interface. This hands-on approach enhances the live performance experience and makes AmpliTube a valuable tool for stage and studio use.
AmpliTube’s sound quality is notable for its realism and responsive dynamics. The amp models react dynamically to your playing style, capturing the nuances of touch and technique that define a guitarist’s sound. This level of authenticity is especially valuable when seeking to replicate the feel of playing through a physical guitar