Acoustic guitars resonate louder than electric guitars, but there may be times when you want to hook your acoustic up to a set of speakers. A guitar amplifier will reliably transmit a guitar’s sound through a cable if you plug it in, but can you plug an acoustic guitar into a regular speaker?
An acoustic guitar can be connected to speakers if the guitar has either a pickup or microphone. You’ll also need an adapter that connects to both the guitar and the speaker. With the right set of cables, you can easily amplify acoustic playing with most sets of speakers.
Though you will likely need to take a few extra steps than if you tried to connect an electric guitar to these speakers, it’s easy to do if you are willing to purchase one or two extra items. This article will help you figure out how to plug your acoustic guitar into speakers.
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)
Figure Out How To Plug In Your Acoustic Guitar
Acoustic guitars are lovely because they resonate on their own without any amplification at all. Because of this, many acoustics have no way to connect to a speaker or an amp.
Determine if You Have an Acoustic-Electric Guitar
First, you need to determine if you have an acoustic-electric guitar, which you can easily plug in.
Check to see if your guitar has a cable jack at the bridge pin, located at the bottom of the guitar’s body‒if you have a guitar strap, one end of the strap should be tied around the bridge pin. If there is, you can plug your acoustic straight into a cable and go on to figure out how to connect the cable to the speaker.
If you find yourself needing to plug an acoustic in often, it may be worth it to invest in an acoustic-electric, such as this Fender Squier Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar. It is available in black and sunburst styles.
If it’s out of your price range, that’s okay; luckily, there are plenty of ways to modify your non-electrified acoustic so that speakers can pick up their sounds.
If you don’t have an acoustic-electric, you’ll have to set up your acoustic with either a pickup or a microphone.
Install Pickups
If you decide to install a pickup, you’ll have to decide what kind of pickups you’d like. The AMUMU SP30 Magnetic Soundhole Pickup is an excellent choice if you prefer magnetic pickups, with a wood finish and a snug fit in the soundhole. If you prefer piezo pickups, the Randon Acoustic Guitar Piezo Pickup works via a stick patch transducer and won’t damage your instrument’s finish.
Magnetic and piezo pickups offer different advantages and disadvantages, so make sure to research what kind of pickup you would like. Piezos tend to sound more natural, while magnetics are more powerful.
Different guitarists prefer different pickups. This video helps explain what kinds of pickups acoustics can have:
Use a Microphone
If your guitar doesn’t have any pickups, or if you would simply prefer to use a microphone, you have a few options.
Internal condenser microphones can be attached to your acoustic guitar’s soundhole, and there are a wide variety of shapes and sizes of internal condenser mics. The HEIMU Clip-On Condenser Microphone can be clipped onto the soundhole easily. It also comes standard with an adapter and may connect to your speakers, preventing you from buying one extra cord.
If it’s too cumbersome or uncomfortable to play with an internal mic, you can also set one up in front of your guitar and use a regular condenser mic. The UHURU XLR Condenser Microphone Kit comes with a boom arm, shock mount, and windscreen for easy setup. It has over five hundred five-star ratings on Amazon.
In either case, make sure you purchase a condenser microphone and not a dynamic mic, which isn’t conducive to the high frequencies of acoustic guitars!
Find the Right Adapter for the Speakers
Speakers are usually not equipped with the necessary outlet for a guitar cable. If you want to play your acoustic through your speakers, you’ll need to take the extra step of finding an adaptor.
Note that you will not be able to connect an acoustic guitar to a set of Bluetooth speakers using this method. If you’re unable to find an audio jack on your speakers, you won’t be able to connect them to your guitar.
Find a Phone or Audio Source
First, find where you can connect a phone or other audio source to the speakers.
Figure out what kind of audio jack your speaker has. In most cases, you should find a standard 3.5-mm (0.12-in) jack, which will connect most audio sources. If your speaker works differently, you may need to find a specialty adapter for your brand of speakers.
Look for an Adapter That Will Work With a Standard Audio Jack
These MillSO Male to Male TRS Stereo Audio Cable & Headphone Adapter can be eight or ten feet long, allowing for a wide range of motion, and comes with a 12-month warranty. One end is a standard 6.35-mm (0.25-in) guitar cable, while the other end will fit in a 3.5-mm (0.12-in) audio jack.
If you prefer an adapter with a braided cable, the TRS Stereo Audio Cable Hftywy Headphone Adapter 1/8 to 1/4 Adapter comes in an even wider range of cord lengths.
Plug-In and Play
Now you can plug your guitar in and play! You may need to adjust the volume depending on your speaker’s quality and what method you’re using to capture your sound, so make sure you have enough time to test out the sound before strumming in front of others.
Note that you will need to plug into a guitar pedal before plugging into the speaker when using an electric guitar. That’s not necessary when playing an acoustic, as there is much less of a risk of blowing out the speakers. However, you can choose to play with a pedal or preamplifier if you want to clarify your sound or add effects.
Consider Purchasing an Acoustic Amplifier
There are plenty of reasons you may want to plug your guitar into a speaker. You may find yourself having to play out of unpredictable sound systems semi-frequently, so it is good to be prepared with several ways to plug your acoustic into speakers.
If you’d like to downsize the number of cables you carry around, you may want to consider purchasing an amplifier for acoustic guitars. These can be as cheap as $100 and can help your amplified acoustic sound much more natural than speakers or an electric guitar amp (here’s how to have a quiet acoustic guitar with a more natural sound). The Coolmusic AC20 20Watt Bluetooth Guitar Amplifier is only 16 pounds (7 kilograms) and can connect to various sound systems.
It’s always best to be prepared, though, so even if you own an acoustic guitar amp, you may want to go ahead and purchase an adapter anyway.
Final Thoughts On Can An Acoustic Guitar Be Connected To Speakers
If you want to amplify your acoustic guitar’s sound out of a regular set of speakers, you can do so as long as you can plug your acoustic in and have the right adapter. If your acoustic doesn’t have a pickup, you don’t have a microphone, or you don’t have an adapter, you should make sure to get these things before trying to connect the guitar.
With these tips, you should be able to connect your acoustic guitar to most sets of speakers.
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)
Can An Acoustic Guitar Be Connected To Speakers FAQs
Can I plug my guitar into a speaker?
It is not recommended to plug your guitar directly into a speaker as speakers are designed to receive an amplified signal and can be easily damaged by the higher voltage of a guitar signal.
Can an acoustic guitar be plugged into an amp?
Yes, an acoustic guitar can be plugged into an amp. Acoustic guitar amps are designed to reproduce the natural sound of an acoustic guitar, often with features such as EQ and built-in effects.
What is an acoustic guitar that can be plugged in?
An acoustic guitar that can be plugged in is often called an “acoustic-electric” guitar. These guitars have a built-in pickup system that allows them to be amplified through an acoustic guitar amp or PA system.
How do I connect my guitar to speakers without an amp?
It is not recommended to connect a guitar directly to speakers without an amp as speakers are not designed to receive the higher voltage of a guitar signal. Instead, consider using a headphone amp or a small practice amp.
Do I need a special amp for acoustic guitar?
While you can technically use any amp for an acoustic guitar, it is recommended to use an acoustic guitar amp as it is designed to reproduce the natural sound of an acoustic guitar.
What is the best way to amplify an acoustic guitar?
The best way to amplify an acoustic guitar is by using an acoustic guitar amp or a PA system. These systems are designed to reproduce the natural sound of an acoustic guitar and often have features such as EQ and built-in effects.
How can I amplify my acoustic guitar without an amp?
You can amplify your acoustic guitar without an amp by using a soundhole pickup or a clip-on microphone. These devices can be attached to your guitar and plugged into a PA system or mixer.
What is the difference between an acoustic guitar amp and electric?
The main difference between an acoustic guitar amp and an electric guitar amp is the way they are designed to reproduce sound. Acoustic guitar amps are designed to reproduce the natural sound of an acoustic guitar while electric guitar amps are designed to reproduce the sound of an electric guitar, often with built-in distortion and other effects.
Does an acoustic guitar have a plug?
An acoustic guitar can have a plug if it is an acoustic-electric guitar, which has a built-in pickup system that allows it to be amplified.
How do I connect my acoustic guitar to my sound system?
You can connect your acoustic guitar to your sound system by using an acoustic guitar amp, a DI box, or a preamp to convert the guitar’s signal to a line-level signal that can be connected to a mixer or PA system.
How does amplifier work on acoustic guitar?
An amplifier on an acoustic guitar works by amplifying the signal from the guitar’s pickup system. This amplified signal is then sent to an acoustic guitar amp or PA system, which reproduces the natural sound of the guitar.
Can you plug a guitar directly into an amp?
It is not recommended to plug a guitar directly into an amp as amps are designed to receive an amplified signal and can be easily damaged by the higher voltage of a guitar signal. Instead, consider using a preamp or a DI box to convert the guitar’s signal to a line-level signal that can be connected to the amp.
How do I make my acoustic guitar sound electric with an amp?
You can make your acoustic guitar sound electric with an amp by using an acoustic guitar pickup system or soundhole pickup to convert the guitar’s acoustic sound to an electric signal. This signal can then be sent to an electric guitar amp, which can add distortion and other effects.
Can I plug an acoustic guitar into a mixer?
Yes, you can plug an acoustic guitar into a mixer by using a DI box or a preamp to convert the guitar’s signal to a line-level signal that can be connected to the mixer.
Why won’t my acoustic-electric guitar play through an amp?
There could be a few reasons why an acoustic-electric guitar won’t play through an amp, such as a faulty cable, a dead battery in the pickup system, or an issue with the amp itself. It is recommended to troubleshoot these issues or consult with a professional technician.
Can you plug a guitar into a home stereo?
It is not recommended to plug a guitar directly into a home stereo as stereos are not designed to receive the higher voltage of a guitar signal. Instead, consider using a headphone amp or a small practice amp.
Is it necessary to have an amp in your guitar?
No, it is not necessary to have an amp in your guitar. However, an acoustic-electric guitar with a built-in pickup system can benefit from being amplified through an acoustic guitar amp or PA system.
Is an amp just a speaker?
No, an amp is not just a speaker. An amp is a device that amplifies an audio signal, often with features such as EQ and built-in effects. A speaker is a component of an amp that reproduces the amplified audio signal.
What is the difference between a guitar amp and speaker?
A guitar amp is a device that amplifies an audio signal from a guitar and often includes features such as EQ and built-in effects. A speaker is a component of a guitar amp that reproduces the amplified audio signal.
What not to do with an acoustic guitar?
You should avoid exposing your acoustic guitar to extreme temperatures or humidity, as this can cause damage to the wood and other components. It is also important to avoid using abrasive cleaning materials or harsh chemicals on the guitar.
Why do some acoustic guitars have a wire?
Some acoustic guitars have a wire, also known as a “truss rod,” which is used to adjust the curvature of the guitar’s neck. This can help to improve the playability and intonation of the guitar.
What happens if you put electric strings on an acoustic guitar?
Putting electric strings on an acoustic guitar can result in a brighter and more treble-heavy sound, as electric strings are typically made with a thinner gauge and a different material than acoustic strings. However, it is important to note that using the wrong type of strings can cause damage to the guitar.
Do acoustic-electric guitars sound as good as acoustic?
The sound of an acoustic-electric guitar can vary depending on the quality of the guitar and its pickup system. However, a well-made acoustic-electric guitar can sound just as good as an acoustic guitar when amplified through an acoustic guitar amp or PA system.
What can I use instead of an amp for guitar?
You can use alternatives to an amp for guitar, such as a headphone amp, a small practice amp, or a software-based amp simulator that can be run on a computer or mobile device.
Can you wire a guitar with speaker wire?
It is not recommended to wire a guitar with speaker wire as speaker wire is designed for a different purpose than guitar wiring and can cause electrical issues or damage to the guitar.
What can I use as a substitute for a guitar amp?
You can use alternatives to a guitar amp, such as a headphone amp, a small practice amp, or a software-based amp simulator that can be run on a computer or mobile device.
Can I use my iPhone as a guitar amp?
Yes, you can use your iPhone as a guitar amp by using software-based amp simulators that can be downloaded as apps from the App Store.
Can I use my speaker as an amp?
No, you cannot use a speaker as an amp as a speaker is designed to reproduce an audio signal, not amplify it.
What size amp do I need for an acoustic guitar?
The size of the amp you need for an acoustic guitar depends on your intended use. For home practice, a smaller amp with around 10-20 watts of power should suffice. For larger venues, a more powerful amp with around 100 watts or more may be necessary.
Do acoustic guitars need special strings?
Acoustic guitars do not necessarily need special strings, but it is important to use strings that are designed for acoustic guitars to ensure the best sound and playability.
Do I need an acoustic amp at home?
While it is not necessary to have an acoustic amp at home, an acoustic-electric guitar with a built-in pickup system can benefit from being amplified through an acoustic guitar amp or PA system.
How many watts do I need for an acoustic amp?
The number of watts you need for an acoustic amp depends on your intended use. For home practice, a smaller amp with around 10-20 watts of power should suffice. For larger venues, a more powerful amp with around 100 watts or more may be necessary.
Do acoustic guitars need a preamp?
Acoustic guitars with a built-in pickup system often require a preamp to boost the signal from the pickup to a usable level. However, if you are using an external pickup system, a preamp may not be necessary.
How do you set up an acoustic guitar for live performance?
To set up an acoustic guitar for live performance, you should ensure that the guitar is properly tuned and the strings are in good condition. You should also use an acoustic guitar pickup system or microphone to amplify the sound and connect the guitar to an acoustic guitar amp or PA system.
How can I amplify my acoustic guitar without a jack?
If your acoustic guitar does not have a built-in pickup system with a jack, you can use a soundhole pickup or a clip-on microphone to amplify the sound and connect the guitar to an acoustic guitar amp or PA system.
How much does it cost to amplify an acoustic guitar?
The cost of amplifying an acoustic guitar can vary depending on the quality of the guitar, the pickup system, and the amp or PA system. Generally, you can expect to spend anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars to amplify an acoustic guitar.
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