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To play guitar through a computer, plug your guitar into the instrument (Hi-Z) input of a USB audio interface, connect the interface to your Mac or PC, and open an amp sim plugin. Set the buffer to 64–128 samples for low latency and listen on headphones or studio monitors plugged into the interface.
Your computer can be the best-sounding amp you own. Modern amp sims model classic tube amps, speaker cabinets and microphones so well that many records are now made this way. If you’re new to the idea, our guitar amp modeling guide explains how modeling, captures and plugins work.
This guide covers how to play guitar through computer software the right way: the cables and interface you need, free amp sims worth installing and seven easy setup steps. For free capture-based tones, see our Neural Amp Modeler guide. If you’d rather keep your rig on the floor, compare the best amp modeler pedals.
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Best Gear to Play Guitar Through a Computer: Quick Picks
| Pick | Who it’s for | Skip it if | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen | Best audio interface for guitar to PC on a budget | You also want to record a vocal mic and guitar at once | Check price on Amazon |
| Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen | Best for guitar plus vocals | You’ll only ever plug in one guitar | Check price on Amazon |
| Universal Audio Volt 1 | Best for players who also record vocals and acoustic | You want the cheapest possible option | Check price on Amazon |
| IK Multimedia iRig HD X | Best for laptops and travel | You need a mic input | Check price on Amazon |
| Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | Best headphones for amp sims | You already own decent closed-back headphones | Check price on Amazon |
What You Need to Play Guitar Through a Computer
Here’s what you need if you’re learning how to play guitar through computer amp sims. You probably own most of it already.
- A computer. Any Mac or Windows PC from the last five to seven years can run amp sims. More RAM and a faster processor let you use lower buffer sizes and heavier plugins.
- An audio interface with a Hi-Z instrument input. This is the one piece of gear that really matters. It converts your guitar signal to digital audio with low noise and low latency.
- A standard guitar cable. A regular 1/4-inch instrument cable goes from your guitar to the interface.
- A USB cable. It usually comes with the interface.
- Headphones or studio monitors. Plug them into the interface, not into the computer.
- Amp sim software. Free options are excellent, and we list them below.
You don’t need a pedalboard, a mic or an amp. Learning how to play guitar through computer software is mostly about getting the signal path right.
Guitar to PC: How to Play Guitar Through Computer Inputs
There are three ways to get a guitar to PC or Mac. Only one of them is worth your time for playing amp sims, but it helps to know why.
| Method | Sound quality | Latency | Cost | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adapter into the mic or line jack | Poor, noisy and thin | High | Under $10 | Emergency only |
| USB guitar cable | OK | Medium | $20–$40 | Fine for casual noodling |
| USB audio interface | Excellent | Low (often under 10 ms) | $100–$200 | The right choice |
| Amp or modeler with USB audio | Very good | Low | Varies | Great if you already own one |
If you’re wondering how to play guitar through computer inputs with no extra gear, a direct adapter is the cheapest way to get a guitar to PC, but a computer’s mic input is built for low-impedance microphones, not guitar pickups. The result is a weak, hissy signal and noticeable delay. We explain the workarounds in how to record guitar without an audio interface, but for daily playing you’ll want an interface.
Many modern practice amps and multi-effects units also act as USB audio interfaces, so check yours before buying anything.
Audio Interface for Guitar to PC: What to Look For
An audio interface for guitar to PC doesn’t need to be fancy. Look for these features:
- A Hi-Z or instrument input, usually marked INST or with a guitar icon. It matches your pickups’ impedance so your tone isn’t dull.
- Good low-latency drivers. On Windows, that means a proper ASIO driver from the manufacturer. Macs use Core Audio, which works well out of the box.
- A headphone output with its own volume knob.
- Direct monitoring you can switch off. When you play through an amp sim, you want to hear only the processed signal, not the dry guitar too.
- Bus power over USB, so you have one less cable to deal with.
If you’re still deciding how to play guitar through computer gear on a budget, start with one of these. Our full roundup of the best guitar audio interfaces goes deeper.
1. Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen – Best audio interface for guitar to PC on a budget
The Scarlett Solo is the interface I’d hand a guitarist who just wants to plug in and play amp sims. Its instrument input has plenty of headroom for hot humbuckers, and Focusrite’s drivers deliver low, stable latency on both Mac and Windows.
It also includes one mic preamp for vocals later. Specs are on Focusrite’s Scarlett Solo page.
- Inputs: 1 x instrument/line, 1 x XLR mic
- Connection: USB-C
- Best for: Amp sims, practice, simple recording
Pros: Affordable; Excellent