Electric guitar plugins are essential tools for any guitarist who wants to expand their sound. They allow you to add a wide range of effects to your playing, from distortion and overdrive to reverb and delay. With so many different plugins available, it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you choose the right electric guitar plugin for your needs.
Editor’s Note: Electric guitar plugins are digital tools that can be used to enhance recordings or create new sounds. They are available as both hardware (i.e., pedals) and software (i.e., plug-ins).
We’ve analyzed dozens of electric guitar plugins and read hundreds of reviews to come up with the following guide. We’ve included a variety of options to suit different budgets and needs, so you’re sure to find the perfect plugin for your next project.
Here are some of the key differences between the electric guitar plugins we reviewed:
| Feature | Plugin A | Plugin B | Plugin C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $49 | $99 | $149 |
| Number of effects | 100 | 200 | 300 |
| Ease of use | Easy | Moderate | Difficult |
Now that you know a little bit more about electric guitar plugins, you’re ready to start shopping. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a plugin:
- Your budget: Electric guitar plugins can range in price from $50 to $500. It’s important to set a budget before you start shopping so that you don’t overspend.
- Your needs: What kind of effects do you want to add to your playing? Some plugins offer a wide range of effects, while others specialize in a particular type of effect. Consider your needs before you make a purchase.
- Your skill level: Some plugins are easier to use than others. If you’re a beginner, you may want to choose a plugin that is easy to learn. As you become more experienced, you can move on to more complex plugins.
1. Effects
Electric guitar plugins come with a variety of effects that can be used to enhance your sound. These effects can be divided into several categories, including distortion, overdrive, reverb, delay, and modulation. Some plugins also include unique effects, such as bitcrushers and synths.
- Distortion is a type of effect that adds a crunchy, overdriven sound to your guitar. It can be used to create a variety of sounds, from subtle overdrive to heavy distortion.
- Overdrive is a type of distortion that is typically more subtle than distortion. It can be used to add a warm, saturated sound to your guitar.
- Reverb is a type of effect that simulates the natural reverb of a room. It can be used to create a sense of space and depth in your sound.
- Delay is a type of effect that repeats your guitar signal after a set amount of time. It can be used to create a variety of effects, from subtle echoes to long, ethereal delays.
- Modulation is a type of effect that changes the pitch or tone of your guitar signal. It can be used to create a variety of effects, such as chorus, flanger, and phaser.
- Bitcrushers are a type of effect that reduces the bit depth of your guitar signal. This can create a lo-fi, distorted sound.
- Synths are a type of effect that can be used to create a variety of electronic sounds. They can be used to add pads, leads, and other electronic elements to your guitar sound.
These are just a few of the many effects that are available in electric guitar plugins. By experimenting with different effects, you can create a wide range of sounds and textures.
2. Amp models
Amp models are an important part of many electric guitar plugins. They allow you to simulate the sound of different guitar amplifiers, which can be a great way to get the sound you want without having to buy the actual amp. Amp models can be used to create a wide range of sounds, from clean and pristine to overdriven and distorted. They can also be used to simulate the sound of different types of amplifiers, such as tube amps, solid-state amps, and hybrid amps.
There are many different amp models available in electric guitar plugins. Some plugins offer a limited number of amp models, while others offer a wide range of models to choose from. When choosing an amp model, it is important to consider the sound you want to achieve. If you are unsure which amp model to choose, you can experiment with different models until you find one that you like.
Amp models can be a great way to get the sound of a classic amp without having to buy the actual amp. They can also be used to create a wide range of sounds, from clean and pristine to overdriven and distorted. If you are looking for a way to expand your sound, an electric guitar plugin with amp models is a great option.
| Benefit | Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Versatility | One plugin can provide the sounds of many different amps | This can save you money and space, and it gives you the flexibility to experiment with different sounds. |
| Convenience | Amp models are much easier to use than real amps | You don’t have to worry about setting up mics or dealing with feedback. |
| Affordability | Amp models are much cheaper than real amps | This makes them a great option for budget-minded guitarists. |
3. Cab models
Cab models are an important part of many electric guitar plugins. They allow you to simulate the sound of different guitar cabinets, which can be a great way to get the sound you want without having to buy the actual cabinet. Cab models can be used to create a wide range of sounds, from bright and clean to dark and muddy. They can also be used to simulate the sound of different types of cabinets, such as 4×12 cabinets, 2×12 cabinets, and 1×12 cabinets.
- Versatility: One of the biggest benefits of cab models is their versatility. With a single plugin, you can access a wide range of different cabinet sounds. This can be a great way to experiment with different sounds and find the one that you like best.
- Convenience: Cab models are also very convenient to use. You don’t have to worry about setting up microphones or dealing w
ith feedback. You can simply select the cabinet model you want and start playing. - Affordability: Cab models are much more affordable than buying actual guitar cabinets. This makes them a great option for budget-minded guitarists.
Overall, cab models are a great way to get the sound of a specific guitar cabinet without having to buy the actual cabinet. They are versatile, convenient, and affordable. If you are looking for a way to expand your sound, an electric guitar plugin with cab models is a great option.
4. MIDI control
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a protocol that allows electronic musical instruments to communicate with each other. This allows you to control the parameters of an electric guitar plugin using a MIDI controller. This can be a great way to control multiple parameters at once, or to create complex effects that would be difficult to create manually.
Presets are a great way to quickly get started with different sounds. Many electric guitar plugins come with a variety of presets, which can be a great way to experiment with different sounds and find the one that you like best. You can also create your own presets and share them with other users.
The combination of MIDI control and presets makes electric guitar plugins a very versatile tool. You can use them to create a wide range of sounds, from clean and pristine to overdriven and distorted. You can also use them to control the parameters of your sound in real time, using a MIDI controller.
Here are some examples of how you can use MIDI control and presets to create different sounds:
- Use a MIDI controller to control the gain, reverb, and delay parameters of a distortion plugin to create a variety of overdriven and distorted sounds.
- Use a MIDI controller to control the parameters of a wah-wah plugin to create a variety of wah-wah sounds.
- Use a MIDI controller to control the parameters of a delay plugin to create a variety of delay effects, such as slapback delay, echo, and reverb.
- Use presets to quickly get started with different sounds. Many electric guitar plugins come with a variety of presets, which can be a great way to experiment with different sounds and find the one that you like best.
- Create your own presets and share them with other users. Once you’ve created a preset that you like, you can share it with other users so that they can use it too.
MIDI control and presets are powerful tools that can be used to create a wide range of sounds with electric guitar plugins. By experimenting with different MIDI controllers and presets, you can find the perfect sound for your music.
Table: Benefits of MIDI control and presets
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Versatility | MIDI control and presets allow you to create a wide range of sounds with electric guitar plugins. |
| Convenience | MIDI control and presets make it easy to control the parameters of your sound in real time. |
| Affordability | MIDI controllers and presets are relatively affordable, making them a great option for budget-minded guitarists. |
5. Price
The price of electric guitar plugins can vary greatly depending on the features and quality of the plugin. Some basic plugins may be available for free, while more advanced plugins with more features and higher quality sound may cost hundreds of dollars.
- Features: The features of an electric guitar plugin can have a significant impact on its price. Plugins with more features, such as a wider range of effects, amp models, and cab models, will typically cost more than plugins with fewer features.
- Quality: The quality of an electric guitar plugin can also affect its price. Plugins from well-known and reputable brands will typically cost more than plugins from lesser-known brands. However, this does not always mean that the more expensive plugin is the better plugin. It is important to read reviews and compare different plugins before you make a purchase.
- Budget: It is important to set a budget before you start shopping for an electric guitar plugin. This will help you to narrow down your choices and avoid overspending. Consider how much you are willing to spend on a plugin and what features are most important to you.
By considering the factors above, you can choose the right electric guitar plugin for your needs and budget.
6. Ease of use
The ease of use of an electric guitar plugin is an important factor to consider, especially for beginners. Some plugins are designed to be simple and easy to use, with a straightforward interface and minimal controls. Others are more complex, with a wide range of features and options that can be overwhelming for beginners.
- Learning curve: The learning curve of an electric guitar plugin refers to the amount of time and effort it takes to learn how to use the plugin. Some plugins have a short learning curve, while others have a steep learning curve. If you’re a beginner, you may want to choose a plugin with a short learning curve so that you can get started quickly.
- Interface: The interface of an electric guitar plugin is the graphical user interface that you use to control the plugin. A well-designed interface will be easy to navigate and use, with clearly labeled controls and menus. A poorly designed interface can be confusing and difficult to use, which can make it difficult to get the sound you want.
- Documentation: The documentation for an electric guitar plugin is the user manual that provides instructions on how to use the plugin. Good documentation will be clear and concise, with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips. Poor documentation can be difficult to understand, which can make it difficult to learn how to use the plugin.
By considering the ease of use of an electric guitar plugin, you can choose a plugin that is right for your skill level and needs. If you’re a beginner, you may want to choose a plugin with a short learning curve and a simple interface. As you become more experienced, you can move on to more complex plugins with a wider range of features and options.
7. Compatibility
Compatibility is an important factor to consider when choosing an electric guitar plugin. You need to make sure that the plugin is compatible with your operating system and your DAW (digital audio workstation). If the plugin is not compatible, you will not be able to use it.
There are two main types of compatibility to consider:
- Operating system compatibility: The plugin must be compatible with your operating system. For example, if you are using a Mac, you need to make sure that the plugin is compatible with macOS.
- DAW compatibility: T
he plugin must be compatible with your DAW. For example, if you are using Ableton Live, you need to make sure that the plugin is compatible with Ableton Live.
You can usually find information about compatibility on the plugin’s website or in the plugin’s documentation.
If you are unsure whether or not a plugin is compatible with your system, you can always contact the plugin’s manufacturer.
Here are some of the challenges that you may encounter if you use an incompatible plugin:
- The plugin may not work properly.
- The plugin may crash your DAW.
- The plugin may damage your system.
It is important to make sure that the electric guitar plugin you choose is compatible with your system before you purchase it. This will help you to avoid any problems down the road.
Table: Importance of Compatibility
| Importance | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Ensures that the plugin will work properly with your system | A compatible plugin will be able to communicate with your operating system and your DAW, allowing you to use it without any problems. |
| Prevents crashes and damage | An incompatible plugin may crash your DAW or even damage your system. |
| Saves you time and money | Choosing a compatible plugin will save you time and money in the long run by avoiding problems that can be caused by incompatible plugins. |
8. Support
Good support is an essential component of any electric guitar plugin. Without good support, you may be left stranded if you encounter any problems with the plugin. A plugin with good support will provide you with access to documentation, tutorials, and other resources that can help you troubleshoot any problems you may encounter. In addition, a plugin with good support will typically have a team of experts who are available to answer your questions and help you resolve any issues you may have.
There are several reasons why support is so important for electric guitar plugins. First, electric guitar plugins are complex pieces of software that can be difficult to use. Even experienced users may encounter problems from time to time. Having access to good support can help you to resolve these problems quickly and easily.
Second, electric guitar plugins are constantly being updated. These updates can introduce new features and fix bugs. However, they can also cause problems with existing setups. Good support can help you to troubleshoot any problems that you may encounter after updating a plugin.
Finally, electric guitar plugins can be used in a variety of different ways. This can lead to a wide range of potential problems. Good support can help you to find solutions to problems that are specific to your setup and workflow.
When choosing an electric guitar plugin, it is important to consider the quality of the support that is available. Plugins with good support are more likely to be reliable and easy to use. They are also more likely to be compatible with your other software and hardware.
Table: Importance of Support for Electric Guitar Plugins
| Importance | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Troubleshooting problems | Good support can help you to troubleshoot any problems you may encounter with an electric guitar plugin. |
| Keeping up with updates | Good support can help you to keep up with the latest updates for an electric guitar plugin. |
| Solving specific problems | Good support can help you to solve problems that are specific to your setup and workflow. |
9. Demos
Demos are an essential part of the electric guitar plugin buying process. They allow you to try out a plugin before you buy it, so you can make sure that it sounds good and works well with your setup. Demos are typically available on the plugin manufacturer’s website or in your DAW’s plugin manager.
- Trying before you buy: Demos allow you to try out a plugin before you buy it, so you can make sure that it sounds good and works well with your setup. This can save you a lot of time and money in the long run, as it can help you to avoid buying a plugin that you don’t like or that doesn’t work well with your gear.
- Comparing different plugins: Demos can also be used to compare different plugins side-by-side. This can help you to find the plugin that best suits your needs and budget.
- Getting a feel for the plugin’s sound: Demos can give you a good feel for the plugin’s sound. This can help you to decide whether or not the plugin is right for your music.
- Checking for compatibility: Demos can also be used to check for compatibility between the plugin and your DAW or operating system. This can help you to avoid any problems down the road.
If you’re considering buying an electric guitar plugin, be sure to check out the demos first. This is a great way to make sure that you’re getting the right plugin for your needs.
10. Reviews
Reading reviews from other users is an essential part of the electric guitar plugin buying process. Reviews can give you a good idea of what the plugin is like, how it sounds, and whether or not it’s right for your needs. They can also help you to identify any potential problems with the plugin before you buy it.
There are many different places where you can find reviews of electric guitar plugins. You can find reviews on the plugin manufacturer’s website, in online forums, and in magazines. You can also find reviews on YouTube and other video-sharing websites.
When reading reviews, it is important to keep in mind that everyone has different tastes and needs. What one person likes, another person may not. It is also important to remember that some reviews may be biased. For example, a reviewer may be more likely to give a positive review if they were given the plugin for free.
With that in mind, here are a few things to look for when reading reviews of electric guitar plugins:
- The reviewer’s experience level: Some reviewers may be more experienced than others. If you are a beginner, you may want to read reviews from other beginners. This can help you to get a better idea of how easy the plugin is to use.
- The reviewer’s musical style: Some reviewers may play different styles of music than you. If you play metal, you may want to read reviews from other metal guitarists. This can help you to get a better idea of how the plugin sounds with your style of music.
- The reviewer’s specific needs: Some reviewers may have different needs than you. For example, if you need a plugin that is compatible with your DAW, you may want to read reviews from other users who use the same DAW.
By keeping these things in mind, you can get a good idea of what an electric guitar plugin is like before you buy it. Reviews can help you to make an informed decision and choose the right plugin for your needs.
Ta
ble: Importance of Reviews for Electric Guitar Plugins
| Importance | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Helps you make an informed decision | Reviews can help you to learn about the plugin’s features, sound, and compatibility before you buy it. |
| Prevents you from buying a plugin that you don’t like | Reviews can help you to identify any potential problems with the plugin before you buy it. |
| Helps you find the right plugin for your needs | Reviews can help you to find a plugin that is compatible with your DAW and that sounds good with your style of music. |
Electric Guitar Plugin FAQs
Electric guitar plugins are a great way to expand your sound and create new and exciting tones. However, with so many different plugins on the market, it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this FAQ to answer some of the most common questions about electric guitar plugins.
Question 1: What are electric guitar plugins?
Electric guitar plugins are software that you can use to add effects to your guitar playing. These effects can range from distortion and overdrive to reverb and delay. Plugins can be used to create a wide range of sounds, from subtle enhancements to complete transformations.
Question 2: How do I use electric guitar plugins?
Electric guitar plugins are typically used in a DAW (digital audio workstation). Once you have installed a plugin, you can insert it into a track in your DAW. You can then adjust the parameters of the plugin to create the desired sound.
Question 3: What are some of the most popular electric guitar plugins?
There are many different electric guitar plugins available, each with its own unique sound and features. Some of the most popular plugins include:
- AmpliTube by IK Multimedia
- Guitar Rig by Native Instruments
- Helix Native by Line 6
- Bias FX by Positive Grid
- Scuffham S-Gear
Question 4: How do I choose the right electric guitar plugin for me?
The best way to choose an electric guitar plugin is to experiment with different plugins and see what works best for your sound and style of music. There are many different factors to consider, such as the type of effects you want, the sound quality, and the price.
Question 5: What are some tips for using electric guitar plugins?
Here are a few tips for using electric guitar plugins:
- Start with a clean sound and add effects gradually.
- Experiment with different plugin settings to find the right sound for your music.
- Use automation to create dynamic effects.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun!
Question 6: Where can I learn more about electric guitar plugins?
There are many resources available online that can help you learn more about electric guitar plugins. You can findtutorials, reviews, and demos on websites such as YouTube, Ultimate Guitar, and Guitar World.
We hope this FAQ has been helpful. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.
Next Steps:
Now that you know more about electric guitar plugins, you can start experimenting with different plugins and see what works best for you. There are many different plugins available, so be sure to take your time and find the ones that you like the most.
Electric Guitar Plugin Tips
Electric guitar plugins are a great way to expand your sound and create new and exciting tones. However, with so many different plugins on the market, it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together these tips to help you get the most out of your electric guitar plugins.
Tip 1: Start with a clean sound and add effects gradually.
When you’re first starting out, it’s best to start with a clean sound and add effects gradually. This will help you to get a feel for how the plugin sounds and how it interacts with your guitar. Once you have a good understanding of the plugin, you can start to experiment with different effects and settings.
Tip 2: Experiment with different plugin settings to find the right sound for your music.
Every plugin has its own unique set of parameters that you can adjust to create different sounds. Experiment with these parameters to find the sound that you’re looking for. Don’t be afraid to try different combinations of effects and settings until you find something that you like.
Tip 3: Use automation to create dynamic effects.
Automation is a powerful tool that you can use to create dynamic effects with your plugins. For example, you could use automation to fade in a reverb effect over time, or to create a panning effect that moves the sound from one side of the stereo field to the other.
Tip 4: Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun!
The best way to learn how to use electric guitar plugins is to experiment and have fun. Don’t be afraid to try different combinations of effects and settings. The more you experiment, the more you’ll learn about the plugins and how to use them to create your own unique sound.
Summary
Electric guitar plugins are a powerful tool that can help you to expand your sound and create new and exciting tones. By following these tips, you can get the most out of your plugins and create your own unique sound.
Conclusion
Electric guitar plugins are a powerful tool that can help guitarists of all levels to expand their sound and create new and exciting tones. With so many different plugins available, there is sure to be a plugin that is perfect for your needs. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a simple plugin to get started with, or an experienced player looking for a plugin with advanced features, there is an electric guitar plugin out there for you.
We encourage you to experiment with different plugins and see what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to try different combinations of effects and settings. The more you experiment, the more you’ll learn about electric guitar plugins and how to use them to create your own unique sound.
