Playing the electric guitar through an amp is undoubtedly the best way to enjoy its sound. Your housemates and neighbors probably beg to differ, though. If you want to practice anytime minus the probable noise complaints, the next ideal thing is to play with headphones on.
Ways to Practice Electric Guitar with Headphones
You may think that electric guitars can only be paired with amps for the complete experience. However, there are other ways to play with your headphones on without losing the guitar’s true tone. Here are some options for you.
Plug Into an Amplifier
The simplest way to practice with your headphones is by connecting them to your amplifier. Most amps have a headphone jack for this purpose. Just plug your headphones in, and you’re all set.
You can find either 3.5mm or 6.3mm jacks on many amps. Depending on which jack is available, you may have to purchase a separate adapter to connect your headphones. For convenience, it’s best to directly choose amps with headphone jacks.
Get a Multi-Effects Pedal
A multi-effects pedal is a device that alters the sound of a guitar, allowing you to achieve dynamic effects. It does wonders for enhancing your aural experience with just a single unit. Most pedals also come with headphone jacks.
This device lets you experiment with different audio effects and plug in your headphones for a silent jam session. Getting a multi-effects pedal is ideal for elevating your practices and performances.
Use a Headphone Amplifier
A headphone amplifier is essentially a micro amp that mimics the functions of its bigger counterpart. Its main advantage is its size – you can easily slip it in your pocket and take it anywhere you wish to play. All you have to do is plug the amp into your guitar, then plug your headphones into the amp’s output port.
Of course, the sound quality cannot overtake that of a regular amp. Still, it’s the perfect substitute for solitary practice sessions because of its plug-and-play characteristic. You do not need an elaborate set-up for this one.
Connect to an Audio Interface
You can opt to play through your computer or laptop using a guitar audio interface. It’s an external piece of hardware that lets you connect your guitar to your device via a USB cable. Through a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software, you can add effects, plug-ins and manipulate the sounds to your liking.
This option is perfect for musicians on the go because of its portability. Even better is that you get many more uses out of an interface than just playing the guitar with your headphones. With this device, you can record, mix, and master your own music.
Make Music on Your Phone
If you think your phone can be only be used to make calls, scroll on social media sites, or play the newest mobile casinos, then think again. Mobile devices have advanced enough to accommodate digital guitar interfaces. It’s similar to connecting to your computer but with a much more compact audio interface.
iRig interfaces are widely known in this department, and the iRig 2 is a popular choice. This versatile tool makes it easy for you to play the electric guitar anytime and anywhere.
Final Thoughts
There are many approaches to playing the electric guitar with headphones. Still, the best method depends on your personal preferences and budget. You can use resources that are readily available to you, like an amp or your phone. If you want to seriously invest in your equipment, there’s also a number of devices in the market. No matter what you choose, a pair of headphones will definitely help you jam out to your heart’s content!
