Do You Build Your Tone Around The Guitar Or The Amp?

MetalPlayer · Post by **MetalPlayer** » Sat Feb 07, 2026 8:49 am

Some players choose guitars to match their amps, while others build rigs around a favourite guitar. Which approach works best for you?

GearNerd · Post by **GearNerd** » Sat Feb 07, 2026 2:03 pm

I usually start with the guitar because that’s where the core character comes from.

BluesGuy · Post by **BluesGuy** » Sat Feb 07, 2026 2:05 pm

For me the amp shapes most of the tone, so I tend to focus there first.

Newbie · Post by **Newbie** » Sat Feb 07, 2026 2:11 pm

I try to balance both. A good guitar through the wrong amp still won’t sound great.

Post by **Olly** » Sat Feb 07, 2026 3:12 pm

I think there is so much flexability with amp modellers and effects these days that the guitar itself become less and less important in terms of tone.

Of course, a lot of people will say that tone come from the fingers (which I do agree with) and therefore having a guitar that works with you and your playing style is vital.