For today's modern guitar music to be heard loud and clear, there are essentially two types of electric amplifiers - one called a combination amplifier and the guitar amplifier head. It's not difficult to understand the difference - you don't really need any technical ability at all. And, depending on your needs, you'll learn quite a bunch about either amp.

Combination Amplifier

If your guitar playing is pretty much confined to small groups in a home, and even very small performances on a stage, then you may be able to get good results on a budget with a combination guitar amplifier. This "combo" unit is an "all-in-one" unit, packaging the amplifier and a speaker (or two) in a compact package - usually a vinyl-covered cardboard or wooden box.

This amp usually has low power ratings (15 watts or less) but, the need doesn't require much more than that. Plus, the low power output usually equals low prices. Of course, you can go wild here, but these amplifiers range in price from around $75 for a bargain-basement cheapie, way up to $2,000 or more. I'd probably settle for the lower end of the spectrum until I really needed to upsize my equipment. These amps are very popular due to their low prices, portability, simplicity and relatively good sound - the better ones. But, they do have limitations.

Guitar Amplifier Head

If you're a guitar "head" who regularly performs for large groups or in auditoriums - or just likes the very best in sound amplification - then a guitar amplifier head will be a big part of your equipment. These amps are much different from the combination units discussed above. They don't have speakers, and their power output is a whole lot more. It's not unusual for high -powered amplifiers to be rated for 300 to 500 amps. Of course, they're much more complex to use, and you will need to get your hands on a really good pair of loud speakers to get the best sounds from your expensive equipment.

Pricing is another demerit for those who are looking to make music on the cheap. Really, the sky is the limit, but a good,mainstream guitar amplifier head can run you a minimum of $500. Like anything else, quality counts. The best units are built for years of trouble-free service, so always buy the best that you can afford, and take great care of your amp, and it can last you many, many years, if treated with respect.