How to Play Music Through a Guitar Amp

by x_xPacox_x

134K2149

Intro: How to Play Music Through a Guitar Amp

This is a Instructable That Will Show You How to Play Music Through a Guitar Amp Enjoy.

STEP 1: The Items You Will Need

Guitar/Bass Amp, RCA Adapter Cable, RCA Cable, A Music Device, Mp3 Player/CD Player etc.

STEP 2: Connect

Connect Your Music Device To The RCA Adapter

STEP 3: RCA Cable to Adapter

Connect Your RCA to The RCA Adapter

STEP 4: RCA to Amp

Connect Your RCA Cable To Your Amp But For A Better Sound Connect Yellow Instead of The Red and Your Done ROCK OUT

49 Comments

DarekC1 6 years ago

I was just wondering if you will be able to control separate volumes. I am wanting to use this format to play bass instructional CDs through the amp. I want to make sure the CD player volume can be turned down so I can still hear the bass.

Kylesws 8 years ago

Yeah, when I plugged my iPhone into my 120 watt CRATE amplifier using a 8mm adapter....... My iPhone audio jack is now screwed up......... Thanks guys....

DYLEGO 15 years ago

WOW JUST USE A 1/8" TO 1/4" CONVERTER!!! DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY!!!! I DO IT THE EASY WAY AND IT WORKS FINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

dfwsupergeek 13 years ago

the only problem with this is that you convert the signal from stereo (from the mp3 player) to mono (at the guitar input) so you only get the left channel. Not a huge thing for most songs, but a lot of times you'll find that you're missing parts which are recorded hard left and right.

dfwsupergeek 11 years ago

True- but those aren't very common, and they're usually easier to make than to buy.

sgt_rock 12 years ago

My music "clips" and my amp cuts out to protect itself. I think I need an attenuator. Is there an ible to build an audio anttenuator?

hippyrob 13 years ago

haha I have the same amp! CRAZY (not really)

Texas1845 14 years ago

You're Not Supposed to plug a powered device into your input jack
An iPod is amplified as opposed to a guitar. Guitar amps have specific components called pre-amps that are made to handle these small signals transferred by the pickup. If you plug in a powered device like your iPod you could fry the pre-amp and end with useless amp

dfwsupergeek 13 years ago

the only thing you have to watch out for is to turn the volume all the way down before you power the rig up. If you forget this, you will at least have a SURPRISE, and at worst, you could burn out a preamp chip... I've been doing this for 25 years and haven't burned up an amp yet...
Fats is right in pointing out that effects are powered devices.

fats 14 years ago

Effects pedals are 'powered devices'.

pyrohaz 14 years ago

I doubt that there is enough power from an iPod because the pre-amp would have protection from extreme power's such as filter capacitors at the input (these would normally stop DC voltage). Also, im sure that you would hear if your Pre-amp was being overdriven because it would sound...well... Horrible!

dbgk2626 13 years ago

or... you can just put your earphones on the guitar pick-ups, fiddle with the tone knobs and presto! we have music!

tjbtcb17 14 years ago

I'm confused... can't you just use an instrument cable?

b2gills 14 years ago

Why are you using an AV cable, instead of just a 1/8 stereo to phono adapter?

shenkmeister 14 years ago

DYLEGO is right, just get a 1/4 to 1/8 converter, plug it into the mic input and plug your ipod into it.

asylum101 15 years ago

Wait a minute, the yellow? Yellow is video output, how does that work?

[T]DarkPhoenix 14 years ago

The yellow one isn't connected to the AMP, so don't worry.
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