Can You Play Bass Using A Guitar Amp?

It is not uncommon for musicians to need a solution in a pinch. One of the more common questions amongst bassists is whether a guitar amp can be used.

There is a bit of good news and some bad news regarding the answer to this question. Read on to learn about when it might be appropriate, and when it might not be the best idea.

Is A Bass Compatible With A Guitar Amp?

As a bass guitar has a 1/4” output like a guitar, it is in fact compatible with a guitar amp. You’ll be able to plug in your bass just as you would with a guitar.

However, there are some stark differences between the two instruments that make this not always a practical solution. If you need to get by, rest assured, you will be able to play your bass.

Let’s take a look at the differences between a guitar amp and a bass amp. By doing so, you’ll understand why this might not always be the best idea. 

What Are The Differences Between A Bass Amp And A Guitar Amp?

Guitar amps, for the most part, are designed to specifically amplify tonal ranges associated with the guitar. As you are probably well aware, the EQ ranges between a guitar and bass are vastly different.

The guitar has more mid-range to high EQ, while the bass is obviously occupying much lower EQ ranges. For this reason, each instrument has its own amplifier designed to accommodate these ranges.

You’ll often find that guitar amps will have smaller speakers than what is found in bass amps. While there are certainly bass amps that have smaller speakers, the difference lies in the kind of speaker being used.

Bass amps will be equipped with speakers that are designed for low EQ output specifically. These speakers will tend to be much thicker than what is found in a guitar amp.

There is also a notable difference in the power each type of amplifier is able to put out. Amps for basses can have output well past 800 watts. Guitar amps, on the other hand, tend to be much lower, ranging between 150 to 300 watts.

Lower frequencies need more power to properly amplify, while mid-to-high ranges do not. Each amplifier is designed with a specific power rating and speaker combination for precise performance.

Another stark difference between the two types of amplifiers is the EQ controls that are built into the amps. Each type tends to have an EQ interface.

However, the guitar amplifier will not be able to control the lower EQ frequencies found on a bass. This is because the specific bandpass filter for that EQ does not cover the ranges a bass produces. 

What Can I Expect If I Use A Guitar Amp For Bass?

Expectations can be a potential pitfall with anything. This is especially true when using a guitar amp for your bass. If you decide to use a guitar amplifier for your bass, you’ll likely notice a few things about your tone. 

When you use a guitar amplifier in this manner, your bass will be extremely lacking in low-range frequencies. Rather, your bass will be more pronounced in the mid-to-high range EQ frequencies.

This will make your bass sound a little boxy and perhaps a bit underwhelming. That body-thumping low range will simply be missing altogether in your overall sound.

Some have likened this tone to how a bass can sound when being played over the radio. The overall mix tends to be very generalized, thin, and bright sounding. Lower frequencies will still be present, but not quite apparent overall.

If you’re a bass player that prefers more pronounced mids and highs, this might not be a bad thing. Take heart, though, that using a guitar amp is not a permanent solution by any means.

Another thing to note is that your tone might be especially distorted when using a guitar amp for this purpose. Again, this is due to the difference in the thickness of speakers used between the amps themselves.

As bass amps have thicker speakers, the tonal qualities of the bass are more pronounced and pristine. Guitar amps will have excessive vibration caused by the lower frequencies. This, in turn, causes distortion.

Let’s take a look at some of the dangers you risk when using a guitar amp for bass. These warnings will help you steer clear of any damages that could occur when using an amp in this manner.

What Are The Dangers Of Using A Guitar Amp For Bass?

You’ve learned by now that there are stark differences between a guitar amp and a bass amp. Using a guitar amp for a bass guitar can be done, but it could prove to be costly.

Due to the differences in construction and design, you run the risk of damaging or ruining the guitar amp. The speakers in a guitar amp are simply not designed to handle the extreme output of low frequencies.

If you push the volume too hard, you run the risk of completely blowing the speaker in the amp. The speaker will vibrate too much, causing the cone to tear. 

For this reason, it is much more preferable to use a bass amp with a bass guitar in any situation. Having to change the speaker could be more costly than it would have been to buy a bass amp.

This type of risk is especially pronounced if your bass is equipped with active pickups. These types of pickups are designed for higher output. The result is typically something a guitar amp will not accommodate very well. 

As with anything, you’ll want to weigh out your list of pros and cons. If you are borrowing someone’s amp for this purpose, this might not be very practical.

Be upfront about the potential damages that could occur when doing so. Having to pay for damages you’ve made to someone else’s gear is never fun.

However, if there are no other options available, you’ll probably end up using the guitar amp anyways. Let’s take a look at some guidelines you can follow to ensure that no damages occur to the amp.

How Can I Use A Guitar Amp For Bass Guitar Without Causing Damage?

First and foremost, if you do have to use a guitar amp, you will want to control your volume. Playing at a low volume will help to ensure that you do not blow the speaker in the amp.

This volume control goes for both the volume of your bass as well as the volume of the amp itself. Each of these plays a crucial role in ensuring that the integrity of the speaker remains intact. 

Having too much volume from the bass will cause a heavy load coming into the amp itself. Always start out with your bass’s volume knob dialed low with the amp’s volume at a low volume. You can gradually dial it up, testing the water as you go.

Guitar amps are generally designed to be able to handle pedals in usage with the guitar. The same cannot be said for using a bass in this same manner.

You are already on thin ice with the guitar amplifier bit by using a bass. Adding any effects could (and likely will) cause the speaker to blow. This is due to extra vibration caused to the speaker itself.

Another thing you need to avoid entirely is using a guitar amplifier that uses tubes. Tube amplifiers are notoriously delicate, even for guitarists. 

The way these amplifiers work is by sending the signal through valve tubes, which effectively amplifies the sound. Adding a bass into the mix is going to wreak absolute havoc. Doing so, you run the risk of not only blowing the speaker but causing damage to internal electronic components. 

For this reason, it is suggested that you should only use a solid-state guitar amp. These are more stable and will be able to handle the load a little better than a tube amp.

In What Situations Can The Use Of A Guitar Amp For Bass Be Appropriate?

Let’s take a look at some of the situations where using a guitar amp for the bass can be appropriate. This will help to give you an idea of what you can get away with. You’ll also understand the situations that require the sourcing of a better alternative.

The following information can be condensed into a general rule of thumb for when this use-case is appropriate. Guitar amps are never appropriate in professional settings or when the expectation is that of professional quality. Likewise, guitar amps are suitable for some non-professional-related instances.

Can I Use A Guitar Amp Practice Sessions?

If you are looking to practice your bass with an audible volume, using a guitar amp is suitable. You’ll want to take great care in ensuring that you are using lower volumes to avoid any amp damages.

There are instances when you might need an amplifier for a band rehearsal. This instance is a little more complex as it depends completely on the format of the rehearsal itself.

For rehearsals that involve a full band, with all of the instruments being amplified to loud volumes, this won’t work. In this setting, you’ll need the proper volume to be able to establish yourself in the overall mix.

You’ll also blend into the guitar mix due to the tone caused by using a guitar amp. This might prompt you to carelessly turn up the volume or adjust the EQ settings.

However, let’s say that you’re getting together with a group of guitarists who are playing acoustic guitars. In this case, using a guitar amp is perfectly suitable.

The overall volume in the room you’ll be playing in will be much lower. This will allow you to play at a lower volume while being remaining audible and present in the sound mix.

Can I Use A Guitar Amp For Live Performances?

You may have guessed by now that using a guitar amp for a live performance is not recommended. The volume requirements alone will not be sufficient enough for a guitar amp to handle.

Furthermore, you are likely to be distracted through the entire performance by trying to adjust your tonal settings. No matter what you do, you will be thoroughly disappointed. Your musical ensemble likely will be, too.

When performing for an audience, you want to make sure that you have everything in top condition. This not only goes for your practiced chops but also for the gear that you are using.

The main objective when performing live is to give an audience the best show for their money. You will miss the mark entirely if you attempt to use a guitar amp for the bass in this setting.

Can I Use A Guitar Amp For Recording?

Recording is one of the most fun and creative aspects of being a musician. As such, there may come a time when you get to lay down some bass for a track. Can a guitar amp be used?

Again, the answer to this really depends completely on the situation at hand. No two recording sessions are the same, and some recording sessions have different purposes.

If you are recording for a professional release, you might as well look for an alternative option. Using a guitar amp for this purpose will not produce the low-end tones needed to round out a recording.

Fortunately, this likely wouldn’t be an option, as easier alternatives are readily available for this purpose. What about other recording scenarios?

For those that are simply recording a practice session, a guitar amp could be practical. In these scenarios, you are recording yourself to hear what your playing sounds like. 

These types of recordings are generally used to study your own shortcomings and how you can improve your playing. You’ll be able to hear yourself clearly if you have to use a guitar amp for this purpose.

Similarly, if you’re recording a demo version of a song to give to an ensemble, a guitar amp is suitable. These types of recordings serve as a kernel of an idea to be reproduced in the future.

What Are Some Alternatives That Might Be Available If I Can’t Use A Guitar Amp?

Depending on your circumstance, there may be some alternatives that you can use to avoid damaging a guitar amp. Let’s take a look at what might be available to you in some different scenarios.

What Is An Alternative For At-Home Practicing?

If you’re using a guitar amp purely for practicing at home, you might consider using headphones. Of course, this will depend completely on whether or not the amplifier has a headphone jack.

Using headphones in this manner means that the amp’s speaker will not have to suffer the load of your bass. This helps to relieve some of the worries about damaging the amp, but won’t remedy tonal issues.

In fact, the sound quality may still be quite lacking due to the EQ functions on the amp. Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do to change this without completely changing the amp’s built-in EQ ranges.

Nonetheless, if your amp doesn’t have headphone capabilities, low-volume playing is still appropriate. Do take care to monitor the health of your amp over time.

What Is An Alternative For Live Performances?

Generally, when you are performing live with a group, there will tend to be a PA in use. This is designed to amplify the band’s sound to levels appropriate for the room being performed.

Some groups, depending on the capabilities of their mixer, will mic all instruments and send them through the PA. However, some groups only use a PA purely for amplified vocals, relying on amplifiers for the instruments’ volume.

Each of these scenarios is completely dependent on the resources that each group has to work with. For the most part, most mixers tend to have an even-numbered amount of channels. 

If all of the microphone channels are being used, chances are that there may be some 1/4” inputs available. In this case, you will be able to use a Direct Input box to plug directly into the mixer.

The Direct Input (also known as a D/I box) will allow you to send your signal safely to the mixer. This will then allow you to essentially use the PA as your amplifier. 

Some D/I boxes can be pretty affordable, while others are fairly expensive. You will need to weigh this option out for your own individual case.

One thing to note with this method is to never assume that the group’s mixer has an opening for you. Always check with the person operating the mixer to ensure that this is a possibility.

However, if you are able, you may be able to use a D/I box with a powered PA speaker. The cost of these speakers tends to be similar to a bass amp. But, if you need something in a pinch, this could work out.

This speaker would be independent of the mixer but could be plugged into the mixer after the fact.

What Is An Alternative For Recording Purposes?

Fortunately, when it comes to recording, your options are much more plentiful. This is true whether you are recording live in the studio with a group, or single-tracking every instrument.

Many recordings in today’s day and age use a computer and recording software to handle the recording process. As such, this type of method requires an interface to allow the computer to recognize and accept the signals.

The interface itself could be a dedicated interface, or it might be a mixer with a USB/Firewire connection. Either way, you’re pretty much golden in this situation.

You’ll be able to plug directly into the interface for this purpose. Some recording technicians will want you to use a D/I box in between your bass and the interface. This will make your bass’s signal more balanced overall.

Regardless of how you connect to the interface, you’ll be able to hear yourself in the channel’s monitor. A recording technician (or you) will be able to set the levels coming in through the monitor channel.

In fact, this is probably more likely to be the case when you do go to record using a bass. More often than not, a bass amp isn’t used in the studio unless it defines the character of your tone.

Should I Buy A Bass Amp?

If you’re serious about playing bass in any capacity, it is in your best interest to buy a bass amp. This will ensure that you are readily able to meet the demands of any situation you may be involved with.

It goes without saying that any bassist wishing to play live will need an amp of some capacity. Keep in mind that these amps do not necessarily need to be very big.

In fact, there are many amps currently available on the market that are really quite small. You can lift and easily carry some of these using one hand. 

These smaller amps tend to have even smaller speakers than what is found in a guitar amp. Yet, these are thick enough to produce a suitable bass response without concerns for blowing the speaker.

You have a couple of options when buying an amp. One option is a combo amp that has both the speaker and the power unit combined in one unit.

Combo amps are great for portability, but they can be a little heavy depending on the size. These are also great because you won’t have to worry about connecting anything other than your bass guitar.

You can also buy a speaker cabinet and amp head separately. This might be more affordable in some instances and gives you the freedom to choose the components of your rig.

Most bass amps also come with a built-in direct out, allowing you to route the amp’s signal elsewhere. This will allow you to play through your amp, but also be able to plug it into a mixer. 

Can You Use A Guitar Amp For A Bass? Final Thoughts

It’s certainly not the end of the world if you have to use a guitar amp for the bass. Just remember to keep your volumes low to avoid damaging the amp.

With that, you should keep in mind your goals and the situations you’ll be finding yourself as a bass player. A dedicated bass amp will serve you much better if you have any aspirations as a bassist.