Where should I start? I am a guitar geek. And I have this thing going on for guitar amp combos. I've been very intimidated as a newbie guitar player trying to look for the guitar amp combo that's right for me.

I don't even want to talk about my experiences walking into the big "Home Depot" of guitars trying to buy a suitable practice guitar amp combo of some sort and walking out more confused than ever.

Oh well, I guess it happens to all of us. That prompted me to start doing a little research on this subject on my own and make them available for other aspiring guitar players who might be on the quest of buying the guitar amp of their choice.

So, what should a guitar newbie know BEFORE going into the quest so that it will not sound like a naïve player, ready to be devoured by the salesman?

1. Set a budget!

In all seriousness, having a budget, limits you to actually buy what you CAN afford, making it simple to say "Nah! I don't want to spend that much!" for your aggressive sales-man, and let's admit it, shows how serious you are going into guitar playing. It's just a wise fact.

2. What/who do you like listening to?

Believe it or not, the music you listen, or your favorite(s) guitar player will finally shape your tone direction you are after. Stuff like "I want to sound like [...]" is a very common concept you will find in most guitarists. In fact the pros started out just like that - just read that in their biographies!). We are influenced in our tone quest even without knowing. Start pinning down a couple guitar players you like, and start researching their gear (guitar amps, pedals, etc.), see what guitar amps are they using in the studio or tours. The guitar amplifier is a major tone shaper so you should concentrate on that at this point.

3. Solid-State or Tube Guitar Amps?

The way I approach this is simply this: If you are a beginner, go with a solid-state amp. It is cheaper, robust, these days include a modeling of some sort (that is a selection of several popular amps digital emulation), have in-built effects like distortion, reverb, delay, etc. Tube amps on the other hand, while on the upper price spectrum, are known as being the best organic sounding, due to their warm tube overdrive, and generally preferred by most guitar players.

4. Power!

Unless you are set to be touring from the very beginning, I would advise for a "bedroom level" guitar combo amp. In your beginner's stage that's really all you need to get starting and practicing on your scales. That means guitar amps of 10 to 20 watts with a 8" or 10" diameter speaker would be an excellent choice! Look for amps that also have a headset output so you can practice while others are sleeping!

I've found that the Line 6 Spider III 15 Guitar Combo Amp can be a very nice amp that fits all the needs of an absolute beginner guitar player. Has 4 amp models emulations, 6 digital effects (reverb, sweep & tape echo, tremolo, flanger-chorus, and phaser). Has a total of 15 watts with an 8" diameter speaker that are plenty for your bedroom, and has the much needed headset output that can also be used for recording to a computer for example. And also has a convenient weight of 20 Lb so you can easily carry it together with your guitar in one shot.

Really it comes down to all the above and you are set to start practicing your chops. Arm yourself with these and you will narrow down considerably the choices for the suitable amp as a beginner. And will also become a knowledgeable animal from the get go. The guitar amp field is a never ending and fascinating field - you will love it!