Want your acoustic guitar to fill a room or play a gig? The short answer is yes — you can absolutely connect an acoustic guitar to speakers or an amp, but you need a way to capture its sound electronically first. This guide explains every option clearly.
We will cover why you might amplify, the two main methods, what to plug into, and how to avoid feedback.
Why amplify an acoustic guitar?
On its own, an acoustic guitar is loud enough for practice and small rooms, but not for performing to a crowd, playing with a band, or recording cleanly. Amplifying it lets you be heard properly.
Whether you are gigging, busking, or just want more volume, connecting your acoustic to speakers or an amp opens up new possibilities. The good news is that it is straightforward once you know your options.
Amplification also lets you add effects and shape your tone for different settings.
Adding a few simple effects, such as reverb or a little compression, can also make an amplified acoustic sound richer and more professional, which is useful for both performance and recording.
Option 1: a pickup
The most common way to amplify an acoustic is with a pickup. An electro-acoustic guitar has a pickup built in, with an output jack you simply plug into an amp or PA, just like an electric guitar.
If your guitar lacks a built-in pickup, you can add a soundhole pickup that clips into the soundhole, or other add-on pickups. Both let you plug straight in without permanent modification.
Pickups are reliable, resist feedback well, and are ideal for live performance.
Some pickups also capture the body's resonance as well as the strings, producing a fuller, more natural amplified tone that many performers prefer for live shows.
Option 2: a microphone
The other method is to place a microphone in front of the guitar's soundhole or body. This captures the guitar's natural acoustic tone faithfully, which is excellent for recording and quiet stages.
Microphones deliver beautiful, natural sound but are more prone to feedback at high volumes and pick up surrounding noise. They suit studios and controlled environments best.
For the most natural recorded tone, a good microphone is hard to beat.
Positioning the microphone slightly off the soundhole, rather than directly in front of it, often gives a more balanced sound with less boomy low end, which is a handy recording tip.
What to plug into
You can plug your amplified acoustic into an acoustic amp (designed to keep the natural tone), a PA speaker system, or a mixing desk. A regular electric guitar amp works but may colour the sound differently.
Match the gear to the setting: an acoustic amp or PA for live shows, an audio interface for recording. The right destination preserves your guitar's character.
Acoustic-specific amps are voiced to flatter the natural sound of your guitar.
If you are playing with a band, a dedicated acoustic amp or a channel on the PA usually gives you more headroom and clarity than a small practice amp can manage.
Avoiding feedback
At higher volumes, acoustic guitars can produce feedback — that unwanted howl. Reduce it by using a soundhole cover, positioning away from speakers, and managing your levels carefully.
Pickups generally resist feedback better than microphones, which is why they are favoured for loud stages. A few simple precautions keep your amplified sound clean.
Going loud is easy once you choose a pickup or mic and the right amp.
Starting at a modest volume and raising it gradually also helps you find the point just before feedback begins, letting you perform as loud as possible while staying clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you connect an acoustic guitar to a speaker?
Yes. With a pickup or microphone to capture the sound, you can connect an acoustic guitar to a PA speaker, acoustic amp or mixing desk to play louder.
Do I need a special acoustic guitar to plug in?
An electro-acoustic guitar has a built-in pickup and output jack for easy plugging in. A standard acoustic needs an add-on pickup or a microphone to be amplified.
What amp should I use for an acoustic guitar?
An acoustic amp or PA system preserves the natural tone best. A regular electric guitar amp works but may colour the sound differently.
How do I stop feedback from an amplified acoustic?
Use a soundhole cover, position away from speakers, manage your levels, and favour a pickup over a microphone, which resists feedback better at high volumes.
Can I record an acoustic guitar without a pickup?
Yes. Placing a microphone in front of the soundhole captures the guitar's natural tone beautifully for recording, which many players prefer over a pickup for studio work.
What is the difference between a pickup and a microphone for acoustic guitar?
A pickup converts string and body vibration into a signal and resists feedback, ideal for live use. A microphone captures natural sound for recording but is more feedback-prone.
Can a beginner amplify an acoustic guitar?
Yes. Adding a clip-on soundhole pickup and plugging into an amp or PA is simple, making amplification accessible even for beginners who want to play louder.
The bottom line
Going loud is easy once you choose a pickup or mic and the right amp. Start with a great acoustic guitar from our collection, then amplify it for the room, the stage, or the studio.
Browse the Guitar collection→https://www.theplaymix.com/collections/guitar