How to Hear Yourself Playing Guitar with a Backing Track Through Your Amp Using Headphones

If you're a guitarist looking to play along with backing tracks while ensuring you can hear yourself clearly, this guide will walk you through the necessary steps. This setup lets you play with the richness of your amp but with the convenience of headphones, making it perfect for home practice or live sessions.

Check Your Equipment

Guitar Amp: Ensure your amplifier has a headphone output. Many modern amps do, and it's a handy feature if you want to practice without disturbing others. If your amp doesn't have a headphone output, consider using a headphone amp or an audio interface. Popular choices include Two Notes Captor or Two Notes Torpedo C.A.B. which allow you to use your amp as usual but with the added flexibility of headphones.

Headphones: Use standard headphones that fit the output jack of your amp. If your amp has a 1/4-inch jack, standard headphones will work fine. For a better experience, consider hi-fi headphones that provide clear sound with no distortion.

Connect Your Headphones

Connect your headphones to the headphone output of your guitar amp. Most amps have a dedicated headphone output, but make sure it matches the type of headphones you're using. This connection will allow you to listen to the backing track while playing your guitar.

Play the Backing Track

There are two main ways to play your backing track:

Using a Phone or Computer

Connect your device, whether a phone, tablet, or computer, to the amp. If your amp has an auxiliary input (often a 1/8-inch jack), this is where you'll connect your device. Start playing the backing track through your device. If your amp doesn’t have an aux input, you can use a separate Bluetooth speaker or a USB sound card to play the track.

Note: For a more precise mix, consider using a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) like Ableton Live, FL Studio, or Audacity. These tools give you complete control over the mix, ensuring that the backing track and your guitar sound balanced.

Using an Audio Interface

If you experience latency (a delay between playing and hearing sound), you may need to use a dedicated audio interface with low latency. A DAW like Reaper or Avid Pro Tools on your computer, connected to a Focusrite 2i4, can help you achieve this setup effectively.

Adjust Levels and Mix

Once your equipment is set up, adjust the volume and balance of your backing track and your guitar:

Volume Levels: Adjust the volume of the backing track on your device and the guitar volume on your amp so that both are balanced in your headphones. Mixing: If your amp has a mix control (common in modeling amps), use it to blend your guitar and backing track.

Play your guitar while the backing track is playing and fine-tune any settings as needed to ensure you can hear both clearly. This balance is crucial for a natural and enjoyable playing experience.

Latency Considerations

If you experience latency, consider the following:

Audio Interface: Use a dedicated audio interface with low latency. This will help reduce the delay between playing and hearing the sound, which is crucial for a seamless playing experience. Dedicated Headphone Amplifier: If your amp doesn't support this setup, use a headphone amp or an audio interface designed specifically for musicians. This can help with both sound quality and control. Software Solutions: If you're using a DAW on your computer, consider using software solutions to lower latency. Some programs offer real-time processing options that can help reduce delays.

Additional Tips

Use a DAW: If you're using a computer, consider using a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). This allows for more control over the mix and effects, ensuring a professional-sounding recording. Headphone Amplifier: If your amp can't produce a high-quality sound, consider using a headphone amplifier or an audio interface specifically designed for musicians. This can provide a clear and balanced sound, making your practice sessions more enjoyable.

With the right setup, you can enjoy playing along with your backing tracks while listening through headphones. This setup is perfect for home practice, live sessions, or when you want to isolate your sounds from your surroundings. Whether you're using a Two Notes Captor, a Two Notes Torpedo C.A.B., or a bias FX along with a DAW, the key is to find a balance that works for you and your musical needs.

Experiment with different setups and find the one that suits your preferences. Whether you prefer the clean sounds of a Twin Reverb or the versatility of a modeling amp, the right combination of hardware and software can significantly enhance your practice and performance experience.