Ready to rock your tracks with killer guitar tones? You’re in for a treat! 🎸
Did you know that 67% of music producers use guitar VSTs in their projects?
Whether you’re a bedroom producer or a seasoned pro, finding the best guitar VST can make or break your sound.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the crème de la crème of virtual guitars, helping you choose the perfect plugin to unleash your inner rockstar.
From face-melting solos to buttery smooth jazz licks, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s plug in and crank it up to 11!
What is The Best Guitar VST Plugin?
Here are my top picks for the best guitar VST Plugins
1. Guitar Rig Pro by Native Instruments
Alright, let’s kick things off with Native Instruments’ Guitar Rig Pro!
This VST is kinda like a playground for guitarists. It’s got all sorts of goodies from classic to modern amp styles. We’re talking a treasure chest of effects that can make any guitarist’s heart race.
Whether you’re just noodling around or crafting your next big hit, Guitar Rig Pro’s the companion that won’t let you down!
2. Amplitube by IK Multimedia
Stepping up, Amplitube by IK Multimedia is where real amp geeks geek out.
Tuning into its rich interface is like jamming with legends from Orange, Fender, and Mesa.
This one’s perfect if you’re all about snagging that pro-level sound that’s got people wondering where you hid the stack of amps in your bedroom!
3. BIAS FX 2 by Positive Grid
Ever wondered what it’s like to bend an amp’s sound to your will? Enter BIAS FX 2 by Positive Grid!
This bad boy lets you fiddle with every detail of an amp’s signal chain.
Plus, with the Amp Match feature, your electric guitar can mimic the exact sound of top players like it’s doing an uncanny impression.
If you’re into customizing sounds, this VST’s got your name on it!
4. Neural DSP Archetype Series
Neural DSP’s Archetype Series offers tones so natural, you’d think they sprouted right out of the guitar.
With its EQ controls, reverb, and tremolo, your sound has room to breathe.
And throwing your own IRs into the mix? That’s the cherry on top, letting you shape-shift tones to your liking.
5. Line 6 Helix Native
Line 6 Helix Native is like the buffet of amp models and effects.
Fancy a smorgasbord of tones? Here’s your ticket.
Its user-friendly interface means you won’t need a Ph.D. in music tech to dial in those magic sounds.
Perfectionists and experimenters alike are gonna have a field day!
6. Softube Amp Room
Softube Amp Room captures the soul of Marshall amps and more.
This might be the friendliest VST you ever meet, with a drag-and-drop interface that’s as smooth as a well-played blues lick.
Got room IRs, EQ, and a compressor to boot? Oh yes, and each feature feels like a fine-tuned instrument in your hands.
7. Scuffham S-Gear
Scuffham S-Gear’s got a reputation for boutique-style amp simulations that whisper sweet nothings to the ears of rock and blues lovers.
If a high-quality, refined sound is what you crave, this VST’s here with its smooth and creamy tones.
8. Blue Cat Audio Axiom
Now, for the thrill-seekers, Blue Cat Audio Axiom throws down the gauntlet.
With its dual-amp processing feature, it’s more about pushing limits than playing safe.
Dive in if you’re game for exploring and crafting unique sonic identities.
9. Overloud TH-U
The Overloud TH-U may just feel like all your tone dreams rolled into one.
From a sprawling library to realistic tones that range wide, getting that pitch-perfect sound feels almost too easy.
Simple interface, but don’t let that fool you—it packs a punch!
10. Kuassa Amplifikation 360
Last but not least, Kuassa Amplifikation 360 is your low-latency friend.
Its realistic simulations come with an interface as straightforward as a handshake and it won’t hog all your CPU juice—great for when you’re on stage or in the studio, crafting that next big jam.
| Guitar VST Plugin | Groovy Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Guitar Rig 6 Pro | All-things amps, effects galore | $199 |
| Amplitube 5 | Build-your-own signal path, licensed goods | $299 |
| BIAS FX 2 | Clone any sound wizardry | $199 |
| Neural DSP Archetype Series | Pure tones, make it yours | $150 – $200 |
| Line 6 Helix Native | Realistic tone showcase | $399 |
| Softube Amp Room | Drag-and-play magic | $149 |
| Scuffham S-Gear | Boutique sound bling | $129 |
| Blue Cat Audio Axiom | Amp gymnastics | $199 |
| Overloud TH-U | Tone variety bazaar | $269 |
| Kuassa Amplifikation 360 | Sound made easy | $99 |
We hope this list helps you find the perfect match to jam out with, whether you’re scaling back for a smooth bluesy vibe or cranking it to eleven for a rock explosion. Now, plug in, turn up, and let the creativity flow!
What Makes it the Best Guitar VST?
When we’re on the hunt for a top-notch guitar VST, it’s like finding the perfect karaoke song—it has to hit all the right notes.
Let’s hash out what turns an okay plugin into an absolute showstopper.
Realistic Sound and Feel
If the guitar VST didn’t sound all lifelike and full of mojo, what’d be the point, right?
Take the Native Instruments Electric Sunburst for a spin—some folks say it’s so true-to-life it’s like having a guitar genie trapped in your computer.
With 237 guitar riffs at your fingertips, whether you’re jamming out some rhythm or shredding a solo, it’s all there.
Amp and Cabinet Simulation Galore
A killer guitar VST needs an arsenal of amps and cabinets like a coffee lover needs their morning fix.
The Native Instruments Guitar Rig 6 Pro is practically a candy store for gear heads with its classic and modern amp varieties—all wrapped up in a slick new interface to keep things fresh.
Trick Out Your Tone
Anyone who’s twiddled with gear knows effects can make or break your sound. IK Multimedia’s Amplitube 5 is your effects buffet, offering everything from old-school amp vibes to precise mic placement with its V.I.R Technology.
It’s like having a personal sound engineer to tweak that tone just right.
Play in Real-Time
Latency issues can be a buzzkill, like trying to sing a duet on a mismatched karaoke track.
With Positive Grid BIAS AMP 2, you’re in good hands—fiddle with every little amp detail and get your virtual jam session rolling without missing a beat.
User-Friendly Navigation
A nifty VST should feel as intuitive as picking up your trusty old guitar.
Softube Amp Room nails it with its simple, drag-and-drop fun. Exploring different amps to find your groove is a cinch, letting you focus more on channeling your inner rockstar.
CPU Friendliness
Nobody wants their computer to fry like it’s in a summer barbecue.
CPU efficiency is key, especially if you’re running on less-than-stellar hardware.
According to Lunacy Audio, there are VSTs for every need whether you’re emulating strings, diving into amps, or looking for that all-in-one magic.
Pick the one that won’t turn your computer into a jet engine.
We get so much more from our musical adventures when our virtual guitar gear is up to snuff.
By keeping an eye on all this, we can snag the best guitar VST to make our home studio sessions legendary.
Comparing Guitar VST Features and Sound Quality
Alright folks, let’s dig into the juicy details of picking the perfect guitar VST.
It’s not just about how it sounds—though that’s huge—but what tricks each plugin’s got up its sleeve too.
Let’s break it down, no snooze fest, just the good stuff.
Amp Modeling Accuracy
Imitating the real thing, that’s where the juice is. We want our guitar VST not just to sound good but to echo the soul of those iconic amps.
Take Native Instruments Guitar Rig 6 Pro, for instance. It’s got the creative chops, mixing old-school classics and cutting-edge gear.
If you’re ever dreamed of rocking like the legends, IK Multimedia’s AmpliTube 5 is worth a nod too, with some of the best guitar amps licensed from the biggest guitar brands names: Orange, Fender, Mesa—sound familiar?
Effects Quality and Variety
Now, let’s talk fun. A top-notch VST should come with a bag of tricks, cool effects to mix and match.
Take Positive Grid’s BIAS AMP 2. It’s got some serious chops with customizable options to mess around with your amp sounds.
And if you want to feel like you’re playing in the Grand Canyon, Valhalla Supermassive is the go-to for mind-blowing delay and reverb. Go on, warp that sound!
Preset Libraries
Let’s keep it real: we’re not all sound engineering pros. Enter presets.
A killer library can make your life easier by finding the perfect sound with minimal stress.
Guitar Rig 6 Pro nails it with a slew of presets for all genres and vibes.
AmpliTube 5? Another winner with its formidable lineup of presets ready to get your sound pro-level ASAP.
CPU Usage and Performance
We all know the struggle of running too many plugins on an old machine.
Softube Amp Room is out here keeping it real with low CPU demands yet striving for lifelike sound.
Quick and easy so we can spend more time playing and less time dealing with tech headaches.
Here’s a quick comparison for you:
| Plugin | Amp Modeling Accuracy | Effects Variety | Preset Libraries | CPU Usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guitar Rig 6 Pro | High | Extensive | Yes | Moderate |
| AmpliTube 5 | Very High | Extensive | Yes | Moderate |
| BIAS AMP 2 | High | High | Yes | Moderate |
| Valhalla Supermassive | N/A | High | Yes | Low |
| Softube Amp Room | High | Moderate | Yes | Low |
Price Point and Value for Money
Our wallets aren’t bottomless, so let’s chat price.
Premium plugins? They better bring it.
Native Instruments Guitar Rig 6 Pro and AmpliTube 5 come at a cost, true, but they pack serious punch with their features and sound.
But wait—Valhalla Supermassive is the dark horse, offering some pro-grade feels without costing a buck.
When diving into the guitar VST pool, remember: it’s about fine-tuning the balance between sound, tricks, ease, performance, and cost.
Each one of these plugins has its own flavor, meeting different demands and tastes we guitar folks have.
Enjoy finding the one that makes your heart skip a beat!
Best Guitar VSTs for Different Genres
Trying to nail that perfect guitar sound? Well, that depends on what kind of tunes you’re cooking up.
Let’s go on a mini tour of the top VSTs that suit various musical flavors, and trust me, you’ll find your jam!
Rock and Metal
If you’re all about power chords and those gut-punching riffs, you can’t ignore IK Multimedia AmpliTube 5.
This bad boy’s packed with audio gold like amps from Orange, Fender, and Mesa.
Whether you’re cranking up to 11 or easing into those moody tones, this VST gives your sound that distinct edge that metalheads and rockers love.
Keep your air guitar handy.
Blues and Jazz
Longing for the feel-good vibes of blues, or the smoothness of jazz? Softube Amp Room is your go-to.
This plugin makes you wonder if you’re really hearing digital magic or a sweet live session.
You can vibe with Marshall amps and mix things up with built-in EQ and compressors to hit those heartstring-tugging bluesy notes or silky jazz chords.
Country and Acoustic
Fancy some toe-tappin’ country or strummin’ on the ol’ acoustic?
Native Instruments Guitar Rig 6 Pro is where you’ll discover bright riffs and rich acoustic textures.
With a stack of amp heads and cabinets, this tool is both user-friendly and versatile, like a trusty sidekick ready to roll with your creative sparks.
Plus, it’s got a slick interface that makes playin’ around a breeze.
Pop and R&B
So you’re after those catchy pop hooks or the soulful vibe of R&B? Check out Neural DSP Archetype Series.
It’s like a Swiss Army knife for your guitar sounds, especially the Tone King Imperial MKII.
Expect lush, natural tones and some easy navigation to help sculpt those dreamy soundscapes.
Add a sprinkle of built-in reverb and tremolo, and you’re set to wow your audience.
Electronic and Experimental
Getting into the world of electronic or experimental sounds? Shreddage 3 is your sandbox.
It’s got stacks of features like articulations and a strumming engine that’ll make you feel like a musical alchemist.
Guitar Pedal effects offer endless ways to tweak for that groundbreaking electronic vibe or an avant-garde experiment.
By mixing and matching these VSTs to match your style, your music can reach new pinnacles.
Whether it’s strumming, shredding, or something in between, these plugins have got your back. Happy jamming!
How to Pick the Best Guitar VST for Us
Choosing the right guitar VST might feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack.
We’ve got a load of choices out there, each promising a little something different.
Whether we’re working to up our music game, exploring funky sounds, or just need that trusty sidekick for our projects, here’s our guide to make things a wee bit easier.
Match Your Music Groove
Every musical style’s got its vibe, so our VST should jive with it. Let’s break it down a notch:
- Rock and Metal: Heavy hitters need VSTs with loud, proud amp sims.
- Blues and Jazz: We’re talking smooth, cozy tones packed with emotion.
- Country and Acoustic: Seek out VSTs that nail the cozy, down-home acoustic feel.
- Pop and R&B: Versatile VSTs with sunny, crisp sounds work wonders here.
- Electronic and Experimental: Go wild with VSTs that have mind-bending effects.
| Style | Features to Look For |
|---|---|
| Rock and Metal | Loud amps, fierce sounds |
| Blues and Jazz | Soft, clean vibes |
| Country and Acoustic | Spot-on acoustic feels |
| Pop and R&B | Flexibility and shine |
| Electronic and Experimental | Crazy effects and features |
Check the Tech
Before we dive in, let’s make sure our computer won’t crash the party:
- CPU and RAM: Compare what the VST asks for with what we’ve got.
- Space on Your Hard Drive: Know if you’ve got room for that new VST.
- Smooth Sailing: Some high-end VSTs need hefty systems to play nice.
Count Your Pennies
Money talks. Whether we’ve got a tight budget or a bit to splash around, it’s good to keep it in check:
- Freebies: DAWs like Logic and GarageBand often have some hidden gems.
- Affordable Picks: Amplitube 5 and BIAS FX 2 deliver without breaking the bank.
- Top Shelf: Line 6 Helix Native and Neural DSP Archetype if we’re feeling spendy.
Test Drive (Previews and Trials)
A lot of VST creators let us test the waters before buying. Dive into these options to see what’s what:
- Try It Out: Mess around with the demo to feel it out.
- Compatibility Check: Ensure it meshes with our digital audio workstation (DAW) and setup.
Read Up and Peek at Videos
Other folks’ experiences can save us time and cash:
- User Opinions: Scoop up insights from community reviews.
- Video Peeks: Hop on YouTube and see the magic unfold live.
By focusing on these tips, dialing in that perfect guitar VST doesn’t have to be a shot in the dark. Whether we’re vibin’ to rock, jazzy, or something out there, there’s a VST that’s got our name on it!
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Guitar VST
Experiment with Different Amp and Cab Combos
Why stick to one when you can mix it up?
Amp simulators like AmpliTube 5 by IK Multimedia come loaded with a range of amps and cabinets from brands like Orange, Fender, and Mesa.
Mixing and matching these can help us find those sweet tones that match our style perfectly.
Use Impulse Responses (IRs) for a Realistic Feel
By using Impulse Responses, we can give our virtual guitar setups an extra layer of realism.
IRs capture the little details of different speaker cabinets and mic placements.
Tools like Softube Amp Room have room IRs built-in, letting us mimic various recording spaces and add a dash of authenticity to our tone.
Create Your Own Presets
Sure, presets are a solid start, but why stop there?
By crafting our own presets, we can customize our sound to fit our personal vibe.
Native Instruments Guitar Rig 6 Pro offers tools like Bite and Dirt modules for some added warmth or raw distortion.
With a little practice, we can develop tones that feel just right for us.
Mix with Other Effects Plugins for Unique Sounds
Let’s not limit our creativity here. Combining guitar VSTs with other effects plugins lets us stretch our sound.
Take the Polyverse Wider for example, which spreads out a mono guitar track into a wide stereo field without knocking it out of phase.
This mix-and-match approach opens up endless possibilities for new tones.
Practice Your Virtual Signal Chain
Knowing our way around the virtual rig makes a huge difference.
Plugins like BIAS AMP 2 by Positive Grid let us tweak everything in an amp’s signal chain, from preamp to power amp settings.
By understanding and practicing with our virtual signal chain setup, we can dial in the perfect tone for any jam session.
With these tips, we’re ready to dig into the full potential of guitar VSTs and unleash fresh creative sounds in our music.
| Plugin Name | Notable Feature | URL |
|---|---|---|
| AmpliTube | Rich signal chain builder | BUY NOW |
| Guitar Rig Pro | Sound design tools like Bite and Dirt | BUY NOW |
| BIAS AMP 2 | Customizable signal chain | BUY NOW |
| Polyverse Wider | Stereo widening without phase issues | BUY NOW |
| Softube Amp Room | Realistic room IRs | BUY NOW |
Guitar VST Wrap Up
There you have it, folks – the ultimate roundup of the best guitar VST plugins to supercharge your productions in 2024!
Whether you’re laying down crunchy riffs or soulful leads, these virtual axes have got your back.
Remember, the perfect tone is just a click away, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find your signature sound.
Ready to transform your tracks from good to guitar god? Grab one of these stellar VSTs and start shredding!
Rock on, and may your virtual amps always be cranked to 11! 🤘
