Yes, you can connect an acoustic guitar to regular speakers using various methods. The key is to plug your guitar into a system that can properly amplify its signal and send it to the speakers.
Connecting an acoustic guitar to a speaker allows you to amplify your playing for performances, practice, or recording. Unlike electric guitars which produce a strong electrical signal from magnetic pickups, acoustic guitars primarily produce sound mechanically. To amplify an acoustic guitar using speakers, you first need to convert its sound or vibration into an electrical signal.
Methods to Get a Signal from Your Acoustic Guitar
Before you can plug into speakers, you need an electrical output from your acoustic guitar. Common methods include:
- Using a Pickup: Many acoustic guitars come with built-in pickups (like piezo or magnetic soundhole pickups). If yours doesn't, you can often add one. Pickups convert the string vibrations or body resonance into an electrical signal.
- Using a Microphone: You can place a microphone in front of the guitar's soundhole or bridge. The microphone captures the acoustic sound and converts it into an electrical signal.
Plugging into the Right System
The electrical signal from your acoustic guitar's pickup or a microphone is usually not strong enough or at the correct impedance to directly drive most "regular speakers" (especially passive ones or typical computer/hi-fi speakers). It typically needs to go through an intermediate stage for pre-amplification and impedance matching.
Here are common systems you would plug into:
- Acoustic Guitar Amplifier: This is the most common and often best solution. These amps are specifically designed for acoustic guitars, often including preamps, EQ controls, and sometimes effects, connecting directly to built-in speakers.
- PA System (Mixer and Speakers):
- Plug your guitar (via pickup or mic) into a mixer. You might need a DI (Direct Injection) box between the guitar/pickup and the mixer input, especially for passive pickups or long cable runs.
- Use the mixer to control volume, EQ, and route the signal.
- Connect the mixer's output to powered speakers or to a power amplifier which then connects to passive speakers.
- Audio Interface (for connecting to a computer): If connecting to computer speakers or studio monitors as part of a recording or digital setup:
- Plug your guitar (via pickup or mic) into an audio interface. A DI box might be needed here too.
- The interface connects to your computer via USB, Thunderbolt, etc.
- Software on the computer processes the sound.
- The audio interface outputs the sound to your powered studio monitors or computer speakers.
Signal Chain Examples
Here's a simplified look at potential signal paths:
| Method | Signal Source | Required Intermediate Gear | Output to Speakers | Speaker Type (Examples) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct | Acoustic Guitar/Pickup | Acoustic Guitar Amplifier | Amplifier's Built-in Speakers | Acoustic Amp Speakers |
| PA System | Acoustic Guitar/Pickup | DI Box (often needed) + Mixer | Powered Speakers OR Power Amp | PA Speakers (Powered/Passive) |
| Mic'd | Acoustic Guitar | Microphone + Mixer | Powered Speakers OR Power Amp | PA Speakers (Powered/Passive) |
| Recording | Acoustic Guitar/Pickup | DI Box (often needed) + Audio Interface | Computer/Studio Monitors | Powered Monitors, PC Speakers |
As the reference indicates, connecting a guitar to regular speakers is achievable using these various methods by correctly plugging your guitar into the appropriate amplification system before reaching the speakers.
