Most of the time I practice without an amp, but I was just wondering if practicing with an amp would be better or make no difference.

Well, you know... there are a lot of folks on here who might say "doesn't matter" and, to a large degree probably not too much. That is, until you get on stage, or have to play with a bunch of other guys and can't figure out why your tone isn't working, why it's so bright, how to control feedback, etc...

I firmly believe that you need to get to know your amplifier. It is a major component in your signal chain, and getting used to how it responds to your touch is definitely something I would recommend. Practicing so that you can go out and play, on whatever level is really the end objective, and if nothing else, practicing all of your finger exercises and scales and stuff to a metronome, through an amp is going to amplify every mistake, glitch, brush of the hand against the strings, pick hitting the pickup, etc. It will teach you dynamics, volume control and all sorts of other things. Every amp/guitar has a unique tonal characteristic. Best way to improve your tone is to practice more... My favourite two practice amps are a Peavey Classic 30 and/or a Marshall DSL 401 JCM 200 Combo. Both are absolutely mercilessly unforgiving gain tones hahaha and excellent cleans!

Good luck!

Thanks for the advice, ye playin with the amp does amplify every mistake which is very good to hear . I guess I should start to get to my amp (spider IV 75). again thanks for the reply bro

I would always practice with an amp if I were you. Or on acoustic! Always on acoustic!!!

Yeah, acoustic is very good too! Can't go wrong playing the 'ole acoustic!

lmao, if I could bring myself to only practice on an acoustic.

Scott brings up a very good point which is becoming accustomed to YOUR gear in a live setting. In the studio or the bedroom, things are much more controllable. All of a sudden that amp that was "warm and round" sounding in your bedroom is now "bright and harsh" because you had to crank it up and now you hear how it really sounds. You discover all sorts of things about your gear and your playing. You make mental notes and try to improve.

Depends. If you already have good control over excess noise, then practicing without an amp is fine, just make sure your area is quiet enough where you can really hear the guitar. You should still be able to distinctly hear something as quiet as a pinch harmonic. It's good way to practice legato for sure too because your fingers have to really work to give a sufficient amount of clarity. But still definitely set some time aside for the amp so your not ever shocked by the feel of playing with one, because after all, thats primarily what the listeners are going to hear you play out of. I personally play ampless a lot because for me it makes it easier to work on my ear that way.

Yee very true NNick, thanks for the advice guys.