28th May 2020 @ 16:31 Aurora Commerce

Guitar..check. Audio interface..check. Computer..check.

The library incorporates numerous production line presets for prepared to-utilize exemplary and present day rock guitar conditions that fit directly in with the general mish-mash. Some of key VST’s features are: built-in effects engine for instantly-usable blues guitar tones, multitracking up to quadruple tracking and adjustable pick position. Lethality is an electric guitar featuring many playing options. The Lethality VST contains all important articulations and effects to cover the span of alternative and rock genres, and some of them are triggered by standard MIDI note input and mod-wheel.

17 Best FREE Guitar VST/AU Plugins that actually sound Great! Last Updated on December 15, 2020 by Facundo We all want the best sound, but getting a great guitar, amp, pedals and so on is quite expensive, so why break the bank when you can get some Virtual Instruments that will do the job. The best free VST plugins 2020: must-have freeware synths, drum machines and effects By Si Truss ( Computer Music, Future Music, emusician ) 20 November 2020 Make music for nothing with our pick of the finest free sound makers and processors. Get inspired by the best virtual instruments, new VSTs, and award-winning sample libraries. From Hollywood composers to bedroom producers, musicians around the world use these virtual instruments to push the envelope of music production. And the best is that they’re all VST instruments — but also support AU and AAX in nearly any DAW.

A vast array of amps and effects to play with..let us help you out there with some a Guitar VST or two to keep you going. Oh, and did we mention that they're free? You might think it odd that a musical instrument retailer would point you in the direction of free stuff, but here at Dawsons Music we try to be a helpful bunch. At the end of the day, we're all musicians too (with a fair few divas).

Moving back to the FREE element of these guitar VST plugins, we know that there are vast libraries to explore. Unfortunately, this can make it all the more daunting to find one that you can get stuck into. Therefore, we've picked some that we hope will get you up and running in no time.

What does VST mean?

In short, Virtual Studio Technology (VST) is an audio plug-in that uses digital signal processing to simulate traditional studio hardware. From recreations of vintage analogue channel strips, renditions of prized microphones, from classic guitar stompboxes to modern-day tube amp behemoths, and a smorgasbord synths, there is a VST to match pretty much every audiophile's desires.

Using your digital audio workstation (DAW) of choice or standalone VST-hosting software such as Cantabile Lite or VSTHost, you can load up a graphical user interface (GUI) representation of the plugin and tinker with settings. With such a competitive market across both commercial and non-commercial VSTs, the standard of quality is high. Naturally, the beefier the plugin then the greater the computer processing power that you're going to need to minimise latency. Unless you're planning on crafting your magnum opus with unlimited tracks that all require unique plugins to establish your sonic masterpiece, you should be fine.

Audio interfaces

1. Focusrite

For those who want an audio interface that will get the job done, won't break the bank, and delivers exceptional performance in the process, check out our guide to the most excellent Focusrite Scarlett 3rd Generation. And if you're weighing up whether or not to go Scarlett or Clarett, then check out this useful guide to find out which one most suits you.

As well as all that, you can find information on the Focusrite Plug-In Collective too. Plugins galore and Focusrite just keep them coming too, thank you Focusrite!

2. Native Instruments

The team at Native Instruments are highly regarded for their impeccable KOMPLETE software which has aided many a producer/songwriter in their quest for a chart-topping hit, MASCHINE production controllers and workstations, KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard controllers, TRAKTOR DJ controllers, and of course, their impeccable KOMPLETE USB Audio Interfaces including Audio 1, Audio 2, and Audio 6.

For a limited time only, if you order and register a Native Instruments KOMPLETE Audio interface you get Guitar Rig 5 PRO absolutely free!

3. Presonus

Boasting a worthy reputation for producing outstanding audio interfaces on the market, Presonus know a thing or two about a thing or two. When it comes to software, they aren't too shabby about bundling their hardware with their legendary Studio One software either. As robust as they come yet supremely simple to get up and running, Presonus hardware and software is a dream for songwriters, producers, guitarists - everyone!

Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs)

For those who may be wondering what DAWs are out there, then if you're just getting off the ground you can't go wrong with something like Audacity. Getting your bearings with regard to working out how to get a signal from your guitar through your interface into your DAW can be tricky. However, Audacity is about as easy as it gets, offering the basics for you to get up and running.

However, many audio interfaces such as those provided by Focusrite, Native Instruments, and Presonus are all supplied with DAWs to get you up and running in a seamless fashion.

Let's check out those free VSTs

1. IK Multimedia: AmpliTube Custom Shop

Hats off to the team at IK Multimedia. Innovators from the very beginning, their range of audio plugins covers everything from complete studio tools to single instrument effects. The AmpliTube Custom Shop is their free offering of their renowned AmpliTube range of guitar VSTs. Loaded with 24 pieces of gear to get you up and running, which include a digital chromatic tuner, 9 stompboxes, 4 amps, 5 cab models, 3 mics and 2 rack effects units. You can expand your arsenal with more models as you progress, and the IK library includes authorized models from legendary brands such as Ampeg, Marshall, MESA/Boogie, Orange, Soldano, and Wampler to name but a few. There are even AmpliTube software options for iPhone/iPad and Android devices for when you're on the move.

2. Native Instruments: Guitar Rig 5 Player

If you don't know who Native Instruments are, then let's just say that they know a thing or two when it comes to audio software (and hardware but we're focusing on software here, alright). Their Guitar Rig 5 Player software is a trimmed-down free version of their powerful Guitar Rig 5 Pro suite (see above on how to get it for free for a limited time only).

Set out in a modular format, Guitar Rig 5 Player hosts the Jump Amp with Matched Cabinet, which looks and behave in a very similar fashion to a well-known British amp manufacturer's model. Dedicated effects include a distortion called the Skreamer (again based on a popular guitar effect), modulation effects, reverbs and delays, EQs and filters, dynamic controllers, and studio-based modifiers, tools and sidechain capability. Guitar Rig 5 Player is also expandable, with a range of add-ons available from Native Instruments' NI Online Shop.

3. SimuAnalog Guitar Suite

Moving away from the industry heavyweights we find non-commercial products such as the remarkable SimulAnalog Guitar Suite. Conceived as part of an academic research project and applied to musical instrument gear, we guitarists reap the benefits. Hooray! There are simulations of time-tested classics here from BOSS, Ibanez, Fender, Marshall, Univox and Oberheim. Memory requirements are minimal, and the audio quality is astonishing considering this is completely free. Check out the samples via the link provided and remember - it's free!

4. LePou Guitar Plugins / LeCab2

A gentleman from France by the name of Poulin is responsible for LePou Guitar Plugins and LeCab2 impulse loader. The man is an absolute wizard when it comes to crafting software-based guitar rigs. There are recreations of classic British high gain amps, modern day German engineered powerhouses, Californian boutique amps and the American high gain amps that have become a metal standard. The plugins play well with both Windows and Mac-based systems, they run smoothly, and they sound amazing. If you fancy getting your shred on, then you need to check this guy's wares out now!

5. TSE Audio - TSE X50

Another one for rockers and metallers to get stuck into, the TSE Audio TSE X50 is a fantastic digital emulation of a world-famous US guitar amp. The demo version is free with the option to upgrade should you wish to. TSE have included a detailed walkthrough video of the software, as well as a selection of demo tracks to give you a flavour of what it is capable of.

6. Fretted Synth Audio - FreeAmp 3 Full

FreeAmp 3 by Joseph DeHelian of Fretted Synth Audio is a Windows-based plug-in that boasts wide ranging tone shaping potential. The software boasts built-in amp types, different EQs with independent controls, a guitar synth, various compressors and gates, plus a plethora of effects to get stuck into including delays, reverbs, overdrives, etc. Something like this shouldn't be free, but it is, so fill your boots!

BONUS: 7. Ignite Amps - Emissary

The Emissary from Ignite Amps is a digital emulation of its hardware cousin, which was built for Ryan Huthnance (ludicrously talented guitarist who is in more bands than is sensible). The GUI is a 3D rendered model of the amp with the same control layout. Every effort has gone into minimising latency for flawless real-time performance. Check out the linked video for an idea of the immense power it is capable of. We could happily plug into this and while away many hours/days chopping through riffs with glee.

Hopefully, that lot should keep you ticking over..

So, there we have it, plenty of food for thought with regard to guitar plugins. It's close to Christmas (unless you're reading this at a different time of year and its nowhere near that time), so if you or the guitarist in your life wants some new gear but you've already blown your budget on mince pies and fizz (why?), there's always free guitar VST plugins.

For anyone who has stumbled upon this article who isn't a guitarist, there are loads of other types of VSTs too, check some out here.

If we've given you a flavour of what's on offer and you fancy diving into a full music production suite, then check out our Computer Music > Software.

If you liked that, then you might like this

For those who like to tweak their tone on-the-fly, check out our handy guide to 'Reamping Your Guitar or Bass'. Tom Quayle guides you through the process that offers greater flexibility in the studio.

For any information on 'Building Your Own Pedalboard', we give you the full rundown and even include a nifty little diagram too.

Plus, if you're flummoxed as to how to get the best use out of your amp's effects loop, then we've even got an article on that too. Believe it or not it's titled 'How to Use the Effects Loop On Your Amp' (do you see what we did there?)

Related Articles

If you’ve been producing music for a while, you probably know that a lot of the commercial guitar VSTs or libraries out there are pretty expensive and not always easy to use. Although I own a few commercial guitar libraries, I also wanted to see what free guitar VSTs and sample libraries are available these days. I have to admit I was surprised by the number of interesting instruments I found. So, I’ve put together this list to talk about the best ones.

For this article, I looked at both acoustic and electric guitars but left out guitar amps and other effect plugins (I will cover these in an upcoming article).

Free Acoustic Guitar Plugins

Ample Sound: Ample Guitar M II Lite

Format: AU, VST, AAX, RTAS / 32 bit + 62 bit
OS: Mac, Windows

Audio examples:

Ample Sound is a Beijing-based company that has been creating guitar and bass VSTs since 2011. The Ample Guitar M II series aims “to bring the Martin D-41 Acoustic Guitar sound to your studio.” Luckily for us, the company also released a free lite version of the instrument, which comes with a reduced sample rate, fewer articulations and features and a lower sample count than the original (by now, version III has been released already).

This doesn’t prevent Ample Guitar M II Lite from being the best sounding (non-Kontakt) acoustic guitar in this list, though. The samples sound full and lively and can be triggered directly through MIDI (or your DAW) as well as through a built-in sequencer, the “strummer.”

The strummer makes it super easy to build patterns out of single notes, up and down strokes and mutes. Additionally, there are a bunch of effects and features available to change the tone. One of my favorite features is the doubling switch, which adds width to the instrument in an instant.

Another particular useful feature of Ample Guitar M II Lite is that it shows you which string corresponds to the note you’re playing. This quickly helped me create more realistic arpeggios.

If you also use Guitar Pro Tab, you can even import your tabs into Ample Guitar M II Lite. Note that you are limited to the first four frets of each string when you’re using the lite version.

There are so many fully functioning knobs and switches in this free plugin that I didn’t manage to get to all of them in my 45 minutes of playing around with it. What more can you ask for in a free guitar?

You can get Ample Guitar M II Lite on the Ample Sound website.

This is a quick introduction to the instrument:

DSK Music: Dynamic Guitars

Format: AU, VST / 32 bit + 64 bit
OS: Mac, Windows

Audio examples:

This guitar VST has gotten a lot of attention lately, especially since the release of LifeStyleDidIt’s video “I FOUND THE BEST FREE GUITAR VST” (see below). DSK Music is a project by a Spaniard named Víctor who has been making hundreds of free virtual instruments since 2002.

DynamicGuitars contains three different instruments: an acoustic guitar, a nylonguitar and a steel guitar. It also offers control over the envelope of thesamples as well as the dynamic range and the voice mode (poly, mono, legato). All the included guitars feel smooth, warm andthick but could use a little EQ action for clarity.

In this video, you can see the plugin in use:

You can download DSK Dynamic Guitars here.

Pettinhouse Free Acoustic Guitars

Pettinhouse is a project by Andrea Pettinao. The company sells a wide variety of guitars and also offers a handful of free guitar sample libraries. Let’s take a look at them!

FreeAcousticGuitar

Format: Kontakt 3 and higher (full version required!)

Audio examples:

Free AcousticGuitar is a simple but well-recorded and programmed acoustic guitar Kontakt library. The samples are loaded as a multi and are separated into attack+ sustain, releases and fret noise sounds and come in different velocities. The samples are well mixed and sound wonderfully natural.

FreeClassicGuitar

Format: Kontakt 5 and higher (full version required!)

Audio examples:

When you open the free version of Pettinhouse’s Classic Guitar, you’re getting a multi consisting of two instruments: classic guitar and noises. These work well together and offer a realistic and nice warm sound.

Yummy Beats: Modest Guitar

Format: Kontakt 5 and higher (full version required!)

Audio examples:

Yummy Beats is a platform for drums, loops and Kontakt instruments. You can also find a few free instruments on this site, including the free Modest Guitar. This Kontakt library delivers a present sound with round robin and three articulations: acoustic guitar, flageolets and fx guitar. Unfortunately, I found that the fx guitar produced noticeable crackle sounds (might have been my setup!). However, my favorite part is the flageolets with their well-rounded tone, anyway.

I found the steps to get Modest Guitar a little complicated. You have to open a Yummy Beats account, go to this page and enter the unlock code that you find here. If you’re looking for a free, quality flageolet sound, this is a good instrument to try out, though.

Here’s an example of a song that uses Modest Guitar (from the Yummy Beats YouTube channel):

Alternatives

Didn’t find what you were looking for? Here are some more acoustic guitar libraries:

  • DSK AkoustiK GuitarZ (VST / Windows / 32 bit)
  • DSK Guitars Nylon (VST / Windows / 32 bit)
  • DSK Guitars Acoustic (VST / Windows / 32 bit)
  • DSK Guitars Steel (VST / Windows / 32 bit)
  • Spicy Guitar (VST / Standalone / Windows, Mac / 32 bit + 64 bit)
  • Big Cat Instruments General Midi Soundset (has a guitar section / Kontakt)

Free Electric Guitar Plugins

Now, let’s talk about electric guitars.

Spitfire Labs: Peel Guitar

Format: VST2, VST3, AAX, AU; 32 bit + 64 bi t
OS: Windows, Mac

Audio examples:

Looking for a smooth moody guitar that fits into an ambient track or your next film score? Peel Guitar might be it! Originally, the guitar was sampled by Christian Henson in 2006 and, according to him, was used all over his scores. The instrument consists of three presets that differ slightly in guitar tone. Each guitar feels soft and comes with a long release, which adds to the atmosphere of the instrument. The minimalist interface offers control over the volume, velocity, reverb and “tightness” of the sound. To get Peel Guitar, you will need to install Spitfire Labs first (also free).

Iridium Iris: Lethality

Format: VST, 32 bit + 64 bit
OS: Windows

Audio examples:

The following examples were created with Lethality and Guitar Rig 5:

Lethality was released in 2014 by Iridium Iris. The developer’s website has been down for a while, so it’s not clear if they’re still working on new instruments. However, Lethality is one of their products that you can still come across today.

I wasactually quite surprised to see how many functions are built into Lethality.Besides “regular” single notes, the plugin also has open string and mutedstring articulations. Additionally, you can switch on hammer-ons, pull-offs andportamento articulations, which can be triggered by playing legato notes.

To find theright articulation on your MIDI keyboard, you can take a look in the manualthat comes with the instrument. When you’re as used to Kontakt as I am, it’s alittle inconvenient that the keyboard layout (including articulation zones andkeyswitches) is not displayed visually in the plugin. This means that you’llhave to remember the keyswitches and articulations you’ll need when playing.

If you’renot sure how to program your guitar, you can use the built-in riff patterns.They can be activated directly from the plugin or exported as MIDI clips intoyour DAW of choice. Truthfully, though, it makes more sense to program your ownMIDI clips, if only to create a more dynamic guitar part.

Although Lethality offers a distortion function, to get a good sound you will most likely want to use an external amp simulation or other effects on this instrument.

As the official developer website is down, you can get Lethality here.

Impact Soundworks Shreddage Stratus Free

Format: Kontakt 5.7 or higher (full version required!)

Virtual drum machine vst free. Audio examples:

The Shreddage series by Impact Soundworks has been the go-to place for affordable guitar sample libraries for years. Recently, the company made a very generous gift to composers when it released a free version of its Shreddage 3 Stratus guitar. Compared to the commercial version, the free version only offers neck pickup (instead of neck, middle and bridge), 12 frets (instead of 24), a reduced range and fewer articulations. However, this shouldn’t stop you from creating great, realistic electric guitar parts with this library. Up to 24 samples per note, including sustain, palm mute and choke articulations make this an amazingly usable library that will fit into many productions.

Amazingly,the free version of Shreddage 3 Stratus also comes with full mix consolefunctionality. In the mix console you can add effects, whether that’s pedals,amps, cabinets or EQ. The included presets (called “snapshots” by ImpactSoundworks) sound instantly great and are compatible with other Shreddageinstruments (as long as they use the same console). This is definitely the bestand most versatile free electric guitar on the market right now – so if youhave a full version of Kontakt, don’t miss out on this one.

Check outthe following video for an overview on how to use Stratus Free:

Get Impact Soundworks Stratus Free here (you will need to get a free account to download the instrument).

Pettinhouse Free Electric Guitars

Just as Pettinhouseoffers a few great acoustic guitar libraries, it has also released a fewinteresting electric guitars:

FreeDirectGuitar

Format: Kontakt 5 and higher (full version required!)

Audio examples:

The following examples were created with DirectGuitar and Guitar Rig 5:

Using this direct guitar library by Pettinhouse gives you maximum flexibility for sculpting your own tone. It comes with a range of four octaves and also includes a few effects (open the “strum” and “layers” instruments to find out where they are located on the keyboard). Amp and effects are not part of the instrument, so you will need to add one yourself. I used Guitar Rig 5 for the audio examples.

FreeMute&Slap

Format: Kontakt 3 and higher (full version required!)

Audio examples:

Mute&Slap is a very specialized instrument: The articulations range from mute tones in the lower velocities to slap notes in the higher velocities and are great for adding some funky notes to your beats and songs. While Free Mute&Slap also contains a couple of effects and amp choices, it might be worthwhile trying out a few different amp simulations with this to have more control over the tone.

Here’s avideo review for Mute&Slap:

FreeFunkyGuitar

Format: Kontakt 3 and higher (full version required!)

Audio examples:

Need more funk in your music? Check out Pettinhouse’s Free FunkyGuitar. Besides regular plucked string sounds, this library also contains strum loops and muted strum loops. These are especially convenient (programming funk guitar rhythms manually is hell) and can be tempo-synced to the host or adjusted manually (in a range of 85 bpm – 130 bpm). The library comes with a built-in reverb, delay and phaser and a selection of amps. The guide tab will help you find your way around this instrument quickly.

FreeWarmJazz

Format: Kontakt 3 and higher (full version required!)

Audio examples:

When I was researching for this article and came across WarmJazz, a realization hit me: There are barely any jazz guitar sample libraries on the market. Apart from the occasional funk library, most current guitar libraries and VSTs are oriented towards rock, metal and blues. If you’re looking for a jazzier sound, though, you should check out WarmJazz by Pettinhouse. In its free version, it comes with seven presets and a range of effects (chorus, reverb, delay, compressor). The quality of the sound is indeed warm and jazzy and hard to re-create with any other library.

Rock Guitar Vst Free Download

KaroryferSamples Cute Emily Guitar

Format: SFZ, Kontakt 5 and higher (full version required!)

The next three examples use Guitar Rig 5:

Cute Emily Guitar is originally a project by Karoryfer Samples and was first published in 2014. To quote the creator:

“There area lot of guitar samples out there intended for lots of styles of musicguitarists like, from Latin jazz to metalcore, but this library is for musicguitarists really hate, from hip-hop to EDM. It’s designed to be easy to usefor producers who don’t necessarily know a lot about guitars and don’t need awhole lot of different articulations, control over left-hand position, note offgroups, etc. Instead of all that you get a fat, percussive sound that’s greatfor crisp rhythms.”

Indeed, the instrument, which is a sampled Epiphone Emily the Strange, has a very pronounced, percussive attack. As the samples were recorded directly, it makes sense to run them through an amp simulator of some sort (I used Guitar Rig 5 for my tests).

You have the choice between two versions of this instrument: The original Karoryfer Samples version in SFZ soundfont format or a Kontakt version by Bigcat Instruments. The Kontakt version includes various effects, such as a phaser, chorus, reverb, delay, compressor, distortion and EQ. You can also add tremolo and adjust the velocity curve, as well as the attack and release.

Alternatives

Looking formore options? Check out the following instruments:

  • Greggjazz Suburban Guitarist (VST / Windows / 32 bit)
  • Krakli Strat-A-Various (VST / Windows / 32 bit)
  • SuperRiff: SuperRiff Guitar (VST / Windows / 32 bit)

Over to you…

Free Rock Guitar Pedal Vst

Do you have any other favorites that you didn’t see included on this page? Let us know in the comments!