I have just bought an electric guitar and now want to buy an amp. What wattage should I use for my amp if I just want to play in my room or garage?

You didn’t say what kind of music you want to play or what your budget is…both kind of important items.

For what you describe, anything over 20 watts is like using a cannon to kill a fly!

Guitar Player magazine recently reviewed several low power amps (under 20 watts or so). Search on guitarplayer.com for the write ups. That will give you a good starting point.

The Epiphone Valve Jr. series are a great. You can get a 5 watt combo for around $160. These amps are just fun. Super simple (just a volume control…like the old Fender tweed champs). Plug in and play. I keep a couple around for the studio and jamming with friends,

If you’re really into effects, the look at the Line 6 Spider series. You can get into thoses for around $100.

Greetings from Austin, TX

Ken