When working with Ableton Live Lite, you might find that your options for built-in amp simulations are limited compared to more comprehensive DAWs. However, you can enhance your setup by using external plug-ins. There are several great free guitar amplifier VST plugins that you can use with Ableton Live Lite to achieve high-quality guitar tones. Here are some highly regarded free guitar amp VSTs you can consider:

1. Amplitube 5 Custom Shop by IK Multimedia
- Amplitube is well-known for its precise amp simulation and effects modeling. The Custom Shop version allows you to use a basic set of amps for free, and you can purchase additional gear as needed. It provides a very flexible modular approach and high-quality sound.

2. Guitar Rig 6 Player by Native Instruments
- Guitar Rig Player comes with a limited selection of amps and effects for free but is notable for its quality. The free version includes one amp, 17 cabinets, and 13 effects, which can be very versatile when combined creatively.

3. LePou Amp Suite
- LePou offers a selection of amp simulators that model various classic and modern amplifiers. These plugins are well respected in the digital music production community for their quality and realism. LePou plugins are standalone and require no additional purchases, making them entirely free.

4. Ignite Amps
- Ignite Amps provide a range of free amps and effects, including the Emissary tube amp and the NadIR impulse response convolver, which is used for speaker cabinet simulation. This set is highly customizable and produces very professional sounding results.

5. Blue Cat’s Free Amp
- Blue Cat Audio offers a straightforward, easy-to-use amp simulation plugin with three different amp models covering a range of sounds from clean to heavy. It’s a good starting point for those new to amp simulation.

To use these VST plugins in Ableton Live Lite, you’ll need to download the plugin files and install them on your computer. After installation, follow these steps to ensure Ableton can locate and use the amplifier VST:

1. Set Up Plugin Folder: Go to Ableton’s preferences (under ‘Options’ in Windows or ‘Live’ in macOS, then ‘Preferences’), and in the ‘Plug-ins’ or ‘File Folder’ tab, ensure you specify the folder where your VST plugins are installed.

2. Enable the Plugin: In the same tab, turn on ‘Use VST Plug-in System Folders’ (if your VSTs are in common system folders) or ‘Use VST Plug-in Custom Folder’ (if you’ve installed your VSTs to a specific folder).

3. Scan for Plugins: Allow Ableton to scan for new or moved plugins. Your new guitar amp simulation plugins should appear in the “Plug-ins” section within Ableton’s browser.

4. Load and Use: Drag and drop the plugin onto a track in Ableton Live Lite, and it should be ready to use.

With these amplifier simulations, you can significantly expand the sonic capabilities of Ableton Live Lite for guitar recording and performance without additional expense.

Among the guitar amplifier VSTs mentioned, Amplitube 5 Custom Shop by IK Multimedia and Guitar Rig 6 Player by Native Instruments are generally the most recommended due to their comprehensive features, sound quality, and flexibility. Both are products of companies that are highly respected in the music production industry and provide professional-grade tools. Here’s a bit more detail to help you decide which might be best for your needs:

### Amplitube 5 Custom Shop by IK Multimedia
Amplitube is celebrated for its highly realistic amp modeling and versatile effects options. It offers:
- A customizable signal chain that can handle both pre and post-effects with great flexibility.
- A range of high-quality amp models even in its free version, with the option to expand your collection through purchases.
- A built-in 4-track looper and an 8-track recorder/DAW section in the complete version, which enhances practicability for players and producers.
- It offers one of the most user-friendly interfaces among guitar amp simulators, making it easier for beginners and professionals alike to obtain great tones quickly.

### Guitar Rig 6 Player by Native Instruments
Guitar Rig is another powerhouse in the world of guitar amps and effects modeling. It includes:
- A limited but very versatile and high-quality range of amps, cabinets, and effects in the free version.
- The use of Native Instruments’ Dynamic Tube Response Technology to provide very authentic amp tones.
- A straightforward, intuitive interface that allows for complex signal chains and sound sculpting.
- Seamless integration with other production software and hardware, benefiting from Native Instruments’ extensive experience in music technology.

### Decision Factors
- User Experience: If ease of use and a smooth learning curve are important, Amplitube might be slightly favorable due to its intuitive graphical interface and drag-and-drop functionality.
- Sound Quality and Versatility: Both offer excellent sound quality, but your choice might depend on which specific amp models and effects you prefer. Listening to samples or using demos can be useful here.
- System Compatibility and Requirements: Check that your computer meets the system requirements for either software. Guitar Rig and Amplitube are both quite powerful plugins that may require substantial system resources.
- Future Expandability: Both platforms allow you to buy more advanced models and effects, but Amplitube’s Custom Shop feature where you can audition and purchase gear piece by piece is particularly expansive and user-friendly.

### Conclusion
Both Amplitube 5 Custom Shop and Guitar Rig 6 Player are excellent choices. Your decision might ultimately come down to personal preference regarding interface, specific amp models available for free, and which additional features appeal more to you. It’s highly recommended to try both (since they are free in their basic forms) and see which one suits your personal workflow and sound preference better.

Downloading both Amplitube 5 Custom Shop by IK Multimedia and Guitar Rig 6 Player by Native Instruments is actually a great idea if you’re looking to explore and compare the capabilities of each. Since both offer free versions, you can experience firsthand the unique features, user interfaces, and sound quality each provides. Here are a few benefits of trying out both:

### 1. Sound Comparison:
- Each software has its own distinct sound modeling technology and amp simulations. By comparing them side by side, you can determine which one provides the tone that best suits your musical style or a particular project.

### 2. Feature Exploration:
- While both offer basic functionalities for free, they have different arrays of effects, amps, and additional features in their free versions. Exploring both can help you understand which suite of effects and features you might prefer.

### 3. Workflow Integration:
- Sometimes how a plugin integrates with your specific workflow in Ableton Live Lite can be a deciding factor. Using both can show you which one feels more intuitive and facilitates a smoother workflow for you.

### 4. Expandability:
- Both platforms offer additional content that can be purchased. By trying both, you get a clearer idea of which platform you might want to invest in if you decide to expand your collection of amps and effects in the future.

### 5. Educational Value:
- Using different kinds of software can be immensely educational. You learn to adapt to different interfaces and can pick up various production tricks specific to each tool.

### Practical Considerations:
- System Resources: Ensure that your computer can handle running both, as music production software can sometimes be resource-intensive.
- Storage Space: Check that you have sufficient disk space for installation, as these programs and their additional content can occupy significant space.
- Learning Curve: Keep in mind that learning to use two different amp simulators effectively will take more time and effort than focusing on just one.

### How to Proceed:
- Download and Install: Visit the official websites of IK Multimedia for Amplitube and Native Instruments for Guitar Rig. Download and install the free versions of both plugins.
- Use in Ableton Live Lite: Add both plugins to your Ableton project and experiment with them using the same guitar input to get accurate comparisons. Use similar settings on both to see how each responds.

By trying both, you maximize your chances of finding the perfect tool for your needs and may also discover unique features in each that are useful for different aspects of your music production. It’s a win-win scenario where you gain more insight and potentially find exactly what you need for your studio setup.

Once you have downloaded and installed Amplitube 5 Custom Shop and Guitar Rig 6 Player, you can follow these steps to integrate and use them as VST plugins within Ableton Live Lite:

### Step 1: Verify Plugin Installation
First, ensure that your plugins are installed correctly in a location recognized by Ableton Live Lite. Typically, VST plugins are installed in one of the following default directories:
- Windows: C:\Program Files\VSTPlugins or C:\Program Files\Steinberg\VstPlugins
- Mac: /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST

### Step 2: Configure Ableton to Recognize the Plugins
- Open Ableton Live Lite.
- Go to Preferences:
- On Windows, this is under Options &gt; Preferences.
- On Mac, it is under Live &gt; Preferences.
- Navigate to the Plug-ins tab.
- Ensure Use VST3 Plug-In System Folders (if they are VST3) or Use VST2 Plug-In System Folders is turned on. If your plugins are not in the default location, you can also specify a custom folder under Use VST2 Plug-In Custom Folder or Use VST3 Plug-In Custom Folder.
- Click Rescan to refresh the list of installed plugins.

### Step 3: Loading the Plugins in a Project
- Create a new track: In Ableton Live Lite, create a new audio track by going to Create &gt; Insert Audio Track or pressing Ctrl+T (Cmd+T on Mac).
- Load the plugin: In the Browser under Categories, navigate to Plug-Ins where you should see your newly installed plugins. If you don’t see them, ensure that you have rescanned the plugins directory as mentioned.
- Drag and drop the Amplitube or Guitar Rig plugin onto the track. This will load the plugin on the track, and you should see the interface appear.

### Step 4: Configuring Audio Input
- Ensure your guitar or input device is connected to your audio interface or directly to your computer (if applicable).
- Go to Preferences > Audio and make sure your audio interface or input device is selected under Driver Type and Audio Input Device.
- On the Audio Track where you have loaded the plugin, turn on the Arm Recording button—it’s right next to the track name and has a circle icon. This allows live input through the track.
- Also, ensure Monitor is set to Auto or In. This will allow you to hear your guitar through the plugin as you play.

### Step 5: Experiment and Adjust Settings
- Play your guitar and you’ll hear the output processed by the plugin. Tweak the settings in Amplitube or Guitar Rig to explore different sounds.
- Both plugins offer a variety of presets, which can be a good starting point for finding the sound you like.

Using these guitar amp simulators in your recordings and live performances through Ableton Live Lite can significantly expand your sonic palette. Experiment with different amps, cabinets, and effects to make the most out of these powerful tools!를 한국어로 번역