learntoplayguitar.eu

Most professional guitarists don’t create their sound with just a guitar and an amp. They use a professional guitar effects pedals, distortion, chorus and delay. Multi effects pedals can produce the sound that you want or you could use dedicated guitar effects pedals. Let’s take a look at those three effects.

Distortion

The most utilised of these effects is distortion. It is the most recognisable sound as it has the most impact, both in terms of style and volume, of any guitar effects pedal. Just how much it is utilised depends upon the genre of music being performed. Heavy metal requires a crunchy sound whilst blues calls for a warmer sound. Country music uses it just enough to create a ‘clean’ sound.

Delay

Delay is another popular effect, related to reverb. An analogy of a delay could be the sound of the room that you’re in. A large room creates a boomy sound and a small room, more distinct and brighter. In any room, you’ll hear the original sound followed by the sound that reflects off the walls. The sound actually indicates the size of the room. It is essentially similar to reverb but the sounds aren’t as distinct.

Chorus

The chorus splits the sound and adds a very slight delay to one of the signals. Think of when two guitarists are playing at the same time; inevitably there will always be one marginally out of synch with the other. This effect is created by the chorus effects pedal. Essentially, you think you’re listening to two guitarists playing instead if one which makes for a thicker sound.

When you’re listening to rock or heavy metal music and the electric guitar being played, it’s safe to assume that you’re hearing one or a combination of these effects. Some artists prefer distortion whilst others prefer delay or chorus, it is all a part of the sound they are trying to create and the artists which inspire them.

Find out more about guitar effects pedals