Can I get THAT Tone with THIS Pedal?
If you’re a guitarist, you’ve probably asked yourself this question at some point. You hear a tone on a recording or at a live show, and you wonder if you can achieve that same tone with your gear. Pedals have become an essential part of the modern guitar sound, and with so many options available, it’s hard to know which ones will get you the sound you’re after.
The short answer to this question is, it depends. The type of pedal, the settings, and the combination with other pedals and gear can all have an impact on your final tone. However, with a bit of experimentation and knowledge of how different pedals work, you can get pretty close to your desired tone.
Let’s take a look at some popular guitar tones and the pedals that can help you achieve them.
Classic Rock Tone
If you’re after that classic rock tone, think of bands like Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, and AC/DC. The key to this tone is a crunchy overdrive with a touch of distortion. A popular pedal for this sound is the Ibanez Tube Screamer. This pedal has been used by countless guitarists to achieve that creamy, mid-range-heavy overdrive that’s perfect for classic rock.
To get this tone, set the drive to about 50%, tone to 60%, and level to taste. For added sustain, try stacking the Tube Screamer with a Boss DS-1 distortion pedal.
Blues Tone
Blues guitar has a wide range of tones, from clean and twangy to dirty and gritty. However, one of the most iconic blues tones is the one made famous by Stevie Ray Vaughan. To get this tone, you need a pedal that can push your amp into natural breakup territory.
One popular option for this is the Fulltone OCD overdrive pedal. This pedal can give you anything from a clean boost to a heavy overdrive, depending on your settings. To get that Stevie Ray sound, try setting your pedal to drive at around 80%, tone at 50%, and volume to match your amp level.
Metal Tone
If you’re into heavy metal, you’re probably looking for something with a bit more gain than classic rock or blues tones. A popular metal pedal is the Boss Metal Zone. This pedal can give you everything from a crunch to a scream, depending on how you set it up.
To get that classic metal tone, start by setting your pedal to drive at 60%, high and low EQ at around 50%, and level to match your amp. For added sustain and thickness, try stacking the Metal Zone with a Boss SD-1 overdrive pedal.
Clean Tone
Sometimes, you don’t need a heavy overdrive or distortion to get the tone you’re after. A clean tone can be just as impactful, especially in genres like jazz or country. For a classic clean tone, try the Boss CE-5 chorus pedal.
This pedal can give you a subtle shimmer or a full-on swirly effect, depending on your settings. For a classic clean tone with a hint of chorus, set the depth and rate to around 50%, and level to taste.
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting THAT tone with THIS pedal is definitely possible, but it takes a bit of experimentation. The pedals listed here are just a starting point, and there are countless other options available. The key is to understand how the pedal works, what it can do, and how it interacts with your amp and other gear.
When experimenting with your pedals, don’t be afraid to try different settings or combinations. You might find a unique tone that becomes your signature sound. And remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process of finding your perfect tone.
Image Credit: Pexels