A Whole New Mind-Blowing World: Everything You Need to Know About Guitar Pedals.
Guitar pedals are an indispensable part of any electric can guitarist’s arsenal. They can be used to create incredible sounds, such as big distortions, sweet overdrives, shimmering reverbs, and siren-like delays. If you want to take your sound up to the next level, then having a pedalboard loaded with the best guitar pedals can make all the difference.
However, knowing which pedals to buy and how to set them up can be a daunting task for any novice guitarist. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to the world of guitar pedals and will help you pick the ones that are just right for your music.
First, let’s look at the different types of guitar pedals that are available:
Distortion/Overdrive: Distortion and overdrive pedals are probably the most popular of all guitar pedals. These pedals produce a grinding, overdriven sound by increasing an input signal’s gain and creating a new, distorted sound. They’re great for solos and adding that extra crunch to your sound.
Compressors: Compressors are often used to smooth out the sound of distorted guitar parts. By limiting the peaks of the signal, they can make your sound more consistent and easier to control. Compressors can also be used to strengthen weak notes and create more sustain.
Reverb: Reverb pedals simulate the natural reverberation of an acoustic space. They are great for creating lush, ambient tones, as well as for adding depth and width to a guitar part. They can be used in a wide range of musical styles, from jazz to ambient to rock.
Delay: Delay pedals are used to create an echo effect by repeating a signal several times. This can be used for everything from creating a complex rhythm to adding an interesting texture to a lead guitar part.
Wah/Pedals: Wah pedals are often used to “sweep” through a sound, like a singer would sing a note. They can be used to create dramatic effects and can also be used to add texture and character to a guitar part.
Noise Gates: Noise gates are used to reduce the amount of background noise that can be produced by an amplifier. They can be used to reduce hiss and buzz, as well as to make it easier to adjust the gain levels of each pedal.
Now that you’ve had an introduction to the different types of guitar pedals, let’s look at how to choose the right ones for your needs.
The first step is to decide what type of sound you want to create. If you want a big rock sound, then distortion pedals are a great choice. If you’re looking for more of a jazzy sound, then compression and reverb pedals might be more suited to your needs.
The next step is to decide on the budget you have available. While it might be tempting to go for the most expensive pedal, it’s important to remember that there are plenty of great budget options available. Spending a bit of time researching pedals can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Finally, it’s important to try out different pedals in store or online. Different brands and models will often have different sounds, and what sounds great to one person may sound terrible to another. Taking the time to find the right pedals for your needs can save a lot of time and money in the long run.
Now that you know more about the different types of guitar pedals and how to choose the right ones for your needs, it’s time to start exploring this fascinating world. With so many great models and brands to choose from, you’ll be sure to find pedals that take your sound to the next level. Good luck!