Have you decided to play the electric guitar ? If so , you need to get an electric guitar and amp first . The next step will be to explore the world of effects pedals . These can be grouped separately based on the functions they perform . The key to understanding the difference that pedal groups make is to chain them all together to get the best sound .
Your Overdrive and Distortion pedals will most likely constitute your largest pedal group , and Boss currently manufactures 16 different pedals in this category such as the ST-2 Power Stack model for your pedalboard . There are numerous other kinds of pedals that provide a multitude of different effects to enhance the sound of your guitar playing . A year ’ s worth of issues of Score won ’ t be able to cover them all .
So , how are we going to connect so many pedals together , where are we going to input the signal ? Here are some tips for you . Before you start connecting your pedals , keep these tips in mind .
Rule 1
There are no rules . It doesn ’ t matter that the sound always comes from a sensible and appropriate signal input , it matters how it comes to you after what you ’ ve done . The important thing here is : how is the sound ? If it sounds right after you ’ ve adjusted it ... then it ’ s time to make some noise . The arrangements in traditional pedal boards are formed for certain reasons and to keep the bottom noise lower . The following continuing principles are about how to create a physical space for sound . ( see rule 4 ) Ultimately , the choice is yours . As someone rightly said : “ If it ain ’ t broke , don ’ t fix it ”
Rule 2
Some types of pedals work better in some parts of the signal path than others . For example , Octave pedals or tuners don ’ t work well with distorted signals ( after overdrive or distortion ) as well as when the signal is flat , so they must be placed before Distortion or Overdrive in our pedal chain .
Rule 3
In high gain and distortion sounds , bottom noises can be a problem . Some pedals can increase volume — like compressor , wah , EQ , and overdrive / distortion pedals , and these pedals will also amplify the bottom noises that come before them .
Rule 4
In the sound you get , the equation of the pedals that creates the sound creates a physical space for the sound to occur naturally . For example , guitar amp distortion occurs when the amp ’ s circuits are overloaded , and the sounds coming out of the cabinet hit the ceiling and walls in the surrounding environment , creating a physical space until they reach our ears . Therefore , logically , the delay and reverb pedals should be placed at the end of the signal chain .
These rules are useful , but they are not set in stone . It can just be a preliminary guide for you . Here are the basics for stringing your pedals :
Amplifying or noise adding pedals should be positioned close to the start of the signal path . For example , overdrive / distortion effects , compressor will make the bottom noises coming from the compressor stronger and it will be harder to control .
The pedals that create the tone must precede those that modify the sound . This makes sense because you want to build your basic tone first and then shape your voice with some effects . As an example , it ’ s like the distortion effect comes before the chorus effect .
Pedals that create ambient effects should come at the end . This principle is based on the idea of how sound creates physical space . That is , the delay and reverb effects should be added to the chain last of all effects .
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