Most novice guitarists are left with a lot of questions regarding how to connect their newly bought single guitar pedals. Chances are that they have bought a handful and are now left to wonder what goes first and what goes at the end. What are the pedals that is very essential and what are optional? Here we try to categorize & simplify the idea of guitar effect pedals, so that you will have a clear understanding of the proceedings. If you have bought a multi-effects pedal, you need not worry much about this cause the manufacturer has already chained them in perfect order.

Guitar or any audio effect pedals can be broadly categorized into 6 distinct categories. Lets’ have a look at each one of them in their respective order. This should be your guideline while connecting them in chain for obtaining a great sound and the desired results.

1) Dynamic Effect Pedals

They are also called the ‘volume and amplitude’ pedals. Dynamics effect pedals modify the volume of an instrument, which means they affect the loudness. Dynamics effects were among the first effects introduced to guitarists. For example, compressors make the loud sounds of your guitar quieter and the quiet sounds louder by decreasing or “compressing” the dynamic range of your guitar signal. A compressor is often used to ‘stabilize’ volume and smooth a note’s “attack” by dampening its onset and amplifying its’ sustain. A compressor can also function as a limiter with extreme settings of its controls.

Examples of Dynamic Pedals are: Compressors, Sustainers, Limiters, Pre-Amps, Noise Gates etc.

Essentially ‘Dynamic Effect Pedals’ should go first in your chain to level your signal volume, but some argue that the next category should go first. Anyway, that’s a personal preference.

2) Equalization Pedals

Equalization Pedals are used to modify frequency ranges such as Bass, Mid & Treble. An equalizer is a set of linear filters that strengthen (“boost”) or weaken (“cut”) specific frequency regions. If your guitar pickups are setup and are properly powerful enough and that you know how to use the various positions of your guitar’s selector switch, you may not actually need a graphic equalizer pedal.

Examples of Equalization Pedals are: Graphic equalizers, Wah-Wah etc.

Normally your ‘Equalization Pedals’ should go second in your chain to sculpt the tone of your signal, but some argue that these should go first. Again, we leave it to your preference. Both ways, you are good to go.

3) Distortion/Saturation Effect Pedals

Distortion Effect Pedals distorts the shape of the sound and adds overtones to get a “gritty” driven sound that is required for most blues, rock, metal, grunge genres. They are again sub-divided into many other categories based on the genre they are aimed at as well as the sound they produce. But what exactly all these pedals do is boosting the instrument’s signal to introduce a “hard” clipping that is very harmonic to listen. Distortion effects are sometimes called “gain” effects.

Examples of Distortion Pedal Names are: Gain, Distortion, Overdrive, Fuzz, Shred, Screamer, Metal, Extreme Metal etc.

Generally, your ‘Distortion Pedals’ should go third in your chain to fatten up your sound and introduce the required grit level.

Note: After connecting any of your distortion pedals, it’s a good idea to split the outcoming signals in to 2 different routes and use only one route via the rest of the pedals in the coming categories. Later on, you may use the original signal from the distortion pedal output for blending-in with the last pedal’s output for a more well defined guitar sound.

4) Pitch Effect Pedals

The fourth category of pedals affect the pitch of your guitar signal. They can alter the pitch by an octave or two or create some extra notes of pre-set intervals (like 3rds or 5ths) alongside the notes that are actually played. A pitch shifter can be used by an electric guitarist to play notes that would normally only be available on an electric bass.

Examples of Pitch Effects Pedals are: Pitch Shifter, Octaver, Harmonizer etc.

When required, use ‘Pitch Effects Pedals’ and they should go fourth in your chain to create some interesting harmonic content. Remember to also split & retain a clean copy of the signal from the previous Distortion Pedal output for later use.

5) Modulation Effect Pedals

Among the myriad of pedals that are available today in the market, almost 70% belongs to this category. Modulation effect pedals gradually change any of the sound properties such as phase, pitch, volume etc. to create interesting modulation effects. There are plenty of them out there in the market in various combinations, but they are primarily used for altering the sound in a slow moving fashion. Always keep in mind that the modulation effect pedals are going to alter your signal drastically.

Examples of Modulation Effect Pedals are: Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Ring Modulator, Tremolo, Vibrato etc.

When required, use ‘Modulation Effects Pedals’ and they should go fifth in your chain to create some exciting movement to your sound. Remember to also split & retain a clean copy of the signal from the Distortion Pedal output for later use.

6) Reverb/Delay (Time-based Effect Pedals)

These are time-based effects and they slow down the sound signal and add some reverb or echo to the original signal. Reverb is the natural response of a close physical space to any sound. Delay or echo is a feedback from a farther large object or natural element. These are the most ‘signal destructive’ pedals, so you should be using them very wisely and only the required amount of effects should be set on them. Do not turn their knobs all the way up to the maximum!

Examples of Reverb/Delay Pedals are: Reverb, Delay, Echo, Looper Pedals etc.

Essentially ‘Reverb/Delay Pedals’ should always be used as the last pedal in your chain to add some space & ambience to your guitar sound. If you decide to use both ‘Reverb Pedal’ & ‘Delay Pedal’ simultaneously, the ‘Delay’ normally go first and the ‘Reverb’ after it. But again, you can reverse their order and that’s again personal choice. Hear what sounds the best.

After this step, you can always mix this output signal with the split copy of the signal from your ‘Distortion Pedal Output’ and create a rock solid guitar sound that is crisp, clear & rocking!

Keep Playing!

For checking out the huge collection of amazing guitar pedals and choosing the right ones for you, visit: https://projectpreview.org/musicians_corner/public/category/58