Does the order of your effects pedals make a difference?
(This question surfaced last week in the “Feedback: Suggestion Box” post. Since a lot of questions centered around effects, consider this also the beginning of a new series about effects!)
The simple answer to this is that, yes, the order of your effects makes a big difference. Take distortion and delay, for example. If the
distortion is first, then that distorted sound will repeat a certain
number of times and taper off at whatever rate you’ve set on your
delay. If you put the delay first, then EACH REPEAT will be distorted
individually. Since each repeat will have a different gain structure
when it hits the distortion, each will sound different. This can
create a very distinct and musical effect, but can also be a little
unpredictable. So it is more common for guitarists to put distortion
before delay.
Distortion and delay is just one example of the endless possibilities
you have when placing effects in different orders. Do you compress a
distorted tone, or do you distort a compressed tone? Do you filter a
phased sound or do you phase a filtered sound? It sounds confusing,
but I’m just giving you an idea of some of the options you have at
your disposal…
While you will definitely want to experiment and try some different
effect chains and see what you like, there IS somewhat of a “common
practice” for effects chains. Off the top of my head, it looks
something like this:
COMPRESSION –> EQ (this could include filters or wah effects) –>
OVERDRIVE/DISTORTION –> SPECIAL EFFECTS (phasers, flangers, etc.) –>
TREMOLO –> DELAY
A couple of other things to consider:
1) Many amps have effects loops, allowing you to add effects after
your amp but before your signal gets to the output stage. This gives
you even more options. Again, do what sounds right to you, but I would
recommend trying just your delay in the effects loop, and maybe tremolo.
2) Compression: this is probably one of the least understood effects
for new guitarists. While I recommend placing compression at the front
of the signal chain, bear in mind that whether you’re live or in the
studio, an engineer will be adding compression (and gain and EQ, for
that matter) AFTER your signal comes out of your amp. So in many cases
it might make sense to put compression at the END of your chain. By
the same logic, EQ could be placed at the end of the chain. And, since
gain is glorified EQ, you could put distortion pedals at the end, too.
And since a wah pedal is a filter (again, glorified EQ) you could put
your wah at the end of the signal chain, and… see what I’m saying
about experimenting to see what works best for you?
As I send this blog post out into the cosmos, I am well aware that
there will be differing opinions about this! If you have a different
theory, I’d love to hear it. Just remember, keep it positive…
If you enjoyed this post you might like these:
- Stomp this! A guide to guitar effects
- My guitar rig
- What’s your favorite stompbox?
- Dr Z KT-45
- PRS Factory Visit
