FENDER PLAYERS CLUB EFFECTS

THE ORDERING OF EFFECTS: A MAP OF THE SIGNAL CHAIN

There are general guidelines for placing effects in a certain order, like gain-based ones before modulation, but the usefulness of this strategy can be unnecessarily limiting. There are just as many exceptions to the rule, it seems, as there are models for the rule itself. For example, orthodox practice tells you to put EQ-based devices after the gain-based ones, meaning your 6-band graphic EQ would go after your Blues Screamer. But many times, it makes just as much sense to put the graphic before the distortion box, such as if youre trying to make your humbucker-equipped guitar behave and sound like a single-coil one before it hits the distortion. Even if youre not trying to emulate another guitar pickup, EQ before distortion will make the distortion respond more dynamically. The distortion content will actually change the harmonic content based on the EQ it receives. If the EQ is placed after the distortion, only the quality of the distortion is affected, not the harmonics produced by the distortion. On the other hand, if you get a good distortion sound through the guitar and the stompbox, a little post-distortion EQ might be all you need to tweak the sound just right.

SOME RULES OF THUMB:

Gain devices go before time devices. For example, compressors, preamps, etc., go before phasers and delays. Use a compressor before a volume pedal. A volume pedal is not considered a gain device for the guitar, but for the entire signal chain, and therefore goes toward the end of the chain. A volume pedal can act as a manual noise gate if placed at the very end, just before the ambient effects (delay, reverb). An EQ can act as a preamp (even if only to amplify certain frequencies) and can go in many different locations in the signal chain. EQs can go almost anywhere in the chain (including after the reverb). Think about how you want the EQ to function, and place it accordingly. Place an envelope filter before a compressor so it can have the widest range of dynamics to treat. A chorus can go either after or before the delay. Experiment to find the best effect for the situation. Use a noise gate before the reverb for classic noise reduction and a natural decay. Use a noise gate after the reverb for a more artificial shutting down of the signal or to ensure total silence quickly. A wah-wah pedal can go either before or after the distortion. Hendrix used his in front, though many people use it in back of the distortion to get the purest sound into the distortion box. For more synth-like textures, place the wah second.

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FENDER PLAYERS CLUB EFFECTS

Here is a diagram showing all the standard effects in a guitarists arsenal and the order in which theyre ideally placed. Keep in mind that in some cases there is more than one right way (wah before vs. after the distortion, delay before chorus and vice-versa). Note: Diagram should be read from right to left (from the guitar to the amp).

Reverb

Volume

Noise Gate

Delay

Chorus/ Flanger/ Phaser/ Vibrato/ Tremolo, etc.

Wah-Wah

Distortion

Pitch Shifter

Octaver

Envelope Filter

Preamp

This lesson is from: Guitar One Presents Effects and Settings by Ryan Claiborne. This handy reference tool helps you get the best sounds from your guitar by explaining the effects chain, individual sounds and setups, settings of the stars, and other tricks and tips. Product #2500032. Book $5.95 (US).

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