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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 theusefulness of this strategy can be unnecessarily limiting. There are just as many exceptions to the rule, it seems, as thereare 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 toput the graphic before the distortion box, such as if you’re trying to make your humbucker-equipped guitar behave andsound like a single-coil one before it hits the distortion.

Even if you’re not trying to emulate another guitar pickup, EQ before distortion will make the distortion respond moredynamically. The distortion content will actually change the harmonic content based on the EQ it receives. If the EQ isplaced 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 EQmight 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 thereforegoes 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 locationsin the signal chain.

• EQ’s can go almost anywhere in the chain (including after the reverb). Think about how you want the EQ tofunction, 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 thereverb 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 peopleuse 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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Here is a diagram showing all the standard effects in a guitarist’s arsenal and the order in which they’re 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).

 This lesson is from:Guitar One Presents Ef fects and Set t ings by Ryan Claiborne.

 This handy reference tool helps you get the best sounds from your guitar by explaining the effectschain, individual sounds and setups, settings of the stars, and other tricks and tips.

Product #2500032. Book $5 .95 (US).

Volumeolume

Octaverctaver

Wah-Wahah-Wah

DistortionistortionPitchitchShifterhifter

EnvelopenvelopeFilterilter

Chorus/ horus/Flanger/ langer/Phaser/ haser/Vibrato/ ibrato/Tremolo,remolo,

etc.tc.

DelayelayNoiseoiseGateateReverbeverb

Preampreamp