Using Guitar Effects
As well as the sound of an electric guitar played through an amp, extra effects can be added by using pedals or rack units. Without any effects added, the sound coming from an amp is called a dry signal. When effects are added, the sound is described as wet.
Reverb
The most common effect used by guitarists is reverb (reverberation) which is like a continuous echo effect. When you make any sound in a room, that sound reflects back off the walls, floor, roof and any objects in the room.
Reverb effects imitate these natural reflections. Like distortion, the amount of reverb can be controlled and shaped by the controls on the pedal or unit. Many amps have reverb units built into them and you control the amount of reverb with a single dial or "pot". Listen to the following example on the CD to hear the effect of reverb.
Delay
Another common effect is the delay. Delay is closely related to reverb; but the difference is that the echoes produced by a delay unit are distinct and a precise distance apart rather than continuous. Because of this, delays can be used to create guitar parts by timing the delays to fit in with the tempo of the music.
This is demonstrated in the following example. Once again, listen to the CD to hear the effect. This example uses a new F chord shape which is shown in the diagram below.
F
Chorus
Another effect related to delay is the chorus. This creates a feeling of space and movement within the sound. A chorus unit delays the sound, changes it to become less regular and also adds slight pitch fluctuations, then mixes the affected signal with the original dry signal.
As with all effects, the best way to understand the chorus is to experiment with the various parameter controls on your particular unit. The example below demonstrates the effect of the chorus.
Flanger
There are many other effects which can be used to alter the sound of the guitar. Space doesn’t allow us to cover them all, but ask other guitarists or staff at a music store to demonstrate them for you. One unit which can create a variety of sounds is the flanger.
A common effect produced by a flanger is sometimes described as like a jet taking off. Listen to the following example on the CD to hear a flanging effect.
The Three Four Time Signature
This is the three four time signature. It tells you there are three quarter note beats in each bar.
The next example demonstrates two guitar parts played along with a rhythm section in ^ time. This basic beat subdivisions (quarter notes, eighth notes, triplets and sixteenth notes) work exactly the same in ^ time as they do in * time. The notation here shows the bass and drum part as well as the guitars. Watch the notation as you listen to the recording and see how all the parts work together. Notice the use of different sounds for the two guitar parts. When using two guitars in a band, this is important. Otherwise the guitar parts can sound "muddy" and become hard to distinguish from one another. In this example, Guitar 1 is played with a clean sound and a chorus effect, while Guitar 2 uses an overdriven sound. Most times, the type of part will determine the best sound to use. Guitar 2 uses notes and rhythms you haven’t learnt yet. Just listen to it for now, but by the end of the book you will be able to play it too.
