The Effects Chain

The Effects Chain

The effects chain is really a sequence of effects where one effect is followed by another effect. The last effect in the effect chain is the most predominant. This is only one possibility on arranging your guitar effect chain. These become quite elaborate and complicated using a number of different means (switches and routers).

This particular chain of effects is too long and will produce a lot of noise but is here so you can get an idea on where some of the effects could be placed. One special effect is one many guitarist forget about and that’s the noise gate. The noise gate can be very useful for eliminating the accumulated noise produced by each effect. Some place the noise gate at various places in the effect chain but usually before the distortion and compressor. But interesting effects can be made by breaking the ‘rules’.

Guitar->Wah->Volume->NoiseGate->Compressor->Distortion->EQ->Chorus->Delay->Reverb

Note: The Volume pedal is before the Distortion module. This will sound different than having the volume pedal after the distortion. Here when the volume pedal is turned up more distortion is applied to the signal. When the volume pedal is after the distortion the amount of distortion remains the same only its volume changes.

Your guitar’s sound will be better using fewer effects. Use only the effects you really need in your chain. Many guitarists effect chain is somewhat smaller than that listed here.