Learn the secrets to achieving your ultimate sound
Whether amateur or pro, guitarists live for the ultimate sound.
Guitar Amps & Effects For Dummies provides the
information and instruction you need to discover that sound and
make it your own! Written in the characteristically easy-to-read
Dummies style, this book is ideal for beginners and
experienced musicians alike, and can help all players expand their
skill set with effects. Guitarists tend to be gearheads when it
comes to sound, and this book provides guidance on topics ranging
from the guitar itself to amps, pedals, and other sound
technology.
Amps and effects are the unsung heroes of guitar music. While
most people recognize the more psychedelic effects, many don’t
realize that effects are often responsible for the unique quality
of tone that can become a musician’s trademark. Certain effects
work on the volume or signal level, others work on the environment,
and still others work on the bass and treble content. Guitar
Amps & Effects For Dummies covers them all, and shows how
effects can not only add something extra, but also ‘fix’
problematic areas. Topics include:
* Gain-based effects, like distortion, compression, volume
pedals, and gates
* Tone-based effects, including graphic and parametric EQ, and
the wah-wah pedal
* Modulation effects, like the flanger, phase shifter, and
tremolo
* Ambience effects, including reverb and delay
The journey to incredible guitar music never ends. No matter how
experienced you are with a guitar, there is always room for
improvement to your tone and sound. Whether you’re looking for the
sound of angels or thunder, Guitar Amps & Effects For
Dummies will help you achieve the music you hear in your
dreams.
Table of Content
Introduction 1
Part I: Getting Started with Guitar Amps & Effects 5
Chapter 1: The Concept of Tone for Creative Guitarists 7
Chapter 2: Making Your Signal Chain Work for You 17
Chapter 3: Aural Delights: Variety in Tone 29
Part II: Grab a Guitar: It’s Your Signal Generator 39
Chapter 4: Understanding the Major Electric Guitar Designs 41
Chapter 5: Guitar Pickups and Electronics 71
Chapter 6: Guitar Hardware 97
Chapter 7: Caring for Your Guitar 117
Part III: The Amplifier: More Than Just Loud 133
Chapter 8: Looking Inside the Major Amp Designs 135
Chapter 9: Choosing the Right Amp for You and Your Music 161
Chapter 10: Understanding Tube Types and Tone 181
Chapter 11: Going from Amp to Ears: Speakers and Cabs 201
Chapter 12: Tips, Tricks, and Basic Amp Maintenance 217
Part IV: Effects Pedals: Fuzz, Filth, Wobble, and Echo 235
Chapter 13: Discovering the Major Types of Effects 237
Chapter 14: Rack Units, Stand-Alones, and Multi-Effects 263
Chapter 15: Setting Up and Using Your Effects 273
Part V: The Part of Tens 291
Chapter 16: Ten Classic Rigs 293
Chapter 17: Ten Iconic Tone Recordings 301
Index 305
About the author
Dave Hunter has made a career out of explaining the
relationships between guitars and amp tone, and the technology that
creates it. He has authored or coauthored dozens of books on guitar
topics, columns in Guitar Player and Vintage Guitar
magazines, and is considered a top authority on amps and
effects.