What Are Distortion Pedals And Why Should I Get One?

What Are Distortion Pedals And Why Should I Get One?

One of the most popular pedals for guitar players is the distortion pedal. Distortion pedals are used to boost the signal of an electric guitar, giving it a harder sound. Unlike other effects like delay and reverb, distortion pedals do not create any type of ambient effect; they only boost the signal that you already have.

Distortion pedals can be very helpful in creating different sounds for different occasions. For example, to play metal you might want something with more sustain than to play funk, so there are different types of distortions which cater to what you need.

What is a distortion pedal?

Distortion pedals are used to boost the signal of an electric guitar, giving it a harder sound. Unlike other effects like delay and reverb, distortion pedals do not create any type of ambient effect; they only boost the signal that you already have.

A distortion pedal will give your guitar a more crunchy, hard-hitting sound similar to what you hear in heavy metal music. They can be helpful in creating different sounds for different occasions such as playing rhythm guitar or lead guitar.

One reason why you might want a distortion pedal is because it helps cut through the mix in a band setting by giving your instrument more volume. Another reason is because it gives you more freedom in creating new sounds and textures in music production.

How do distortion pedals work?

A distortion pedal increases the amplitude of a guitar signal. When the input signal is too weak, a distortion pedal will boost it so that it can be heard more clearly. This means a distortion pedal does not create an ambient effect. It only affects the sound of your electric guitar.

As a result, distortion pedals are used to achieve different sounds by changing the tone and sustain of that sound. A fuzz box, for example, will produce a distorted sound with soft edges that's heavy on bass frequencies and has a thick feeling to it. In contrast, a tube amp overdrive produces audio with more of a mid-range tone and more pronounced highs and lows with emphasis on bass frequencies. When shopping for distortion pedals, make sure you find one which matches your playing style and music genre preference.

Why would I need a distortion pedal?

One of the most common reasons someone might need a distortion pedal is when they are playing music in a band. If you are trying to create an aggressive and hard-hitting sound, distortion pedals will help you get there. Distortion pedals can also help to give your guitar a unique and different tone.

Distortion pedals come in several different varieties and shapes. The pedal shape impacts how it interacts with the signal that comes from your guitar. So consider where the pedal will be located before purchasing it.

Different types of distortion pedals

To understand how distortion pedals work, it's important to first understand their classification. Distortion pedals are broken down into two types of distortion which are "sustained" and "transient". Sustained distortion pedals maintain their sound for a certain amount of time before fading out. Transient distortion pedals sustain for a short period of time before fading out. For more information check out our buyers guide.

Conclusion

One of the most popular pedals for guitar players is the distortion pedal. Distortion pedals are used to boost the signal of an electric guitar, giving it a harder sound. Unlike other effects like delay and reverb, distortion pedals do not create any type of ambient effect; they only boost the signal that you already have.

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