How Guitar Pedals Work

Play guitar enough for long, and you’re likely to run into a bandmate with guitar pedals. But not just one, a whole suite of them. To a beginner, this is a weird sight. Why not just use the built-in amp effects instead of putting this weird mishmash of blocks together right? Well, the answer lies in the enhanced customization that guitar pedals enable you to have. Read on to learn how guitar pedals work and why you should consider starting your collection today.

Guitar Pedal Stages

A guitar pedal works in three stages: Input, Processing, and Output

The first stage, input, starts when you strum the guitar. The vibrations generate an analog electrical signal that enters your pedal through an input jack.

The second stage, processing, is when your signal meets with a range of electronic components designed to modify it, including:

  • Capacitors & Resistors: Passive components that create filters that alter the frequency content of the signal
  • Digital Signal Processors: This technology converts your analog signal to digital, which allows algorithms to manipulate it. This allows you to emulate a wider library of sounds.
  • Transistors & op-amps: Electronic components that transform and amplify your signal. They boost weak signals or alter them to create distortion
  • Memory & control circuitry: This component allows you to store your presents.

The third stage, processing, is when your modified signal exits the pedal through your output jack. This results in unique sound effects.

How To Setup A Guitar Pedal

Using a guitar pedal is simple. In essence, all they are is a bridge between your guitar and amp. The signal from your guitar is converted through the pedals, and then this signal is amplified through your amp.

To plug in a guitar pedal, you must do the following:

  • To plug in a pedal, you will need two cables. For this scenario, we’ll call them Cable 1 & Cable 2.
  • Cable 1 is what you plug into your guitar
  • Cable 2 goes into the “Output” jack of your guitar pedal

How To Plug Multiple Guitar Effects Pedals Into Your Amp

To chain multiple pedals together, you’ll need to employ a technique called “Chaining effects.” This will allow you to create a chain where each pedal forms a “link.” 

Types of Pedals

When it comes to pedals, there are four main categories:

Dynamic effect: This effect shapes the volume of your guitar tone

Time-based effect: Changes the playback time of your guitar’s tone

Frequency-based effect: This alters the specific frequencies of your guitar tone

Modeling effect: This uses computer processing power to digitally model the mechanical, electronic, and magnetic characteristics of real-life amplifiers and speakers.

To Summarize

Guitar pedals play an important role in the equipment of any player who wants to create a unique, custom sound. Be sure to get out there and try some pedals. Even trying out some pedals on your DAW can be enough to inspire you and see what you’d like to buy in real life.