Guitar Amps & Effects For Dummies

by Dave Hunter

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781118899991
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	09/02/2014
Pages:	336
Sales rank:	653,224
Product dimensions:	7.30(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.80(d)

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.

Table of Contents

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