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How To Create Your Own Signature Sound
Every renowned guitarist in this world has his own signature sound. We can identify them from the furthest corner of the world by the way they use their guitar. The signature they make is not just a sound to us, it is their identity. Many of us do not know what they look like, but we always know them by their signature sound. Isn’t it amazing how some little tweaks and strums go such a long way?
So if you ever dreamt of having such a unique identity for yourself, then this article is for you.
Every aspiring guitarist dreams of having his or her own signature sound. These days, guitars are not only for the cool kids who want to show off their poise to others; rather, it’s something that takes passion and hard work to master. So if you are a professional guitarist, then having your very own signature sound is a must. But how do you do that? Read on- you are about to be informed.
There are a number of ways through which a person can create his or her own signature sound. Many guitarists, for example the legendary Eric Clapton used to rely on amplifiers and guitar pickups to create that amazing sound that we all know by hearts. Some of the others use a number of off-the-shelf effects. But what about artists like Neil Young? They build their effects according to their taste. So you have three options- amplifiers and pickups, existing effects or having your effects built according to your own terms. But which one do you choose?
That depends on the genre you play, the kind of person you are and not to mention, your budget. So go out there. Find the effects that suit your taste and budget. Think long and think hard before purchasing it. Do your research. Bottom line, do anything and everything to find the perfect effects for you.
Once you’ve tried out a few pedals and know for sure what you want your signature sound to be like, start the process of creating your very own signature sound. How? Start by forming the signal chain you’ll be using. It is okay if you want to use a single power supply, because some of the power supplies available in the market supports up to eight pedals at a time. Or you can get a pedal board. Use whatever that suits you best. It’s your sound- everything else is nothing but tools to you.
Chain all the pedals together and create layers of effect that allows you to switch between effects for the duration of a live stage show. There are a few tips and tricks when it comes to chaining your pedal effects. Following these rules of thumbs will makes things much more convenient and easier for you.
So, here they are:
1. Place your preamps and the compressors at the front of the chain. This is the general rule, but there are exceptions. If you own an envelope filter (auto-wah) pedal, then place it before your compressor. Why should you do that? Because auto-wah pedals need a variable signal in order to function appropriately. Putting your auto-wah before the compressor will help in that matter.
2. All the noise making pedals (distortion pedals, Fuzz pedals, and Overdrive pedals) you have goes next in the chain.
3. Once you have chained up your noisy pedals, concentrate on modulation pedals like chorus, reverbs and flange pedals. They work best when they are chained after the noise making pedals, partly because they call for even levels to operate as they should be, and they themselves are quite noisy. So you should always chain these pedals after pedals that magnify the signals, such as distortion and fuzz.
4. Your EQ and the noise gate should be chained at the end of the signal chain. But if you’re using a reverb pedal, then play around with its position a bit and find out what you like. Chaining the reverb pedal before the noise gate may appeal some of us, while others like it over the noise gate. So in the end, it is all about you and your taste.
5. You know what they say- rules are meant to be broken. These rules of thumbs are not written in the stones. So experiment with your pedals, see where you like them best. Shuffle the pedals in your signal chain and listen to the voice inside your head. You want the reverb pedal before the noise gate? Do it. No one said that it has to be chained after the noise gate. Follow your heart, and you will find that perfect signature for yourself.
Now, is creating a signature sound really important? If you are more of a wannabe guitarist who lacks the motivation and determination to get off the couch and make it happen, then no, it hardly matters if you don’t have a signature sound. But what about the rest of us? What about the people who forget everything else when they have a guitar in hand and dreams of performing in the Times Square someday? If you are one of them, then yes, having your own signature is a must. Because someday, the whole world will know you by the way you pick up your guitar and play the tune that makes you stand out in the crowd. So what are you waiting for?
Playing the guitar is not a leisurely activity anymore. There are a whole new world of pedals and effects out there and their sole purpose is to inspire you. Jimi Hendrix’s “Machine gun” would be just another ordinary track without the Uni-vibe pedal he used. Do you ever dream of creating a masterpiece like that? If you do, then stop wasting your time. Get off the couch and make some noise. The world is waiting for you; don’t make them wait any longer. Use your God-gifted talent. Life is too short to wait around for opportunities to come forward. Instead, go grab it yourself.
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