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How To Get A Great Guitar Amp Sound

Guitar amplifier

As a guitarist, nothing is more frustrating than trying to nail a specific tone, but your amp won’t deliver the sound you need. Someone may have told you that your existing amp isn’t suitable for your playing style. However, before you run out and buy a new amp, you should make some adjustments to your current one to see if it helps. Let’s go over how to get a great guitar amp sound.

How To Make Your Guitar Amp Sound Great

1. Decrease your gain

One of the most common reasons your amp tone may sound poor is because you have the gain cranked way too high. Even if your playing style fancies high gain distortion, dialling the gain back will improve your overall tone. Too much gain oversaturates your sound and damages its clarity. Try backing your gain off and see how it impacts your amp tone.

2. Boost your mids

You may be familiar with the term “scooped sound.” This refers to a low mid setting and a high treble and bass setting and was popular with metal and rock players in the ’80s. However, while it may sound fine on its own, you’ll immediately notice that your tone gets drowned out when you play along with a band or backing track. To remedy this, try increasing your mids and find the sweet spot where your playing stands out without getting muddled.

3. Adjustment the placement

Where you put your guitar amps matters and impacts your sound drastically. Generally, you’ll want to put it on a stand or at least a few inches off the ground. You’ll also want to keep it away from other sound equipment like microphones since they can increase the amount of feedback you receive.

4. Select the right pickup

If you’re a beginner electric guitarist, you may not be completely familiar with your pickups. However, knowing which pickup to use in different situations can make or break your tone. Most guitars have three settings: one for using bridge pickup in isolation, one for using neck pickup in isolation, and one that uses both neck and bridge pickups together. Generally, you’ll want to use bridge pickup for lead guitar and neck pickup for rhythm guitar.

There are also different types of pickups. Single-coil and humbucker are the main two, and both produce pretty different tones. Single-coil can be found on Fender Stratocasters, while humbuckers are found on Gibson Les Paul. Experiment with the different pickup selectors to find the style you want.

5. Use pedals

No matter your amp, it has its limitations. One of the biggest limitations that come with guitar amps is the number of built-in controls. Thankfully, you can add guitar effects pedals to give you more customization options over your tone. There are many guitar effects out there, so it’s just a matter of researching pedals for your desired tone.

We have written a guide on the types of guitar pedals you may be interested in checking out here: What are the different types of guitar pedals?

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Achieve Great Guitar Amp Sound

As you can see, you have a lot of options to try before you go out and buy a new guitar amp. However, if you’re set on buying a new amp, we have a large variety of guitar amps and guitar combo amps for you to check out.

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TC Electronic’s Flashback Delay Pedals Compared

Man demonstrating TC Electronic Flashback Delay pedal

TC Electronic produces numerous pedals beloved by guitarists, one notable series being the Flashback delay pedals. If you’d like to get your hands on one of the Flashback pedals but don’t know which one suits your needs, this guide is for you. Let’s go over each and discuss the differences between TC Electronic’s Flashback delay pedals.

Flashback Mini Delay

TC Electronic Flashback Mini Delay Guitar Effects Pedal

The smallest and simplest delay pedal in this series is the TC Electronic Flashback Mini. It features a simple three-knob layout with Delay, Feedback, and FX Level controls. However, where this pedal really shines compared to other delay pedals is the TonePrint feature. With TonePrint, you can upload different delay pedals directly to the Flashback Mini.

Does the Flashback Mini Delay suit me?

If you want a simple, compact, yet powerful delay pedal, you may want to consider the Flashback Mini. It packs a lot of punch into a tiny package, making it perfect for those who occasionally use delay. Even then, you’re not limited to one type of delay, thanks to TonePrint, which gives you access to a range of delay effects.

However, if you like switching between different delays, you’ll probably want to pick up a different pedal. The Flashback Mini doesn’t offer as great flexibility as the others in this lineup do.

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Flashback Delay

TC Electronic Flashback Delay TonePrint Series Guitar Effects Pedal

The Flashback Delay is the most popular in its family thanks to its size and capabilities. It features four control knobs, including Delay, Feedback, FX Level, and various preloaded delay types. And, of course, it comes with TonePrint installed so that you can import other delay effects.

Does the Flashback Delay suit me?

If you just wanted a bit more flexibility than the Flashback Mini offered, the Flashback Delay might be for you. This pedal is perfect for guitarists who switch between delay types on occasion, but if you want to change through presets quickly, you may want to consider one of the larger delay pedals.

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Flashback X4 Delay

TC Electronic Flashback X4 Delay & Looper Guitar Effects Pedal

At a glance, you know that the Flashback X4 delay pedal is quite different from the previous pedals. It features four footswitches instead of one and knobs for Delay Type, Delay Time, Feedback, Delay Level, and Looper Level.

Does the Flashback X4 Delay suit me?

The Flashback X4 Delay is suitable for live performers who need to switch between different delay times quickly. You can instantly change between other delay presets using a looper or the tap tempo feature with your feet. However, if you already have a looper or your delay needs are simple, the Flashback X4 may be excessive.

 

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Flashback Triple Delay

TC Electronic Flashback Triple Delay Guitar Effects Pedal

The Flashback Triple Delay allows you to play up to three different delays at the same time. So, unlike the previous pedals, the Triple Delay’s main appeal is the ability to layer delays on top of each other. You have the option to store the presets independently and turn them off and on while keeping them in sync with the tap tempo footswitch.

Does the Flashback Triple Delay suit me?

If you like the idea of stacking layers of delays and experimenting with the effects, the Flashback Triple Delay could be for you. However, if layering delays isn’t appealing to you, you have little reason to choose the Flashback Triple Delay over any previous pedals. It’s also worth noting that this pedal does not have a looper function, unlike the X4, so you would need a separate pedal if you wanted it.

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The Delay Pedal For Your Needs

By now, hopefully, you have a better understanding of the differences between the pedals in the TC Electronic Flashback series. If you would like to browse more guitar effects pedals, check out our extensive line of effects. 

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4 Best Fuzz Pedals For Bass Guitar

The best fuzz pedals for bass

Fuzz is one of those effects that you either love or hate. If you’re a bassist who loves fuzz, you may be wondering if you can incorporate this effect into your playing. Luckily, you can! There are many fuzz pedals made specifically for bass guitar, so no matter the effect you’re going for, you can achieve it. Here are four of the best fuzz pedals for bass guitar.

1. Electro-Harmonix EHX Deluxe Bass Big Muff Pi

Electro-Harmonix EHX Deluxe Bass Big Muff Pi Guitar Effects Pedal

 To kick off this list, we have the Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Bass Big Muff Pi. This stompbox delivers highly saturated bass fuzz and brings your playing to another level! And thanks to its tone-crafting capabilities, you can fine-tune your sound to perfection. Fuzz up your bass without killing your dynamics with the EHX Deluxe Bass Big Muff Pi!

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2. Jackson Audio Modular Fuzz

Jackson Audio Modular Fuzz guitar pedal

For those who want complete control over their fuzz, check out the Jackson Audio Modular Fuzz. This fuzz delivers an entire spectrum of fuzzy grittiness, with vintage fuzzes at lower settings and a surly discordance at higher settings. And Jackson Audio even outfitted this beast with a replaceable fuzz circuit, letting you customize your sound without buying a new pedal! Explore the fuzz universe with the Jackson Audio Modular Fuzz.

 

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3. Keeley KFBENDER Fuzz Bender

Keeley Fuzz Bender Effects PedalThe Keeley Fuzz Bender is loaded with epic fuzz-shaping capabilities. Thanks to its active EQ, you can achieve fat fuzz tones that are impossible using traditional fuzz circuits. And since it’s loaded with plenty of unusual sounds, you can easily achieve glitchy, ripping sounds and more! Unlock surreal fuzz sounds with the Keeley Fuzz Bender.

 

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4. Electro-Harmonix EHX Green Russian Big Muff

Electro-Harmonix EHX Green Russian Big Muff Distortion/Sustainer Guitar Effects Pedal

Another great option from Electro-Harmonix is the Green Russian Big Muff. Guitarists and bassists alike herald this miniature beast for its devastating low-end and unique sludge and sizzle. You can dial in everything from warm edge to seething aggression to suit your tone. Experience great fuzz with the Electro-Harmonix Green Russian Big Muff.

 

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Fuzz Up Your Bass

As you can see, you have a few great choices for adding fuzz to your bass tone. Any of the mentioned fuzz pedals will work great with your bass – it’s simply a matter of preference of which will be the best for you. Plug into one of the best fuzz pedals for bass today!

Looking for more pedals? Check out our huge selection of guitar and bass effects pedals!

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How To Make Your Guitar Sound Like A Bass

Ibanez guitar and EHX Bass 9 Bass Machine against rainbow gradient background

Emulating bass tones with your electric guitar can be handy for certain songs and tracks. However, you may not want to go buy a bass and learn how to play it. Luckily, you can make your electric guitar sound like a bass using several methods. Let’s cover them.

1. Electro-Harmonix BASS9 Bass Machine Guitar Effects Pedal

EHX Bass 9 Bass Machine guitar pedal

The EXH Bass 9 Bass Machine was designed to transform your guitar signal into a variety of bass tones, and it does a heck of a good job of doing so. With nine different bass tone options, you have a world of bass potential under your fingertips. Watch the video below to see for yourself the impressive potential of the EHX BASS9 Bass Machine.

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2. Electro-Harmonix Micro POG Polyphonic Octave Generator

Electro-Harmonix Micro POG Polyphonic Octave Generator Guitar Effects Pedal

The Electro-Harmonix Micro POG is an excellent way to make your guitar sound like a bass. Simply turn the “Sub Octave” pedal up and turn “Dry” and “Octave Up” all the way down. You’ll end up with a signal one octave lower than normal, and you’ll achieve that bass sound!

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3. DigiTech Whammy DT

DigiTech Whammy DT Drop Tuning Guitar Effects Pedal

Another great pedal option for achieving a bass effect is the Digitech Whammy DT. This versatile pedal includes ten whammy settings and nine harmony settings for incredible tone-crafting capabilities. And thanks to its intuitive layout, you’ll find that you’ll be creating bass sounds soon after dialing into the pedal!

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4. TC Electronic Sub N Up Octave Pedal

TC Electronic Sub N Up Octaver Guitar Effects Pedal

The TC Electronic Sub N Up Octaver is another cool pedal you can achieve bass sounds with. Dial into this octave generator to get old-school bass tones with the monophonic octaver. You also get access to a world of other octave tones, giving you some fascinating playing potential.

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5. Boss GP-10GK Multi-Effects Processor Pedal

Boss GP-10GK Guitar Effects Processor Multi-Effects Pedal with GK-3 Pickup

Emulating a bass tone using an octave pedal is a fantastic way to replicate bass tones. However, for a more realistic sound, consider getting a MIDI pickup and a processor. With the BOSS GP-10GK, you can quickly turn your guitar tone into any instrument you’d want – including bass. You’ll be shocked at how great your tones will sound! For truly impressive bass emulation, you should purchase a MIDI pickup and a processor like the BOSS GP-10GK. 

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Dial Into Bass Tones

As you can see, you have several options to emulate bass tones using your electric guitar. Take a look at our suggestions and see which one is right for you and your playing!

If you would like to do more browsing, check out our extensive line of guitar effects pedals.

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How To Learn Guitar: Tips For Beginners

Man playing guitar. Tips for how to learn guitar.

So, you want to learn guitar. Welcome to the wonderful world of playing! Since you’re new, you want to get started on the right foot. There are many bad habits that you can pick up that will be difficult to shake off down the road, so here are our 5 best tips for beginners wanting to learn guitar.

Tip #1: Focus on Technique

If you look at any of your favourite guitarists, regardless of whether they play heavy metal or classical tunes, they all have one thing in common: good technique. They can achieve seemingly effortless solos and chord progressions because they mastered playing the guitar with good technique. A well-structured practice routine will help you build proper technique and motor skills. Now, you might be wondering – okay, but how do I start? We suggest that you download apps like Uberchord or Fretello and watch the best YouTube channels for guitar lessons. Nowadays, there is a vast treasure trove of knowledge online, and practically everything you could ever want to know about the guitar is easily accessible. However, we also strongly recommend getting a professional guitar teacher as well, as they can point out your gaps and personally guide you through your guitar journey.

Tip #2: Take It Slow

You may envision yourself as shredding riffs at lightning-fast speeds, but don’t even bother trying to learn how to play fast. First, you need to master good technique, and trying to go fast as a beginner is just going to frustrate you. Instead, concentrate on precise fingering and hitting the right notes. Once you achieve good technique, speed will happen on its own.

Tip 3# Learn Music Theory

If you’re like many, you’d rather skip music theory. It seems dry and bland when you’d rather be creatively expressing yourself. However, most guitarists who neglect to learn music theory all run into one major roadblock – they start to plateau. You can grow as a guitarist by disgesting small bits of music theory. If you feel like you’re not making any progress, learn a little theory, then explore what you’ve learned in your playing.

Tip #4: Play Covers

I cannot stress this enough: Playing covers is one of the best ways to learn the guitar. Not only do you get to cover your favourite songs, but you get to learn about the elements that make these songs successful. Luckily, you can learn songs easily online through YouTube videos and other resources.

Tip #5: Keep Learning

Your guitar journey doesn’t have an end to it. There are always new tricks and techniques to learn! Give it time, don’t give up, and soon enough, you’ll become a great guitar player. Happy playing!

Resources For Beginner Guitarists

If you would like more resources for playing the guitar, here are other posts we’ve made:

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Best Guitar Effects Pedals For Acoustic Guitars

Man playing acoustic guitar. Best guitar effects pedals for acoustic guitar.

Acoustic guitars are renowned for their natural and organic sound. However, if you would like to add guitar effects like chorus, delay, and reverb, there are options out there that won’t muddle your core tone. Here are our suggestions for some of the best guitar pedals for acoustic guitars.

1. TC Electronic Corona Chorus Pedal

TC Electronic Corona Chorus TonePrint Series Effects Pedal

If you’re looking for a stereo chorus pedal for your acoustic guitar, check out the TC Electronic Corona Chorus. It includes four knobs for Speed, Depth, FX Level, and Tone, giving you enough control over the effects. You can also change between Chorus, TonePrint, or Tri-Chorus modes, letting you perfectly tweak your chorus to fit your acoustic tone.

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2. TC Electronic Helix Phaser Pedal

TC Electronic Helix Phaser Guitar Effects Pedal

Want control over how saturated your acoustic guitar tone is? The TC Electronic Helix Phaser pedal may be right for you! With four controls, including Speed, Depth, Feedback, and Mix, you get an incredible level of control over the phaser. You also have TonePrint capabilities and stereo inputs and outputs, making it perfect for acoustic guitars. 

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3. TC Electronic Flashback Delay Pedal

TC Electronic Flashback Delay TonePrint Series Guitar Effects Pedal

The TC Electronic Flashback Delay Guitar Effects Pedal features 6 seconds delay time of a great range of delay types. Since it is a stereo pedal, you can also experiment with different stereo delays. And of course, because it is from TC Electronic, you also have access to TonePrint, letting you transfer your favourite delay settings onto the pedal.

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4. Electro-Harmonix Tone Corset Analog Compressor Pedal

Electro-Harmonix EHX Tone Corset Analog Compressor Guitar Effects Pedal

The Tone Corset from Electro-Harmonix is an affordable and great-sounding analog compressor/sustainer pedal. Dial-in Attack, Sustain, and Blend to shape your guitar’s dynamics. You’ll love sounds you can shape with this impressive pedal!

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5. Electro-Harmonix Nano POG Polyphonic Octave Generator Pedal

Electro-Harmonix EHX Nano Pog Polyphonic Octave Generator Guitar Effects Pedal

If you want an octave pedal to emulate a bass guitar, check out the Electro-Harmonix Nano POG. This compact pedal lets you easily mix between your dry signal, an octave down, and an octave up. You can then simulate bass guitars or even 12-string guitars. 

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6. TC Electronic PolyTune 2 Guitar Tuner

TC Electronic PolyTune 2 Guitar Pedal

No pedal collection is complete without a great tuner. We recommend the TC Electronic PolyTune 2 due to its excellent display, ability to check the tuning of all of your strings at once, and ultra-precise chromatic strobe tuner.

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Powering Your Pedals

You can power your pedals using several methods. Every guitar pedal has different requirements, so you will need to learn about power requirements before building your pedalboard.

However, one excellent recommendation we can make for powering your pedals is the Voodoo Lab Power Pedal 3. This power supply can feed your entire pedalboard and is a popular option amongst guitarists. 

Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 3 Power Supply

You can also get a pedalboard and power supply package from Voodoo Lab. Varying by the size of the pedalboard, there are small, medium, and large options available. 

Plug And Play

Now you know the vast potential your acoustic guitar playing can have. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg. If you would like to browse more guitar effects pedals and build your own unique sound, check out our vast range of guitar multi-effects.

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