Guitar effects pedals are the secret sauce of many legendary guitarists’ sounds. They’re known for transforming a simple guitar signal into a myriad of sonic landscapes.
Effects often add depth, character, and atmosphere to music. While effects like distortion, delay, and reverb are staples in the world of guitar playing, creative musicians have been known to push the boundaries of these pedals, discovering unconventional uses that yield fascinating and unexpected results. In this article, we’ll delve into some less conventional uses of guitar effects, backed by examples of actual effects pedals.
Distortion pedals: massive landscapes
Distortion pedals are celebrated for their role in shaping the sound of rock and metal music. However, their capabilities extend beyond adding crunch to power chords.
When used in combination with a volume pedal, a distortion pedal can emulate the characteristics of a synthesizer or produce synth-like textures. By manipulating the guitar’s volume knob and controlling the pedal’s gain, musicians can conjure sweeping synth-like textures that defy the instrument’s conventional role.
Cranking up the gain on a distortion pedal can reveal hidden harmonics within a sound. This can be particularly striking when used with a voice, allowing the sound to resonate.
More and more pedals combine traditional effects with filters from synthesizers. The Collision Devices Tars is one for example. This pedal goes from grainy low-gain sounds to round and powerful fuzz/distortion tones. and also offers a filter inspired by the legendary Korg MS-20.
Reverb pedals: infinite ambient soundscapes
Reverb pedals are often employed to simulate the acoustics of various spaces, adding a sense of depth to a guitar’s tone. Nevertheless, these pedals hold untapped potential for those willing to explore beyond their conventional use.
Some reverb pedals have a “freeze” function that captures and sustains the last played note or chord indefinitely. This feature can transform a simple note into an ambient canvas, letting musicians paint vast and evolving soundscapes. For example this fragment from a Strymon Cloudburst.
The EarthQuaker Devices Afterneath is another example. With its “Drag” control and “Mode” settings, this pedal can create haunting, otherworldly reverberations perfect for experimental soundscapes.
Chorus Pedals for Thickening Vocals
Chorus pedals are often used to impart a shimmering, doubling effect to guitars. Surprisingly, they can also be employed to thicken and enhance vocal recordings (see also our article about reamping with guitar effects). By connecting a microphone through a chorus pedal and adjusting the rate and depth settings, singers can add depth and dimension to their vocal tracks.
In this example a Electro Harmonix Mod 11 is used to add lush modulation to a voice
Octave Pedals for Bass Synthesis
Octave pedals are typically used to create a lower octave alongside the original guitar signal. However, they can also be used creatively to synthesize bass lines from a standard guitar. By carefully selecting the intervals and playing techniques, guitarists can simulate the sound of a bass guitar, opening up new sonic possibilities.
In this example a Digitech Whammy is used to create a bass line which can enhance an existing guitar or bass riff.
Delay Pedals: Time-Warping Soundscapes
Delay pedals are renowned for their ability to create echoes and repetitions, adding depth and dimension to a guitar’s tone. Yet, these pedals can be harnessed for much more than rhythmic embellishments. By manipulating the delay time and feedback controls, musicians can venture into otherworldly sonic realms.
Some delay pedals also have a reverse delay. This option can transform simple melodies into haunting and ethereal soundscapes, reminiscent of experimental music genres.
In this fragment a Strymon Timeline is used in “Ice” mod, which produces shimmering, ethereal soundscapes reminiscent of a frozen landscape.
In conclusion
Guitar effects pedals are versatile tools that offer endless possibilities for sonic exploration. While their conventional uses are well-documented and widely appreciated, the true magic lies in their potential for unconventional applications. Musicians who dare to experiment with these pedals can unlock new dimensions of creativity and innovation, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in music production and live performance. So, whether you’re a guitarist looking to add a unique twist to your sound or a producer seeking to infuse your tracks with fresh textures, don’t hesitate to explore the less conventional uses of guitar effects.