Synth Pedals – Frequently Asked Questions:
What kind of sounds can be produced with a synth guitar pedal?
- Synth guitar pedals can produce a variety of sounds, from classic analogue synth tones to more experimental and abstract sounds.
- They can be used to create ambient textures, arpeggios, and even emulate specific instruments like keyboards or brass.
How does it work?
- Typically, synth pedals function by identifying the pitch in your guitar’s signal and use it to trigger an oscillator.
- Unlike modulation pedals that alter and manipulate your signal, synth pedals contain a synthesizer circuit that produces the synth sound.
- At that point your guitar becomes just the controller with no tone-generating role.
Where does it go in the signal chain?
- Like all pedals, it’s good to experiment but they generally work best at the front of the signal chain.
- This is because is it influencing the fundamental guitar sound, which is then affected best by other pedals.
- Putting in the front of the signal chain will help tracking as the control (guitar) signal won’t be blurred by echo or other effects.
How do I use a synth guitar pedal?
- Synth guitar pedals are used like any other pedal by connecting them between the guitar and the amplifier.
- You then typically have attack, decay sustain and release controls like a “normal” synth.
