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.

Learn to:

• Create the right sound and get the most out of your equipment
• Understand the technology that drives great sound
• Navigate the inner workings of electric guitars, amps, and effects
• Sound just like the pros

Produce the right sound and get the most out of your guitar equipment

Amps and effects are the unsung heroes of guitar music. With Guitar Amps & Effects For Dummies, you'll get the information and instruction you need to discover your ultimate sound. Whether you're an amateur or pro looking to better understand how to produce great and expressive sounds, you'll get the tools to make the most of amps, pedals, and other sound technology.

• Watch your tone - find out what guitarists mean when they refer to "tone," how important the concept is to experienced players, and how it can be a critical element in your creative musical expression
• Get your guitar on - gain an understanding of how the electric guitar functions as a tone-generating device, what different guitars sound like and what they do best, and how you can apply tone to your music
• Amp it up - discover the crucial role the amplifier plays in your guitar tone, how they function, what design elements make them sound the way they do, and what amps are best for different types of music
• Put pedals to play - get to know the different types of effects pedals available, how they do what they do, what sounds they give you, and how to use them to your advantage

Open the book and find:

• How the different parts of your "rig" are connected
• The importance of variety in guitar tone
• Ways to shape your sound with pickups
• Advice on choosing the right amp for your music
• The lowdown on tube types and tone
• Tips, tricks, and basic amp and guitar maintenance
• How to work with EQ, distortion, and wah-wahs
• Ways to use analog "stand-alone" effects units