What you’ll learn
- Connect the guitar and amplifier correctly.
- Use volume, gain and EQ.
- Distinguish clean and overdriven sounds.
Before you practice
The signal travels from the pickups through the cable to the amp or interface. Start with the volume low and raise it after checking the connections.
Gain sets the input level at the preamp and can introduce saturation. Volume sets the final level. Practice articulation with a clean or slightly overdriven tone.
EQ balances bass, mids and treble. Excess distortion can hide noises you need to correct.
Lesson exercise
- Compare a clean tone with moderate gain.
- Play the same phrase with different pickups.
- Find a comfortable level without excessive noise.