[Guitar beginners] Do I need an effecter? Or not? Here are some things to know and some pitfalls to avoid

While practicing guitar, many people become interested in effects pedals, but wonder if they really need them.

This time,We will explain the precautions you should take to avoid regrets, as well as unexpected pitfalls that you often only learn about after gaining some experience.

If you've taken the trouble to purchase a guitar and an amp, we've put together this guide to help you stay motivated and practice comfortably.

Do guitar beginners need effects? | Reasons for using effects

When you need an effector

The common scenes where effectors are needed are:

"When you want a sound that can't be produced by an amplifier"

High degree of freedom to customize by combining your favorite sounds one by oneis also one of the major attractions.

Do guitar beginners need effects? | Types of effects

As the name suggests, effectors are"Sound changing machine"However, broadly speaking

• コンパクトエフェクター
• Multi effector

It is divided into two types.

Let's take a look at the general features of each.

	コンパクトエフェクター	Multi effector
Price	Prices vary from a few thousand yen to hundreds of thousands of yen per unit.	2,3 to hundreds of thousands
Features	Depends on the item, but generally simple	Feature packed
Quality	Some can be used for up to 1 yen Expensive doesn't mean good quality	Even at low prices More easy-to-use items Price and quality are roughly proportional
Operability	Even beginners who are not good with machines can use it. Relatively easy to use	Not recommended if you are not good with machines The tens of thousands of entry multi is surprisingly simple and easy to use

Next, we will explain what types of effects are available for each genre.

Distortion system

This is probably the first effect that many people will learn about.

This is an effect that transforms the clean sound of your amp into a rough rock sound.

This rock sound is popular in the guitar world."Distort"called.

Types of distortion and how they are distinguished

Fuzz > Distortion > Overdrive

Strictly speaking, this is not the only difference, but if we arrange them in order of the severity of the distortion, they look like this.

Space/Sway

Effects that make the sound sound wide, reverberate, or waver are collectively called "spatial" effects.

Many amplifiers have spatial effects built into their functions.

Dynamics

It's very difficult to explain, but dynamics effects are those that even out volume differences and sound particles.

Compressors give the sound a crisp, clear definition, so they are often used in cutting, etc.

Some people leave it on a low setting all the time.

Do guitar beginners need effects pedals? | Things to watch out for and pitfalls

[Very difficult] Amplifier quality and compatibility are important

It's going to be pretty difficult, but I'll tell you the truth.

No matter how high-quality a compact effector you buy, if the quality of the amplifier you use to play it is not good or it is not compatible with the pedal, you will not be able to get the sound you want.

Common mistakes

I tried connecting a distortion pedal I bought for 1,2 to a digital amplifier I bought for 2,3 to XNUMX, but I couldn't get the professional sound I heard on YouTube...

The sound I heard when I tried it out at the music store was completely different from the sound I get when I play it at home...

People often talk about whether an effect pedal has good or bad response, but with home digital amplifiers, it is often difficult to bring out the best in compact effect pedals with analog circuits.

Digital amplifiers and multi-effects pedals with digital circuits are often compatible.

So, is it possible to use vacuum tube amps like those found in studios for regular practice? That's also difficult, isn't it?

Moreover, there are vacuum tubes that work well with effects pedals and those that don't, so in the end it's all a matter of preference, so there's no right answer...

[Trial and error] It's nearly impossible to produce your ideal sound from the beginning

As a mentality,I recommend that you approach your effects with the understanding that it's impossible to produce the ideal sound that you think is "this sound!" from the very beginning.

Otherwise, you might get discouraged by the difference between your ideal and reality...lol

However, in the end, I think the best shortcut is to try out different things and gain experience yourself.

Don't rush, just start touching it little by little!

Do guitar beginners need effects? | Conclusion

Recommendation: High-performance digital amplifier or multi-effector

"Do guitar beginners need effects?"

The conclusion of this article is that

Effects are necessary to make your guitar life more enjoyable and get closer to your ideal sound!
However, there are times when it is better to complete this process on the amplifier side rather than using an effector.
We recommend a "high-performance digital amplifier" or a "multi-effector"

Especially for those who are thinking about using effects mainly at home,Investing in an amp rather than a pedal will often make you happier quicker.

Financially, an amp alone is less risky and less of a hassle than an effector + amp, and offers better cost performance.

Here are our top picks for home digital amplifiers!

Click here for recommendations and tips on choosing an amplifier for home use!

A multi-effector is recommended for people like those mentioned above!

Multi-effects pedals have evolved dramatically since a few years ago, and are now quite accessible.

You can also buy a multi-effector first and then use it in combination with a compact effector later.

A common usage among intermediate to professional users is to use only distortion effects that you like and use multiple spatial effects!

A popular entry-level model with reasonable price and quality

Two popular, high-quality models that are easy to combine with compacts and can be used for a long time

Click here for recommendations and tips on choosing multi-effectors!

Compact effectors are recommended for the following people!

Although we recommend using a multi-effector, that doesn't mean that compact units are bad.

It might be a good idea to buy one first to see what it's like!

However, if budget is the issue, I would recommend holding off and saving up to buy a multi.

What if you were to buy a compact effect pedal?

Probably over 9% of people will purchase a distortion type effect as their first compact effect pedal.

A popular classic among beginners is the BOSS brand below.

Carefully selected only the finest distortions