Every guitar player dreams of attaining perfect tone. While guitar lessons and practice will get you close, sometimes you need a little something extra to give you that special edge. For those occasions, try one of the resources below or use a combination of each to find your perfect sound.
Take Advantage of Amps
When you need to project your sound without losing quality or clarity, nothing beats a guitar amp. These electronic devices are a staple among both electric and guitar players alike, enabling musicians to magnify and strengthen the guitar’s “voice.” Essentially, guitar amps help to amplify a guitar’s natural sound and are used to manipulate the overall sound as desired.
Choose Strings Wisely
Many beginning guitar players make the mistake of underestimating the importance of guitar strings, naively assuming that any sort of string will do. However, longtime guitarists know that not all guitar strings are made alike. The gauge, material, and coating of a particular guitar string can all have a huge impact on sound. That’s why it’s critical to choose the right guitar strings for your desired tone. Our best advice? Experiment with different types of strings until you find the dreamy tone you’re looking for. The same goes for guitar picks, too! And be sure to replace old guitar strings every three months (or 100 hours of practice) to keep your strings sounding their absolute best.
Invest in Effects Pedals
If you play an electric guitar, another easy way to add some pizzazz to your sound is through an effects pedal. From overdrive pedals to compressor pedals, distortion, and more, there’s an effects pedal for almost everyone and every musical goal. No matter what your ideal guitar tone is, chances are there’s an effects pedal that can help you achieve the sound you’re after. With a little experimentation and some trial and error, you’re sure to find the perfect effects pedals to take your sound to a whole new level.
Last but not least, make sure your guitar is tuned properly. Nothing ruins a guitar’s tone more than an improperly tuned guitar!
While technical equipment and guitar accessories are great ways to beef up your sound, the ultimate way to stand out is by mastering the craft itself. For help with chords, strumming tips, and advanced guitar techniques, contact Scottsdale Music Academy or sign up for a free guitar lesson today to see what we’re all about!