8,720
edits
Changes
Created page with "== Types of Distortion == I like to lump distortion tones into 3 broad categories. This is a bit different than the Tone#Dirt, Distortion, and Fuzz Pedals|distortion pedal ..."
== Types of Distortion ==
I like to lump distortion tones into 3 broad categories. This is a bit different than the [[Tone#Dirt, Distortion, and Fuzz Pedals|distortion pedal types listed earlier]]. Distortion pedals tend to be designed to distort only a certain way. This is more about how tube overdrive can be tweaked to sound different ways. While pedals also have flexibility, they tend to get quite nasty outside their "comfort zone", while tubes are a bit more versatile. That's not to say that tubes trump solid state pedals outright - in fact, they can be combined to get the best of both worlds as seen [[#Mixing Multiple Distortions|below]].
Also, tubes are not universal - some amps can be dialed in for nice-sounding distortion in one (or two) type(s) below, but not the others. And this is not about distortion levels - there can be mild distortion or extra-saturated distortion in any of the types below.
Leads higher up the fretboard tend to sound nice on all kinds of distortion, although the response can vary significantly.
===Fuzz===
''Fuzz'' sounds are marked by an emphasis on distorted bass frequencies. The tone is rumbly (or muddy) and tends to turn to complete mush whenever intervals beyond perfect 4ths or 5ths (or chords) are played. When transitioning between two notes with slight overlap, the notes sound almost like they are fighting each other. The response is quite loose, making it difficult to play fast passages clearly, especially in lower registers. Palm mutes are particularly muddy, with the percussive attack extremely muffled and tone rather noisy.
===Crunch===
''Crunch'' has an emphasis on midrange frequencies distortion. It can sound a lot like a vintage-style overdrive (although depending on the amp or pedal model, it may be much smoother and cleaner). This is often the default type of distortion that an amp will provide, requiring a boost or pre-EQ to dial in others. The attack retains most of its dynamics, being able to hear accents and strums. Lower registers can get a little rough and loose, but it's generally clear enough for rock riffing. Chords can get a little nasty, but come through well enough as long as they aren't too complex. Palm mutes are clear but rather percussive, sounding similar to how a clean tone sounds on palm mutes.
===Metal===
''Metal'' is based on distorted treble frequencies over others. The bass comes through clean and tight, only compressed, while the high-end is filled with saturated, harmonic overtones. Notes and power chords in riffs have a tight response - all the notes can be fairly clearly distinguished, even when playing at fast tempos. Chords have most notes come through well enough to be distinguished, but can get too harsh and noisy for bigger chords. Palm mutes sound thick and rattle the walls, while having the signature ''djent'' sound in the upper mids and highs, emphasizing each stroke.
== Pre-EQ ==
== Boosts ==
== Mixing Multiple Distortions ==
=== Pre-Amp and Power Amp ===
=== Distortion Pedal and Amp ===
=== Multiple Distortion Pedals ===
I like to lump distortion tones into 3 broad categories. This is a bit different than the [[Tone#Dirt, Distortion, and Fuzz Pedals|distortion pedal types listed earlier]]. Distortion pedals tend to be designed to distort only a certain way. This is more about how tube overdrive can be tweaked to sound different ways. While pedals also have flexibility, they tend to get quite nasty outside their "comfort zone", while tubes are a bit more versatile. That's not to say that tubes trump solid state pedals outright - in fact, they can be combined to get the best of both worlds as seen [[#Mixing Multiple Distortions|below]].
Also, tubes are not universal - some amps can be dialed in for nice-sounding distortion in one (or two) type(s) below, but not the others. And this is not about distortion levels - there can be mild distortion or extra-saturated distortion in any of the types below.
Leads higher up the fretboard tend to sound nice on all kinds of distortion, although the response can vary significantly.
===Fuzz===
''Fuzz'' sounds are marked by an emphasis on distorted bass frequencies. The tone is rumbly (or muddy) and tends to turn to complete mush whenever intervals beyond perfect 4ths or 5ths (or chords) are played. When transitioning between two notes with slight overlap, the notes sound almost like they are fighting each other. The response is quite loose, making it difficult to play fast passages clearly, especially in lower registers. Palm mutes are particularly muddy, with the percussive attack extremely muffled and tone rather noisy.
===Crunch===
''Crunch'' has an emphasis on midrange frequencies distortion. It can sound a lot like a vintage-style overdrive (although depending on the amp or pedal model, it may be much smoother and cleaner). This is often the default type of distortion that an amp will provide, requiring a boost or pre-EQ to dial in others. The attack retains most of its dynamics, being able to hear accents and strums. Lower registers can get a little rough and loose, but it's generally clear enough for rock riffing. Chords can get a little nasty, but come through well enough as long as they aren't too complex. Palm mutes are clear but rather percussive, sounding similar to how a clean tone sounds on palm mutes.
===Metal===
''Metal'' is based on distorted treble frequencies over others. The bass comes through clean and tight, only compressed, while the high-end is filled with saturated, harmonic overtones. Notes and power chords in riffs have a tight response - all the notes can be fairly clearly distinguished, even when playing at fast tempos. Chords have most notes come through well enough to be distinguished, but can get too harsh and noisy for bigger chords. Palm mutes sound thick and rattle the walls, while having the signature ''djent'' sound in the upper mids and highs, emphasizing each stroke.
== Pre-EQ ==
== Boosts ==
== Mixing Multiple Distortions ==
=== Pre-Amp and Power Amp ===
=== Distortion Pedal and Amp ===
=== Multiple Distortion Pedals ===