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The general audio principles behind ''equalization'' or ''filtering'' are discussed on the [[EQ or Filters]] page. Using EQ before an amp or distortion box to dial in the desired distortion tone is discussed on the [[Dialing in Distortion Tone]] page. This page is reserved for using traditional EQ (post-EQ) on a guitar tone, as well as formats and options of EQ units in the guitar realm.
<small>The term EQ means equalization, which is really the last thing you want in a guitar tone, except in the sense that you want to equalize the frequencies for a full mix, which requires EQ'ing all the component instruments.</small>
== Amp EQ ==
Traditionally, EQ is used post-distortion to emphasize certain frequencies vs. others. Since guitar is a highly harmonic instrument and distortion adds even more [[Overtones|overtones]], EQ changes are likely to be heard regardless of where on the fretboard you are playing. It will affect both low and high notes.
Most amps feature some form of EQ, with it more than likely acting on the signal after any pre-amp distortion. (The big exception is the Mesa/Boogie Mark series, which feature pre-distortion EQ knobs and a post-distortion 5-band graphic EQ.) Modern amps commonly come equipped with Bass, Mids, Treble, and Presence controls, while older amps typically have a subset of those. Some amps simply have a Tone control, used to change the frequency emphasis from dark to bright. And some have a Mids control that actually sweeps the midrange center frequency, drastically altering how the other controls behave. Some amps' circuitry causes the EQ controls to "interact" with each other, meaning their behavior slightly changes depending on the settings of the other controls. It's always best to do a little research on the particular amp you are tweaking to understand these types of things before you end up tweaking in circles.
* Bass - 60 - 350 HZ