How does distortion or overdrive work?
In the 60's distortion was referred to as "fuzz" because of the fuzzy sound it created. Distortion works by either soft clipping or hard clipping a sound wave. The gain or non-distorted sound is reduced beyond the clipping point, i which results in a fuzzy sound or distortion. Today, channels or pedals specific to distortion can be used.
How does the wah pedal work?
A wah pedal is an effect in which a guitarist steps on a pedal and makes an abrupt change in the tone of a guitar. This effect moves a peak in the frequency response up and down its spectrum. Wah pedals can sound differently from one another because it is the way the resonance in the pedal changes the frequency as the guitarist steps on the wah pedal.
How do pinch harmonics work?
A pinch harmonic is where you pluck a string with pick and touch the string with your thumb immediately after picking it. This creates a high pitch sound that sounds like a squeal. This is a hard technique to master and is commonly heard in heavy metal music.
Last Updated: Nov. 17th 2005
© Andrew Olson