Guitar Amps & Effects For Dummies

by Dave Hunter

Learn the secrets to achieving your ultimate sound Whether amateur or pro, guitarists live for the ultimate sound. Guitar Amps & Effects For Dummies provides the information and instruction you need to discover that sound and make it your own! Written in the characteristically easy-to-read Dummies style, this book is ideal for beginners and experienced musicians alike, and can help all players expand their skill set with effects. Guitarists tend to be gearheads when it comes to sound, and this book provides guidance on topics ranging from the guitar itself to amps, pedals, and other sound technology.

Amps and effects are the unsung heroes of guitar music. While most people recognize the more psychedelic effects, many don't realize that effects are often responsible for the unique quality of tone that can become a musician's trademark. Certain effects work on the volume or signal level, others work on the environment, and still others work on the bass and treble content. Guitar Amps & Effects For Dummies covers them all, and shows how effects can not only add something extra, but also "fix" problematic areas. Topics

Gain-based effects, like distortion, compression, volume pedals, and gates Tone-based effects, including graphic and parametric EQ, and the wah-wah pedal Modulation effects, like the flanger, phase shifter, and tremolo Ambience effects, including reverb and delay The journey to incredible guitar music never ends. No matter how experienced you are with a guitar, there is always room for improvement to your tone and sound. Whether you're looking for the sound of angels or thunder, Guitar Amps & Effects For Dummies will help you achieve the music you hear in your dreams.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Doug]

could not make it through, rather just plug in and monkey around.

[GLF (Seeing better than ever!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the title of this book to be a little misleading. The first 100 or so pages are about guitars and the parts of guitars (electric), then it goes on to guitar amps - mostly valve amps and the valves they use - and then a look at a wide variety of effects and effect pedals. There is a lot of detailed information about amps and effects which may make it a good reference book for anyone interested in pursuing the information further. Definitely more than a general introduction.

[Trey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear recommendations for how to address some equipment. There's some variation between chapters when it comes to the degree of expertise; some chapters are really eye-opening and others a little more commonly observable. Regardless, it's a very accessible read to for beginners to figure out what, exactly, is going on with all their equipment. Good treatment of the vintage-philia around old tube amps vs. new equipment; the anchor in history really helps get your bearings.

[David Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Dave hunter has written many books on this subject snd here, he’s condensed his subject into this introductory time. Recommended.

[Fabio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Utile, ma non troppo. E molto ripetitivo, come da tradizione for Dummies

[Warren Gossett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nick Cave in his latest album pushes against the sky. This book allowed me to push the boundaries of my ignorance about electric guitars and the associated amplifiers and effects pedals. It is worth trying to learn a bit about the techniques involved. Next I should learn about synthesizers, Novation launchpads, Ableton Live software and digital audio workstations used for electronic dance music that I like. I would love to be a beat maker.

[Maradox · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good, easy-to-read introduction to the inner workings of our guitars, amps and effects. Before reading this, I only vaguely knew what went on inside my guitar amp and now am aware that my tiny Pignose amp as well as programs like Guitar Rig 5 are not inferior to the Marshalls that everyone else brags about.