How to Do Delay Effects For the Electric Guitar

The delay effect has been a prime tool for "psychedelic" rock band like Pink Floyd and "pop" stars like U2. The delay is an echo effect that used correctly, can make it sound like the guitar is playing multiple notes at the same time. It's a high-powered way to enhance your solo sound.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Hook up your delay to your amplifier. Most delay effects come in a "pedal" that attaches to your amp and to your guitar by two different cables. These cables are the standard 1/4 inch plugs that you use for any regular electric guitar connection.
2. Do a test riff. Listen for the sound of notes echoing back at regular intervals.
3. Adjust the knobs on the pedal to change the length of the delay cycle as well as the intensity.
4. Learn to play along to the delay. Pick a delay sequence rhythm and play notes along with it. When the delay comes in, start your next note sequence, so that the echoed notes sound in sync with your playing. This makes for a really great sound.
5. Get the band in step. Figure out a full-band rhythm that the delay will serve, then turn your pedal on at the beginning of a solo to create a real crowd-pleasing sound as a part of your electric guitar set.

Tips & Warnings

• Pay attention to sound levels. It's a common problem. Guitar players using effects often lose out to louder parts of the band, like drums or another overamped rhythm guitar. Make sure you can be heard to get the full effect of what you've carefully set up on your pedal board.