How to Do Compressor Effects on the Electric Guitar

Electric guitar effects pedals are plugged into the system between the guitar and the amplifier in order to alter the signal from the guitar in some manner. A compressor is so called because it compresses the electronic signal from the guitar that gives and sustains a clean, even sound.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Strike a chord on your electric guitar and just let it sound for as long as it will. Count steadily, and note what number you are up to when the sound fades out of hearing.

2. Click on the compressor pedal and strike the same chord that you played in Step 1. Again start counting at the same pace as before and see what number you are up to when the sound fades out. Notice how much more sound is sustained with the compressor on.

3. Play a lead passage or a chord progression with the compressor off and with it on. Notice the difference in tone quality. Go back and forth and listen carefully, because the difference is subtle.

4. Try playing louder and softer with the compressor pedal on and with it off. The compressor also has the effect of diminishing volume changes so that there is little variation in the signal volume coming from the guitar.

5. Experiment with applying the compressor to different genres and styles of music, and notice where it adds something and where it doesn't. The vibrant, focused compressor sound goes well with genres like jazz and funk, but not so well with distorted heavy metal music.