How To REALLY Use A Compressor Pedal?

How To REALLY Use A Compressor Pedal?

When it comes to achieving that perfect guitar sound, a compressor pedal can be an essential piece of gear. Whether you're trying to smooth out your dynamics or add sustain to your solos, understanding how to use a compressor pedal effectively can elevate your playing. Here are four ways to harness the power of a compressor pedal.

1. Always-On Compressor for Rhythm Playing

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to use a compressor pedal is to leave it on all the time, especially while playing rhythm. A compressor helps to even out your picking, ensuring that hard and soft picking sounds relatively equal. This consistency can add a polished quality to your performance.

2. Clean Lead Solos

Another common application is to use a compressor pedal for clean lead solos that require sustain. Think of iconic solos like the intro to "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" or the 1974 live version of "Breathe," where the notes hang in the air just a bit longer. By slightly compressing your signal, you can ensure your notes don't die out quickly.

3. Boosting Another Dirt Pedal

Using a compressor to boost another dirt pedal, like an overdrive or a fuzz, can result in some amazing tones. Compressors can add a thickness and smoothness to your overall sound, making your lead parts sing and your rhythm parts sound more cohesive. Experiment with using the compressor as a boost and see how it affects your sound.

4. Heavy Compression

Heavy compression can be a bit rare but is sometimes necessary. If you're aiming to recreate David Gilmour's 2016 Pompeii tone, for instance, you'll want that thick, compressed sound. You can achieve this either by stacking two medium compressed pedals or by using one high-quality compressor with the settings turned up. Both methods will give you that heavy, sustained tone you’re looking for.

Gear Recommendations

For those on a budget, a pedal like the Xotic SP Compressor is a good starting point. It’s affordable and pedalboard-friendly. If you’re looking to invest in something more high-end with a lot of tweaking options, the Origin Effects Cali76 Compact Deluxe is a top-notch choice.

Additional Resources

For those interested in learning more about David Gilmour and Pink Floyd tones, premium tutorials with tabs, backing tracks, and tone guides are available online. Delve deep into classic sounds and discover pedal settings specific to iconic songs.

Keywords

• Compressor pedal
• Dynamic range
• Rhythm playing
• Clean lead solos
• Boosting dirt pedals
• Heavy compression
• Gear recommendations
• David Gilmour tones
• Pink Floyd

FAQ

1. Why do I need a compressor pedal?

A compressor pedal helps to even out your dynamic range, ensuring that your picking sounds consistent whether you’re playing softly or aggressively. It also adds sustain to your notes and can boost other pedals in your chain.

2. How do I use a compressor pedal for rhythm playing?

For rhythm playing, leave the compressor pedal always on. This helps to even out your picking dynamics, giving a more polished and consistent sound.

3. What are some recommended compressor pedals?

For those on a budget, the Xotic SP Compressor is a great choice. If you’re looking for something more high-end with plenty of tweaking options, the Origin Effects Cali76 Compact Deluxe is highly recommended.

4. Can I use a compressor with other pedals?

Absolutely! Compressors work well with a variety of other pedals. Using a compressor to boost an overdrive or fuzz pedal can result in thicker, smoother tones.

5. Where can I find more information on specific tones?

Premium tutorials that cover iconic tones, including tabs, backing tracks, and detailed tone guides, are available online. These resources cover everything you need to achieve classic sounds.