Every good guitar player knows that transcribing a song cannot be said to be 100% correct if done without the effects used in that specific song. A lot of guitar players find themselves getting embarrassed on stage because of this misconception. The guitar's raw sound is different when played with effects and the guitar picking also differs. Being able to play the guitar and being able to mix the effects right for the song requires different set of skills. Simply put, you can not properly nail down the riffs of the song without the help of the tablature or the effects used. If you want to be the best on what you do, you simply have to use what the masters use.

For starters, the wide array of guitar effects laid out to them can get quite confusing. The sales clerks selling you the product is not much help either. All they want is to make a quick bucks and dispose of the effect without properly explaining to you what it does. To give you an idea what you need, here are the things that you should expect for different guitar effects:

1. Distortion - This is commonly used by those who play rock, hard rock, hardcore, metal and sometimes, alternative. It basically distorts the sounds coming from the guitar making more like a static or metal sounding effect. Take note that there are some distortions can not get as heavy as the others. It is advised that you compare all the distortions on sale.
2. Flanger -- This is idea for those who like to do solo riffs with their guitar. It gives the guitar a sweeping effect like a landing plane or swirling water.
3. Wah Pedal -- If you are going 70's punk like Red Hot Chili Peppers or reggae, then you are going to need this. It is the one responsible for that countless "wah wah" sounds that you hear in those kinds of music genres.
4. Reverb -- This gives your guitar playing an effective echo effect. If you are enjoying the sound effect in your bathroom, then use this.
5. Looper Pedal -- If you are tired playing the guitar all by yourself, looper pedal can give you the company that you need. What it does is to short loops of your riffs which enable you to sound as if you are jamming with somebody.

These are just some of the guitar effects that you should try on to finally get the missing link on your guitar playing.
Tags: guitar, effects, distortion, reverb, pedal