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How to Get Distortion on an Electric Guitar

Some guitar amplifiers, through the adjustment of knobs, create various levels of distortion without the need for a distortion pedal. However, a distortion pedal allows you to easily alternate between distortion and a clean sound. Distortion is created when the "gain" on your guitar is set to accept a version of an electrical signal that it can't handle, thus creating a distorted sound by changing the shape of the sound wave.

Things You'll Need

2 amplifier cords
Distortion peddle
Amplifier

Instructions

- 1
  Plug the amplifier cord into your guitar's output jack. Plug the other end of the amplifier cord into the input on the distortion pedal.
- 2
  Plug a separate amplifier cord into the distortion pedal's output. Plug the other end of the cord into the amplifier's input.
- 3
  Plug in the power cord on the amplifier. Turn the amplifier on.
- 4
  Tune your guitar if necessary or play a few notes without the distortion. Adjust the volume on the guitar to maximum and the volume on the amplifier to your desired level. Maximum volume on the guitar will create a crisper sound.
- 5
  Step on the distortion pedal to turn it on. Play a few notes and adjust the amplifier and pedal levels to your preference.

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