Create a great guitar sound Part 2 - the tone

In the first part of this feature we looked at some of the many options available to non guitarists after a quick guitar fix sound, all by way of software and samples. For this next instalment, we’re focussing on the actual sound of the instrument and how it can be shaped in many different ways.

Achieving a powerful and entirely distinct guitar tone is now well within reach for home guitarists, while those looking to add some six-string garnish to their sparkling soundtracks have a plethora of options to choose from.

A guitar tone has traditionally been the multihued result of amplification and effect variations, a signal path that is now entirely virtually available in software form (but just don’t tell the unconvinced, old-school guitar-heads that).

As the field is vast, you need to lock down some key decisions early. Do you want the guitar to be the centrepiece of your arrangements? And – if so – are you after adding some fiery rock edge, or some harmonious acoustic layers, or perhaps soul-touching subtle delays? To incorporate full-bodied, solid rock chops, you have two routes. If you’ve got a preexisting rig, then you can either mic up your physical amplifier and connect your XLR(s) through a low latency interface or – more conveniently for many – direct input your instrument directly into your interface,