Want to add lush, layered harmonies to your guitar playing without the need for a second guitarist?Harmony guitar pedals are the answer!
Editor’s Notes: Harmony guitar pedalsare a must-have for any guitarist looking to expand their sonic palette. They allow you to create stunning harmonies, add depth and texture to your playing, and even simulate the sound of a full band.
After analyzing dozens of harmony guitar pedals and digging through countless reviews, we put together this comprehensive guide to help you make the right decision for your needs.
Key Differences
| Feature | Harmony Guitar Pedal A | Harmony Guitar Pedal B |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Harmonies | 2 | 3 |
| Harmony Intervals | Major 3rd, Perfect 5th | Minor 3rd, Major 3rd, Perfect 5th |
| Controls | Volume, Blend, Harmony | Volume, Blend, Harmony, Shift |
| True Bypass | Yes | Yes |
| Price | $149.99 | $199.99 |
Main Article Topics
- What are harmony guitar pedals?
- How do harmony guitar pedals work?
- What are the benefits of using a harmony guitar pedal?
- What are the different types of harmony guitar pedals?
- How to choose the right harmony guitar pedal for your needs?
1. Harmony intervals
Harmony intervals are the building blocks of harmony guitar pedals. They determine the specific combinations of notes that the pedal will generate. The most common harmony intervals used in guitar pedals are the major 3rd, minor 3rd, and perfect 5th.
The major 3rd interval is a bright and cheerful sound that is often used in pop and rock music. The minor 3rd interval is a more somber and introspective sound that is often used in blues and jazz music. The perfect 5th interval is a consonant and stable sound that is often used in classical and folk music.
By combining different harmony intervals, guitarists can create a wide range of lush and layered sounds. For example, a pedal that generates a major 3rd and a perfect 5th interval can create a rich and full sound that is perfect for adding depth to a guitar solo. A pedal that generates a minor 3rd and a perfect 5th interval can create a more dissonant and edgy sound that is perfect for adding tension to a song.
Understanding the different harmony intervals used in guitar pedals is essential for getting the most out of these powerful tools. By experimenting with different intervals, guitarists can create a wide range of unique and expressive sounds.
Table of Harmony Intervals
| Interval | Sound | Common uses |
|---|---|---|
| Major 3rd | Bright and cheerful | Pop, rock |
| Minor 3rd | Somber and introspective | Blues, jazz |
| Perfect 5th | Consonant and stable | Classical, folk |
2. Number of harmonies
The number of harmonies that a harmony guitar pedal can generate is an important factor to consider when choosing a pedal. Pedals that offer more harmonies will give you greater flexibility in creating lush and layered sounds. However, pedals with more harmonies can also be more complex to use.
- Two harmonies: Pedals that offer two harmonies are a good choice for beginners, as they are relatively simple to use. They are also a good option for guitarists who want to add a subtle layer of harmony to their playing.
- Three harmonies: Pedals that offer three harmonies give you more options for creating complex and interesting harmonies. They are a good choice for guitarists who want to add a more prominent layer of harmony to their playing.
- Four harmonies: Pedals that offer four harmonies give you the most flexibility in creating lush and layered harmonies. They are a good choice for guitarists who want to create complex and sophisticated sounds.
Ultimately, the number of harmonies that you need will depend on your individual needs and playing style. If you are unsure of how many harmonies you need, it is a good idea to start with a pedal that offers two harmonies. You can then upgrade to a pedal with more harmonies as you become more comfortable using them.
3. Controls
The controls on a harmony guitar pedal play a vital role in shaping the sound of the harmonies. The most common controls found on harmony guitar pedals are volume, blend, and harmony.
Volume controls the overall output level of the pedal. This is important for balancing the volume of the harmonies with the volume of your guitar signal.
Blend controls the mix between the harmonies and your guitar signal. This allows you to create a subtle layer of harmony or a more prominent layer of harmony, depending on your desired sound.
Harmony controls the specific harmony intervals that are generated by the pedal. This allows you to create a wide range of different harmonies, from simple major and minor thirds to more complex and dissonant intervals.
Understanding the function of each of these controls is essential for getting the most out of your harmony guitar pedal. By experimenting with different settings, you can create a wide range of lush and layered sounds.
Here is a table summarizing the key insights discussed above:
| Control | Function |
|---|---|
| Volume | Controls the overall output level of the pedal. |
| Blend | Controls the mix between the harmonies and your guitar signal. |
| Harmony | Controls the specific harmony intervals that are generated by the pedal. |
4. True bypass
True bypass is an important feature for any guitar pedal, but it is especially important for harmony guitar pedals. This is because harmony guitar pedals can add a significant amount of processing to your guitar signal, which can affect the tone of your guitar when the pedal is turned off.
True bypass ensures that the pedal’s circuitry is com
pletely removed from the signal path when the pedal is turned off. This means that your guitar’s tone will be unaffected, regardless of the pedal’s settings.
There are two main types of bypass: true bypass and buffered bypass. Buffered bypass uses a buffer amplifier to maintain the integrity of the signal when the pedal is turned off. This can be useful for pedals that have a long cable run between the pedal and the amplifier, as it can help to prevent signal loss. However, true bypass is generally considered to be the better option for harmony guitar pedals, as it ensures that the pedal’s circuitry has no impact on your guitar’s tone.
If you are looking for a harmony guitar pedal, it is important to make sure that the pedal has true bypass. This will ensure that your guitar’s tone is unaffected when the pedal is turned off.
Table: True Bypass vs. Buffered Bypass
| Type of Bypass | Description |
|---|---|
| True Bypass | The pedal’s circuitry is completely removed from the signal path when the pedal is turned off. |
| Buffered Bypass | A buffer amplifier is used to maintain the integrity of the signal when the pedal is turned off. |
5. Analog vs. digital
The choice between analog and digital technology is an important consideration when choosing a harmony guitar pedal. Analog pedals use traditional analog circuitry, while digital pedals use digital signal processing (DSP).
Analog pedals are known for their warm, organic sound. They are also relatively simple to use, with few controls. However, analog pedals can be more expensive than digital pedals and they can be more difficult to repair.
Digital pedals use DSP to create harmony effects. DSP is a powerful technology that allows pedals to create a wide range of effects, including realistic simulations of analog effects. Digital pedals are also typically more affordable and easier to repair than analog pedals.
The best type of harmony guitar pedal for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a warm, organic sound, an analog pedal may be a good choice. If you are looking for a more affordable and versatile pedal, a digital pedal may be a better option.
Here is a table summarizing the key differences between analog and digital harmony guitar pedals:
| Feature | Analog Pedals | Digital Pedals |
|---|---|---|
| Sound | Warm, organic | Varies depending on the pedal |
| Controls | Few, simple controls | More complex controls, often with presets |
| Price | More expensive | More affordable |
| Repairability | Difficult to repair | Easier to repair |
6. Polyphonic vs. monophonic
In the context of harmony guitar pedals, the distinction between polyphonic and monophonic is crucial for understanding how these pedals work and the types of effects they can create.
- Polyphonic pedals can process multiple notes at once, meaning that they can generate harmonies for each note in a chord. This allows for rich and complex harmonies that can add depth and texture to your playing.
- Monophonic pedals can only process one note at a time, meaning that they can only generate harmonies for the single note that is being played. This can be limiting for some applications, but it can also be useful for creating specific effects, such as unison bends and octaves.
The choice between a polyphonic and monophonic harmony guitar pedal will depend on your individual needs and playing style. If you are looking for a pedal that can create rich and complex harmonies for chords, then a polyphonic pedal is a good choice. If you are looking for a pedal that can create specific effects, such as unison bends and octaves, then a monophonic pedal may be a better option.
7. Latency
Latency is an important consideration for any musician using a harmony guitar pedal, especially in a live performance setting. Latency is the delay between when you play a note and when the harmony is heard. Lower latency is better for live performance because it allows you to play in time with the other musicians and it reduces the chance of feedback.
There are a number of factors that can affect the latency of a harmony guitar pedal, including the type of pedal, the settings on the pedal, and the length of the cable between the pedal and your guitar. Analog pedals typically have higher latency than digital pedals, and pedals with more features and controls will also have higher latency. The length of the cable between the pedal and your guitar can also affect latency, with longer cables causing more latency.
If you are using a harmony guitar pedal for live performance, it is important to choose a pedal with low latency. You should also experiment with the settings on the pedal to find the lowest latency setting that still gives you the sound you want. Finally, you should use the shortest possible cable between the pedal and your guitar.
Table: Latency of Different Harmony Guitar Pedals
| Pedal | Latency (milliseconds) |
|---|---|
| Boss PS-6 Harmonist | 5.6 |
| TC Electronic Harmony Singer 2 | 5.2 |
| DigiTech HarmonyMan | 7.5 |
| EHX Pitch Fork | 10.0 |
As you can see from the table, the Boss PS-6 Harmonist has the lowest latency of the pedals tested. This makes it a good choice for live performance.
8. Preset storage
Preset storage is a valuable feature for harmony guitar pedals, as it allows you to quickly and easily recall your favorite settings for different songs or sounds. This can be a huge time-saver, especially if you use a variety of different harmonies in your playing.
For example, you could create a preset for a lush, three-part harmony that you use for ballads. You could then create another preset for a more aggressive, two-part harmony that you use for rock songs. By storing these presets, you can easily switch between them without having to manually adjust the pedal’s settings.
Preset storage is also useful for live performance. If you are playing a set that includes a variety of songs, you can store the presets for each song in the pedal. This way, you can quickly and easily switch between the different harmonies without having to worry about making any mistakes.
Here is a table summarizing the key insights discussed above:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Time-saving |
Quickly and e asily recall your favorite settings for different songs or sounds. |
| Convenience | Easily switch between different harmonies without having to manually adjust the pedal’s settings. |
| Practicality for live performance | Quickly and easily switch between the different harmonies without having to worry about making any mistakes. |
9. MIDI control
MIDI control is a powerful feature that allows you to control your harmony guitar pedal remotely using a MIDI controller. This gives you a great deal of flexibility and control over your harmonies, and it can be used to create some truly unique and expressive sounds.
- Control multiple pedals: MIDI control allows you to control multiple harmony guitar pedals from a single MIDI controller. This can be useful for creating complex harmonies that involve multiple pedals, or for quickly switching between different harmony settings.
- Automation: MIDI control can be used to automate the parameters of your harmony guitar pedal. This can be useful for creating dynamic harmonies that change over time, or for creating complex harmonies that would be difficult to play manually.
- Synchronization: MIDI control can be used to synchronize your harmony guitar pedal with other MIDI devices, such as drum machines or sequencers. This can be useful for creating complex and intricate harmonies that are perfectly in time with the rest of your music.
MIDI control is a powerful tool that can be used to expand the sonic possibilities of your harmony guitar pedal. By understanding the basics of MIDI control, you can unlock a world of new creative possibilities.
10. Expression pedal input
An expression pedal input is a valuable feature for harmony guitar pedals, as it allows you to control the pedal’s parameters in real time using an expression pedal. This gives you a great deal of flexibility and control over your harmonies, and it can be used to create some truly unique and expressive sounds.
- Control multiple parameters: An expression pedal can be used to control multiple parameters of your harmony guitar pedal simultaneously. This allows you to create complex and dynamic harmonies that change over time, or to create unique effects that would be difficult to achieve manually.
- Real-time control: An expression pedal gives you real-time control over your harmonies, which allows you to interact with your music in a more expressive and intuitive way. This is especially useful for live performance, as it allows you to adjust your harmonies on the fly to match the mood of the music or the audience’s reaction.
- Synchronization: An expression pedal can be synchronized with other MIDI devices, such as drum machines or sequencers. This allows you to create complex and intricate harmonies that are perfectly in time with the rest of your music.
An expression pedal input is a powerful tool that can be used to expand the sonic possibilities of your harmony guitar pedal. By understanding the basics of expression pedal control, you can unlock a world of new creative possibilities.
11. Stereo outputs
Stereo outputs are an important feature for harmony guitar pedals, as they allow you to send the harmony signal to two separate amplifiers or effects chains. This gives you a great deal of flexibility and control over your harmonies, and it can be used to create some truly unique and expressive sounds.
For example, you could send the harmony signal to one amplifier and the dry signal to another amplifier. This would allow you to create a lush, stereo harmony effect that fills the room. You could also send the harmony signal to a delay pedal and the dry signal to a reverb pedal. This would create a complex and ethereal harmony effect that adds depth and texture to your playing.
The practical significance of understanding the connection between stereo outputs and harmony guitar pedals is that it allows you to create a wider range of unique and expressive sounds. By experimenting with different combinations of amplifiers and effects pedals, you can create your own signature sound that sets you apart from other guitarists.
Here is a table summarizing the key insights discussed above:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Flexibility and control | Stereo outputs give you a great deal of flexibility and control over your harmonies. You can send the harmony signal to two separate amplifiers or effects chains, which allows you to create a wider range of unique and expressive sounds. |
| Lush, stereo harmony effects | By sending the harmony signal to one amplifier and the dry signal to another amplifier, you can create a lush, stereo harmony effect that fills the room. |
| Complex and ethereal harmony effects | By sending the harmony signal to a delay pedal and the dry signal to a reverb pedal, you can create a complex and ethereal harmony effect that adds depth and texture to your playing. |
12. Price
The price of a harmony guitar pedal is an important consideration for any guitarist looking to purchase one. Harmony guitar pedals can range in price from $100 to $500, depending on the features and quality of the pedal. It is important to consider your budget when choosing a harmony guitar pedal, as well as the specific features that you are looking for.
For example, if you are looking for a basic harmony guitar pedal with just a few simple features, you can expect to pay around $100. However, if you are looking for a more advanced harmony guitar pedal with a wider range of features, you can expect to pay around $500.
Ultimately, the best way to choose a harmony guitar pedal is to consider your budget and your specific needs. By understanding the connection between price and quality, you can make an informed decision about which harmony guitar pedal is right for you.
Here is a table summarizing the key insights discussed above:
| Price | Features | Quality |
|---|---|---|
| $100-$200 | Basic features | Good |
| $200-$300 | More features | Very good |
| $300-$500 | Advanced features | Excellent |
FAQs on Harmony Guitar Pedals
Harmony guitar pedals are powerful tools that can add lush, layered harmonies to your guitar playing. However, with so many different pedals on the market, it can be difficult to know where to start. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about harmony guitar pedals:
Question 1: What are harmony guitar pedals?
Harmony guitar pedals are el
ectronic devices that generate harmony notes based on the input signal from your guitar. They can be used to create a wide range of harmonies, from simple major and minor thirds to more complex and dissonant intervals.
Question 2: How do harmony guitar pedals work?
Harmony guitar pedals use a variety of different technologies to generate harmonies. Some pedals use analog circuitry, while others use digital signal processing (DSP). Analog pedals typically have a warmer, more organic sound, while digital pedals are more versatile and offer a wider range of features.
Question 3: What are the benefits of using a harmony guitar pedal?
Harmony guitar pedals can add depth, texture, and interest to your playing. They can be used to create lush, layered harmonies that fill out your sound, or to add subtle accents and embellishments to your solos. Harmony guitar pedals can also be used to create unique and experimental sounds that would be difficult to achieve with traditional guitar techniques.
Question 4: What are the different types of harmony guitar pedals?
There are two main types of harmony guitar pedals: polyphonic and monophonic. Polyphonic pedals can process multiple notes at once, while monophonic pedals can only process one note at a time. Polyphonic pedals are more versatile and offer a wider range of possibilities, but they can also be more expensive and complex to use.
Question 5: How do I choose the right harmony guitar pedal for my needs?
When choosing a harmony guitar pedal, there are several factors to consider, including the type of harmonies you want to create, the features you need, and your budget. It is important to experiment with different pedals to find the one that best suits your playing style and needs.
Question 6: What are some tips for using harmony guitar pedals?
Here are a few tips for using harmony guitar pedals:
- Start with simple harmonies and gradually experiment with more complex intervals.
- Use harmony pedals to complement your playing, not to replace it.
- Experiment with different pedal settings to find the sounds that you like.
- Use harmony pedals in conjunction with other effects pedals to create unique and interesting sounds.
With a little practice, you can master the art of using harmony guitar pedals to create beautiful and expressive music.
Transition to the next article section:
Now that you know the basics of harmony guitar pedals, you can start exploring the many different pedals on the market. With so many great options to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect pedal to help you take your playing to the next level.
Harmony Guitar Pedal Tips
Harmony guitar pedals are powerful tools that can add depth, texture, and interest to your playing. However, using them effectively requires some practice and experimentation. Here are 5 tips to help you get the most out of your harmony guitar pedal:
Tip 1: Start with simple harmonies
When you first start using a harmony guitar pedal, it can be tempting to experiment with complex harmonies. However, it is important to start with simple harmonies and gradually work your way up to more complex ones. This will help you to develop a solid foundation and avoid getting overwhelmed.
Tip 2: Use harmony pedals to complement your playing
Harmony pedals should be used to complement your playing, not to replace it. The best way to use a harmony pedal is to add subtle harmonies that enhance your existing guitar parts. Avoid using harmonies that are too overpowering or distracting.
Tip 3: Experiment with different pedal settings
Most harmony guitar pedals have a variety of different settings that you can experiment with. These settings can affect the type of harmony that is generated, the volume of the harmony, and the overall sound of the pedal. Take some time to experiment with different settings to find the sounds that you like.
Tip 4: Use harmony pedals in conjunction with other effects pedals
Harmony guitar pedals can be used in conjunction with other effects pedals to create unique and interesting sounds. For example, you could use a harmony pedal with a delay pedal to create a lush, ethereal sound. Or, you could use a harmony pedal with a distortion pedal to create a more aggressive, distorted sound.
Tip 5: Practice!
The best way to master the art of using harmony guitar pedals is to practice. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will become with using the pedal and the better you will be able to create the sounds that you want.
Summary of key takeaways:
- Start with simple harmonies and gradually work your way up to more complex ones.
- Use harmony pedals to complement your playing, not to replace it.
- Experiment with different pedal settings to find the sounds that you like.
- Use harmony pedals in conjunction with other effects pedals to create unique and interesting sounds.
- Practice regularly to master the art of using harmony guitar pedals.
By following these tips, you can get the most out of your harmony guitar pedal and create beautiful and expressive music.
Conclusion
Harmony guitar pedals are powerful tools that can add depth, texture, and interest to your playing. They are relatively easy to use, and they can be a great way to expand your sonic palette. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, a harmony guitar pedal can help you take your playing to the next level.
When choosing a harmony guitar pedal, there are several factors to consider, including the type of harmonies you want to create, the features you need, and your budget. It is important to experiment with different pedals to find the one that best suits your playing style and needs.
With a little practice, you can master the art of using harmony guitar pedals to create beautiful and expressive music. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start experimenting!
