Analog vs. Digital
A lot of great guitarists talk about their first Budget Analog Effects Pedal that is still on their pedalboard years later, but we don't hear this story about budget digital effects.
Most beginning electric guitar players start with a budget digital combo amp or multi-FX pedal, but this can leave the Tone Apprentice lost or confused in a desert of uninspiring digital effects.
An all-in-one myriad of digital options can be an easy sell to even a seasoned Tone Apprentice when compared to an Analog "One-Trick Pony". Ironically, it's these simple Analog Gems that tend to inspire the Aural Neophyte and lead them to the Tonal Oasis they have been seeking.
Once you've passed through the desert of cheap digital tones guided by the light of your Analog "One-Trick Pony", you will realize that the Tonal Oasis you've discovered is just the starting point of a new journey to Tone Mastery. You will find additional "Analog Ponies" to add to your "stable" of tricks each suitable for a specific Tonal Destination. A few experiments will lead you to combine y
It is now that your understanding of the purity of Analog Tones has matured, and while the sacred solidity of Analog Character is undeniable you are also aware of its limits. However, you have been through the Digital Desert and your standards for such artificiality are high. But with tactful Tonal Wisdom you may sprinkle your Sound with just a pinch of Digital Magic awarding you the awe and rank
How do I find my sound?
Experiment!
You don't find your sound it finds you.
Like the skeptical scientist performing the same experiment in a dozen different ways, you must be open to the benefit of even the slightest variation in results. Learn and emulate the tricks of your favorite Tone Masters and form your own opinion whether they actually improve your ability to express yourself musically or not. Incorporate the techniques you enjoy and discard the rest. Become your own Tone Snob!
Understand Your Rig
Knowing all the possible tone combinations and limitations of simply your electric instrument and amplifier is crucial bere you ever worry about adding anything else into your signal chain. How do all the knobs and switches on your guitar/bass effect the soundfo? Is your amp digital or analog or both? Are there already too many tonal possibilities to choose from or is your Rig a one trick pony? Is there something missing from your Tone or is it too busy and you just need to simplify and go back to basics?
Playing Techniques
What is your playing style? How do you sound unplugged? Before you press "Buy Now" on that expensive Vibrato Pedal to add to your Rig, could you practice and improve your Natural String Vibrato techniques and not only save some money but improve your general musicianship as well? Your "Sound" is more dependent on your ability to manipulate your strings than what's in your signal chain.