To Reverb or Not to Reverb...

[Matt Steele]

For metal or heavy rock rhythm playing, I would suggest no reverb. But if you feel the need, I would suggest some ambience reverb or adding some air in the Axe FX. I can't remember where the air controls are located, amp or cab block in the axe, but they are there. I would not recommend a long decay reverb, or even a room reverb for a tight rhythm tone.

If your recording, double or quad tracking rhythm guitars, the slight variations in the tracks will create almost a chorus effect which has its own sound/room sound. The more reverb you stack, the more muddy/less clear the final mix will be.

 

[echos]

This is really good info as I've had similar questions. Thank for sharing!

 

[Booomm]

When playing live I only use reverb to compensensate for a 'dead' room or in particular if playing in a Marquee or outdoors.

Otherwise I just rely on the room.

Just my opinion for what it's worth!

 

[pjrake]

Thanks all! Very helpful. Gonna take out the reverb block and see how it goes.

PJ