Part one--
Some people use effects to make up for lack of chops, etc. Some use effects to inspire a song to new areas or capture tones in their head. Some people like all types of gadgets, period. I fall somewhere in the middle of the triangle those three reasons form...
I use my effects judiciously, because I don't want to sound too "processed"--I have a very organic tone, considering what resides at my feet.

Part two--
My rule of thumb is this: if someone in the band has a suggestion of what guitar to use, which effects to use, or to add another instrument or technique of playing (I sing, play harp and play quite a bit of slide on top of "normal" fingerstyle), I will listen to the suggestion and at least try what they suggest...his is especially true if this is a song they wrote or it's a song they're "fronting" the band during. For instance, I hate chorus effects with every cell in my body, but when guitarist #2 in our group asked me to put some chorus on the rhythm line of a song he was singing/playing lead on, I readily tried it. I had to admit it sounded "right" for the song, and when we perform it live I use that effect (actually, it's just my BOSS Rotary Ensemble turned down slow, not a chorus, but it was close enough to satisfy him).

I try any and all suggestions from my drummer (a good guitarist, bassist and keyboardist in his own right, as well as a decent singer). I'll take his suggestions because he's got "good ears" and can suggest things that will complete or "fill out" a song or recording.

I don't always do what they say, but I'll at least try it out. The same goes for them--I'll make suggestions that they can either take or leave. We have enough respect for each other that it works out.

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Good Vibes To Y'all!



Screamin' Armadillos
Texas Roadhouse Music
Guitar/Slide Guitar/Harp/Vocals

Effects are fun. They are good for cover songs. But for serious practice (skill development type practice) clean is the way to go. With a band trying to dial in a sound I would use them. I would not tell others how they should sound unless: I wrote the song, they ask me, or they sound really really bad to everyone.
I think many people have a vision of how they want things to be, and as a result end up telling others what to do. I don't worry about that unless it's my job to do so.

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My ability to spell is in direct proportion to the amount of coffee I've had.

A lot here would say Jonny Buckman of Coldplay is not a bonafide guitar player, but he makes beautiful music. This is not a music forum; it is a gear forum.

Effects are just plain cool for guitar. Ever since Hendrix really, when we became really aware of what fuzz, wah, octavia and all the rest can do to inspire you, most electric players like to use them i'd say.

One of my favorite things is using a delay and then using an ebow and coming up with loads of almost soundtrack to a film type textures.

Some of the sounds you can coax out of the instrument are just incredible.

Of course 100% clean through the amp sounds great as well when you want that.

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Luck won't do it and ignorance can't

George Van Eps.

I may not be quaified to answer your question Goranm but I think the obssesion over tone vs composition of the music stems from the training that pianists go through. A pianist is more likely to recognize the unusual construction of a chord and its relation to a melody. Whereas a guitarist may be more melody oriented since his instrument is a bit more limited. Once he knows the chord progression and melody he pretty much runs out of things to do other than fiddle with the tone of the instrument thru effects or equipment. Every pianist I know or have played with are music reading theory trained musicians. Set a sheet of music in front of a guitar player...

Many of the most successful bands over the last 50 years or so have had very unique and recognizable guitar tones. Your guitarist wants to be successful as well and logically is pursuing tone, as well as musicianship.

How important the guitar tone was to the success of the band is open to debate.

Piano players don't have the same extent of options available to them so have to rely on musicanship almost exclusively. You can wear funny glasses, high heel boots and sequin outfits, play very well, but the piano will still sound pretty much like a piano.