Chorus and Vibrato Pedals

Attempting to replicate the input signal with slight variations, chorus is actually a delay effect where the repeats sound shortly after the original signal and with slight variations in pitch. Like many effects, the result may not approximate its goal, but rather create a new, interesting timbre.

Plug it in, turn it on, and start playing the intro riffs to “Come As You Are” or “A Forest.” If you have other guitar pedals, or an amp with an effects loop, the process may be more complicated. Modulation effects often sound very different before and after distortion pedals. Conventional wisdom might say to put your delay after your chorus or vibrato pedal, but modulated repeats could be your ideal sound.

Stereo chorus pedals, such as the Boss Dimension C, add an additional option, which often routes wet and dry signals into two separate inputs. Some musicians may always have their chorus pedal on, while others may choose to use it only for guitar solos or melodies.

One recent trend has pedal builders combining the two modulation types into one box. The Walrus Audio Julia is praised for translating analog mojo into a modern, compact form.

Following the demand for micro and nano-sized pedals and smaller portal pedalboards, many companies offer ultra-compact options for your chorus fix. The Ibanez Mini Chorus packs vintage CS9 sound in a cute pink package.

Reverb is another (but different) naturally occurring effect. It's the way sound reflects and dissipates in a space or through materials. Most reverb effects and pedals emulate this effect. Many guitarists use chorus and reverb together for ambient or shoegaze tones.