Modulation

Modulation is a category of guitar effects that alter certain aspects of the signal over time, such as pitch, phase, or volume, to create movement, depth, and texture. Instead of changing the core tone permanently, modulation effects continuously vary the signal, producing sounds that swirl, pulse, shimmer, or shift. Common modulation effects include chorus, phaser, flanger, tremolo, vibrato, rotary, and detune, each defined by how and what part of the signal is modulated.

Modulation pedals typically offer controls for rate, depth, and sometimes waveform or mix, allowing guitarists to fine-tune both the speed and intensity of the effect. Subtle settings can add width and dimension to clean or lightly driven tones, while more extreme settings create dramatic, expressive textures that become a focal point of the sound. Because modulation interacts strongly with gain and dynamics, placement in the signal chain can significantly affect the result.

Guitarists use modulation effects across nearly every genre, from classic rock, funk, and pop to ambient, indie, and experimental music. Modulation is especially valuable for adding interest to sustained chords, rhythm parts, and lead lines without overpowering the original tone. For players looking to introduce motion, space, and character into their sound, modulation effects are an essential and versatile part of a guitar rig.

All Modulation Effects