Using a Tube Screamer as an always-on pedal is a popular technique among guitarists. It can be used to add a slight boost to your tone, warm up your sound, or even create a light overdrive.
Here are some of the benefits of using a Tube Screamer always on:
- More consistent tone: Using a Tube Screamer always on can help to create a more consistent tone, regardless of which guitar you are using or what amp you are playing through. This can be helpful if you are gigging or recording frequently.
- More natural sound: A Tube Screamer can help to preserve the natural sound of your guitar and amp. This is because a Tube Screamer uses soft clipping, which is a type of distortion that is less harsh than hard clipping.
- More versatility: Using a Tube Screamer always on gives you more versatility in terms of shaping your tone. You can use the EQ controls on your amp and pedal to boost or cut different frequencies to get the exact sound you want.
However, there are also some potential drawbacks to using a Tube Screamer always on:
- Can be noisy: Using a Tube Screamer always on can be noisy, especially if you are using high-gain settings. This is because the Tube Screamer is constantly boosting your signal.
- Can lose dynamics: Using a Tube Screamer always on can also cause you to lose some dynamics in your playing. This is because the Tube Screamer is constantly compressing your signal.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use a Tube Screamer always on is up to you. If you are looking for a more consistent tone and more versatility, then using a Tube Screamer always on is a good option. However, if you are concerned about noise or losing dynamics, then you may want to consider using your Tube Screamer as a boost pedal or as a lead pedal.
Here are some tips for using a Tube Screamer always on:
- Start with the gain setting turned down low. This will give you a chance to hear how the Tube Screamer interacts with your amp and guitar. Once you have a basic sound dialed in, you can start to experiment with higher gain settings.
- Use the EQ controls on your amp and pedal to shape your tone. The EQ controls on your amp and pedal can be used to shape your tone and get the sound you want. For example, you can use the EQ to boost the treble frequencies for a brighter sound, or cut the bass frequencies for a tighter sound.
- Experiment with different pedal placement. You can place the Tube Screamer either before or after your amp’s preamp section. Placing the pedal before the preamp will give your tone more sustain and gain, while placing the pedal after the preamp will give you more control over your tone.
If you are considering using a Tube Screamer always on, I recommend experimenting with different settings and pedal placement to find the sound that you like best. There is no right or wrong answer, so have fun and find the sound that works for you.
