Synthesizer vs. Guitar Signal Path
same stages, different gear — tap any block to learn more
Synthesizer
Guitar rig
tap ↓
Oscillator (VCO / DCO)
Sawtooth, square, sine wave
sound source
tap ↓
Guitar + pickups
String vibration → voltage
↓
↓
tap ↓
Filter (VCF)
ENV + LFO modulation
tone shaping
tap ↓
Wah + tone / EQ
Sweep filter with your foot
↓
↓
tap ↓
Amplifier (VCA)
Envelope shapes volume
dynamics
tap ↓
Compressor + gate
Even out peaks, cut noise
— effects chain —
tap ↓
Distortion / saturation
Clip and add harmonics
distortion
tap ↓
Overdrive + fuzz
Clip and add harmonics
↓
↓
tap ↓
Modulation FX
Chorus, phaser, flanger
modulation
tap ↓
Modulation pedals
Chorus, phaser, flanger
↓
↓
tap ↓
Delay + reverb
Space and depth
delay & reverb
tap ↓
Delay + reverb
Space and depth
↓
↓
tap ↓
Output → mixer / DAW
Line level signal out
output
tap ↓
Amp + cabinet
Power amp → speaker
Sound source
Tone shaping
Dynamics
Effects
Output