A Guitarists Guide to Compression

In this episode I will explain what compressors do before your guitar amp and after it using plugins in your DAW.
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[@JoeFamousOne]

The compressor is like your mother lol THRESHOLD: The level she asks you to turn the music down RATIO : How much you turn down the volume after she shouts at you. ATTACK: How fast you react. RELEASE: How fast you turn the volume back up as soon as she closes the door.

[@UMANGPLAYS]

Compressor explained in the best way lol

[@JoeFamousOne]

@@UMANGPLAYS hahahahaha

[@JoeFamousOne]

@DiscoFalcon hahahahaha

[@steved2112]

This is truly excellent.

[@JoeFamousOne]

@@steved2112 hahahahaha

[@distortedjams]

I'd love to see this as a series, there is plenty of effects you could always do.

[@mrjebadia2582]

Also something about chaining effects properly.

[@olivermeyerccn]

Me, too. A series that presents the effects, how they work and what pros do to make them sound great. If you added practical examples (songs, licks) this would be a sure winner.

[@Mike7O7O]

Yeh Rick. Forget the beach! Get back in front of that camera and give the people what they want! ;)

[@hegemonycricket2182]

I agree 100% that would make for some useful content

[@ebgdae81]

P

[@karlcarlsburg9641]

I like it when Rick dresses like your uncle who is meeting you out for lunch.

[@karlcarlsburg9641]

I wish Rick was my uncle and would take me to lunch lol

[@rockboy360]

he would be my favorite uncle for sure! Let's go grab some burgers and talk about compression.

[@Ron4885]

@@rockboy360 That would work for me too.

[@StratMatt777]

While still adhering to the David Gilmour/Ricky Gervais/Simon Cowell/Me dress code!

[@egj1975]

It still blows me away the amount of talent this man has. Your ear, your talent, your open mind, your brain and your love of music... just one of (if not the) greatest man music has seen for decades.

[@Skwid-Lives]

Settle down Skooter

[@WindowLicker_]

I am 44 years old and been playing guitar for 30 of those years,never understood compressors untill today.Thank you Rick and Rhett

[@antonellomascarello4698]

Compression has always been a tricky one for me, not the theory but training the ear to listen to the actual effects of a compressor. That is way I find this video so amazing!! Thanks a lot for sharing all this knowledge at this high quality level. Cheers from Italy 🇮🇹

[@josephtravers777]

It's great to use in front of a Twin Reverb to produced a saturated tone @ lower volumes, mimicking the tone you would get at higher volumes w/o it. I.E., tone simulation for loud clean amps.

[@loopie007]

I think I have to agree, but only because I can hear the difference between bypassed and not, but I don't understand what I am hearing. Rick may describe the sound as more "punchy", but often all I hear is "different". Looks like I need to learn to hear and understand what I am hearing.

[@antonellomascarello4698]

@@loopie007 I totally understand what you mean. This is the same for me. But I've noticed, that little by little my ears are starting to "understand". This video is very helpful because it provides examples and "verbal" references such as "more punchy" so we can make the connection between the sound and the common terminology. Cheers

[@emrahu1327]

RettShull is the pronunciation of a word in Turkish which has the meaning "Jam".

[@kjsdestin]

Jam to eat or food jam?

[@FlowtnWitWalden]

@@kjsdestin or the verb? "he jam the plug into the socket," LOL

[@hotfuzz0328]

There is so much knowledge on this channel. I don't get a ton of time to practice but man, I've had so many questions answered here , sometimes things i didn't know i needed. I purchased the Beato Book and just wanted to say I'm grateful for the channel. Keep on Keepin on Rick.

[@internalmethods]

I'm really glad to see you and Rhett working together. I've been watching him for about a year now, and he's one of the hardest working musicians (at least visibly on youtube) that I've seen in a long time. The dedication is inspiring!!!

[@MarshallSetUps]

Some weirdness going on with the stereo field. My right speaker comes on randomly in this video.

[@dsknkt1]

Same here

[@RickBeato]

That’s because I’m going from the direct audio to the room mic. We are standing apart and being recorded with the stereo mic

[@atthewhiskey]

@@RickBeato duh

[@bldallas]

@@RickBeato Thanks, I was afraid my expensive ear buds were crapping out. 🤓🎸

[@loutielli]

Here as well.

[@MrHeliosoul]

This is the kind of content that initially got me started on your videos. I love how everything comes full circle. Mind-blowing how there is more wisdom, intelligence and skill in Rick's pinky than most people have in their whole body a combined!

[@debvalle7466]

Love when the episodes are timely and linked to what I’m learning. Have not yet gotten into more gear, but I remember watching that first compression vid & being lost. Don’t feel as lost now!

[@rickcamp4267]

Rick, you are the man, you play every instrument great. Also, I am very sorry that your Aunt passed, I see where you got a lot of your talent and big ears for hearing everything. She is such a sweet lady and I'm very sorry for your loss. Your son is also very talented, I know that you are very proud. Stay safe and have a Happy New Year. So glad you do what you do, thanks. Rick Camp Memphis, TN. 😊

[@gavisaethelion]

Thank you so much for all your videos. I'm learning much more than I have in the past about recording techniques, using effects as well as tips on songwriting!!

[@LibertyLoftLessons]

Nice! I love the videos where you incorporate the DAW. I too would love to see a series where you go over your favorite plugins/settings/signal chains. I'm still in the trial and error phase of trying to figure out which ones to use and which order to put them in so I think more videos like this one would help me flatten that learning curve! Thanks for all you do Rick!

[@1Reg0]

It's hard to find videos on youtube that do a great job explaining compression, and how to hear it. Rick you have some of the best. Some more stuff on plugins and how to use compression during mixing would be very popular. Congrats on your 2 million subscribers!

[@eddieellis677]

Keep this type of videos coming. I have been thinking of compressors as a fix for bad amp settings. In one week, I have learned what I have been doing wrong in my amp settings from Rhett's video and now I see what a compressor really does.

[@keef7224]

Pete Townshend- who has always used very little in the way of effects pedals- uses an MXR Dyna-comp as an overdrive pedal on stage for solos, replacing his previous Univox Super-Fuzz. There’s a usage you don’t hear much about.

[@danielrosadoguitar]

You can definitely do that if the compressor pedal has a built in boost feature, and it will sound great. You can get very nice bluesy tones that way, with added sustain.

[@stefanhamilton8713]

I tried that as I’m a huge Townshend, but man, it was SO noisy

[@danielrosadoguitar]

@@stefanhamilton8713 Yeah, unfortunately that can happen. Because by compressing the signal you're raising the quieter transients you're also raising the noise that comes with them. Optical compressors can be a lot quieter but you might also need a noise gate if you're using single coils with overdrive.

[@EarthAltar]

@@stefanhamilton8713 Dyna Comp with a Boss Noise Suppressor. Match made in heaven. I have them right after my Robin Trower set up, Clyde Deluxe, Deja Vibe, and Auto Wah, all made by Fulltone, and quite noisy, but the Dyna Comp and NS cleans them right up. Especially when playing really loud.

[@ryanpavlik1979]

I like this video - good balance of explanation demo without a bunch of fluff. I struggle to find a sweet spot for my compressor vs. if I really want it at all. I'm glad you covered the part about how it reduces the expression/attack by the right (strum) hand because a lot of other videos I watched don't seem to really cover that and I think it's a really important point.

[@rubengonzalezrivero1144]

I don't know how to thank u so much for everything I have learn this year watching the most interesting videos We love u RICK BEATO💛

[@John-pp8qv]

Rick, hands-down one of the best channels on KZbin! Almost at the 2M mark and deservedly so! Thank you so much, I'm such a big, big fan!

[@nikkomorgan]

That was awesome Rick! I'll have to watch that at least a few times. I would love to see more compressor videos!

[@Planet.Denver]

This is the most helpful video I have found of compression yet. Thank you !

[@makeitcount179]

Gold mine of knowledge. Thanks Rick. Super excellent succinct explanation. Ive been frustrated with my tone for awhile. This helps.

[@sunilrautela1873]

This changed the perspective for good...awsome

Another fantastic video on a super important topic, Rick! A hugely useful tool for the Guitarist, and an equally important point Rett made in mentioning that compression needs to be used correctly and is application-specific...it - will - destroy dynamics if used in the wrong situation. Particularly loved the demonstration with the Distressor plugin - you really nailed getting across, to those unaware, the effect on audio of varying those different dials. Kudos, Sir.

[@byebyebeano8616]

"Compressors are the overdrives of your clean sounds", Daniel Steinhardt, That Pedal Show.

[@danielrosadoguitar]

That's true. That's why I prefer optical compressors over any other type of compressor; because they behave like overdrive pedals but they don't actually distort the sound.

[@danielrosadoguitar]

@@j_freed I have a custom made one, based on the Diamond Compressor. That's the one I'm using now. I also like the DOD 280 a lot. If you want more controls like attack and release you can go with the Orange Kongpressor. The Effectrode LA1A Leveling Amplifier is like my dream compressor. It runs on tubes, it's expensive, it's just ridiculous so it's better suited for the studio. It will give you a very old school kind of 60s type sound.

[@DMSProduktions]

Takes an AUSSIE!

[@danielrosadoguitar]

@Chad Sexington Sure. Depending on the setup you can use it like that.

[@Gramasz]

Now I understand many things... Damn

[@neilballard9231]

Great explainer. Best I've seen as an intro for guitarists. Thanks Rick

[@davidescozzi9885]

Great idea rewiew about pedals, big following. Especially explaining them in deep.

[@stevefishner8629]

As a Bassist/musician for 40 years...I want to thank you, Rick, for what you do.....I am concerned that we are just getting lazy .....the tech has allowed it...and I loathe it! The older I get the more I appreciate older recordings...due to the fact that they had LESS technology helping them ! For me, less tech is more better ! Again, Rick you are priceless ! I soooo much appreciate what you do !

[@DavidHBurkart]

Thanks for the explanation. Clears things up

[@jawsxx8683]

I really appreciate this video because it's reinforcing that i already know this stuff.

[@guitarscentral]

this has been a great help , thankyou

[@hotchow8766]

I appreciate, Rick, that you still appreciate the music after all of these years. I hear about many professionals who "needed a break" and started pottery classes or getting and EMT certificate for ambulance ride alongs.

[@AmandaKaymusic]

Thanks for another useful clip. Thank you both. I appreciated the clip from years ago too. Clear explanations on a useful tool.

[@HarryGustafsson]

Rick is such a great teacher. I feel like somehow the algorithm brings me to Rick and Rhett to increased my knowledge at the right peace! Before your videos, I was using BIAS FX but learning from you I have really taken the time with impulse responses and achieving better results!! So much support on youtube.

[@TempleGuitars]

You should subscribe and seize your destiny from the algorithm.

[@grizelda4526]

I love when we get to see inside the control room. Great video.

[@southsideronnie]

Another good video. I learn so much from you two!

[@cheenu711]

man I was so hung up on buying a new compressor but watching this vid kinda showed me that I don't really need it as much I thought I did. I love to roll off my vol for cleaning up my amp/ od pedals and I also have a habit of stacking gain pedals or putting gain pedals into my amp. Thank you so much for clearing this up. As rhett said, I also have a habit of running my amp on the edge of breakup just for having control. I'd defo get one later down the line because it's a great effect for clean sounds but it's not something I'd be losing sleep about.

[@TheMeshnoob]

Extremely helpful, thanks!

[@mindscrub]

I love the different ways compression is used across genres.

[@Ph3_n1x]

Thanks for the knowledge Rick!

[@OmniphonProductions]

Thanks for this! Perfect timing. I'm going to be setting up my pedal board...for my harmonica...this weekend, and this really helps me understand where to jump in.

[@Thynexikus]

Timely video! I just bought a pedal compressor yesterday

[@nicolasgarcia7305]

Great video Rick!

[@drvee1983]

Great instructional on how to use compression with guitar and drums. I've always just gone with the " sound of the moment " whether it be live or studio for decades. Now I know I didn't know why, but I know how.

[@AndrewSmith-kt5bq]

Great stuff as always.

[@adonaimorales3560]

This video could be a year long and I still wouldn’t understand compressors.

[@marktoken6052]

🤣😂🤣😂

[@Phoebedumplings]

If it’s too hard, i can’t understand it!!

[@troyoswald5683]

Agree 100 percent Adonal!

[@ianrivera2523]

LMAO same. I cant' hear a difference

[@tinnitusthenight5545]

If y'all cant hear the difference you have a lot of ear training to do before your gonna be half decent engineer, its an incredibly clear description w examples

[@ScottyGMusic]

This is a good resource. I have been trying to improve the sound of my videos using compression, and I needed some direction for the ratio control, in particular.

[@dotpk1382]

I had to watch twice! Wow so many great nuggets here thanks gents!

[@colinwallace5286]

I have a fender mustang head which was drastically reduced online. I’m very happy with it, but it’s fairly clear that you can’t even scratch the surface of what it can do without knowing about basic effects and their use. The value of it is in being able to create presets with different signal paths, and using variety of effects. Like everything else patiently waiting in my basement at home, I need to put in some time. In the emulator world, getting familiar with the software, so I can put some more interesting things together, is really the key. Thanks for all this great content!!😬

[@Photography-Niseko]

Really enjoyed that thanks!!

[@Tarnith]

I see some UBK in there on the drums! Great video Rick and Rhett, I've sent this along to a friend who plays guitar and was looking to understand a bit more about compression. I think this does a really good job of explaining some of what to listen for, especially for guitar players. Cheers

[@jackgreenwood1817]

Thanks so much Rick, I've always struggled to get my head around compressors. I've tried them to even out volume jumps between my clean sound and drive pedals, but then found the drive pedals lose some personality. You've explained it nicely and practically, looking forward to having a play

[@brentnoury7626]

Thank you Rick and Rhett. These types of videos(well, all your videos) are very helpful for understanding the science of what we're hearing. Very useful. I play in a 3 piece right now. 2 guitars and drums. I've been using my electric as a deeper lower sound but I want it tighter with the drum hit. I know I need to purchase a lefty Bass guitar for that real bass sound but it's great to see these options of compression. I mainly try to palm mute to give that tighter sound. Anyways, thank you for the info.

[@tonygairomusic911]

Wow. This really helped a sax player understand compression better as I learn to be a guitarist. Thank you, as always, for truly great work.

[@BenKrisfield]

Love the Keeley Compressor Pro for my pedal board. Like the Fabfilter compressor for mix bus plugin. And the Warm Audio WA2A for hardware compressor for live tracking. Great video, thanks.

[@miguelescalera626]

The compressor with the distortion is more focused.. that funk sound is amazing too 🎸. Soo much information on this channel.

[@Pseudo_Boethius]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! More tech videos like this please!

[@waynenicholsonmayo]

Excellent looking forward to this one👍

[@agentcalm]

Finally a proper demonstration of how compressor (outboard) can affect the guitar sound. Great vid guys.

[@RobertKeeleyTV]

Excellent demonstration of compression!

[@MarsGuitarOfficial]

Great demo guys! I personally never dug a compressor tones with humbuckers only on single coil. A whole other world when it comes to mixing of course. Thank you 🙏

[@murphymahaffey5897]

Hi Rick, I appreciate your work and learn tons from you! I bought your book and love it. Hope all is well with you.

[@sseltrek1a2b]

simple and practical....thanx, guys... (love the quote i heard recently that, "compressors are the overdrive pedal for your clean sound..."...

[@ubertwerpify]

THANK YOU exactly what i was looking for - good for legato bad for chugs and dynamics -question answered

[@gil84rs]

Great video, thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@lucasnishi6980]

Rick Beato, sharing your wisdom is a service for mankind, thank you so much!

[@eugenemichael9833]

Great Video Rick ❤

[@delray420]

Thanks for all your info on this, I understand a little more about compression.

[@Dmaccabees]

Great breakdown 🔥💯🔥

[@shawnandrewusic]

I like coming back to compression videos!

[@blueyepaul]

Thanks Rick, as i am new to effects over all. Your explanation gives me a better understanding how it works and how to use it correctly. Cheers Down Under :)

[@rickenbackerlover7386]

Man, I really want to see Rick on a That Pedal Show episode. Great video btw

[@shawnmcvey7789]

I'm a big fan of using an EQ after a comp pedal for cleans with humbuckers to basically kill the mids while boosting treble/bass into a 50w EL34 head with Treb on 6, Mids on 9.8, and Bass on 7. Add a bit of modulation and you've got a surprisingly great clean tone into an amp that would prefer to be dirty.

[@rhllnm]

Interesting, been wanting a compressor for a while now. Thanks. And I am subscribed.

[@SUPERSCUMDK]

I'm calling it 2 million subscribers before the end of november! Thanks Rick for the constant stream of great content!

[@ralphvillanueva8724]

Great video, thanks for the info. Good stuff to try out with my DAW.

[@javierf55]

So useful, as many of us have it, I personally have a Keeley Compressor + but I feel that I haven't been able to get the best of it. Thanks for a su useful video

[@terrymcdonald4498]

Thanks again Rick!

[@scottwiley]

Great video. The red Les Paul is a looker too.

[@jray5363]

Thanks for the video!👍 Compressor pedals have always been a mystery to me. It’s such a subtle effect in the wrong circumstance, and quite useful in the right one.

[@therealxunil2]

I literally was asking myself this question moments ago after watching another of your videos. Great timing, Rick.

[@rickbarrington]

New subscriber. Love your channel, insights on how and why

[@brettneely748]

thanks dudes. very helpful.

[@brianb.5661]

That was super helpful!

[@remora1]

Rick you are my Hero!

[@EmptyDomoKanti99]

this is exactly the video i needed

[@ALBERTOGARCIA-nk9bo]

Thank you for all the info. Very interesting. Only thing left me thinking is to hear the difference in sound with the same pedals BUT in the fx loop of the amp.

[@NICUofficial]

nice follow video to the broader compression video :) of course, not helping my gear lust but yea the part where you used the Distressor plugin was my favorite in the video, just really really helps (plus I've got one as the main vocal compressor in my studio so I can relate to it)

[@dougmalkan2813]

Best explanation ive seen

[@BreakfastIsImportant]

y'all rock, thank you

[@Dang...]

Helpful, thanks.

[@DeathValleyDazed]

This music rocket science sends me over the Moon! Great production you share with us!

[@kennethchartrand4251]

I would to see a video like this from Rick on Noise Gates.

[@marcofioravanti4176]

JHS would probably say: "More low is more off." ;-)

[@gavisaethelion]

YES!! That would be a great video!

[@luckyvr39163]

Squeeze the signal always have used it in my chain to tighten the dynamic sound Rick is incredible in the music world great job

[@johnmoser2689]

Good stuff.... thanks Rick and Rhett.... you guys should do more gear demystifying videos this was helpful

[@siavashdarmani1190]

Whatever i search about music here, rick has a great video on that.

[@vikingmetaliscool]

Great video, Rick. I’m waiting patiently for the video on bass compression :D

[@nicholasorthodox]

Perfect I'm just getting into DIY recording with a Daw! Thanks Rick and Rhett!!