How to Learn EQ On Guitar (Using Line 6 Helix or Pod Go)

Todays video is all about how to "learn" Equalization on the guitar. I use the Helix because it allows me to do this hands free. This is the exact way I learned and trained my ears to recognize frequencies I like and dislike. I believe this is a super valuable tool to have and you should definitely put the time into getting used to these!
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[@SteveSterlacci]

Check out my Premium Presets Here - bit.ly/2FJJjEm

[@stevetharms]

Great video Steve! One of the tricks I use when dialing in EQ is to put a looper in the first block. I’ll play something simple and loop it over and over while I mess with different settings, that way I’m free to adjust without having to be strumming the guitar! -Cheers

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thats actually the first ever helix tip video i ever posted! Same method 😉😉😉

[@fresherstraighter]

Thank you for all your help & work!

[@gregeddins5854]

Great job Steve. You learned an old dog a great new trick! Thanks for your efforts for the Helix community.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thank you Greg! Means a lot. Bukovac is the best!

[@patrickkeech2461]

Great video! I've been EQing on my DAW for a long time... but some clear guidance on how to get the parametric EQ working on the Helix has been really useful!

[@6ddevil]

Fantastic advice in this video 👍🏻 I finally got my head around the parametric Eq using the global Eq in the editor to visualise how the Q setting works, but reset it after and use the parametric block as the global Eq is more for venue tweaks, room size carpets etc.

[@tommygourlay1059]

I seldom comment unless a video really compels me to:- What a superb, to-the-point explanation of every part of the process we need to know about. Thank you so much

[@SteveSterlacci]

Means a lot! Thank you Tommy

[@alpermemioglu7699]

Amazing! This was super helpful! I was doing a similar tactic with the Fab-Filter EQ plugin when I record (it allows you to solo certain frequencies so you can hear the nastiest bits to cut), but I wasn't sure how to go about it with the Helix. This goes a long way to help!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thats a great feature in the plug in! Can def apply it in a similar way. Hope you get what you need out of it!

[@jenaviveh6973]

Ok, third time watching and it soaks in a little more each time😆. Thank you for another great video...it really helps being able to go through it step by step with you. I’m sure I’ll watch at least one more time...🎶🎶🤟🤟😎😎🙏🙏🎸

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thank you!! This takes TIME to get. No magic shortcut unfortunately! Keep at it and before you know it, you'll have it

[@mksounds6326]

Great video, thank you! I've watched guys that get it do EQ well, but I've never gotten too technically into it. This helps a ton. I'm off to the Pod! Peace from the S.F. Bay Area and rock on! MK

[@SteveSterlacci]

Glad to help! It helps to keep it simple like this at first

[@andreajem7v]

GREAT TIP! Awesome job!

[@gerrymcgill3209]

Nice one Steve. Very well explained. Never could get my head around it before 👍

[@SteveSterlacci]

Glad to help! Get practicing on it!!

[@kennrayy]

revisited this as I have been integrating my Variax into the set list...awesome and so much easier than trying to sit and do via HX edit where your ears don't get the instant response as opposed to using your pedal to get instant feedback. Also learned a valuable lesson that if you have 2 a mp blocks you have to treat each differently w/EQ - thanks again

[@SteveSterlacci]

Glad to help! Thanks for watching and commenting ken!

[@LozArcher]

Brilliant, thank you. Was totally stumped about which EQs to use where on the Pod GO, answered a lot of questions. Cheers!

[@SteveSterlacci]

So glad to help! Which will it be ? Shape the tone (early in chain) or clean up the tone (later in chain)?

[@LozArcher]

@@SteveSterlacci With the limited blocks, I've just gone with a Cali Q to shape the tone a touch. I did have a Parametric in there, which I now understand was doing nothing set at +0dB across the board. D'oh! :D Is it right that the Pod GO has a pedal edit mode? I can't seem to find it in the instructions.

[@MusicbyGaither]

Fantastic video. Thank you

[@CraigRMerriman]

Thank you Steve! Great job, very handy.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Nicky-T]

A good learning technique. I'll have to do this. I'm a fan of the Global Parametric. I learned a trick form @JasonSadites to tweak the Global, note the settings, turn it off, then use the para EQ and set it to the same parameters. I like this because I find it easier to visualize what I'm doing and also helps to see what's going on with the Q. Not for everybody, and of course, your ears are the final arbiter. Also note I believe the Global would be at the end of your chain/path (can't imagine where else they'd put it) so you have to consider that. I think your suggestion to use it as a notch filter is probably good advice to start with. 🎸🎸🎸

[@gustavorlore]

Thank You, Thank you so much. It improved my tone so much. God Bless you

[@SteveSterlacci]

Glad it helped!

[@paulferrante9737]

Great video Steve, very useful

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks Paul!

[@TheEternalSigh]

This is hugely helpful 👍🏻

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks Dylan! Hope it helps ya !

[@mystixboi]

This is great!!! Thanks

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks John! Glad to help

[@erocgr00t6]

Very helpful. Thank you

[@SteveSterlacci]

Glad to help!

[@adel1abc]

This is great. Thank you! like that t-shirt :)

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks for checking it out! Uncle Larry is the best!

[@raullukebenitez7033]

I was literally googling this kind of video a couple days ago to understand how to EQ my HXS to polish my sound through the PA

[@SteveSterlacci]

I hope this helps ya then! Let me know how it goes

[@raullukebenitez7033]

@@SteveSterlacci it definitely does. It's just what I needed

[@andrewbettis4247]

Cool stuff thanks..

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks for watching Andrew

[@steveliberty]

Another home run video Steve. Your workflows and techniques are always eye opening. I've noticed that you tend to like the Cali EQ. WHy the preference over, say, the 10 band?

[@SteveSterlacci]

Great question! The cali is more dialed into "guitar" frequencies. The 10 band has a lot of bands that won't have much of an affect on a guitar sound. Usable yes, but not as flexible for guitar specifically

[@johntruman6571]

Hi Steve, great work once again. Thanks. I'm using the Cali Graphic before the amp as a boost (your idea), like I used to with the Boss GE-7. It's working really well. Using a Pod Go, would you still consider using a block for EQ after the amp? Thanks again and keep up the good work! BTW your Purple Urple is great!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Hey John! The EQ after is in no way necessary. I hardly ever use it to be honest. I just wanted to show how i learned to hear the frequencies. So glad you're using the cali that way!

[@shellsjoint]

Steve, I'm a huge fan!! thanks for the great videos!! What camera do you use?

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks brother! Its a Canon M50

[@sboy1955]

Thanks, good lesson, especially on the Q settings. I did notice after you cut your mid frequency at 3.3, it jumped back to @ 4.1 on it's own. Obviously the Helix Editor is very sensitive wether using a mouse or pedal to edit..just something to keep an eye on.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks Alex! I think it happened in post editing if i remember correctly. Like i had changed it (pr at least it was changed) in between cuts in the video. So the jump wasn't the units fault 🤣😅 totally mine

[@sboy1955]

@@SteveSterlacci - If I make a setting change with a mouse and then drag it to another setting most times it will change the last adjustment. I have learned to pick my mouse up then set it back down and that seems to help.

[@SteveSterlacci]

@@sboy1955 good practice for sure! I hate when i click on accident lol

[@Nicky-T]

I also should use Pedal Edit more, as this is one of the huge selling points @AndrewBonica used to convince me to jump from the 500X. Using in conjunction with HX Edit is a good technique.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Pedal edit mode is amazing! Look at my parametric eq vid from like a year ago. I show it in the hx edit global settings

[@timmatdies7848]

Dude !!! Im a homeskooler too!!!! Uncle Larry is the Best, and if you like him,,, you must be a killer dude aswell.......... Thank you for the Helix Stomp,,,,, info,,,,,, mine is on the way...... Ol, Larry aint Hip to that stuff ,,,but two back surgerys,,,cant carry 1968 100 watt super bass Marsh around,,,,, I love that stuff, but cant get it out of my house,,,,,ha ha any way.....back to you brother.......Tone ON...........from Montana, HeavyT.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Hey Tim! Thanks for checking out the stuff! Yeah man Tom is THE dude. Such great content. I have a ton of Stomp and Helix videos that can help you out getting started. Let me know if you need any help with anything!

[@gitarisgradakan27]

For pod go please

[@gregeddins5854]

Hello Class!

[@SteveSterlacci]

THE absolute man!

[@konradgrybos78]

Hello! I wonder if the headphone model you use (beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO) has 32 ohm or 80 ohm impedance? I am thinking about buying the same headphones for Pod Go, but I have a dilemma which option to choose. Do you have any recommendations?

[@SteveSterlacci]

I have the 32 ohm for like 5 years and have had no trouble. I think any would be suitable for the pod go, but i am no expert on it! Lol

[@JimsMusicJourney]

Can you post this in the group Helix How to Helix. This is great stuff.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Done ! Thanks brother

[@boabglen]

This is a great video man

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks Robert!

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

Great video. EQ is a necessary evil for me. I like to take harsh frequencies, and I always tried to get my own sound by using eq, but also for a boost, etc. That said, it drives me crazy. Especially with a parametric eq and playing with the width of the q , etc. I like using the upside down V for a boston like tome for rhythm. Then I go from there. Can this be done in at least a basic way with the Pod go? I'm going nuts trying to decide if I want the Stomp or the Go. I really don't use a lot off effects, and I have a Morley wah I'll use, and I will probably buy an eventide delay and an eventide mini pitch pedal and that's about it. I will use modulation and flange, etc from time to time and use the multieffects I end up buying. I think the pod go will work great for me. Thanks again sir. Very cool demos.

[@SteveSterlacci]

It can be done. The pod go actually requires you to use an EQ block. The stomp has no limitations outside of dsp capacity!

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

@@SteveSterlacci Thanks man. Really appreciate it.

[@peteserravalle4723]

Hey Pasesan! This is a GREAT video. Question, which camera are you using for your videos?

[@SteveSterlacci]

Hey man! Its a Canon M50 with a Sigma 16mm 1.4 lens. I have links in the description and highly recommend them! I am planning a whole video about it

[@peteserravalle4723]

@@SteveSterlacci Awesome! Looking forward to that!

[@paulallyngoff7472]

With my helix stomp I only have 6 blocks available. Couldn’t I just use a Gobal eq to free up some blocks? Or the Global on top of a parametric?

[@SteveSterlacci]

Sure, but its totally set and cant be changed on the fly as easily. And its an eq of your overall chain. If you're someone who EQs after the amp, could work perfect

[@sjsphotog]

Thanks Steve great vid as always. Long time.... been working on a house project non-stop so no time for YT or FB lately. Hope all is well. Did you cut your COVID19 hair yet? Take care.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Still pretty long! LOL Glad to have ya back. Hope the project went well

[@sjsphotog]

@@SteveSterlacci thanks Steve! Yeah lots of work.

[@mpesta]

Steve, I just picked up the Helix LT and I donNt have a FR speaker or PA to run it through to work on my settings. I see you use headphones on a lot of your videos. Does a good pair of headphones help to get tones that are acceptable straight into a PA?

[@SteveSterlacci]

Yes! Check my description in my vids to see the ones i use. Crank them up loud before you take the presets out

[@mpesta]

@@SteveSterlacci Thanks I appreciate your quick response. I'm sitting here preparing to sell a couple of tube amps because I bought the Helix and I'm a bit apprehensive. But your videos have been very helpful.

[@SteveSterlacci]

@@mpesta I sold almost all of mine. All I have left is an endorsement amp and a vintage Gibson

[@justinTime077]

This guy is into Q I’m onto you. Telling us what Q is really all about.

[@SteveSterlacci]

I can't publicly say this information

[@justinTime077]

@@SteveSterlacci :D

[@billville111]

@@SteveSterlacci The Great Awakening 👍

[@christophergodlewski5181]

I am so close to getting the tone I want . . . my high gain stuff sounds great with the new update. For reference, I play through FRFR, monitors or a PA. My more "rock" stuff - mid-gain - always tends to sound muffled/blanket over the cab effect. I'm convinced it's an EQ issue, because it's happened across multiple amps/cabs. I'm just not sure what to cut/boost?

[@SteveSterlacci]

Mess with mic placement first!

[@christophergodlewski5181]

@@SteveSterlacci will do boss. There’s so many rabbit holes you can go down with this thing - EQ blocks, trying different mics, cabs, speakers, etc. Tough to know where to start sometimes.

[@musicbynaush]

Is sweeping for frequencies with your foot pedal something that is set bydefault? Wonderful video man

[@SteveSterlacci]

If you are in pedal edit mode, yes. Just hold down the mode button, select the effect you want to adjust, then select the parameter. Footpedal does the bulk of the work, then value +/- to fine tune

[@musicbynaush]

@@SteveSterlacci this was awesome man. Cant wait to plug in and do this thing!!

[@SteveSterlacci]

@@musicbynaush thanks so much! Can't wait to see what you do with it

[@Shadowcruise99]

Steve, I couldn't help but notice that you didn't readjust the Q or bandwidth of the parametric after locating the frequencies you chose to cut. Is that because you had already made those bandwidth adjustments prior to the producing the video? I can certainly see where having a narrow bandwidth would be helpful in distinguishing the offending frequencies. However, widening the bandwidth after notching those frequencies, could result in a smoother tone.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Could also cut frequencies you don't want cut. Especially near the 2k range. Some can be nasty and some are needed. There is no right or wrong when using your own ears! Experiment and see what sounds best

[@Nicky-T]

BTW, researching "Q" turns out to be a mathematical nightmare.

[@Shadowcruise99]

Your statement is a bit confusing to me Nicky. Q is nothing more than the bandwidth of the cut or boost. How does that create a _"mathematical nightmare"_ and why is the math relevant? The sole purpose of the bandwidth of a parametric EQ, is an auditory issue, is it not?

[@Nicky-T]

@@Shadowcruise99 Check this out: www.ranecommercial.com/legacy/pdf/ranenotes/Bandwidth_in_Octaves_vs_Q_in_Bandpass_Filters.pdf 😉

[@Nicky-T]

@@Shadowcruise99 You are correct, that's what it is. But it seems there is a nasty bit of math involved in producing/calculating it. Nasty for me, anyway.