Overdrive, Distortion, Fuzz: What's the Difference? Marty Music Gear Thursday

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My Favorite Guitar + Filming Gear at Sweetwater
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Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. The link above is an affiliate link, that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission on.

[@MartyMusic]

Thanks for supporting me by supporting "MartyMusic"!

[@roryjackson6966]

What controller unit do you use in this video?, I can only see the corner of it where it says "looper". I'm looking for something where I can switch between pedals and press only one button. Any ideas?

[@rayross997]

Would like to see a vid in which you talk about your guitar journey over the years. Coming soon to Biography, "The Marty Schwartz Story".

[@PeterKertesz2013]

0 dislike is the highest award on KZbin

[@kamranwani8117]

Marty Music please do can't you hear me knocking.. Stones

[@kamranwani8117]

Cool video

[@LeroySanchez]

hahahahah the little foot got me

[@WeimaranersAreTheBest]

Reminded me of deadpool 2

[@lewisthomas4066]

Indeed 🤣

[@Steve-tr2em]

Nice subtle addition.

[@splashymothtv9952]

Same

[@TheHumbleservantofChrist]

Man I think Marty contracted Chucky for the intro

[@richardbartlett7315]

Kinda like salsa levels: Mild = overdrive Medium = distortion Hot = fuzz

[@insanefiya466]

Richard Bartlett kinda like Santana’s guitar

[@addinmikhail4598]

this hella accurate the fuzz was filthy af

[@69Macaquinho69]

Hot fuzz

[@hunterhall6478]

This mans speaking my language.

[@joandrumz3176]

I want Fuzz!!

[@donaldarceneaux3611]

The foot was hilarious!😂

[@0Cindrum0]

Caught me off guard 😅

[@miljann98]

What minute?

[@yeahh8402]

Miljan Kostadinovic everytime he switched. He is awesome

[@AlexandreSoma]

YEAH! HAHAHAHAHAH!

[@android199x]

HAHAHAHA

[@coolguy2873]

Here is describing Overdrive, Distortion and Fuzz but with emotions: Overdrive = Upset Distortion = Angry Fuzz = Rage

[@tomatotom984]

Pouting?

[@greenleafspit8575]

@@tomatotom984 Cringe

[@elidaniel5939]

Fuzz is more like warm distortion tbh

[@ajwayman4530]

I'm amped for upset against the machine

[@airconditioningunit9777]

Aj Wayman angry against the machine

[@MEMEDADDY-sd8fr]

For Myself. 2:20 Clean - 2:40 Overdrive 4:55 Clean - 5:06 Classic Distortion 6:17 Distortion to Overdrive 6:22 6:48 Overdrive and Distortion 9:32 Fuzz 10:45 switches between Overdrive, Distortion, Fuzz

[@alexb3831]

Thanks 🙏🏽

[@Senhor_Queijo]

Thanks

[@Stonercrab]

Overdrive-Bees Distortion-Angry Bees Fuzz-Very Angry Bees Edit-thanx for the likes

[@anuvabadhikary8200]

Underrated comment

[@frigginjerk]

Overdrive-- bees Distortion-- killer bees Fuzz-- murder hornets

[@101Volts]

Relevant: The Ventures' "The 2,000 Pound Bee" used a Mosrite Fuzzrite Pedal in the early 60s.

[@yasminb.6369]

Overdrive - bees Distortion - wasps Fuzz - hornets

[@MrKaden1217]

Jack white=Bumble buzz

[@bhyland1116]

Marty is the only person who can master the fedora

[@jarovanduren5641]

@EntAsAlways yes it is

[@wendellharlow6811]

Actually, it's not a fedora. That's a porkpie.

[@prkrprtn]

Wendell Harlow it’s actually a trilby, pork pies don’t have dimples

[@noname.___]

Indiana Jones

[@blackstars6512]

Patrick stump

[@ryandunklee8595]

5:02 I was not aware a strat could become so heavy. I like it

[@holiton576]

The strat can do anything. Never doubt the strat.

[@StevenPhillips]

Add a humbucker…. Game on!

[@Geetarishie]

@@midnightcruiser7762 humbuckers are better than single coils that’s why

[@rayross997]

Yes, Marty has small feet but a big heart! Please do a lesson with more on creating a melodic solo over a chord progression?

[@stevengriffin1676]

Yeah! very Sabbath!

[@uptownlive7467]

And he's been such a great inspiration in my music Check out our new KZbin channel Uptown Live Here! kzbin.info/door/eG8JFLZzl3K9Lt-mOHUQbg

[@j-capz1856]

He was pushing the pedals with his sausage not his feet likes to wear a shoe when performing....bahahahaha

[@j-capz1856]

Martt also uses his sausage for those hard to reach cords.

[@Snavels]

@@stevengriffin1676 very jazz rooted

[@magilena2195]

I’ve only ever played ‘clean riffs’. I was thinkin about starting with either an overdrive , fuzz or a distortion pedal and this is the most helpful video i found that explains their differences perfectly!! Thanks Marty! There’s no one like you!

[@bleb5518]

That foot cracked me up. The comedy makes your videos even more worth watching.

[@aaronsmith3484]

Fuzz seems perfect for pissing off the neighbours 😂

[@jackmceleny5372]

0:03 That’s terrifying.

[@seaangler7960]

Jackie Chan hey joe

[@2dchapin527]

It is...

[@yuriibondar3757]

@@seaangler7960 who's Joe?)

[@blacklotus3205]

Yurii Bondar joe mama

[@thrashhh4457]

Is that real lol

[@theohiograssmen]

Just started building pedals recently. Learned alot of guitar techniques and theory from you. Wanted to add that the term "clipping" is what you're referring to. Overdrive clips the peak of the guitar signal, distortion clips a little more but still maintains roundness as you stated, fuzz clips the signal hard. Cutting so much off the signal it essentially squares it off.

[@thomasdeaton8768]

awesome! that's a good clear explanation.

[@6581william]

I like how you put all of this. The only thing I know for sure is that once a tube amp goes into breakup, the peaks are no longer round. I do not know how digital achieves "breakup" or the overdrive effect nor what the waveform looks like. Could it be rounded? Unknown to me. Marty did mention that fuzz had square waveforms and I've seen that too. But something else just occurred to me, when you said "rounded" you may have meant that the majority of the sinewave remains as before, only with the peaks cutoff. Kind of like Herman Munster's head, most normal, just flat on top. lol

[@runningbear1982]

I never understood these terms until you started talking about sine waves and square waves. As an electronic engineer now I completely understand. Thank you Marty.

[@guitaristkuro8898]

Disclaimer: Do not take your $10 starter amp and turn on Overdrive+Distortion! It instantly turned to shrieking feedback and playing with it equals physical pain and suffering to be unleashed on all within earshot. It sounds like the fuzz pedal in the extreme.

[@wisteela]

@@sou_desu8587 A classic

[@yangkerino4473]

can I use a distortion pedal on my 15 watts practice amp?

[@nickm6001]

Chris Yyng obviously, but it depends on what you’re using if it’s a tube amp it’ll be nice, solid state amps and distortion pedals sound like pure shit

[@danielbergok]

Can you take one at a time?

[@clydebuwalda7226]

@@nickm6001 thanks

[@christopherleblanc7458]

As someone with ADHD, seeing him use his hands in correlation with the frame helped. Chefs kiss. Thanks for the amazing content.

[@Jan-kh5lq]

You may have small feet, but whats under the hat?

[@Nomellamodiego]

Jan Protulipac There's a rat pulling his hair.

[@elizabethw.4553]

There's a tumor in the shape of a guitar growing out of his head.

[@sloshed-rat]

It's the same thing under Double-D's sock

[@yeahh8402]

Picks!

[@johnfkay8341]

Male pattern baldness would be my best guess. Not hanging shit, it is the main reason I wear hats

[@ninetoedlizard6650]

Smells Like Emptied Wallets

[@wornstrat5517]

Even in his wallet Even in his wallet Even in his wallet Even in his wallet there was nothing

[@axl2596]

even in his youth even in his youth even in his youth he was nothing

[@samratbose443]

Now we know why you are a teacher and we are students. You gave Not only music knowledge but also the scientific explanation of sounds!!!!

[@MilesQuickster]

That's my drive and the saving grace of information on the internet

[@mrpotat680]

@@MilesQuickster It's your... Overdrive???

[@samnewstead3242]

Still gutted he wasn’t my music teacher back in my school days lol .. the man is the only one on KZbin leading the way without all the unnecessary Bollox .. he’ll drop in just enough leaving the rest to you .. if there’s 5 ways you can play something he’ll leave it to you to decide how you wanna play it instead of someone showing they way they play it and that’s that. If everyone played everything exactly the same music would be boring as hell. As a musician and a teacher I couldn’t ask for better than this absolute legend lol wish I found his channel years before I did lol

[@wyattshook2775]

Overdrive: peasant Distortion: viking Fuzz: wizard

[@DigitalBath306]

electric wizard

[@iarreolav]

Hit me with that fuzz haha

[@ryanrobinson2300]

The very first day I picked up a guitar I came across your work, almost 4 years on and I'm still enjoying it today. Thank you for all the help :)

[@beter-2226]

Same 1.5 year ago

[@dapperbleach1598]

5:07 Swear he was going to play Iron man

[@adamirfan6986]

yes

[@US_Beagle]

He was playing iron man you dungbeetle

[@Bafftubz10]

@@US_Beagle that word hurts y'know

[@US_Beagle]

@@Bafftubz10 my names Tyrone, fuck that cancer shit man

[@chrisdunne838]

Black sabbath are notorious for copyright stiking anyone who uses their music on youtube. Marty knew if he played any more he could kiss goodbye to that sweet sweet monetization

[@dictatorrich3412]

I love putting my big muff on like 2 for the sustain, and my tubescreamer on like 8 for drive at the same time. The tone is absolutely nuts. It gives you that smashing pumpkins kinda vibe.

[@Gma7788]

Wrong. You still can't hear the difference between distortion and fuzz. You should be ashamed of yourselves. It's been 50 years and you still haven't learnt how to activate the fuzz part. You've been ripped off, or exploited by manufacturers.

[@eliteretribution1971]

5:57 shows you how much Marty really loves guitar

[@waynerguitar4783]

Could we have a full lesson for War Pigs please?

[@katiepowers107]

Yes! I so agree with you

[@jonprolo1230]

Agreed

[@peepo571]

Please do a War Pigs lesson! I'd love you for that!

[@alfonzomoore9771]

Plzz

[@araleker]

Pleaseeeeeeeeeee

[@adityarajbasistha377]

the way he played voodoo child was the best voodoo child version i ever heard

[@samirpathan5535]

Cause you might not know, Voodoo Chile Blues. And that's what he played.

[@JoaquinEchaniz]

listen to Divididos' version. ice cold killa

[@josedejesussanchezverdin7225]

@@samirpathan5535 exaclty what I thought

[@K4H_974]

Jimi Hendrix Best Voodoo Chile

[@Bless_darealone]

Someones never heard stevie ray vaughan live at el mocambo

[@tdtom1376]

the foot! the Face At 5:52... and how you made a strat sound like Iommi's SG! thumbs up

[@lild4131998]

td tom Did you know the first two Sabbath albums were recorded on a Strat?

[@tdtom1376]

did not recall that ...now getting re-educated... after all these years.

[@lild4131998]

td tom Yeah that's the power of a Strat all the tone you need lol.

[@moonburst9434]

td tom i can make my jazzmaster sounds like iommi's SG with the big muff pedal easily

[@tommoore9265]

Comic Lover His strat broke during the recording of their first album. He used it on the wicked world recording, but I don't believe it was used for much more than that. I didn't want to be that guy but it had to be said

[@violenttugboat3923]

The only guitar teacher I've found that does more than just tell me were to put my fingers to play a song. Thanks Marty. This content actually helps alot. The more I'm understanding the mechanics of a guitar and accessories the more I enjoy playing.

[@canismajoris6733]

probably because you haven't been looking very hard

[@Divianne]

I found my way back to your channel today. Learnt to play guitar watching your videos as a lefty almost 10 years ago

[@sonsofliberty3081]

The fuzz are people who come after you when you break the law

[@vanfigs]

What a great demo. So clearly explained. Thanks for all the years of great lessons!

[@Kamel419]

i can no longer hear after this demonstration, but i saw you point down so i think you were saying leave a comment... great explanation, loved it!

[@aaronbeisel8725]

The foot made brought a smile to my face - nice to see someone with a clean sense of humor now days! As I'm sure you've noticed, your old channel, GJ, must be desperately hanging on bc anytime they repost a vid of yours, they put some smut pic on the cover, which I feel is a tactic to get views. You have definitely worked extremely hard to get where you are, thank you for your perseverance! You have helped an unfathomable amount of ppl learn guitar, and you explain things in a way that is clear and concise! I personally enjoy your theory vids, and I think those have helped me "branch out" the most. Thanks again Marty!

[@kingdedede1715]

Link to channel? 👀

[@scummydummy]

Best video I seen so far in regards to actually showing the difference 1 after the other as to be able to really hear the difference. Some ppl will play the overdrive then talk then play distortion then talk then fuzz. It's allt easier to hear it 1 after another to a more beginner-leaning player.

[@dvnnyb0y]

Marty has gotta be one of the best teachers out there. I learned acoustic from him and when I took beginners guitar freshman year I was way more advanced than most in the class.

[@jpearce648]

Can anyone else just not imagine seeing Marty without his hat

[@garyandrew5880]

Thank you Marty for your videos. I played guitar in high school for a few years now I am 70 and decided to start playing again. Keep up the good work.

[@Gma7788]

It's not good work. It's actually WRONG advice. The fuzz part hasn't activated yet.

[@sparky47807]

I don't care how many times I have seen this or how bad of a night I am having, I laugh my head off because of the tiny foot. This video is one I have saved for when I need a laugh.

[@coolguy2873]

5:07, When you wanted a Les Paul for Christmas but got a Fender Strat. (Because single coils will hum a lot with a lot of distortion)

[@moritzholler461]

Every time he turned on the OCD I was just like: Ahhh, that’s how (my taste of) music has to sound like.😂

[@jamescantrell1921]

Being a beginner at age 56 isnt what i had in mind 40 years ago., but its never to late to start. Ive built stages for the biggest and best in rock and country music for 35years. my friend found a guitar the the dumpster that was unplayable and gave it to me to fix(kind of a joke) well I fixed it alright $1200 later, i might as well learn to play it right? 1990 Ibenez Z silver cadet....I shaved the body made it lighter,new everything, wired it myself and bought several different effects pedals to play with not knowing what did what. I hand painted the face into the baddest skull monster rock eating fool with bloody horns, wish there was an attachment thing to send a pic. Thanks for the learning lesson, i just got the super fuzz and digital multi fx, and heavy metal distortion in the mail from sweetwater all by behringer and boss distortion to go with mini echo, reverb and inline tuner....IN.what order should the effects padels go from guitar to amp on the board?

[@pumpkinpiecrust8435]

Thats awesome man, good stuff. You rock 🔥

[@inkman102]

tuner -> Multifx -> distortion -> delay -> reverb -> out, you can also change it up quite a bit, there's plenty of guides out there

[@getampedmiku12]

Damn grandpa you are cool

[@user-kn3tx9pg3e]

would like to see the pic of your guitar tbh. can you upload in on some web service and paste the link over here?

[@TheRatic0n]

This was exactly what i was looking for when exploring the differences in the guitar sounds through the ages. I was specifically looking for answers to how Norman Greenbaum made the unique sounds in "Spirit in the sky", but this video got me a whole lot further in my quest. Thanks!

[@conz000]

love that impromptu zeppelin, sabbath medley. delicious \ m / \ m /

[@OryXIII]

you can obviously tell he had way more fun with the distortion pedal than the other two.

[@damonlove8]

This is the most helpful video regarding the differences and comparison between these pedals since he played the same song/tune while using the different pedals.

[@47tonymoon]

Hey Marty! Still my favorite online teacher. Can you do a video on how to manipulate amp settings to mimic songs. When i learn a song (usually from you haha) i have trouble getting the tones right. Thanks!

[@lordghast1845]

That distortion pedal OCD is really good sounding! Maybe I'll get one 😁

[@davidlalremruata]

Overdrive plus Distortion with preamp on 11 ! Pick up selector on every pick ups! Tone maxed, vol maxed! And dive into that knife edge sharp Brown Sugar riff... My kinda Rock n Roll 😁😎

[@Hologhoul]

I haven't encountered fuzz at that level since I asked my girlfriend to go natural for a while

[@Charon7369]

Nah bro nah

[@whydoihavetousemyrealname305]

that’s hot

[@broseph421]

you don't have to lie to be cool

[@wids]

I bet you thought this was a bar

[@ar268]

These videos are literal lifesavers! They're funny, informative and easy to follow all at the same time. Thank you so much! :)

[@jazzmo5893]

thay're all great, but the fuzz on a stage immediately transports the audience to another dimension. people feel something is going to happen. my favorites: big muff (that same one you used), tube screamer (ts9 ibanez) and I'm in love with the metal core (boss) :D

[@leek4127]

Oh look! My 3 most favourite words!

[@niklasjanen3563]

Leek only delay is missing

[@jasonsalter65]

Sabbath, to Zeppelin, back to Sabbath, I love it!

[@BryWy]

I appreciate that your clean tone is clean and not too much reverb.

[@taterisshort9731]

I was so mad when he didn’t finish iron man.😅😅

[@81ghale]

Man I bet your neighbors love you lol! I wonder if I can get away with this in my apartment? Love that Strat!

[@justinwallen2911]

I love the OCD pedal but the fuzz pedal nope. I love how you do your videos thanks

[@aracelypech6246]

Omgggg the foot 😂😂 mannnn I love this channel

[@neonbreon]

Perfect video for this. I have a Big Muff Pie v4 I found in 1982 lying on the floor in my dorm hallway after everyone moved out. Problem is doesn't have a true bypass. So on my board I have MXR Custom Badass OD & 78 Distortion pedals stacked. Your video is gonna make me take out my old BMP and plug it in, as man yours @9:19 "sounds bad in a good way", and it really did!

[@spikenolin]

Who do I send my chiropractic bill to after falling off my chair laughing at the small foot clicking the pedal! LOL

[@JumpingTurtle77]

Mike Guntzburger the chiropractor duh

[@paulhebard6420]

Appreciate the explanation about the differences between distortion, overdrive, and fuzz. Starting to delve into pedals and this really helped to clarify things. Loved the foot;)

[@MinakitCannel]

Can you do a new lesson on war pigs? 5:50

[@katiepowers107]

Yes! I so agree with you!

[@CP-mb2ge]

Marty, loved the way you switched between the three at the end. Thanks!!

[@user-cn9sn7zp1m]

1:10 That’s exactly the begging of John Lennon’s “I Found Out” 😂

[@ThibautVDP]

Oh man, do you have any idea how difficult it is to get a proper explanation of these? This video is a perfect explanation and demonstration, plus the extra goodness of explaining and showing combinations! Thank you so much, Marty!

[@morganriddiford2646]

Besides the first and third drum teachers I’ve had, you’re definitely the best music teacher I’ve ever had the pleasure to learn from. And especially free! You are sweet

[@gfd7469]

Your right compression gives you sustain but only depression will give you disdain.🤘🤓

[@mikeandbillietaylor5008]

I’m just past when most people quit. Lol I’m 47..... Never to late I suppose. Anyway Thank you Marty

[@joeshmoe7967]

No quitting!! I am pushing 60 and just started busking on the streets. Making cash, and entertaining folks. This video makes me want to dig up my old Big Muff Pi and rock it out on the streets. 47, I wish I was only 47...... - Cheers

[@bayareablues2255]

LOL I hope it's not true what they say about foot size! Another great video. Thanks, Marty.

[@rubberscuomo]

So like metal genres. Overdrive: Heavy Metal Distortion: Death Metal Fuzz: Scandinavian Metal.

[@metallyill697]

it's more like Overdrive: Rock N Roll Distortion: Heavy Metal Fuzz: Grunge/Nu Metal

[@KRAZEEIZATION]

Gorgeous strat. The red and rosewood is so cool.

[@griffinchapman7835]

Love the Audioslave with the Fuzz pedal. Good stuff

[@ryanfagan8503]

Great video. Marty getting lost in war pigs and forgetting about the camera...priceless

[@necurrence1776]

Clean boost < MXR Dyna Comp < Ibanez Tubescreamer < Fulltone OCD < Boss DS1 < Boss Metalzone < Big Muff < Dunlop Fuzz Face < A beehive plugged into a Line 6 Spider

[@goshhowhorrible8340]

that tone at 5:06!!

[@pcruth]

Every time I hear your improvised solos I become more convinced that you are a straight up master.

[@uclajd]

Tony Iommi, one of the most underrated guitarists ever!

[@madornery]

I love how it's described with special effects but there just isn't any in post production. Its perfect. 1:14

[@stallownedstallion825]

Marty...I didnt want your opening blues jam to stop. Iommi smiled.

[@michaelandersonfinance]

Great video man! You showed and let us listen without word salad. I’m new to effects and this is exactly what I needed!

[@Owen_plays_music1049]

5:10 Black Sabbath with a Strat, sounds nice !

[@jimmyharper610]

I've watched a bunch of your videos and have never commented before, but I must say you're just having too much fun "working" like this.......smile

[@ValentinoNuzzoliArt]

Lesson on "Blow Up The Outside World" - Soundgarden please!

[@danielmarti1459]

that bit of cochise from audio slave at around 9:55 really just melted my brain hahaha

[@IkBenSuperLief]

I like the fuzz sound in the song Summer Breeze !

[@joeshmoe7967]

I bought the Big Muff Pi when I was in Grade 11 back in '78. It was about $50 CAD in 1978 dollars. I was never overly impressed with it but it was what I could afford. Now I am seeing all over youtube, and as a guy who NEVER throws anything away, I need to dig it up!. I busk with and acoustic guitar and Fender Junior GO amp, but once in awhile it would be fun to throw in in some classic fuzz. - Cheers

[@kennethmills5470]

Loved the Black Sabbath playing!!

[@juanleon2732]

man, I am a newbie on this and I loved the way you explained things here. Thank you very much!

[@sleepy4x]

Now finally I understand the difference!

[@thetrueguitargod1]

I've been playing for damn near 14 years and Marty is a treasure trove of info. Thanx so much for good no watered down educational AND entertaining content. Great stuff, to say the very least 👌

[@loisvs781]

Thanks for the class. I appreciate this. Trying to get into different sounds. Had no idea where to start.

[@rileykilian4860]

Marty you're hilarious, thank you for making learning guitar even more fun than it already is

[@alecmosser143]

I know it’s been a while since this was posted but as someone who is new to pedals in general could you do a video on what amp settings would go best with each individually as well as if you were planning on using all of them without changing amp settings? Thanks Marty!

[@darrenkeenan506]

Absolutely brilliant ….thank you for the education on a subject I was thinking about today …..seriously you answered all my questions

[@harfenspieler]

I'm a harpist, but I needed to know this. :D Thanks for the explanation!

[@lincolndunn5938]

People still play that?

[@harfenspieler]

@@lincolndunn5938 We do. But sometimes not like one might think… :-) kzbin.info/www/bejne/janKqJt5e8l7msU

[@lincolndunn5938]

Harfenspieler 👍

[@Suckmyballsskank]

I have a Jim dunlop mini fuzz face,,,ds1,,,and sd1 .ALL I do is dime the volume and fuzz to max on the mini fuzz face which you have to do to wake it up....then if I want distortion I dial back the volume on the guitar...and if I want overdrive I dial the volume down a little bit more.Having said that Im playing into a Fender tone master twin reverb one of the best amps around

[@rhyswearne9308]

I had a mini eargasm when you kicked both the distortion and the overdrive on 🤘🏼😍

[@riverw4721]

I'm glad I got recommended this! I've been using software amps and there are so many different sounds, and it can take forever to get the sound I'm looking for. This has helped me narrow it down for sure.

[@jigneshsurti8889]

Sir, please suggest me a good multi effects pedal which can cover all these pedals like overdrive,distortion , looper, drums , recording ( interface type ) etc .. ) below $300 . Thank u.