Think about the signal chain with a typical electric guitar set-up. It includes:

• Guitar (wood, shape, chambers, fixed neck/bolt-on neck, etc)
• Strings (metals, freshness, shape, gauge)
• Instrument cable
• Guitar amplifier
• Guitar FX/effects pedals
• Speaker drivers
• Speaker cabinet
• Room reflections

Out of all of them, I believe that the amplifier section is the single most crucial element in the chain regarding tone.

FX Pedals

I'm discounting the guitar FX. Effects pedals are often used to change the tone drastically. They have their place, but good tone should come from the amplifier first. Then you can change it. There are a few pedals that are used to make the most of an amp. We'll discuss those another day.

Bass Guitar

The content of this article is equally relevant to bass guitar.