signal chain

A signal chain is the path a guitar's signal takes through a series of effects pedals and other gear¹. Placement within it matters: broad stroke effects with the most dramatic impact on sound are ideally placed toward the front, while narrow stroke effects that refine details go toward the end¹. Some pedals are designed for specific positions, such as boosts placed at the end of the chain for volume boost and amp input overdrive, or before an overdrive for gain and sustain². Other pedals are described as working anywhere in the chain regardless of position³.