From distorted grunge riffs to the crystalline harmonies of new wave, from Nirvana to The Police to The Cure, the chorus effect has often been an instrument of sonic experimentation, contributing to the fame of certain iconic styles in music history.
What is a chorus pedal?
The chorus pedal adds a specific sonic texture to your guitar, recreating the impression of a sound played by several instruments simultaneously, giving the illusion of a chorus. This effect is often used to broaden the sound and add a touch of brilliance to the guitar.
How does chorus work?
The chorus works by duplicating the original guitar signal, then slightly modulating the pitch of this copy. This subtle variation creates the impression of multiple sound sources playing simultaneously. Chorus pedals generally offer controls for adjusting modulation speed, effect depth and sometimes tone to customize the sound to your preferences.
A little history…
The chorus effect emerged in the 1970s as a sonic innovation for guitarists. One of the first commercially available chorus pedals was Boss’s CE-1 Chorus Ensemble, released in 1976. It quickly gained popularity, not least thanks to guitarists like Andy Summers of The Police, who used chorus to create distinctive sounds. In the 1980s, the chorus effect exploded in popularity with the advent of alternative rock and new wave. Classic pedals such as the TC Electronic SCF and Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress also marked this era. Since then, the chorus has evolved with the advent of digital pedals offering greater versatility, while remaining a must-have for guitarists looking to add a spacious, rich dimension to their sound.
Analog or digital?
Chorus pedals can be analog or digital, each offering distinct advantages. Analog chorus pedals are appreciated for their sonic warmth and organic character. Conversely, digital chorus pedals offer greater versatility and advanced functionality, often with the ability to store presets for easy access to your favorite settings.
The different types of chorus
Classic chorus
Classic chorus recreates the sound of a vocal choir, adding a slight modulation to the pitch of the original signal. This is the basic effect found in many chorus pedals.
Chorus flanger
Chorus flanger combines chorus and flanger effects, producing unique sound textures with more pronounced modulation.
Vibrato chorus
Vibrato chorus adds modulation to both the pitch and volume of the signal, creating an undulating, vibrating effect.
Leslie” chorus
Inspired by the famous Leslie rotary loudspeaker, this effect simulates rotary motion for a rich, moving sound.
Chorus tri-stereo
This advanced variant creates a three-dimensional chorus effect, ideal for guitarists seeking to explore more experimental sound textures.
Where to place the chorus on your pedalboard?
The most common location for the chorus pedal on the pedalboard is after gain pedals (such as distortion or overdrive) and before more complex modulation effects (such as delay or tremolo). Placing the chorus pedal after the gain pedals accentuates the harmonics added by the chorus effect while maintaining clarity. Experimenting with different placements can help you find the optimum configuration for the sound you’re after! Check out our article on pedalboard chaining.
Some artists known for using Chorus
Andy Summers (The Police)
The Police guitarist Andy Summers is famous for his creative use of the chorus, notably in the distinctive riff on “Message in a Bottle”.
Nirvana and “Come As You Are
Nirvana’s iconic song “Come As You Are” features a memorable use of the chorus, adding a hypnotic atmosphere to the guitar riff played by Kurt Cobain on his Small Clone.
John Petrucci
Dream Theater guitar virtuoso John Petrucci frequently incorporates chorus into his arsenal of effects, creating complex soundscapes. He even has a signature pedal: the TC Electronic The Dreamscape, signed John Petrucci.
Robert Smith (The Cure)
Robert Smith of The Cure popularized the use of the chorus in post-punk and new wave, helping to define his band’s distinctive sound.
The Edge (U2) and his Shimmer
U2 guitarist The Edge is famous for his distinctive use of chorus. In songs like “With or Without You”, he created an effect called “shimmer” by combining chorus with delay pedals, producing an atmospheric reverberation that has become emblematic of his style.
Some emblematic chorus pedals
Boss CE-2 chorus ensemble
Originally designed for use with the JC-120 Jazz Chorus amp, the Boss CE-2 is a classic reference, known for its warm, organic chorus. Considered to be the first chorus pedal, it was used by many artists of the ’80s.
TC Electronic Corona Chorus
TC Electronic’s Corona Chorus offers a wide variety of chorus sounds, from subtle modulation to more expressive effects.
Electro-Harmonix Small Clone
Popularized by Kurt Cobain, Electro-Harmonix’s Small Clone produces a rich, lustrous chorus, becoming a must-have for grunge fans.
MXR M234 Analog Chorus
The MXR M234 offers a high-quality analog chorus sound with simple controls, ideal for those looking for an efficient, easy-to-use pedal.
Walrus Audio Julia
The Walrus Julia is an analog chorus pedal renowned for its versatility, offering warm, organic modulations as well as creative chorus and vibrato possibilities.
Chorus – how to add another dimension to your guitar sound!
Whether you’re drawn to the vintage sound of an analog chorus or the infinite possibilities of a digital model, adding a chorus pedal to your setup can open up new sonic dimensions for your guitar playing.
Feel free to share your favorite chorus pedals and experiences in the comments!
