How do I distort my guitar? I'm a newbie.?

[butterstixies]

I don't know much about guitars but does gain have much to do with distortion? Because, I just realized that for some reason, my amp doesn't have gain. Will I still be able to get a distorted sound? Or do I have to settle for another amp. Also, would distortion pedals make the same effect?

 

[Drummer435]

Well to get a distortion guitar sound you will need either a distortion or over-drive channel of your amp or a distortion pedal. No, you do not need to settle for another amp as you can easily get a distortion pedal. As the guy above me has posted, the Boss DS-1 will do you fine. It's built very well and has quite a range of sound. However, you must know that you will not be able to get a good over-drive sound. Yes, I know as I own one. Also, the quality of the sound depends on the guitar and amp you are using. If you're on a budget then I would also recommend you the Digitech Hot Head, a great deal for the money. If you are not and have about $150 to spend on a distortion pedal I would recommend you the fulltone catalyst.

 

[Deckard]

Get yourself a good distortion pedal. I use a Boss DS-1. Built like a brick!

You're not going to get any different sound in an amp from a distortion pedal until you move into the high dollar tube amps. I say just pick up a distortion pedal, shouldn't cost more than 50 bucks, as opposed to 150 plus for a new amp. For scale, tube amps are in the $500 plus range.