EFFECTS 101: Compressor

Compressors are subtle-but-essential guitar effects and are very common on stage and indispensable in the studio. Johnny DeMarco shows how these vital guitar pedals work, and how to use them for your music.

[Ockeroid]

I've never seen a more sensual compressor tutorial

[TheDankCat]

I encountered this dude at the Boss/Roland booth at a guitar show years ago and can tell you that this is not an act; he’s just like this irl lol.

[AlexHand]

He should have done this review in a candlelit bath.

[jep]

Let's be reasonable here, guys.
This is a 101 and the man does a good job.
Fine player, on top of that.

[Finulian]

Just going to say publicly that I fucking love this guy. When I was first starting out, these videos helped me understand which effects I was looking for to emulate the tones I wanted. His Bob Ross-like style of explaining the intricacies of these pedals, as well as giving practical examples of what the controls do played a massive role in making me the guitarist I am today.

The dude also plays some mean guitar.

[willamwright]

I love this guy. Straight to the point. No 20 minute video to explain you something in 3

[nuberiffic]

and what a lot of people don't know, is that you can open this little compartment, and stash your weed in there

[JimmyRunningDog]

I took a few lessons from Johnny, great player and teacher, really nice guy. He was a winner of the Best Guitarist in Cleveland competition. He did a two handed version of Sinatra's New York a la Stanley Jordan among other things to win that one.

[visiblemode]

These videos are really great for clear, concise summaries of what different pedals do. Some people on here are completely unappreciative of your great work. Their loss. Keep it up!

[jerboymustdie]

You've got a sweet Sesame Street kind of voice.

[Real_Boye]

This dude is chill af and I can't believe this video is almost ten years old! The quality is amazing!

[coldbrrains]

this guy is like the Mister Rogers of Rock and Roll.

[tofusauce]

He's compressing his voice as he's speaking to us

[demonrouge]

Great job. This video told me exactly what a compressor was for and that’s why I came here. Thank you.

[drkevns]

I think he's reading the script in my soul.

[aironklentcagatin]

The most clear explanation about how a compressor pedal work. Very easy to understand. I may be 11 years late but I must say I am very grateful for this guy.

[bartosz]

Very well explained. What I like most - he explains what the nature of a effect is and it's influence on the guitar's sound. Uses simple methods - speaks about how it works, how to use it. He shows clear, noticeable differences between each knob purpose. Short, solid video.

[scrotumleech]

finally a guy who actually "explains" what the pedal does..and shows examples..nice..thanks dude..i need one a these..to tighten all the loose noise..

[rickschneider]

Perfect delivery of what the pedal does and not a half hour explanation of your own likes and dislikes. Great audio examples of the control knobs functions. Thank you Johnny Demarco for giving me the facts and letting me decide for myself what I need as a musician!! Well done!!

[lobsterwhisperer]

This has to be the best bunch of no-nonsense guitar pedal videos ever put together.