What if I told you a single, perfectly timed echo can make your guitar sound like it’s straight out of a vintage record? That’s the beauty of slapback delay. But if you don’t dial it in just right, you risk turning that beauty into a muddy mess.
So, how do you create a slapback delay that’s crisp, clear, and dripping with that classic tone? Whether you’re chasing the warmth of the old days or looking to add a bit of space to your guitar tone, learning how to create slapback delay properly is a game-changer.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the essential settings and techniques for creating a slapback delay and replicating those classic guitar tones of the past. If you’re new to the concept, be sure to check out our full guide on What Is Slapback Delay? to get a solid understanding before diving in.
Table of Contents
The Settings: How To Create Slapback Delay
To get that classic slapback sound from your delay pedal, you need to focus on three key settings: slapback delay time, feedback, and mix. Let’s take a look at how to set them up.
How to Set Slapback Delay Time
Set your delay time between 60 and 120 milliseconds to create that quick ‘slap’ sound. If your pedal uses note values instead of milliseconds, go for a quarter-note triplet or an eighth note at faster tempos.
As with all pedal settings, this isn’t an exact science, so be prepared to experiment. At the lower end of this range, you’ll get a tighter, more percussive sound. While at the higher end, around 120 ms, you’ll get a more spacious feel.
How to Set Slapback Delay Feedback and Mix Levels
Next, adjust your feedback control. For true slapback echo, set this to zero or very close to it. However, keep in mind that some pedals might need a slight amount of feedback to produce one repeat, so use your ears and listen for a clear single echo rather than multiple repeats.
Finally, you need to set your mix level. I like to put my delayed signal at roughly 30-50% of my dry signal. This balance usually allows the slapback to thicken and affect my tone without being too overpowering.
Additional Tips
- If your pedal has a modulation option, try adding a slight amount to give your slapback delay a more vintage delay tone.
- Remember that your guitar, amp, and other effects in the chain will influence how the slapback sounds. Experiment with these settings in different contexts to find the perfect match for your setup.
- You might want to keep the mix level slightly lower in live performances to make sure the slapback delay doesn’t overwhelm the main signal.
The image is for illustration purposes only. Every delay pedal will have different positions for slapback settings.
Slapback Delay Settings for Different Genres
Different musical styles often call for variations in slapback delay settings. Here are some examples you can try:
Rockabilly (twangy)
For that classic Sun Records slapback rockabilly sound, start with an 80ms delay time, zero (or very low) feedback, and a 40% mix. This setup gives you the punchy, rhythmic slapback that defines the genre.
Indie Rock (atmospheric)
To create a more atmospheric effect, push the delay time settings to 100-120ms. Adding a bit of reverb can enhance the spaciousness and depth, giving your sound a modern indie feel.
Blues (warm)
For a warm, subtle tone, set your delay to 60-70ms with a mix level of around 25-30%. This lets the slapback gently thicken your playing without overpowering the natural sound of your guitar.
Remember, these settings are just starting points. Your playing style, guitar, and amp will all affect how the slapback sounds, so feel free to tweak these settings until you find a sound you love.
Pedal Placement for Slapback Tone
Whether you’re using a digital or analog delay pedal, the position in your signal chain and pedalboard setup can significantly impact the sound of your slapback delay.
Delay Before Overdrive
Placing your slapback delay pedal before your overdrive gives you a more subtle effect. In this position, the delayed signal is slightly overdriven, creating a warmer, more blended tone.
This works well for genres like blues or classic rock, where you want the slapback to blend in with your overall sound.
Delay After Overdrive
Positioning your delay pedal after the overdrive produces a more pronounced slapback effect. This is my preferred order because it preserves the clarity of the delayed signal, helping it stand out more in the mix.
This setup is particularly useful for genres like rockabilly or surf rock, where the slapback is a defining characteristic of the guitar tone. I find that placing the delay after overdrive also makes the effect more versatile, especially when working with higher-gain sounds.
Feel free to experiment with your pedal order. Try placing the slapback delay at different points in your signal chain to discover your favorite positions and sounds.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Finally, I wanted to include a list of mistakes I repeatedly made when learning to use slapback delay effectively in my guitar playing. Hopefully, these can help you get up and running a lot quicker than I did.
Less is More
When it comes to a great slapback delay sound, restraint is key. Keep your feedback settings low to avoid cluttering things. A single, clean repeat is the hallmark of classic slapback. If your feedback is too high, it will quickly muddy your tone and overshadow your playing, especially in faster or more complex passages.
Don’t Get Too Wet
Don’t let your slapback overpower your dry signal. Start with a relatively low mix level, around 30-40%, and adjust from there. You’re looking to create depth and dimension without losing the attack of your playing.
Finding the Right Milliseconds
While the 60-120 ms range is a good starting point, don’t be afraid to play around with this. Even small adjustments of 5-10 ms can make a big difference.
Pay attention to how the delay interacts with your playing style and tempo. A slightly too-long delay can create an unwanted “drag” effect, while one that’s too short might not stand out.
Where Will Your Slapback Take You?
Slapback delay is a lot more than just a vintage delay tone. It’s a tool for exploration and injecting personality into your playing. But beyond the settings and signal chains, there’s a deeper question: What does your slapback delay say about your sound?
Every tweak and adjustment you make isn’t just about recreating the past sounds of other musicians. It’s about finding your own voice in the echoes and discovering something that works well and enhances your sound.
So, while you experiment with delay times and mix levels, think about what you’re trying to do. Do you want the warmth of vintage, the punch of rhythm, or the added space that lets your notes breathe?
