The Zoom G2 is a guitar multi-effects processor. It includes a broad variety of effects for distorting and modulating your guitar sound. But the G2 also can be used to create basic compositions, using its multi-tap delay, or "Phrase looper." The effect records a few seconds of playing, then loops it back at a consistent pace. This allows you to solo over your own playing, building up layers of musical phrases.
Connect the output jack of your guitar to the input jack on the far right of the G2's rear panel. Connect a pair of headphones to the "Output" jack, or use a second instrument cable to connect the G2 to an amplifier. Connect the AC adapter to the socket on the far left of the rear panel, and plug the adapter into a power socket. Slide the "Power" toggle switch on the rear panel to "On." Power on the amplifier and turn up the volume. The relative volumes of each of the G2 patches can vary dramatically from one to the next. So it's advisable to set your amplifier volume slightly lower than normal.
Press the up and down foot-switches to select any of the preset patches. The looper can be turned on and off independent from the other effects, so choose any sound you like. The looping function is classified as a Reverb unit, so all the other effects categories still can be used as normal. Turn the "Effect Module Select" knob to "Reverb." Press the down arrow in the pair of "Bank" keys four times, until the display shows "nd," signifying Multi-Tap delay.
Use the three dials at the top right of the unit's top panel to control the looping settings. The first dial is used to set the "Time," or the length of the looping phrase. The second dial switches between a number of different rhythmic pulses that are used to control the playback of the loop. For a straight phrase looper, leave it set to one. The third dial controls the feedback level of the recorded loop. This should be set to 100 percent to create a uniform volume level across all the recorded loops.
Tip
If you have the dedicated Zoom expression pedal, it can be assigned to control the feedback level. This will allow you to create "Violining" effects on the delayed notes. Turn the feedback level down to zero by rocking the pedal back. Then strike a note, and bring the pedal forward to bleed in the note.
References
Writer Bio
Matt Gerrard began writing in 2002, initially contributing articles about college student culture to "The Gateway" magazine, many of which were republished on the now-defunct Plinth blog. Since then, Gerrard has worked as a technician for musicians, educators, chemists and engineers. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in music technology from DeMontfort University.
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