This guide shows how to route selected guitar strings to a separate pedal chain, so you can apply different effects to different strings. It lets you do things like keep low strings clean and punchy while sending only the high strings to reverb or delay, or send just one string to distortion for a lead voice.
The core idea is simple: split the guitar into two outputs, then decide which strings go to Output 1 and which go to Output 2.
What this guide does
By the end you’ll be able to:
Route some strings to one pedal chain and the rest to another
Keep effects from washing out your whole chord
Do common setups like reverb on high strings only, octave on low strings only, and distortion on one string only
What you need
SubPro pickup (recommended for this guide)
- SubPro adaptor cable + Y-split cable, so you get two normal 1/4" outputs
-
Two effects chains:
FX chain A (for Channel 1)
FX chain B (for Channel 2)
Two destinations (amps, DI channels, or interface inputs), or a mixer/interface where you can blend
You do not need stereo pedals for this. Two separate mono chains are enough.
Quick cabling (do this first)
Split immediately after the SubPro so each channel can hit its own pedals.
SubPro
↓
adaptor cable
↓
Y-split cable
↙ ↘
Chain A Chain B
Once you have two 1/4" jacks, everything after that is just normal guitar cabling.
Signal flow
Chain A Chain B
↓ ↓
Drive Delay
↓ ↓
Amp L Amp R
That is the whole trick. Everything else is just choosing which strings go to which channel.
Choose which strings go to which chain
Start simple. The easiest first setup is:
Output 1: low strings (often E, A, D) - keep this chain fairly dry and defined
Output 2: high strings (often G, B, high E) - put your reverb/delay/shimmer here
Why it works: the lows stay clear, and the effects only decorate the top of the chord.
If you want a more extreme “two instruments” feel, use fewer strings on the special chain. One or two strings can be shockingly effective.
Example setups (copy these first)
Use one of these before you invent your own.
Example 1 - Reverb on high strings only
Output 1 (low strings): clean or lightly compressed
Output 2 (high strings): reverb (and optional delay)
Result: big ambient top strings, clear low-end.
Example 2 - Octave on low E only
Output 1 (low E only): octave down + compression
Output 2 (everything else): your normal guitar chain
Result: a bass layer that tracks better because the octave pedal only sees one string.
Example 3 - Distortion on one string only (lead voice)
Output 1 (one string, often B or high E): distortion + delay
Output 2 (everything else): clean chain or off
Result: you can “play lead” without stomping a footswitch.
Example 4 - Clean low strings, dirty high strings
Output 1: low strings clean
Output 2: high strings distortion (and optional delay)
Result: rhythm stays tight while the top strings cut through.
Step-by-step
Split the guitar into two outputs (CH1 and CH2).
Decide which strings belong to each output.
Route Output 1 to pedal chain A.
Route Output 2 to pedal chain B.
-
Do the mute test:
mute Output 2: you should only hear the strings assigned to Output 1
mute Output 1: you should only hear the strings assigned to Output 2
-
Balance the chains:
make the dry chain your reference level
bring the wet/lead chain up until it feels musical, then stop
increase effect mix before you increase gain
Troubleshooting
Both outputs sound the same
You may not be splitting into two separate outputs
Check that you are not summing both signals into one mono input
One side is much quieter
Use fewer strings on that side
Check gain staging on the first device after the split
The effects feel messy or wash out the chord
Reduce reverb/delay first
Use fewer strings on the effects chain
Keep one chain simple and controlled
Octave or pitch effects glitch
Use one string if possible
Strengthen the input level and reduce treble into the pitch pedal
FAQ
How do I put reverb on only the top strings?
Send only the G, B and high E strings to Output 2, and put reverb on that output. Keep the low strings on Output 1 with little or no reverb.
How do I send my low E string to an octave pedal only?
Route only the low E string to Output 1, then patch Output 1 into the octave pedal. Keep all other strings on Output 2.
How do I run two pedal chains from one guitar?
You need two separate outputs from the guitar.For this you will need a specialist multichannel guitar pickup like SubPro. Output 1 goes to pedal chain A and Output 2 goes to pedal chain B, then you send them to two inputs (amps, DI, or interface).
How do I split a guitar signal into two outputs?
Use a pickup like SubPro, that provides two independent signals, then break it out into two separate mono 1/4" outputs before the pedalboard.
Why do both channels sound the same?
Most often the two signals are being combined somewhere. Check for a mono pedal, mono input, or passive combining after the split.
How do I keep low strings dry and high strings wet?
Put low strings on Output 1 and keep that chain dry. Put high strings on Output 2 and run reverb/delay there. Balance levels so the wet side supports rather than dominates.
Can I put distortion on one string only?
Yes. Route a single string to Output 1 and run distortion on that output. Keep the rest of the strings on Output 2.
How do I stop effects from washing out my whole chord?
Use fewer strings on the effects chain, reduce reverb/delay, and keep the other chain dry so the chord still has definition.
What is the easiest setup to start with?
Low strings dry on Output 1, high strings to reverb on Output 2, then balance the wet side quietly under the dry side.
Do I need stereo pedals for this?
No. Two separate mono chains are enough. Stereo is optional.
