Sometimes all you need to do is bring the faders up, set some simple EQ, compression, and reverb, and the mix falls into place. Other times, a more creative approach yields exciting results that better match the mood and rhythmic pulse of the song.  

Recently, working on a song, I found myself in the latter situation. I set up some basic amp modelling, tape processing, and reverb on a guitar solo. I adjusted the levels for a suitable blend, and it sounded nice. But who wants just "nice”?

The track had an interesting pumping synth accompaniment that gave a distinctive swelling effect on each offbeat. It created a swaying back and forth feeling, like waves washing up and rolling back from the shore. I wanted the guitar solo to reflect and enhance this feeling. 

I set up a send on the guitar track and went to work on the effects bus. Follow along in this video to see the direction I took after chaining together several interesting effects plug-ins to get a unique sounding rolling set of repeats.