Lesson 20 — Distortion: Types & Harmonics
Distortion adds harmonics, aggression, and presence when used intentionally.
How Distortion Works
Distortion clips or reshapes a waveform, adding harmonics and changing timbre. Small amounts add warmth; larger amounts add aggression.
Common Distortion Types
- Overdrive — gentle warmth, guitar amps, tubes.
- Saturation — analog-style soft clipping, thickens lows/mids.
- Fuzz — hard clipping, aggressive square-like harmonics.
- Bit-crusher — reduces bit depth/sample rate for digital artifacts.
- Waveshaper — custom transfer curve for creative timbres.
MONAKAI DISTORT-LAB
Drive a saw wave through different distortion types. Notice how harmonics change the tone.
MONAKAI DISTORT-LAB
🎧 Monakai Pro Tip
Distortion is not always destruction. A little saturation on a bass or vocal can add presence and help it sit in the mix without turning it into metal.