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Much of the information about the RP200A Artist Amp Modeling Multi-Effects Processor centers around the 80 artists and factory preset patches that come with the unit. Sounding like your favorite guitarists is a great goal. This allows you to play songs at gigs that band mates know and the audience already loves.

But if you think about it, your favorite artist had to develop their own original sound. Maybe they piggybacked from someone else's sound, too. If you've owned the RP200A Modeling Guitar Processor for any length of time, it's time to step out from behind these preset patches and begin to develop your sound.

What defines you? When are you going to sound like...you? Do you feel confident to start writing your own songs and patches? Stop focusing on the 80 presets. Begin punching your 40 patches into the storage containers that Digitech has given you. The best way to think about it is you have 40 original songs that you need to write.

How do you start creating your signature sound? Here are 5 tips to help you begin developing your own sound and patches.

[1] Think about other musical instruments. Piano, organ, slide guitar, oboe, harp, harmonica, bass, and trumpet sounds should all be punched into your unit. Create songs around these "instruments".

[2] Think about sounds for ideas. How would "clouds rolling across the sky" sound? What would a "revolution" sound like? What would be a great sound for "fear"? How about a "patriotic flag"?

[3] Start mixing guitar sounds with other earthly tones. How about distortion with a cello? What about backslap with a train off in the distance? I'd love to hear a bass guitar mimicking a huge dinosaur walking through a forest!

[4] Check out the Digitech RP200a forums for patches that users have submitted. If you're trying to develop your own sound, punch a couple of these user patches into your unit.

[5] Visit my site at http://rp200a.home.comcast.net for a comprehensive listing of all 80 of the patches that come with the DigiTech RP200A Modeling Guitar Processor. You can start from these patches to develop your own.

In conclusion, you can start making a name for yourself by writing patches for your songs. Don't worry if you can't sing. Write down your lyrics and let someone else belt out your original songs. Every cover band should include at least one song that defines them and your guitar should play a huge part in every original tune. Remember, original is as original does!