Two modulation effects built from a short, moving delay — but voiced very differently. Chorus uses a longer delay to add gentle shimmer and width, like a second guitarist. Flanger uses a much shorter, swept delay for a dramatic "jet plane" whoosh.
| Chorus | Flanger | |
|---|---|---|
| Effect | Subtle thickening and shimmer — a doubled, wider sound. | Dramatic sweeping "whoosh" / jet-plane comb-filter effect. |
| How it works | Short delay (~15–35 ms) with pitch modulation, mixed with dry. | Very short delay (~1–10 ms) swept over time, plus feedback. |
| Intensity | Gentle, lush — easy to leave on for cleans. | More extreme and obvious — often used as an effect, not always-on. |
| Feedback/resonance | Little to none — stays smooth. | Feedback control adds the metallic, resonant peak. |
| Famous for | Nirvana "Come as You Are", 80s clean tones, Police, Rush cleans. | Van Halen "Unchained", Heart "Barracuda", jet-sweep intros. |
Chorus uses a longer modulated delay (~15–35 ms) to add gentle shimmer and width, like a second guitarist doubling you — subtle and easy to leave on. A flanger uses a much shorter swept delay (~1–10 ms) with feedback to create a dramatic, resonant "jet plane" whoosh. Chorus thickens; flanger sweeps.