text: Q:
  
  What first to put in effect chain (order from guitar cable input) -- distortion or effect processor?
  
  What first to put in effect chain (order from guitar cable input) -- distortion or effect processor?
  
  A:
  
  If by effect processor you mean modulation effects, reverb and delay, the standard sequence would be distortion -> effects. Distortion after delay or modulation is a bit like using one distorted amp with two guitars at its input (remember the old days?) It creates a lot of intermodulation products which can sound annoying. However, try everything and you might find certain sounds for which you prefer to have the distortion after other effects.
  One effect which is very often used before the distortion/overdrive unit is a wah-pedal. This mimics the use of a wah with an overdriven amp, where the wah also comes first, and then the signal is distorted by the amp.
  
  A:
  
  Here's an article that gives some plausible answers, though I must warn you that just about every conclusion is followerd by a list of exceptions!
  I like his mnemonic for the order of effects, reproduced below. (For "overdrive" read "distortion".)
  http://www.justinguitar.com/en/GG-050-EffectsPedalOrder.php
  
  