Audio Input Help

Hello, I have two questions having to do with audio inputs. The first one is: On my input jack, there are 4 prongs, I was wondering, does it matter which one of these you make "hot" and which one "ground"? If it does, how do you know which to use? The second question is: How to a bypass the circuit that is within the two "hot" ends of the Jacks, can I just do this with some sort of switch, if so, what kind?

when you say input jack, do you mean like a headphone, or auxilary input? And if so it does matter. If your using Mono, I guess not really, but stereo it does. And to bypass, yes. You could probably do it with a toggle switch. Post more info on what kind of audio input your working with.

I am making an effects peddle for a guitar, so I'm pretty sure the sound would be mono? Anyway all these inputs look like is the metal cylinder encased in a square of plastic, and each corner has a prong.

you are using a ring tipped sleeve ..yes this matters tip is hot....next ring ig is ground ...dont short this connection you if this a good amp like a marshal you will just blow a fuse in the affects loop .........if this directly to the preamp be careful ...the pre amp is not as strong as the power amp..........if this is a circuit board amp be sure of you connections and use a standard a-b switch you are making a very simple connection..make sure when the jack is plugged in the contact touching the tip is hot