Best
Pick Guitar Pedal
-
Overall: Authentic replication of the original sound
-
Best Feature: Fitted With 9v DC Power Input For Use With A Power Supply
-
TedScore™: 8/10
Best
Value Guitar Pedal
-
Overall: Exceptionally versatile with adjustable range control
-
Best Feature: Expected Battery Life: Approx. 7 Hours
-
TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Versatile Guitar Pedal
-
Overall: Compact size for pedalboard efficiency
-
Best Feature: Classic NYC Version 9 Circuitry
-
TedScore™: 9/10
Have you ever wondered how your favorite guitarists make those unique sounds that make their music so memorable? It often comes down to their secret weapon: the many types of guitar pedals they use.
From the rough sound of distortion to the wide echo of delay, these little boxes are like magic for your pedalboard, shaping your electric guitar’s personality in unbelievable ways.
I remember the first time I plugged in an overdrive pedal; the change was amazing. Each pedal in your setup isn’t just a tool—it’s an instrument that can transform your tone, style, and music.
Come with me as we explore this amazing world of guitar pedals, discovering how these effects can take your sound to professional levels. By the end of this article, you’ll want to get some pedals immediately and start making your signature tone!
What are Guitar Pedals?
Guitar pedals are effects units that can be used to modify the sound of an electric guitar. They are typically connected between the guitar and an amplifier or other effect devices such as a mixer, allowing players to shape their tones by changing the signals they send from their instrument to the amp.
Signals can be manipulated in two ways: analog or digital. Analog pedals use transistors, capacitors, resistors, and diodes to process the guitar signal, while digital pedals convert the signal into binary code before altering it with an effects algorithm.
Both types are designed for convenience and ease of use – the typical pedal will have one input and one output, an on/off, a power source, switch and a range of knobs to control the different aspects of the effect.
Guitar pedals are typically placed on the floor in order to be controlled by a player’s feet, with most guitar cables entering the pedal from the right-hand side, allowing players to keep their hands free while playing.
There is a huge variety of guitar pedals available on the market, ranging from classic effects such as distortion and delay to more experimental combinations.
Why Should You Use a Guitar Pedal?
Using a guitar pedal is the perfect way to add new sounds and textures to your playing. With so many types of pedals available, you can experiment with different effects and find the combinations that work best for your style.
Pedals are also great tools for live performances or when recording in the studio, as they allow you to quickly adjust your tones or add effects at the touch of a button.
Finally, pedals are relatively affordable and easy to use, making them perfect for beginners looking to get their feet wet in the world of guitar effects.
How Do You Choose a Guitar Pedal?
When choosing a guitar pedal, consider the features that are important to you. Think about what type of sound or effect you’re looking for, and make sure your pedal can provide it.
Also, consider the number of knobs and switches on the pedal, some have as many as 10, while others may only have three or four. Check whether the pedal has a power source (battery or AC adapter) and how much it can handle.
Finally, make sure the pedal is in your budget and that it fits into your guitar rig comfortably.
The Different Types of
Guitar Pedals
1. Distortion Effects Pedals
Distortion effects pedals are a crucial tool for guitarists and musicians looking to add a gritty and aggressive edge to their tone.
These pedals shape the sound signal from an electric guitar, boosting its gain and altering its waveform to create a distorted, overdriven, or fuzzy sound.
Distortion effect pedals come in various forms, each offering its own unique characteristics and tonal qualities.
1.1. Distortion
Distortion pedals are designed to saturate and clip the guitar signal for a more aggressive sound. These types of pedals are often used in rock, metal, and punk styles as they add sustain and thickness to the tone.
They push the signal beyond its peak, creating harmonic overtones and clipping the peaks and troughs of the signal. This produces a compressed sound with more sustain and presence. Some iconic distortion pedals include the Boss DS-1, Pro Co Rat, and the Ibanez Tube Screamer.
PERFECT FOR: All level
FEATURES: Maximum Gain: 60 dB
OTHER INFO: Power Requirements: 9V Battery
Pro Co RAT 2 Distortion
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Intuitive controls to dial in the perfect tone
- Vintage analogue distortion for classic tones
- True bypass switching keeps your signal clean when disengaged
- Sturdy steel enclosure and military-spec circuit board offer maximum durability
- No battery or power supply included with pedal
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
1.2. Overdrive
Overdrive pedals are similar to distortion pedals in that they increase the gain of the signal, which results in a thicker and more saturated tone. However, unlike distortion pedals, overdrive pedals only slightly saturate the signal, creating a warmer and smoother sound that doesn’t completely obliterate the original signal.
It is often used for bluesy tones , as well as other genres such as rock and pop. Its versatility is one of the many reasons why it remains a popular effect amongst musicians everywhere.
Overdrive pedals typically come with tone, gain, and level controls so musicians can customize its effect to their preference. This makes them a great choice for adding a layer of character to lead guitar lines and chord progressions.
PERFECT FOR: Beginner to Intermediate
FEATURES: Input Impedance: More than 400 K Ohms
OTHER INFO: Current Consumption: Less than 20 mA
TC Electronic Cinders Overdrive Pedal
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Responsive and transparent tube-like overdrive
- Moisture-resistant durable metal chassis
- Wide gain range for versatile tonal options
- Beginner-friendly control interface
- Space-saving top-mounted jacks
- True bypass for maintaining signal integrity
- Footswitches in TC Electronics pedals are often unreliable.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
1.3. Fuzz
Fuzz pedals are notorious for their distinctive and highly saturated tones, often described as thick, woolly, and vintage. These pedals produce extreme distortion by heavily clipping the guitar’s signal, resulting in a square wave-like waveform.
Fuzz pedals can deliver a wide range of sonic possibilities, from a fat and sustaining tone to a chaotic and uncontrollable wall of fuzz.
Fuzz pedals are favored by guitarists in genres such as psychedelic rock, stoner rock, and garage rock, where their intense and wild characteristics are highly sought after. They typically have fewer controls compared to distortion or overdrive pedals, with the focus being on achieving different levels of fuzziness and sustaining capabilities.
Famous fuzz pedals brands include Big Muff, Tone Bender, and Fuzz Face.
PERFECT FOR: Beginner to Intermediate
FEATURES: Classic NYC Version 9 circuitry
OTHER INFO: True bypass switching
Electro Harmonix Little Big Muff Pi
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Iconic fuzz tone
- User-friendly controls
- Compact size for pedalboard efficiency
- Durable construction
- Affordable price point
- Sound may not suit all players' preferences.
- Lack of violet graphics design.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
2. Time-Based Effects Pedals
Time-based pedals operate by introducing a delay to the initial guitar signal. They offer a broad range of applications, from subtle enhancements to the creation of immersive sound environments.
These versatile effects are typically placed towards the end of the signal chain and are used to create a variety of sounds, ranging from spacious reverb to psychedelic delays.
2.1. Delay
Delay pedals are used to create a repeating echo effect. It takes the initial signal and replays it after a specified period of time, creating an ambient soundscape.
Delay pedal come with controls for adjusting delay time, feedback (the number of repeats), mix (dry/wet balance), and tone.
They are great for adding texture to a guitar performance and can be used to create anything from subtle echoes to more complex rhythmic patterns.
PERFECT FOR: Beginner to Intermediate
FEATURES: 25ms – 1000ms delay time range
OTHER INFO: 44.1 kHz Sampling rate
Mooer MDD2 Repeater 3 Digital Delay Pedal
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Versatile and user-friendly with simple setup
- Offers a variety of delay effects for creating unique sounds
- Suitable for guitarists and bassists of all skill levels
- Precise control over delay length with Delay Time knob
- Compact and lightweight design for convenient portability
- Limited control over the feedback of the delay
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
2.2. Reverb
Reverb pedals simulate the natural reverberation of sound in a physical environment. They replicate the sonic characteristics of different spaces, from large halls to small rooms and are often used to create a sense of depth and aural warmth in a musical mix.
Reverb pedal typically contain controls for adjusting the length of reverb, the level of reflections and the tone of the reverberation itself. Common reverbs include plate, spring, and hall reverbs which can be adjusted to produce a range of different sounds.
By adjusting parameters like decay time, pre-delay, and diffusion, it is possible to craft a wide variety of unique reverb tones.
PERFECT FOR: Intermediate to Advance
FEATURES: Three control dials for Depth, Dwell and Attack
OTHER INFO: Silent relay-based switching for minimal noise.
EarthQuaker Devices Brain Dead Ghost Echo Pedal
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Handcrafted in the USA for superior quality and reliability
- True bypass preserves clean, undistorted tone when not in use
- Quick and easy activation/deactivation through switching mechanism
- LED indicator shows pedal status during performances
- Limited controls
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
3. Modulation Effects Pedals
Modulation pedals are used to modify the sound of an audio signal. These effects add movement and depth to a guitar performance by introducing modulation in the form of vibrato, chorus, phaser and tremolo.
Modulation can be used to give your tone a unique flavor or to create out-of-this-world sounds.
3.1. Chorus
Chorus pedals are used to create a rich, layered sound that simulates the effect of multiple instruments playing in unison. It adds movement and depth to a guitar signal by introducing tiny variations in the delay time and pitch of the signal. Controls on chorus pedals typically include rate (speed) and depth (amount of modulation).
To achieve the optimal sound, it is important to experiment with both controls in order to find the perfect balance. When used sparingly, chorus can add a unique character and texture to guitar tracks without overpowering them.
However, when used liberally, it can create some truly bizarre and experimental sounds that will undoubtedly take your music down an unexpected path.
PERFECT FOR: All level
FEATURES: Power Consumption: 80mA
OTHER INFO: Three different effect types
Fender Hammertone Chorus Pedal
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Easy to use and adjust
- Durable construction with sturdy aluminium body
- Economical solution for saving pedal board space
- Quality sound that can be used in any style of music
- Bright LED light allows you to easily see when the pedal is on
- May not be sufficiently experimental for some users.
- Can be a bit noisy if not adjusted properly
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
3.2. Phaser
Phaser pedals are used to create a sweeping, swirly effect that is often likened to the sound of a jet taking off. They work by introducing a second signal to the guitar’s original dry tone.
This second signal is modified by an LFO (Low-Frequency Oscillator), which gradually adjusts the filters that alter the frequency output of the instrument.
The effect is further manipulated by onboard controls such as Speed, Depth, Rate, and Feedback. This allows guitarists to create subtle phasing for a cleaner tone or an extreme sound with more prominent peaks and troughs.
PERFECT FOR: All level
FEATURES: Noise Floor: -96 dBV
OTHER INFO: Controls: Speed
MXR M101 Phase 90 Guitar Effects Pedal
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- An all analog pedal for maximum clarity of sound
- Easy to use controls with clear indicators & settings
- True hardwire bypass for crystal clear sound
- Exceptional durability with a tough exterior
- Compact size, perfect for travel and live performances
- Only one knob (speed) to control the effect
- Not suitable for complex effects or rhythms
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
3.3. Tremolo
Tremolo pedals are used to create a pulsing sound effect. It works by adjusting the volume of the guitar signal at regular intervals, making it seem as though the instrument is “breathing” in and out.
This effect is often conflated with vibrato pedals, which produces a similar effect but with pitch instead of volume. Both effects are widely used in rock and roll music to create an exciting sound. Tremolo has been a mainstay in surf rock since its earliest days.
PERFECT FOR: Intermediate to Advance
FEATURES: Graphics: Waves
OTHER INFO: Dimensions: 1'' x 1.5'' x 3.6''
JHS Pedals Tidewater Tremolo
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Accurate controls for precise adjustments.
- Mix control doubles as a warm pre-amp boost.
- Enables users to create dramatic effects despite its simple design.
- Handmade by skilled pedal builders in Kansas City, USA
- Can be used to create a warm preamp boost
- Limited control options compared to high-end pedals due to its compact size
- Blue color scheme may be hard to see on stage
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
4. Dynamic Effects Pedals
Dynamic effects pedals are an essential component of a pedalboard, as they help to control the overall volume and dynamics of a guitar signal.
By adjusting levels before inserting more decorative effects, these pedals offer stability and consistency across multiple performances.
4.1. Compressor
Compressors are used to even out the loud and soft parts of a guitar signal, making it easier to achieve a consistent sound with minimal effort.
Compression works by reducing the volume of louder signals, resulting in a smoother overall tone that is less susceptible to peaks and troughs. It can also be used to give guitarists more control over the attack and sustain of their sound.
PERFECT FOR: All levels
FEATURES: Footswitch: True Bypass
OTHER INFO: Dimensions: 4.77" x 2.9" x 2.3"
Walrus Audio Deep Six V3 Compressor
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Creates thick, juicy tones
- Enhances hidden qualities in your sound
- Adjustable compressor settings to suit any preference
- Increased sustain for each note played
- Compatible with active pickups or humbuckers
- Aesthetic finish adds some flair to your pedalboard
- May take time to adjust settings until desired sound is achieved
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
4.2. Volume
Volume pedals are used to adjust the overall volume level of your system as a whole, allowing players to go from quiet to loud in a matter of seconds. It’s main purpose is for controlling your volume during performance rather than as a sound-shaping tool.
Volume pedals can also be used to control the amount of signal being sent to other effects such as reverb, delay and modulation.
PERFECT FOR: All level
FEATURES: Switchable AUX jack for tuner/expression functionality
OTHER INFO: Half the size of its predecessor, the DVP3
Dunlop DVP4 Volume X Mini Pedal
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Robust and lightweight design allows for maximum portability
- Easy to use
- Low Friction Band-Drive ensures smooth operation of the pedal
- Compact size makes it ideal for cramped pedal boards
- Difficult to see on dark stages due to all-black enclosure and small size.
- May not be suitable for more advanced users requiring maximum control over their sound
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
4.3. Equaliser (EQ)
Equalizers are an essential part of any rig, as they allow you to shape your tone by boosting or cutting the different frequency bands of your signal. They come in either graphic or parametric form and each type offers its own unique advantages when sculpting a sound.
Graphic EQs excel at rapidly amplifying or reducing particular frequencies, while parametric EQs offer the flexibility to adjust the bandwidth of each band for more extensive control.
PERFECT FOR: All level
FEATURES: Adjust frequencies from 100Hz to 6.4kHz
OTHER INFO: Boost and cut each band up to +/-15dB
Boss GE-7 Equalizer Pedal
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Extremely easy to adjust
- Reliable and durable (BOSS quality)
- Performs its intended function effectively
- Noisy performance
- Subject to individual preference
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
5. Frequency Effects Pedals
Frequency effects pedals like pitch shifters, octave dividers and wah-wah are used to alter the frequency of a guitar signal.
These pedals offer a wide range of sounds; from subtle chorus-like shimmering to extreme warbling and squelching tones.
5.1. Pitch Shifter
Pitch shifters are used to change the pitch of a guitar signal. They work by shifting up or down in frequency and can create everything from subtle harmony effects to extreme auto-tuned robotic vocal sounds.
Most pitch shifter pedals offer controls for setting the exact interval between pitches, as well as an input knob which allows you to set the original pitch of the signal.
PERFECT FOR: All level
FEATURES: LFO option with square and triangle waves
OTHER INFO: Manual or LFO control, or a blend of both
Dreadbox Lethargy, 8-Stage OTA Phase Shifter
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Clean and pristine sound with plenty of headroom
- Versatile vibrato and low-end movement control
- Works with Eurorack and synthesizers
- Patch points for convenient control of Manual and Rate settings
- Mono effect only, lacking stereo capabilities
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
5.2. Octave
Octave pedals create an octave above or below the guitar signal, adding a unique flavor and depth to your sound. They work by introducing harmonics into the signal which can be adjusted with onboard controls for width, mix and tone.
This allows you to create a wide range of sounds, from subtle octave up or down effects to full-on sub bass tones.
PERFECT FOR: All level
FEATURES: Expected battery life: approx. 7 hours
OTHER INFO: Buffered bypass for a transparent sound
Boss OC-5 Octave Pedal
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Exceptionally versatile with adjustable range control
- Accurate tracking technology removes latency issues
- Guitar/Bass switch optimizes response accordingly
- Independent -1 and -2 octave controls for easy tweaking
- New octave-up effect adds more creative options
- Not completely exempt from digital artifacts.
- Careful dialing is still essential for avoiding unconvincing tones.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
5.3. Wah-wah
Wah wah pedals were made popular by guitar legends such as Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton. They work by boosting certain frequencies while attenuating others, resulting in the distinctive “wah” sound. This effect is most commonly used on lead guitar solos to create a unique voice and texture.
To create a wah-wah pedal sound, the guitarist manually adjusts the pedal with their feet while playing. This process is often described as “sweeping” or “filtering” the guitar tone. While there are some pre-set settings available on some pedals, most players find it best to experiment and adjust as they play.
PERFECT FOR: Beginner to Intermediate
FEATURES: Fitted with 9v DC power input for use with a power supply
OTHER INFO: Equipped with a 9V DC power input
Vox V845 Wah
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Authentic replication of the original sound
- User-friendly and straightforward operation
- Smooth and pleasing tone
- Affordable price tag
- Long battery life for continuous use
- Compact size compared to regular wah pedals
- Not suitable for high gain distortion sounds
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
6. Other Types of
Effects Pedals
6.1. Loopers
Loopers are used to record and playback guitar parts. They provide an easy way for players to build layers of sound without having to play all the parts themselves.
Loopers work by recording and looping a guitar signal, allowing users to play over the top of what they’ve already recorded. This can be used for everything from creating complex chord progressions to soloing over your own backing track.
PERFECT FOR: Beginner to Intermediate
FEATURES: 3 independent loops, up to 30 minutes in length
OTHER INFO: 8GB Storage capacity
SubZero Rollercoaster Looper Pedal
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Quickly layer parts and build full song structures
- Easily thicken your sound in live environments
- Download audio to use as loops for additional versatility
- May not have enough storage capacity for more experienced musicians
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
6.2. Tuner
Tuners are an essential tool for any guitarist; they’re used to help keep the instrument in tune and ensure that what you play sounds great.
Clipping-style tuners work by registering the pitch of an incoming signal, allowing them to accurately display whether a guitar is in tune or not.
Pedal tuners offer a convenient way to stay in tune while on stage, freeing up time for other effects.
PERFECT FOR: All level
FEATURES: Seven independent modes including Flat, Double Flat, Regular, and Chromatic
OTHER INFO: 11-point Stream Meter for accurate tuning
Behringer TU300 Chromatic Tuner
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Quick and easy setup for tuning
- Ergonomic pedal for precision activation and deactivation
- Lightweight design fits seamlessly into any pedalboard
- Budget-friendly price without sacrificing quality or features
- Fragile plastic casing raises concerns about durability
- Slow response in registering strings for tuning
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
6.3. Amp Emulation
Amp emulation pedals are designed to give guitarists the sound of a vintage tube amp without having to lug around an actual amplifier.
They work by using digital modelling technology to recreate the response characteristics of classic amplifiers, allowing players to replicate iconic tones in a more compact and convenient package.
PERFECT FOR: All level
FEATURES: Power: 100V-240V
OTHER INFO: Dimensions (mm) : 200 x 81 x 149
Blackstar Amped 1 100w Amp Pedal
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Impressive, high-quality sounds.
- Compact and portable design.
- Dual high-current 9V power outputs for additional pedals.
- USB Audio and XLR CabRig output for easy recording setup.
- Versatile functionality.
- Reverb settings can only be adjusted through the app.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
6.4. Envelope Filter
Envelope filters are commonly used to create a wah-like effect, but without the need for manual foot control.
These guitar pedals allow the user to adjust parameters that control how they interact with the playing style, allowing them to shape their sound in a more precise manner.
This gives musicians greater flexibility and enables them to create unique sounds with dynamic shifts, all while avoiding any need for rhythmic coordination.
PERFECT FOR: Beginner to Intermediate
FEATURES: Three responsive dials for Mode, Q, and Drive
OTHER INFO: 9V battery included
Electro Harmonix Micro Q-Tron Envelope Filter
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Offers a wealth of different voicings, tones, and envelopes
- Robust chassis makes it perfect for on-stage use
- True Bypass footswitch ensures there are no unwanted signal bleed-throughs
- TextDrive control enables sensitivity adjustment for filter response
- Pedal sound may not suit all guitarists, amps, or playing styles.
- Many options and controls on the pedal can overwhelm some users.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
6.5. Multi-Effects Units
Multi-effects units are an all-in-one solution for guitarists who want access to a wide variety of effects in one convenient package. These units contain a selection of different effects, from reverbs and delays to overdrives and modulation.
Multi-effects pedals allow guitarists to quickly switch between sounds with minimal effort, making them ideal for live performance or recording.
PERFECT FOR: All level
FEATURES: Connect up to nine effects with amplifier
OTHER INFO: Five stomp switches for quick and easy navigation
Zoom G11 Multi Effects Processor
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Innovative distortion and modulation effects
- Wide range of connectivity options
- Integrated USB audio interface for DAW recording
- Zoom Guitar Lab compatibility
- Built-in five-minute looper for layering parts.
- Presets lack excitement.
- Not the most portable option
- Relatively expensive for the average beginner
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Guitar Pedals Types
Summary
As demonstrated in this comprehensive guide, these different types of pedals guitar are a great way to expand your sound and inject more creativity into your playing.
Expensive, high-end options offer professional level sound and feature sets, while more budget friendly options allow for a great starting point to explore the world of effects.
So, strap on your guitar, step on that pedal, and let your musical journey take flight with the perfect effects at your feet.
Let me know in the comments below which pedal you have and why you love it!
Interesting article you got here, Lewis Turner but don’t you think we’re complicating things a bit too much with all these pedals? Back in the day, guitarists had maybe a distortion or wah-wah and that was it. Now, it feels like you need a pedalboard as big as a spaceship control panel to make good music. Isn’t it more about talent and less about how many buttons you can press?
love seeing all the pedal types laid out like this, super helpful! got my eye on adding a new reverb to my rig, and this just made my decision easier cheers!
ey EchoNoob, leaning towards a hall reverb for that epic sound. depends on what music ur into tho!
which reverb you thinking? i’m kinda lost lol
Really appreciate the comprehensive dive into the various effects pedals and how they contribute differently to a guitarist’s sound. Particularly found the section on modulation effects enlightening. I’ve always been curious about integrating more chorus into my play but wasn’t sure how it’d fit with my current setup. This gives me a good starting point.
Hey Lewis Turner, got kinda confused abt the difference btw distortion and fuzz. can u break it down a bit more?