Best
Portability Guitar Pedal
CryBaby Wah Pedal Favourite
Among Legends
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Overall: Iconic wah-wah effect
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Best Feature: 9V power jack
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
All-Around Guitar Pedal
Harmonizer Pedal Versatile Harmonizer Effects
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Overall: An extensive range of studio-grade effects
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Best Feature: Wireless control via the H9 Control app
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Beginners Guitar Pedal
Skysurfer Reverb Pedal Compact Reverb Pedal with Essential Features
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Overall: Input Impedance: More than 350 K Ohms
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Best Feature: Less than 120 mA current consumption
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TedScore™: 7/10
If you’re a guitarist, whether a seasoned pro or just starting your musical journey, you’re likely familiar with the vast world of guitar pedals.
These compact devices, often placed on a pedalboard, can transform your guitar’s sound, adding a whole new dimension to your music.
But with so many brands and models, how do you decide which guitar pedal is right for you?
In this guide, I’ll delve into the best guitar pedals brands, exploring their unique offerings so you can make an informed choice and elevate your playing to the next level.
And I’ll reveal the pedal I use on a daily basis.
What is a Guitar Pedal?
A guitar pedal, often referred to simply as a “pedal,” is a compact device designed to alter or enhance the sound of an electric guitar. These small, stompbox-like units significantly impact a guitarist’s tone and creative possibilities.
Guitar pedals are a fundamental part of a guitarist’s toolkit, and they come in various types, each offering unique sound-altering effects.
These pedals are typically placed on a pedalboard and manipulated by foot, allowing musicians to make real-time changes to their sound during a performance.
At its core, a guitar pedal takes the electrical signal produced by your guitar’s pickups. It processes it through various electronic components, ultimately modifying the sound that comes out of your amplifier.
These modifications can range from adding distortion and sustaining to creating ambient reverbs or lush chorus effects.
The versatility and customization options provided by guitar pedals make them indispensable tools for both amateur and professional guitarists alike.
Benefits of Using Guitar Pedals
Guitar pedals are indispensable tools for guitarists, offering many benefits that can enhance your playing and sound. Here’s why incorporating pedals into your setup is a fantastic idea:
Tonal Versatility
Pedals allow you to experiment with different sounds and effects, from lush reverbs to scorching distortions. This versatility enables you to tailor your tone to suit various musical genres or to create unique, signature sounds.
Sound Enhancement
Whether you want to add depth, warmth, or ambiance to your sound, there’s a pedal for it. These effects can elevate your playing by making it more captivating and dynamic.
Creativity Unleashed
Guitar pedals are a gateway to boundless creativity. They encourage experimentation and innovation, pushing you to explore new sonic horizons and discover fresh musical inspirations.
Live Performance Enhancement
For performing musicians, pedals are essential. They enable you to replicate studio-quality effects in a live setting, taking your performance to a whole new level.
Expressive Playing
Some pedals, like wah or expression pedals, allow for expressive playing. They add nuances to your sound and help you infuse your music with emotion.
Easy to Use
Most pedals are user-friendly, making them suitable for both beginners and professionals. Their simple operation lets you quickly grasp the basics and start crafting your unique sound.
The Main Types of Electric Guitar Pedals
Electric guitar pedals come in various types, each specializing in different effects. Understanding these types is crucial for selecting the right pedals to achieve your desired sound.
Here are the main categories:
Overdrive and Distortion Pedals
These pedals add grit, bass and crunch to your guitar tone, perfect for rock and metal genres. They range from mild overdrive for bluesy tones to heavy distortion for face-melting riffs.
Delay and Reverb Pedals
Delays create echoes and space in your sound, while reverbs add depth and ambiance. These effects can make your guitar sound larger-than-life and ethereal.
Modulation Pedals
Modulation pedals include chorus, flanger, phaser, and tremolo effects. They alter the pitch, tone, or volume of your sound, adding movement and character.
Wah and Expression Pedals
These digital pedals also allow you to shape your sound in real time. Wah pedals create the iconic “wah-wah” effect, while expression pedals provide hands-free control over various parameters.
Compression Pedals
The compression evens out your playing dynamics, ensuring a consistent and smooth sound. It’s essential for clean guitar tones and country music.
Fuzz and Octave Pedals
Fuzz pedals generate a thick, saturated tone, ideal for psychedelic rock. Octave pedals create harmonies or higher/lower octave effects, expanding your sonic possibilities.
Boost and EQ Pedals
Boost pedals increase your signal strength, while EQ pedals fine-tune your guitar’s tonal characteristics. They are great for refining your sound or driving your amp harder.
Volume Pedals
Volume pedals let you control the loudness of your guitar, acting like a foot-operated volume knob.
Understanding these pedal categories and how they interact can help you assemble a pedalboard that suits your musical style and preferences.
What to Consider When Buying Guitar Pedals?
Before diving headfirst into the world of guitar pedals, it’s essential to consider a few key factors to make informed purchases.
Here's what you should keep in mind:
The type of music you play will significantly influence your pedal choices. Rock, blues, metal, and jazz guitarists, for instance, may require different pedals to achieve their signature sounds.
Determine how much you’re willing to invest in pedals. There are many options available at various price points, so finding affordable pedals that match your budget is possible.
What kind of sound are you trying to achieve? Research which pedals can help you reach your tonal goals, whether emulating a classic artist’s sound or crafting something entirely unique.
The sequence in which you place your pedals on your pedalboard matters. The order can affect the overall sound, so research the standard pedal chain and experiment to find what works best for you.
Invest in well-built pedals from reputable brands to ensure they withstand the rigors of gigging and provide consistent performance.
Consider how you’ll power your pedals. Some require batteries, while others use dedicated power supplies or daisy chains. Ensure you have a reliable power source for your pedalboard.
Make sure you’re comfortable with the pedal’s controls and interface. An intuitive design will help you make real-time adjustments on stage.
Listen to sound samples and read reviews from other guitarists to understand how a pedal performs in real-world scenarios.
The 9 Best Guitar Pedal Brands
When choosing the best guitar pedals for your rig, the brand behind the pedal can make a significant difference.
Some top boutique pedal brands are manufacturers that have earned a stellar reputation for consistently producing high-quality and innovative guitar pedals.
Here are nine of the best boutique guitar pedal brands to consider for your effects arsenal.
Boss
Known for their iconic compact stompbox design, Boss has been a leader in the pedal industry for decades.
They offer a wide range of effects, from distortion and delay pedals to modulation and looper effect pedals.
Boss pedals are renowned for their durability and pristine sound quality, making them a top choice for both beginners and professionals.
Boss produces an extensive range of guitar pedals, catering to various needs and preferences. Some of their popular guitar pedal manufacturer categories include distortion, delay, modulation, and more.
Boss TU-3 Chromatic Tuner Pedal
The Boss TU-3 Chromatic Tuner Pedal is the go-to choice for musicians seeking precision in tuning. This stompbox-style tuner offers high-quality tuning accuracy and features a bright LED display with a note indicator, making it easy to achieve pitch-perfect tuning even in low-light stage settings.
With various tuning modes and true bypass functionality, it ensures that your instrument’s sound remains unaffected when the pedal is turned off.
Boss TU-3 Chromatic Tuner Pedal
FEATURES: Tuning Range: C0 (16.35Hz)-C8 (4186Hz)
OTHER INFO: Multiple tuning modes
- Accurate and responsive tuning
- Reliable for live performances
- Works well with various instruments
- Relatively large size compared to dedicated clip-on tuners
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
Electro-Harmonix
Electro-Harmonix, often abbreviated as EHX, is famous for its unique and experimental pedal designs. They offer diverse effects, including classics like the Big Muff distortion and the Memory Man delay.
EHX pedals are favored by musicians looking to push the boundaries of sonic exploration.
EHX boasts a diverse lineup of pedals that cater to a wide range of tonal desires. These include the iconic Big Muff, revered for its fuzz and distortion, and the Memory Man, known for its rich analog delay.
They also offer the Electro-Harmonix Cntl Knob Static Expression Pedal, an innovative device that opens up new avenues for real-time sound manipulation.
Electro-Harmonix Cntl Knob Static Expression Pedal
The Electro-Harmonix Cntl Knob, Static Expression Pedal, is a game-changer for musicians seeking precision and hands-free control over their effects.
Designed with a static, non-moving control knob, this pedal allows you to fine-tune your pedal settings with unmatched accuracy, giving you the power to create expressive and dynamic sounds during your performances.
Electro-Harmonix Cntl Knob Static Expression Pedal
FEATURES: Static design for precise parameter adjustment
OTHER INFO: Dimensions: 5.75” (L) x 3.45” (W) x 2.75” (H)
- Enables dynamic, real-time control of various effects
- Versatile applications with different pedals
- Built to withstand the rigors of live performances
- Static design may not be as intuitive for some users accustomed to traditional expression pedals
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
Strymon
Strymon is the go-to pedal company and brand name for guitarists seeking studio-quality effects in a compact pedal and format.
Their pedals, like the BigSky reverb and Timeline delay, are known for their exceptional sound quality and detailed parameter control. Strymon’s dedication to sonic excellence has made them a favorite among discerning players.
Strymon’s lineup includes a variety of pedals designed to elevate your guitar’s sound. Among their renowned creations is the Strymon BigSky Multi-Reverb Pedal, a pedal known for creating rich, ethereal reverb tones, from subtle spaces to massive soundscapes.
Strymon BigSky Multi-Reverb Pedal
The MXR Uni-Vibe Chorus Vibrato Effects Pedal captures the essence of the classic modulation effects that defined the sound of the 1960s. Its simple control layout and robust build quality deliver the unmistakable chorus and vibrato tones that continue to inspire guitarists.
Its compact design ensures it won’t take up much space on your pedalboard while providing the vintage vibes you seek.
Strymon BigSky Multi-Reverb Pedal
DESIGNED FOR: Advance
FEATURES: Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz
OTHER INFO: Reverb Number of Reverbs: 12
Strymon BigSky Multi-Reverb Pedal
- MIDI support
- Versatile
- More than 300 customizable presets
- Detailed parameter control
- Little pricey
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
TC Electronic
TC Electronic is recognized for its innovation and affordability. Their diverse lineup, featuring popular options like the Ditto Looper and Hall of Fame Reverb, strikes a balance between performance and affordability.
TC Electronic’s commitment to delivering professional-grade sound at an affordable price point has made it a popular choice among musicians of various genres and skill levels.
TC Electronic’s lineup includes a wide range of effects designed for musicians of various genres and skill levels, such as the TC Electronic Skysurfer Reverb Pedal, which offers lush reverb effects for your guitar sound.
TC Electronic Skysurfer Reverb Pedal
The TC Electronic Skysurfer Reverb Pedal offers lush reverb effects that add depth and atmosphere to your guitar sound.
Its simple control layout makes it easy to dial in the perfect reverb setting for your music. This pedal is perfect for those seeking an affordable solution to enhance their guitar tone with reverb.
TC Electronic Skysurfer Reverb Pedal
FEATURES: Input Impedance: More than 350 K Ohms
OTHER INFO: Less than 120 mA current consumption
- Affordable
- Great reverb sound quality
- Compact and straightforward design
- It may lack the advanced features found in higher-end reverb pedals
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
MXR
MXR, a subsidiary of Dunlop Manufacturing, is renowned for its dependability and simplicity. With a wide range of compact, no-nonsense pedals, such as the Phase 90 and Carbon Copy delay, MXR delivers essential effects with an uncomplicated approach.
Guitarists value MXR’s robust build quality and user-friendly pedal designs, making them a trusted choice for those who seek reliability and fundamental effects on their pedalboards.
MXR offers a variety of pedals that emphasize simplicity and reliability, like the MXR Uni-Vibe Chorus Vibrato Effects Pedal, which recreates the iconic chorus and vibrato tones of the ’60s.
MXR Uni-Vibe Chorus Vibrato Effects Pedal
The MXR Uni-Vibe Chorus Vibrato Effects Pedal captures the essence of the classic modulation effects that defined the sound of the 1960s.
With its simple control layout and robust build quality deliver the unmistakable chorus and vibrato tones that continue to inspire guitarists.
MXR M68 Uni-Vibe Chorus/Vibrato Effects Pedal
FEATURES: Speed Control: 0.5Hz to 10.5Hz
OTHER INFO: Noise Floor: -94 dBV
- Authentic vintage chorus and vibrato effects
- User-friendly control layout
- Rugged and compact design
- Some may find it lacks additional modern features, often found in more versatile chorus and vibrato pedals
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
Eventide
Eventide is a guitar pedal brand known for its cutting-edge technology and studio-grade effects. Their H9 Harmonizer pedal is a standout, offering a wide array of effects in one unit.
Eventide pedals are favored by professionals and avant-garde musicians who demand versatility and pristine sound quality. And the Eventide H9 Harmonizer Pedal below is the pedal I use on a daily basis. It has amazing sound quality, and I love the ease of the app that enables me to update the pedal regularly.
Eventide specializes in groundbreaking pedals, such as the Eventide H9 Harmonizer Pedal, which houses a vast selection of high-quality effects in a single versatile unit.
Eventide H9 Harmonizer Pedal
The Eventide H9 Harmonizer Pedal is a powerhouse of effects, featuring studio-quality reverbs, delays, pitch-shifting, modulation, and more. This pedal is the go-to choice for musicians demanding tonal versatility and quality.
Eventide H9 Harmonizer Pedal
FEATURES: An extensive range of studio-grade effects
OTHER INFO: Wireless control via the H9 Control app
- Exceptional sound quality
- Wide variety of effects
- Wireless app control for seamless updates
- The H9 Max model requires additional purchases for all available algorithms, potentially increasing costs
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
JHS Pedals
JHS Pedals is a top boutique pedal brand and manufacturer renowned for its handcrafted, vintage-inspired effects. Their diverse range of pedals includes the Morning Glory Overdrive and the Panther Cub delay.
JHS combines modern craftsmanship with a passion for classic tones, making their pedals highly sought after.
JHS Pedals specializes in creating vintage-inspired effects, including the JHS 3 Series Chorus, designed to provide classic modulation tones.
JHS 3 Series Chorus
The JHS 3 Series Chorus combines the warmth and character of classic analog chorus pedals with modern build quality.
Its compact design ensures it fits seamlessly into your pedalboard setup. Whether chasing the iconic ’80s chorus sound or exploring new textures, this pedal provides the desired tonal authenticity.
JHS 3 Series Chorus
FEATURES: Authentic analog chorus modulation
OTHER INFO: Super compact and light on your pocket as well
- Vintage-inspired chorus tones
- Sturdy and compact design
- Affordable pricing
- Limited to chorus modulation multi-effects pedal only, lacking the versatility of some multi-effects pedals
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
EarthQuaker Devices
EarthQuaker Devices is celebrated for its quirky and unique electric guitars and pedal designs. With guitar effects pedals like the Rainbow Machine and Dispatch Master, they cater to experimental and creative guitarists.
EarthQuaker Devices offers an array of offbeat sounds that stand out in the world of guitar effects.
EarthQuaker Devices specializes in crafting innovative and unique portable vocal effects pedals, including the EarthQuaker Devices Brain Dead Ghost Echo Pedal, which offers ethereal reverb effects.
EarthQuaker Devices Brain Dead Ghost Echo Pedal
The EarthQuaker Devices Brain Dead Ghost Echo Pedal defies convention with its otherworldly reverb tones.
It invites musicians to explore uncharted territories of sound, making it a choice for those looking to push the boundaries of creativity. Its intuitive controls allow you to dial a wide range of reverb textures.
EarthQuaker Devices Brain Dead Ghost Echo Pedal
FEATURES: Size: 4 5/8" x 2 1/2" x 2.25" with knobs
OTHER INFO: Current Draw: 86 mA
- Unique and creative reverb sounds
- Compact and visually striking design
- Flexible controls for tonal experimentation
- It may not suit players seeking traditional reverb effects
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
Dunlop
Dunlop is famous for its iconic Cry Baby Wah pedal, which countless guitar legends have used. While they are best known for wah pedals, Dunlop offers other effects like the MXR line.
Dunlop pedals provide a classic, no-frills approach that resonates with players looking for legendary tones.
Dunlop is synonymous with the iconic Cry Baby Wah pedal and offers a variety of pedals, including the Dunlop GCB95 CryBaby Wah Pedal, designed to provide timeless wah effects.
Dunlop GCB95 CryBaby Wah Pedal
The Dunlop GCB95 CryBaby Wah Pedal continues the legacy of the iconic wah-wah sound that’s influenced generations of guitarists. With its straightforward design and reliable construction, it’s a staple for recreating legendary rock tones.
This pedal is for those who want to infuse their playing with the timeless sounds of the wah pedal.
Dunlop GCB95
CryBaby Wah Pedal
FEATURES: Iconic wah-wah effect
OTHER INFO: 9V power jack
- Classic and recognizable wah-wah effect
- Sturdy and reliable construction
- Easy-to-use control layout
- Limited to wah-wah effects, offering less versatility than multi-effects pedals
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
The Ultimate List of the
Best Guitar Pedals Brands
Summary
Selecting the ideal guitar pedal often hinges on the reputation of the brand. We have handpicked these nine notable brands and their standout products.
Boss stands out for its durable stompbox design, exemplified by the Boss TU-3 Chromatic Tuner.
Electro-Harmonix is celebrated for experimental pedals like the Big Muff distortion and the Electro-Harmonix Cntl-Knob Static Expression Pedal.
Strymon provides studio-quality effects with the BigSky Multi-Reverb Pedal.
TC electronic guitar pedals balance innovation and affordability with pedals like the TC Electronic Skysurfer Reverb.
MXR offers simplicity and reliability, typified by the MXR Uni-Vibe Chorus Vibrato Effects Pedal.
Eventide excels in cutting-edge technology with the Eventide H9 Harmonizer, and like I said above, I love using this pedal personally.
JHS Pedals combines vintage-inspired effects with modern craftsmanship.
EarthQuaker Devices stands out with unconventional designs like the Brain Dead Ghost Echo Pedal.
Dunlop continues the legacy of the iconic Cry Baby Wah pedal with classics like the Dunlop GCB95 CryBaby Wah Pedal.
All these brands cater to a wide range of musical tastes and preferences for overdrive pedals, ensuring there’s a perfect pedal for everyone.
Let me know in the comments below which pedal you use and why.
And once you’ve done that (!), read my new article, Different Guitar Pedal Types…
It’s interesting to learn about how different pedals affect the guitar sound. Didn’t realize there were so many types.
While the article offers a solid introduction to pedal types, I believe it oversimplifies the capacities of each category. For instance, fuzz pedals, beyond simply ‘fuzzing’ up the sound, can significantly alter the harmonic content, leading to a variety of tones. Would love to see a follow-up that dives deeper into the nuances of each pedal type.
This might be a newbie question but how do you decide which pedal to start with? I’m leaning towards a reverb or delay cause they sound cool but not sure. Any advice from you or anyone here?
Delay’s great for learning about timing and echo effects. Can’t go wrong with either!
Hey Tara_98, a reverb is a solid choice for a first pedal. It’s versatile and can really add depth to your sound. Experiment and see what you like!
Loved the breakdown of pedal types, Hugh Richardson! Gonna check out some reverb pedals you mentioned. Cheers!