Buying guitar pedals can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. The sheer number of options available, combined with the technical jargon, can make the process overwhelming. This guide aims to simplify the process by breaking down the different types of pedals, what they do, and how to choose the right ones for your needs. We’ll also look at some common issues and how to troubleshoot them. By the end, you should feel confident about making informed decisions about your pedal purchases.
- 80 preset patches and 80 user patches, enough for creating your sound library. You can save any preferred tones by simply pressing down the SAVE button.
- 8 effect modules, including 66 effect types, providing you with the most unique Mooer sound library. Simply rotate the knob above the screen and everyth
- 6 assignable expression pedal parameters which greatly improve the convenience and diversity of controlling the tone. Unique adjustable output mode setting allows you to use line out mode to still get a good tone when playing without an amp.
- By using 180 seconds looper and a drum machine which contains a variety of rhythm patterns, you can create your own music without using a computer.
- GE100 has scale and chord learning function. Just click the LESSION button to enter the scale and chord knowledge reserve interface.
- Disttion Effects Pedal f Guitar
- Keyboard with Disttion
- Tone Controls
- Level
- Bass
- Get the raw sound of punk, alt rock, and metal under your boots.
- Equipped with a classic TS-style overdrive
- Play presets designed by UA’s tone gurus
- Customize and save your own tones in the UAFX mobile app
- Multi-effects Processor with 70+ Effects
- 68 Drum Patterns
- Expression Pedal
- 13 Amp Models
- Looper
- Recreate the whole variety of famous fuzz tones of the '60s and '70s
- This BEHRINGER product has been designed to compete head to head with leading products on the market
- 3 different sound modes for classic fuzz, grunge and gain boost
- Dedicated Gain, 2-band EQ and Level controls for awesome sound shaping
- Status LED for effect on/off and battery check
- Overdrive Pedal f Electric Guitar
- Legendary BOSS overdrive pedal with genre-defining sound and feel
- Stacks well with boost, overdrive, and distortion pedals
- Unique asymmetrical clipping circuit produces tube-like overdrive characteristics
- Compatibility: Size：23.6 x 3.5 x 11.4 inch(60 x 8.9 x29 cm). This guitar pedal bag is compatible with Boss ME-80 / GT-1000 / GX-100 / ME-90 guitar multi-effects pedals. (Bag only, pedals and accessories not included)
- Removable Dividers: The main compartment of guitar pedal board case comes with a removable divider, which can provide extra space for accessories such as microphones or guitar cables according to the size of your guitar pedal. Velcro elastic fixing straps can better fix your guitar pedal to prevent it from shaking and falling
- Large Capacity: The guitar multi effects pedal board carrying case is designed with a large front zipper pocket, a 15.6 inch laptop compartment, 2 mesh pockets, 2 covered slip pockets and 2 pen slots for other necessities such as headphones, monitors, wireless systems, etc.
- All-round protection: The exterior of the pedalboard storage bag is made of tear-resistant polyester fabric, which is water-resistant, scratch-resistant and wear-resistant! 8MM thick foam cotton and soft velvet lining can reduce impact and protect your guitar equipment from scratches and collisions during storage and transportation
- Portable: This guitar pedal travel case is equipped with an adjustable padded long shoulder strap, a comfortable handle and a trolley strap design, which is great for travel; An ideal present for guitarists, guitar teachers, guitar players, guitar learners and guitar lovers
- Stereo Looping Pedal with Footswitch
- Stompbox Operation
- Level Control
- Experience the fun of looping when you record, playback, overdub, and undo or redo loops using this compact BOSS stompbox
- Disttion Overdrive Effects Guitar Pedal with Tube Amplifier Simulation Blues Guitar Tone with Level
- Gain Controls
- Classic "blues" guitar tones with tube amp simulation
- Responds to nuance and volume changes
- Digital Delay/Plate Reverb 2 effects in 1 guitar effects pedal
- Max. 2000ms Delay Time, Reverb has large schedulable Decay parameter
- Trail and Tap Tempo function helps during the Live Show
- Special Design Buffer Bypass Circuit Keeps the Sound Pristine on the guitar pedal
- Working with 9V Center Negative Regular Pedal Power Supply(NOT INCLUDED)
- Heavy Die Cast Construction
- Powered by the Dunlop ECB-03 AC Adapter (not included) and/or 9 volt battery
- Dimensions: 10" x 4" x 2-1/2"
- Weight: 3.7 lbs.
- Color: Black
- Distortion guitar effect pedal gives a British stack sound effect; a recreation of 70-80’s classical sound. 3 Controls by Volume, Tone and Gain
- 2 modes of Bright and Normal, switch to Bright position to distortion your sound for a bright tone or to Normal position to distortion the device for one-of-a-kind pedal sound. True bypass hardware switching
- Made of reliable high-quality aluminum alloy with a beautiful art design on the top, and diamond cut along the edge; anti-skid rubber pad on the backside for stability and friction prevention
- LED status indicator; user manual included; no batteries needed, powered by an AC adapter (NOT included) delivery, 9V DC, internal negative, external positive
- Measures 3.7 by 1.9 by 1.66 inches / 94 by 42 by 48 millimetres; Mini size, big sound. Be creative.
- 【GOLDEN FUZZ】The classic bass FUZZ tone can use for both bass and guitar.SQUEEZE can adjust the pulse waveform width.The pedal serves double duty for bass, allowing for deep, scuzzy fuzz with a few flicks of a dial.
- 【Signal switch】The comprehensive channel switch effects pedal, can switch one way signal to two different outputs, applicable for the circuit of instrument, amplifier.
- 【True Bypass】During transmission, the signal remains fully intact and pure, passing through the effects pedal with no any noise. Dedicated Gain & Volume &Tone knobs allow for precise effect tailoring.
- 【Durable & Solid Construction】 A well made durable and whole aluminium-alloy design.Aluminium alloy body makes this effect pedals safe to transport.The indicator lights will clearly show the working state of the pedal.
- 【Kind reminder】Guitar pedal requires a DC 9V adapter power supply to use(not included in the package) .This Tremolo pedal has a small size body, light weight, suitable for outdoor and indoor.
- Used as a primary distortion, it excels at arena rock rhythm tones and soaring leads
- Nails that sweet spot where a tube amp goes from sparkly clean to warm overdrive
- Use the RAT 2 as a boost for solos and get the extra kick you need
- [Wide Range Tuner] Tuning range is A0(27.5 Hz) ~ C8(4186 Hz). New fast precise strobe mode with +/- 1 cent accuracy
- [2 Modes Tuner Pedal] At tuning mode you can cut off all signal output and adjust your guitar. At bypass mode the sound of your guitar will revert back to the amplifier with no loss of tune. No annoying "pop" and "hum" noises
- [Easy to See] The color and brightness of the specially adjusted LED beads match the mini LCD screen, which can be used on the large stage and outdoor performance venues without any problems
- [Fast & Accurate Tuner] DT-1 tuner pedal gives you fast and accurate tuning
- [Notice] There is not power adapter included, you need to buy one. Not come with a battery compartment
- Guitar Bass Tuner Pedal with High-Brightness Mode f Outdo Visibility
- 21-segment LED Meter
- Drop Tuning Suppt
- Guitar/Bass Mode
- Compressor guitar pedal with fully analog circuit; provides a broader adjustable range and true bypass
- Made of high-quality aluminum alloy for durable strength; small classic size; silver-colored finish
- Anti-skid rubber pads on the backside for better stability and friction prevention
- LED status indicator; powered by an AC adapter(NOT included) delivery, 9V DC regulated minimum 300mA, Internal negative external positive; user manual included
- Measures 3.7 by 2.1 by 2.1 inches; backed by an Amazon Basics 1-year limited warranty
- 11 high-quality classic modulation effects: Chorus, Flanger, Tremolo, Phaser, Vibrato, Rotary, Liquid, Auto wah, Stutter, Ring, Low bit.
- Full metal shell design makes it more durable.
- Tiny size makes it compact and portable.
- Bright color brings energy to your performance.
- 9V 150mA power supply, Not Included.
- [2 overdrive modes]: Warm: The classic TS overdrive sound replica; Hot: More powerful, a louder, tightened sound
- [Style-type]: Combining iconic vintage tube overdrive sound with wide dynamic range, Donner overdrive pedal gives you a wide tonal range from smooth whispers to searing leads
- [Easy to use]: Flexible knobs for tone control: LEVEL (output volume), TONE (brightness) and GAIN (overdrive amount)
- [True bypass guitar pedal]: True bypass provides transparent tone; Enduring aluminum alloy chassis
- [Power supply]: DC 9V Adapter power supply (NOT INCLUDED)
Understanding the Basics
Before we dive into specific types of pedals, it’s important to understand the fundamental concept behind them. Guitar pedals, also known as effects pedals, are electronic devices that alter the signal coming from your guitar before it reaches your amplifier. This alteration can change the sound in a variety of ways, from subtle tonal adjustments to radical transformations. These pedals are typically housed in small, robust metal or plastic enclosures that can withstand the rigours of live performances and studio use. Pedals usually have one or more footswitches, allowing you to engage or disengage them easily. The power source is usually either a battery or an external power adapter.
Guitar pedals are typically connected in a chain, with the output of one pedal going to the input of the next, and eventually into the amplifier. This arrangement is known as an effects chain. The order of pedals in the chain can dramatically affect the overall sound. Experimenting with the order is key to discovering unique tones. For instance, placing a distortion pedal before a modulation pedal will produce a different effect than if the order is reversed.
Types of Guitar Pedals
Guitar pedals come in a multitude of different categories, each with its own purpose. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common types:
Overdrive and Distortion Pedals
These are among the most popular types of pedals, used to create various levels of gain, from a slight boost to heavy distortion. Overdrive pedals simulate the sound of an amplifier being pushed to its limit, resulting in a warm, crunchy tone. They typically produce a smoother, less aggressive sound compared to distortion pedals. Overdrive is frequently used for blues, rock, and other genres requiring a slightly edgy tone. On the other hand, distortion pedals produce a much more aggressive sound with heavier saturation and compression. They are often used for rock, metal and other high gain genres. These pedals can range from subtle clipping to a full, thick wall of sound. Both types of pedals have different styles and each has its own tonal character, therefore it is worth experimenting with both types to find what works best for you.
Fuzz Pedals
Fuzz pedals are similar to distortion pedals in that they produce gain, but they create a more heavily saturated and often unpredictable tone, and are known for their thick, buzzy, and sometimes chaotic sound. These pedals were among the first effects created and have a vintage, retro sound. Fuzz pedals often work best in front of all other pedals, as their tone can be easily affected by pedals that are placed before them. Many guitarists find the unique and often unpredictable sound of fuzz to be a great source of inspiration and character for their sound.
Modulation Pedals
Modulation pedals alter the pitch or time elements of the guitar signal, creating a wide range of interesting and colourful sounds. Common types of modulation pedals include chorus, flanger, phaser, and tremolo. Chorus pedals create a shimmering, thickening effect by adding a slightly delayed and detuned copy of the original signal. This effect is widely used in genres like pop, rock, and metal. Flanger pedals produce a swirling, jet-like effect by adding a short delay to the signal. A flanger effect is known to add a sense of movement and dynamism to the guitar’s tone. Phaser pedals also create a swirling effect, but a less intense one compared to a flanger. A phaser adds a subtle movement and sweep to the sound. Tremolo pedals create a rhythmic pulsing effect by varying the amplitude of the signal. Tremolo is most often used to create a rhythmic texture, especially in vintage music.
Delay Pedals
Delay pedals create an echo effect by repeating the incoming signal. They can be used to add depth, atmosphere, and rhythmic complexity to your playing. A delay pedal can have different time settings which affect the gap between the repetitions of the sound. Short delays often create a subtle thickening effect, while long delays can be used to create complex rhythmic textures. Different types of delays have different sonic characteristics, from clean and pristine to warm and muddy. Some of the most common types of delays are digital and analogue delays. The main difference between the two is that digital delays offer a much more accurate and clean reproduction of the original signal, while analogue delays create a slightly degraded and often warmer sound.
Reverb Pedals
Reverb pedals simulate the ambience of different acoustic spaces, from small rooms to large concert halls, creating a sense of depth and space. They can make your guitar sound as though you are playing in a specific environment. Reverb can also add sustain to the notes and make them linger longer. Different types of reverb include spring reverb, hall reverb, plate reverb, and room reverb. Each type of reverb offers different acoustic characteristics, and often these different settings can be found within the same pedal. Reverb pedals are widely used in almost all genres of music to create atmosphere and fullness.
Compression Pedals
Compression pedals reduce the dynamic range of your signal, making quiet notes louder and loud notes quieter. This effect helps to create a more consistent and balanced sound. Compression is used to add sustain, punch, and clarity to the guitar. It can also help to smooth out the differences between the quieter and louder passages. Compression is often used in funk, country, and pop genres but also in many other genres of music that require a tight and controlled sound.
Equalizer (EQ) Pedals
EQ pedals allow you to shape the frequency content of your sound by boosting or cutting specific frequencies. They are used to fine-tune the tone of your guitar and can be particularly useful in shaping the character of your sound, for example getting rid of unwanted frequencies or boosting particular frequencies. An EQ pedal can also be used in combination with other pedals to enhance their effectiveness.
Wah Pedals
Wah pedals create a sweeping filter effect by altering the frequency content of the signal. These pedals are used with a foot-operated rocker that creates a distinctive, voice-like sound. Wah pedals are popular in rock, funk, and blues genres. The wah effect can be used for rhythmic and expressive purposes.
Volume and Boost Pedals
Volume pedals allow you to control the overall volume of your guitar signal using a foot-operated pedal. They are often used for swells, smooth volume changes, and to create dynamic contrast. Boost pedals increase the signal level of your guitar and are often used to drive your amplifier harder, adding more gain and sustain. They can also be used to cut through the mix during a solo.
Choosing the Right Pedals
Choosing the right pedals can seem complicated, but with a little planning and experimentation you will learn how to choose the right pedals for your purposes. Here are a few things to consider when selecting your pedals:
Determine Your Needs
Before buying any pedals, think about the type of music you want to play. This will help you identify the types of effects you need. A good place to start is by listening to guitarists you admire and try to identify the pedals they use.
Start Simple
If you’re new to pedals, it is best to start with a few essential ones and gradually add more as your experience grows. An overdrive, a delay, and a reverb are often considered good places to start, but you can choose what is best suited to the music you play.
Consider Your Budget
Pedals range in price from very affordable to extremely expensive. It’s important to set a budget and stick to it. You don’t necessarily need to buy the most expensive pedals to create great tones. There are many affordable options that will get you started.
Read Reviews
Before buying any pedal, read reviews from other users to get an idea of its strengths and weaknesses. Many online communities and forums offer detailed reviews and opinions about various guitar pedals.
Try Before You Buy
Whenever possible, try out pedals in person before buying them. Many guitar stores have a wide range of pedals available to try, which will allow you to find out how these pedals work and how they will fit your rig.
Pedal Power and Connections
Guitar pedals need power to function. Most pedals are powered by either a 9-volt battery or an external power supply. Using a power supply can be more reliable and convenient than using batteries. It is also more environmentally friendly. When connecting pedals, it is important to use the correct cables to avoid unwanted noise or signal loss. Use high-quality patch cables to connect the output of one pedal to the input of the next one. Using a pedalboard will also help in managing and organizing your pedals.
Key Takeaway: Understanding the different types of guitar pedals and how they work will help you make informed decisions about your purchases.
Troubleshooting Common Pedal Problems
Even with the right pedals and connections, you may encounter some problems from time to time. Here are a few common issues and how to troubleshoot them:
No Sound
If you are getting no sound, check that all cables are connected properly, the power supply is working and that the pedals are engaged (turned on). If this still doesn’t solve the issue, try using different cables to rule out a cable issue and try different power supplies.
Weak Signal
If your signal is weak, this might be caused by a dying battery or a low-quality cable. You can try using a fresh battery or a different power source. You may also want to check the levels on your pedals.
Unwanted Noise
Unwanted noise can be caused by a faulty power supply, a ground loop, or by a noisy pedal. The noise can also be caused by a low-quality or badly shielded cable. A better cable and a better power supply can often remedy these problems.
Pedal Not Responding
If a pedal is not responding, check that the footswitch is working. If the problem persists, you can try to contact the manufacturer or get it repaired by an experienced technician.
Key Takeaway: Troubleshooting common pedal problems involves checking the connections, power, and pedal itself.
The Importance of Experimentation
One of the most exciting parts about using guitar pedals is the ability to experiment with them. There are no set rules for how to use pedals, so don’t be afraid to try new combinations and settings. The order of the pedals in the chain, the settings and other factors can contribute to the overall tone of the guitar, and experimenting with these variables will allow you to create unique and exciting sounds.
Table: Common Types of Guitar Pedals and Their Uses
| Pedal Type | Description | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Overdrive | Creates a warm, crunchy tone, simulating an overdriven amp. | Blues, rock, country |
| Distortion | Produces a heavier, saturated tone, suitable for high-gain sounds. | Rock, metal, punk |
| Fuzz | Creates a thick, buzzy, and often chaotic sound. | Vintage rock, experimental genres |
| Chorus | Adds a shimmering, thickening effect by adding a slightly delayed signal. | Pop, rock, metal |
| Flanger | Creates a swirling, jet-like effect by adding a short delay to the signal. | Rock, funk, experimental genres |
| Phaser | Creates a sweeping, swirling effect using phase shifting. | Rock, funk, psychedelic genres |
| Tremolo | Creates a rhythmic pulsing effect by varying the amplitude of the signal. | Vintage rock, country, surf rock |
| Delay | Repeats the incoming signal to create an echo effect. | All genres, used to add depth, atmosphere, and rhythmic complexity. |
| Reverb | Simulates the ambience of different acoustic spaces. | All genres, used to add depth and space. |
| Compression | Reduces the dynamic range of the signal, making quiet sounds louder and loud sounds quieter. | Funk, country, pop, used to add punch and sustain. |
| EQ | Allows you to shape the frequency content of the signal. | Used to fine-tune tones and remove unwanted frequencies. |
| Wah | Creates a sweeping filter effect using a rocker pedal. | Rock, funk, blues, used for expressive and rhythmic purposes. |
| Volume and Boost | Controls the overall volume or increases signal gain. | All genres, used for swells, smooth volume changes, and to drive the amplifier harder. |
Key Takeaway: There are many types of guitar pedals, and each type is designed for a specific purpose and tone.
Conclusion
Buying guitar pedals can be an exciting journey. Understanding the basics of how they work and the different types available is the first step towards creating your desired sound. Start with a few essential pedals, experiment with different settings, and don’t be afraid to try new things. Remember that the best pedal setup is the one that inspires you to play. The world of guitar pedals is constantly evolving and there are always new types of effects to try.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best first guitar pedal to buy?
The best first pedal will depend on the music you like playing, however, an overdrive pedal or a versatile multi-effects pedal is usually a good place to start.
What does the order of pedals in the chain matter?
Yes, the order of the pedals in the chain can significantly affect the overall sound. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your desired sound.
How can I power my guitar pedals?
Guitar pedals can be powered by a 9-volt battery or a power supply. Power supplies are often more reliable.
How often should I change my pedal batteries?
You should change the pedal batteries as soon as they start to sound weak or distorted. A good practice is to change your pedal batteries before each gig.
What are patch cables?
Patch cables are short cables used to connect pedals together. It is good to use high-quality patch cables to avoid signal loss or noise.