Pedal Power: The Best Gear for the Budding Guitarist.
Whether you’re just starting out on the guitar or a seasoned pro, having the best pedals for your setup can make all the difference when it comes to finding your sound. As there is a huge range of guitar pedals out there, it can be difficult to figure out which ones are worth investing your money in. Here we take a look at the best pedals available, the kinds of effects they can create, and how they can help shape the sound of your guitar.
Delay Pedals
Delay pedals are great for creating spacious and atmospheric sounds in your guitar tone. Delays can be used to create either a subtle reverb-like effect, or a more bold ‘echo’ effect, depending on the settings you use. Delays can also be used to ‘humanize’ a guitar part, by adding a human-like variation in timing, commonly referred to as ‘groove’. Delay pedals such as the MXR Carbon Copy, TC Electronic Flashback, and the Boss DD-7 are all popular choices for guitarists of all ability levels.
Overdrive and Distortion Pedals
If you’re looking for a more aggressive tone, or trying to emulate the sound of classic rock, then a drive or distortion pedal is the way to go. Overdrive pedals are great for adding gain to your sound and creating a ‘pushed’ style of tone. Distortion pedals are more extreme and will push your amp and guitar signal into a more saturated, distorted state. Notable examples of drive/distortion pedals include the Ibanez Tube Screamer, the MXR Fullbore, and the Boss DS-1.
Modulation Pedals
Modulation effects are often used to create a sense of movement or ‘motion’ in guitar tone. Popular modulation effects include chorus, flange, and phaser, all of which have the capability to deeply alter a guitar sound. The Electro-Harmonix Small Stone, MXR M-101 Flanger, and Boss CE-5 Chorus Ensemble are all great examples of pedals that offer versatile and unique modulation effects.
Wah Wah Pedals
One of the most iconic effects in modern guitar playing, the wah-wah pedal is a great tool for creating Hendrix-style lead sounds, deep funk rhythms, and versatile rhythms and leads. Whether you prefer a classic Vox-style wah, a more modern ‘wha’ effect, or both, there are a range of wah pedals available to suit your needs. Notable examples include the Dunlop Cry Baby, the Morley Steve Vai Bad Horsie, and the Boss PW-10.
Compression Pedals
Compressors are great for ‘smoothing out’ a guitar signal. By applying subtle gain reduction to a signal, compressors help to make a guitar sound fuller and more consistent. This can be especially useful when playing live, as it can help bring out the nuances of each note in a performance. Examples of popular compressor pedals include the MXR Dyna Comp, the Boss CS-3, and the Xotic SP Compressor.
Volume and Expression Pedals
Volume and expression pedals are incredibly useful for producing dynamic performances. Expression pedals enable control of certain effects or parameters during a performance, allowing for subtle modifications in tone or sustain. Volume pedals do exactly what it says on the tin, allowing you to fine-tune the volume of your signal with accuracy. There are a wide range of volume and expression pedals available, including the Ernie Ball VP Jr., the Fender FVP-1, and the Korg EXP-2.
These are just a few of the types of guitar pedals that are out there. Of course, depending on the style of music you play and the sound you’re trying to achieve, the pedals you choose will vary. However, whichever type of pedal you choose, make sure to experiment with settings and explore the various sounds you can produce with each one.