Building your first pedalboard can be overwhelming. But Sweetwater has your back. This list compiles our favorite pedals in seven categories to help you sift through the endless sea of offerings and get straight to the good stuff. Although this list targets beginners, most of these pedals will deserve a place on your board for years to come. Indeed, the lion’s share of these pedals are time-tested classics, and they can be found on pro-level pedalboards everywhere.
Note: At Sweetwater, we know there’s no such thing as “best” when it comes to music gear. Every player and artist has unique tastes, which is what makes selecting gear so fun! The items on this list feature some of our favorite products from top manufacturers to help you start your buying journey! Explore these recommendations and dive into Sweetwater’s massive collection of gear on our online store. For personalized picks and expert advice, please contact our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700!
Fuzz, Overdrive & Distortion
If you want to play earthquaking, rafter-shaking rock ‘n’ roll, then you’ll need to put some dirt on your tone. That’s where fuzz, overdrive, and distortion pedals come in. These stompboxes add variable levels of clipping to your signal, thereby adding character, sustain, and perceived volume to your core sound.
Electro-Harmonix Nano Big Muff Pi Distortion/Fuzz/Overdrive Pedal
As arguably the most popular fuzz pedal ever, the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi has been (re)defining the sound of rock guitar for four decades and counting. Whether you’re aiming for rich, creamy, violin-like sustain or garage-style grind, the Big Muff delivers the goods. What’s more is that its younger sibling, the Electro-Harmonix Nano Big Muff Pi distortion/fuzz/overdrive pedal, packs this tried-and-true sound into a pint-sized, pedalboard-friendly stompbox. From Jimi Hendrix and Santana to Pink Floyd to the White Stripes, everyone loves the Pi!
Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer Overdrive Pedal
What’s green and screams? Ask most people and they’ll claim it’s an angry Martian. Guitarists know the correct answer, though: it’s a Tube Screamer! That’s because the Tube Screamer is the most used and cloned overdrive pedal in all of stompbox history. The Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer overdrive pedal is the current production model of this revered classic, arming you with a mid-forward, edge-of-breakup sound that’s a spot-on re-creation of the original pedal. Searching for a world-class dirty boost? You’ll find a TS9 on more pro pedalboards in this capacity than anything else out there. A Tube Screamer should be part of every guitarist’s arsenal. And while there are tons of boutique options out there, their basic circuits all begin with the TS9.
Pro Co RAT 2 Distortion/Fuzz/Overdrive Pedal
With so many options out there, beginning guitarists may have trouble picking their first distortion pedal. We’ll save you time and lots of trial and error — just get a Pro Co RAT 2 distortion/fuzz/overdrive pedal and call it a day. This legendary, hard-clipping dirtbox has it all: a hot-rodded dirty boost, sweet-sounding overdrive, fuzz-like grunge, and everything in between. Countless professional guitarists rely on the RAT’s filthy, harmonic-rich saturation for their core tones — the RAT’s sonic footprint has graced thousands of influential albums. Best of all, no matter what type of dirt you’re trying to dial in, the RAT will deliver it brilliantly.
Modulation
Technically, “modulation” means “changing over time.” But for guitarists, it’s another word for “the fun stuff.” Chorus, flanging, phasing, tremolo, and vibrato are all forms of modulation. Modulation stompboxes live in a special place on most guitarists’ pedalboards, providing just the right amount of spice — at just the right moment — to take your sound over the top.
BOSS CH-1 Stereo Super Chorus Pedal
When people try to explain the sound of a chorus effect, what they’re actually describing is the BOSS CH-1 Stereo Super Chorus — it’s the definitive chorus pedal. Seriously — listen to anything recorded in the 1980s (the decade with more chorus than any other), and you’ll hear the CH-1 on pretty much everything. This best-selling stompbox includes an easy-to-dial-in 4-knob interface, unleashing everything from subtle enhancement to lush tidal waves of dizzying modulation. If you’re craving that one-of-a-kind shimmer, then the BOSS CH-1 will serve it right to you on a blue-hued platter.
MXR M68 Uni-Vibe Chorus/Vibrato Pedal
Many newer guitarists are on quests to achieve the unique Doppler-style effect heard on such songs as Robin Trower’s “Bridge of Sighs,” Jimi Hendrix’s “Machine Gun,” and Pink Floyd’s “Breathe.” Here’s a hint: these guitar legends used a Uni-Vibe. This stompbox creates tasty chorus and vibrato effects with a bit of phase shifting thrown in for good measure. In short, nothing else sounds quite like it. And, thanks to the modern MXR M68 Uni-Vibe chorus/vibrato pedal, you won’t need to haul around a tank-sized vintage unit; its conveniently sized housing will fit on all but the most crowded of pedalboards.
MXR M101 Phase 90 Phaser Pedal
Want to nail Van Halen’s “Eruption” tone but not sure how to go about it? Well, it doesn’t take a high-priced phaser pedal to get you there — Eddie Van Halen himself used a humble MXR Phase 90. In fact, this unassuming orange stomp is the secret to the ear-grabbing spatial shimmer and high-velocity swooshing heard on countless hit albums. From smooth, watery textures to muted strumming, the MXR M101 Phase 90 phaser pedal is a must-have guitar effects pedal.
BOSS TR-2 Tremolo Effects Pedal
Whether you want to conjure up classic surf-rock tones or immerse yourself in modern atmospheric quivers, the BOSS TR-2 Tremolo effects pedal is more than up to the task. This easy-to-operate, 3-knob stompbox is a veritable tremolo playground — it’s able to achieve triangle or square waveforms of any speed and intensity that your heart desires. Moreover, its BOSS-style housing is built to withstand all the enthusiastic stomps you can dish out.
TC Electronic Tailspin Vibrato Pedal
Loaded with old-school bucket brigade circuitry, the TC Electronic Tailspin vibrato pedal is your one-stop shop for everything from chorus-y psychedelic pitch bends to Neptune cocktails of seasick tremors. And this excellent-sounding stompbox delivers killer effects without affecting your core tone. Moreover, its 2-knob interface is a breeze to use. True-bypass switching and a nearly bulletproof metal housing round out the Tailspin’s stellar features. If you want cool lo-fi vibrato effects, then why make it complicated? Plug into TC’s Tailspin, and you’ll be right where you want to be.
JHS 3 Series Flanger Pedal
The JHS 3 Series Flanger pedal puts the sonic character of all the famous, classic flange effects right at your feet. You get all the sounds, too, from subtle chorus to all-out jet-plane flanging and all points in between. This decidedly unpretentious pedal flaunts a simple, 3-knob layout, along with a toggle switch that yields vintage-tinged, tape-style sounds. Beginners on the hunt for a streamlined flanger pedal at a real-world price will be pleased as punch by the JHS 3 Series Flanger.
Filter & Wah
When you want to get funky, it’s time to break out your filter and wah-wah pedals. These stompboxes are highly expressive tools, enabling you to coax extra emotion out of your guitar while infusing them with extra ear-grabbing flavor.
DOD Envelope Filter 440
If you’ve got a hankering for Jerry Garcia–style autowah effects, then the DOD Envelope Filter 440 has your number. This reissued Hall of Famer delivers classic touch-sensitive filter-sweep effects that’ll have you going quacky-quacky waka-waka in no time. This little green box o’ fun includes level and range knobs for dialing in the effect and a voice switch for tailoring the direction of your filter sweep. Whether you want to cop jam-band touch-wah sounds or simply add extra expression to your playing, the DOD Envelope Filter 440 checks all the right boxes.
Dunlop GCB95 Cry Baby Standard Wah Pedal
Remember when someone said, “Crying doesn’t solve anything?” They obviously didn’t play guitar because the Dunlop GCB95 Cry Baby Standard wah pedal is the bona fide solution to sterile-sounding leads. The Cry Baby is easily the most often used wah-wah pedal on the market, supplying you with the vintage-tinged quack that all the legendary guitarists — from Eric Clapton to Jimi Hendrix — made famous. The Cry Baby Standard wah is one of the most expressive effects out there. Plus, it’s intuitive to operate and a surefire way to conjure up the voodoo child you’ve been yearning for. Moreover, this treadle-sporting pedal is built like a tank, so you’ll be able to use it forever.
Octave
Whether you’re shooting for subterranean sub-bass or stratospheric upper harmonics, octave pedals are a great way to juice up your tone. While not every guitarist employs an octave stompbox, these pedals are an essential part of some players’ signature sounds.
BOSS OC-5 Polyphonic Guitar/Bass Octave Pedal
The BOSS OC-5 polyphonic guitar/bass octave pedal does so much more than create faux bass-guitar tones (although its ability to do so is second to none). Rather, this do-it-all stomp covers all the octave-up and octave-down effects without necessitating a rack full of studio gear. As expected, this brown beastie re-creates the classic BOSS OC-2 mono Octaver. Beyond that, you get a poly setting for adding bass notes to chords and an octave-up control for 12-string textures and mind-bending classic-rock leads. Best of all, the OC-5’s state-of-the-art processing engine ensures tightly locked tracking with ultra-low latency.
TC Electronic Sub ‘N’ Up Mini Octaver Pedal
The TC Electronic Sub ‘N‘ Up Mini Octaver pedal is so small that it almost looks like a toy. Plug your guitar into it, however, and it delivers octave effects so mammoth that they can fill a stadium. The Sub ‘N‘ Up Mini Octaver delivers attention-grabbing sub-bass and octave-up effects with flawless polyphonic tracking. Plus, its 3-knob interface ensures easy operation — even if you hate reading manuals. And since you get access to more sounds via TC’s TonePrint technology, the Sub ‘N‘ Up Mini Octaver is one of the most versatile octave effects pedals out there.
Reverb & Delay
Unless you’re performing in a cave or another highly reflective space, you’ll probably want to add ambience to your playing. That’s why reverb and delay pedals are found in almost every player’s guitar rig. While reverbs emulate the sonic characteristics of a physical space, delays yield atmospheric rhythmic echoes. No matter the type of music you’re playing, you’ll likely need one — or both, more likely — of these effects in your arsenal.
Electro-Harmonix Holy Grail Neo Reverb Pedal
Reverb is one of the most often used guitar effects around, and the Electro-Harmonix Holy Grail Neo reverb pedal gives you not one, not two, but THREE bread-and-butter reverb algorithms to add space and dimension to your playing. You get a vintage-sounding spring setting great for classic rock and surf music, a cavernous hall setting for arena-worthy performances, and a studio-quality plate setting for pristine jazz or late ’80s hair-metal tones. To top it off, the Holy Grail Neo boasts true-bypass switching as well as a rugged, space-saving design.
MXR M169 Carbon Copy Analog Delay Pedal
When it comes to the guitar, there’s nothing wrong with repeating yourself. There’s nothing wrong with repeating yourself. In fact, we encourage it! That’s where the MXR M169 Carbon Copy analog delay pedal comes in. This immensely popular stompbox delivers the richest, warmest delay repeats around, thanks to old-fashioned bucket brigade technology with up to 600ms of delay on tap. You also get optional modulation via a top-mounted switch for adding tape-style warbles to your repeats. The Carbon Copy includes an intuitive 3-knob control set along with a compact design and spiffy blue LEDs for a head-turning look. If you want the analog delay that pretty much everybody is using, then the Carbon Copy is the pedal to get.
Multi-effects
Want one box that does it all? If so, then a multi-effects pedal will serve you well. These pedals cram all sorts of effects — distortion, modulation, filters, reverb, delay, and more — into a single, all-encompassing unit. Multi-effects pedals are a great choice for players who want to travel light without sacrificing tonal versatility.
Zoom G1X Four Multi-effects Processor with Expression Pedal
Zoom has been making budget-friendly (yet eminently high-quality) multi-effects boxes since the early 1990s. Simply put, the company knows how to pack a lot of awesome-sounding fun into a compact, easy-to-operate unit. Case in point: the Zoom G1X Four multi-effects processor with expression pedal. Not only does this powerful pedal include more than 70 effects, but it also features a slew of amp models, built-in drum patterns, a looper, and even an expression pedal for real-time sonic adventures. You can use up to five effects simultaneously. Plus, you get an onboard tuner! A headphone output and an auxiliary input are also included. You can coax just about any sound imaginable out of the G1X Four, and its added features make it a great practice — and performance — tool.
Utility
Utility effects aren’t usually the focus of gear conversations, but they’re just as important as their more colorful counterparts. In fact, these stompboxes are unheralded heroes, keeping your guitar in tune, clamping down on unwanted noise, and solving all sorts of other problems so that you can deliver your best performance.
BOSS TU-3 Chromatic Tuner Pedal with Bypass
Few things are as off-putting as an out-of-tune guitar. That’s why every player needs a tuner pedal. The BOSS TU-3 Chromatic Tuner pedal with bypass comes from a long line of best-selling BOSS tuners, and it’s easily one of our most popular pedal-style tuners here at Sweetwater. The TU-3 is jam-packed with features, including a 21-segment LED meter, a high brightness mode for outdoor visibility, and an Accu-Pitch sign function for easy visual verification of your tuning. What’s more, the TU-3 accommodates extended-range instruments and drop tunings. The tuner even mutes automatically when engaged, so your audience won’t have to listen to you tune up. Finally, you can use the TU-3 to power up to seven other BOSS pedals.
TC Electronic Iron Curtain Noise Gate Pedal
Bothered by hiss, radio-frequency interference, and 60-cycle hum? Don’t fret (no pun intended)! Put a TC Electronic Iron Curtain noise gate pedal in your signal chain, and all these nuisances will go bye-bye. This simple yet effective noise gate pedal boasts a streamlined 2-knob interface, stomp-proof metal housing, and true-bypass switching. Stop living with unwanted noise. Plug into an Iron Curtain and enjoy squeaky-clean sound — even if your tone is anything but that.
Build Your Dream Pedalboard Today!
Still not sure what pedals will get you the sound you’re aiming for? Reach out to one of our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700, and they’ll point you in the right direction.
