Q: I have an overdrive that I really like for my guitar, but I think I want to add a clean boost pedal to my rig for more sounds. Should it go before or after the overdrive?
A: Either place will work, but the results will be different. If you place the boost before the overdrive, the result will be more distortion and gain, as the input level to the overdrive will be increased. If you place the boost after the overdrive, it will make the overdrive’s output louder, allowing you to push the input on your amp harder or to increase the volume for solos. Some players even use two boosts — one pre-overddrive, the other post-overdrive, so they can have instant access to either option.