The Ultimate Guide to Buying the Best Guitar Pedals

Let’s cut to the chase: If your guitar tone is stuck in neutral, it's time to “step” on the gas. Guitar pedals are the best way to add some new creative life to your riffs, whether you're chasing the creamy grit of a vintage overdrive, the swirling chaos of a phaser, or the infinite wash of a reverb. Even if you’re just starting out, a solid pedal can be the kick in the pants your playing needs. 

The only challenging thing about guitar pedals is the sheer number of them. Overdrive, delay, compression, wah… Where do you even start? Don't worry, friend! Whether you’re a bedroom noodler or a stage-slaying pro, we’ve got the intel to help you find the best guitar pedals and build a pedalboard that doesn’t suck.

So, you've made up your mind to grab some new guitar pedals. Good! Now comes the tricky part: figuring out which ones are right for you. With so many options on the market, it’s easy to get lost in the weeds. If you don't know what you're looking for, don't sweat it. Here's what to keep in mind when shopping so you can find the best guitar pedals for your rig.

• Your Playing Style and Genre: First things first, what kind of music do you play? Your pedals should serve your sound, not the other way around. So, before you start shopping, take a minute to think about the tones you’re chasing.
• Your Budget: Let’s talk money. Pedals can range from “I’ll just skip coffee for a week” to “I might need to sell a kidney.” Thankfully, there are plenty of popular guitar pedals that provide pro-level sound without a hefty price tag. Just remember, it’s better to start with a few quality pedals than to fill your board with cheap junk.
• Build Quality: Pedals need to be able to take a beating. Look for pedals made with durable materials, solid knobs, and sturdy switches. And don’t forget to consider the internal wiring. True bypass pedals keep your signal clean when the pedal is off, while buffered bypass pedals can help prevent signal loss in larger setups. 
• Power Requirements: Here’s a rookie mistake you’ll want to avoid: buying a pedal without thinking about how you’re going to power it. Some pedals run on batteries, while others need an external power supply. And if you’re planning to build a pedalboard, you’ll need to make sure all your pedals play nice with the same power source.
• Reviews and Demos: Do your homework. Before you pull the trigger, read guitar pedal reviews to see what other players are saying. Watch demo videos to hear the pedal in action. A little research goes a long way when it comes to finding the best new guitar pedals for your needs.

Speaking of guitar pedal reviews, you can see our experts put your favorite pedals to the test over on the AMS YouTube channel. Check out this review of one of the best new guitar pedals to hit the shelves in recent months: the Boss GX-10 Guitar Multi-Effects Processor.

Every guitarist has their own sonic fingerprint, but in addition to the volume pedal, there are a few types of pedals that belong on just about every pedalboard. These staples give you the foundation to craft your tone, experiment with textures, and bring your music to life. Here are the must-have categories and a few killer picks to get you started.

If your tone were a burger, overdrive and distortion pedals are the meat. These pedals crank up your amp’s natural drive, from warm bluesy grit to face-melting high-gain chaos.

Think of delay and reverb pedals as your tone’s atmosphere. They add depth, space, and ambiance. From subtle echoes to cavernous soundscapes, these pedals make your playing feel alive.

If you want to add movement and dimension to your sound, modulation pedals are your ticket to creative freedom. These pedals can turn a straightforward riff into a swirling, warbling, or shimmering masterpiece. From subtle textures to extreme psychedelic vibes, modulation pedals are essential for exploring new tonal territory. 

Chorus pedals create that lush, shimmering effect by doubling your signal and slightly detuning it. Whether you’re after ‘80s pop vibes or dreamy modern textures, a good chorus pedal will take your sound to another level.

For swooshing, jet-like sounds, and swirling motion, phaser and flanger pedals are your best bet. These effects are great for funk grooves, experimental tones, and adding depth to lead lines.

Sometimes, the difference between a decent tone and a killer one comes down to the fine details. EQ (equalization) and boost pedals are your secret weapons for dialing in the perfect frequency balance, cutting through a mix, and making your solos sing. They might not be flashy, but they’re essential for any well-rounded pedalboard. 

If you want to break free from the ordinary and take your tone into uncharted territory, specialty pedals are where the magic happens. These popular guitar pedals are all about pushing boundaries, adding flavor, and making your sound unforgettable. From vintage fuzz to wild pitch shifting, these effects aren’t just tools; they’re inspiration in a box. 

Fuzz pedals  take distortion to its grittiest, dirtiest extremes. Think ‘60s garage rock, screaming lead tones, and walls of fuzzy chaos. Fuzz is raw, untamed, and utterly addictive.

If you want to bend reality, pitch shifters and harmonizers are your go-to. They can create everything from subtle harmonies to wild, otherworldly effects.

If you’re tired of juggling a dozen pedals or just need maximum versatility in one unit, multi-effects pedals are your go-to. These all-in-one beasts combine a wide range of effects, amp modeling, and advanced features into a single powerhouse. Whether you’re experimenting in your bedroom or playing live on stage, a multi-effects pedal can do it all — without the headache of patch cables and pedalboard real estate. 

You’ve got a handful of popular guitar pedals, and you’re ready to build your dream pedalboard. Congrats! But before you start slapping pedals onto a board and calling it a day, let’s talk strategy. A truly great pedal board is functional, sounds killer, and doesn’t make you want to pull your hair out during a gig. Here’s how to do it right.

Before anything, we recommend making sure you have high-quality patch cables to connect your pedals. Cheap cables can introduce noise and degrade your tone, so invest in good ones. Here's how to set up your signal chain: 

1. Tuner First: Always start your signal chain with a tuner pedal. It’s the first thing your guitar signal hits, ensuring your tuner gets the cleanest tone, before your sound gets processed by other pedals. Plus, it doubles as a mute switch for those awkward between-song moments.
2. Dynamics Next: After your tuner, add dynamics-based pedals like compressors or EQs. These shape your tone before it hits your drive pedals, giving you a solid foundation to build on.
3. Drive Section: This is where your overdrive, distortion, and fuzz pedals live. Stacking drive pedals can create some seriously killer tones, so experiment with the order to find what works best for you.
4. Modulation Magic: After your drive pedals, add modulation effects like chorus, phaser, or flanger. These pedals thrive on a strong, driven signal and add movement and texture to your sound.
5. Time-Based Effects Last: Delay and reverb pedals go at the end of your chain. These effects create space and depth, and putting them last ensures they don’t muddy up your other pedals.

Leave some extra space on your board for future additions. Trust us, you’ll want to add more pedals eventually. 

Don’t be afraid to experiment with your signal chain. While the traditional order works for most players, there are no hard-and-fast rules. Try putting your delay before your drive pedals for a washed-out sound, or stick a phaser at the end of your chain for a trippy effect. Once your pedals are set up, spend some time dialing in your tones. Small adjustments can make a big difference, so take the time to get it right.

Building a pedalboard is part art, part science, and all fun. Take your time, experiment, and don’t be afraid to make changes as your sound evolves. And remember, the best guitar pedals in the world won’t do you any good if they’re not set up right. So, get to work! Your dream tone is waiting.

If you're ready to build your dream tone, American Musical Supply has everything you need to make it happen. From the most popular guitar pedals by brands like Boss, JHS, Walrus Audio, and others, AMS offers an unmatched selection backed by our VERY fast, free shipping and flexible payment plans. 

With top-notch customer reviews and expert support, finding the best guitar pedals for your rig has never been easier. Explore the collection today and discover why so many musicians trust AMS to deliver the tools that inspire their sound.

Need to know more about finding the best guitar pedals? Our FAQ section has the answers and insights you need to feel confident in finding the perfect pedal for your sound. 

The “best” guitar pedal depends on your needs, style, and preferences. Some pedals stand out for their build quality, tonal versatility, and unique features, while others are praised for their affordability and reliability. A great pedal is one that complements your sound and enhances your creativity.

It depends on how you play. Single pedals are great for building a custom setup with specific tones, while multi-effects pedals offer versatility and convenience in one compact unit. If you’re a beginner or need portability, a multi-effects pedal might be the way to go. 

Analog pedals use traditional circuitry to create warm, organic tones, while digital pedals rely on modern technology for greater flexibility and features. Both can sound incredible, so the choice comes down to personal preference and the sound you’re after.