Do you want to create more special sounds from your guitar? Or want to “imitate” the classic songs of famous guitar idols? The guitar effect pedal is for you. The effect pedal will help upgrade the sound of your guitar and make your performances more unique.
But nowadays there are many different types of effect pedals, diverse in design and operation. So how to choose the best guitar effects pedals for beginners? All will be answered in the following article. Eguitarmania will reveal to you how to choose the right guitar effect pedal and 11 top picks selected by our experts. You will miss out on great effect pedal models if you skip this article. So, scroll down and save it now!
What are Guitar Effects Pedals?
First, we have to understand what an effect pedal is and how it works to choose the right product. A guitar effect pedal is a tiny electronic device that helps your guitar produce unique sounds, such as echo, fuzz, or adding distortion to your music. A guitar effect pedal will change the signal (or output) of the guitar to add special effects to the sound.
Instead of simply plugging into an amplifier, you will want to plug your guitar into an effect pedal or chain effect pedals together in search of a great performance. Effects pedals let you come up with your own unique tones or emulate the sound and style of some of your favorite guitarists.
How to Choose the Best Guitar Effects Pedals for Beginners?
There are various types of guitar effect pedals available on the market today, differing in designs, prices, and functions. Hence, buying the right effect pedal may be quite puzzling for beginners. To save your time and make the right choice while buying a guitar effect pedal, you need to keep the following in mind:
Style of Music
Different styles of music will use different types of effects pedals. For example, rock will often favor distortion and overdrive, while blues will use more wah and delay. Think carefully about the style of music you like to visualize the sound effects you need.
Pedal Types
You should learn about the different types of pedals to choose the right one for your needs. Overdrive/Distortion helps create a warm, distorted sound and is often used in a variety of music genres. Delay helps create a repetitive sound and adds depth to the sound. If you want to create a guitar sound that resonates like you are playing in a cave or a large room, reverb is for you. Or chorus is ideal for those who want to create a rich, warm sound like playing multiple guitars at the same time.
Multi-function
The best guitar effects pedals for beginners should have a variety of functions and flexible adjustment capabilities. Effect pedals should have a variety of sound effects and be adjustable to optimize use, save space and cost.
Start with basic, high-quality pedals
A piece of advice for beginners is to start with basic, high-quality pedals. High-quality pedals from reputable brands will help create more realistic sound effects and last longer. You should build your pedal system slowly, avoiding buying too many pedals that you will not use. So, start with basic pedals and when you get used to using pedals, you can expand your collection.
11 Best Guitar Effects Pedals for Beginners
If you are still “overwhelmed” by the myriad of effect pedal options on the market, this is the part you need the most. Below are the top 11 best guitar effect pedals for beginners selected by Eguitarmania experts. Don’t forget to save it to create a unique and impressive performance!
Best Classic Distortion
Boss DS-1 Distortion Pedal
Photo credit: Amazon
Product Information
- Brand: BOSS
- Color: Orange
- Product dimension: 4 x 6 x 3 inches
- Item weight: 1.08 pounds
- Voltage: 9 Volts
$62.999
- Affordable
- Classic sound
- Easy to use
- Flexible for playing many styles of music
- Durable
- Not many special features
- Sound is a bit monotone
Why We Love It
If you are looking for an affordable and easy-to-use guitar effect pedal, Boss DS-1 Distortion Pedal. This is one of the most popular distortion pedal models. This product was released in 1978 and is still chosen by many guitarists today because of its classic sound and high durability.
Boss DS-1 Distortion Pedal brings a rock-like distortion tone, with moderate gain, thick midrange, and bright treble. If you are a person who likes to play music genres such as rock, punk, and metal, this is the perfect piece. DS-1 is also suitable for beginners because of its ease of use. With 3 knobs: Level, Tone, and Distortion, you can flexibly adjust to create the sound you want simply
Best Digital Delay
Boss DD-3T Digital Delay Pedal
Photo credit: Amazon
Product Information
- Brand: BOSS
- Color: Grey
- Product dimension: 7.87 x 7.87 x 7.87 inches
- Item weight: 1.08 pounds
- Voltage: 9 Volts
$139.999
- Added features compared to the old DD-3
- High-quality and durable
- Smooth and clear sound
- Easy-to-use interface
- There is no display so adjusting parameters will be a bit difficult
Why We Love It
Another name loved by many guitarists comes from Boss – Boss DD-3T Digital Delay Pedal. DD-3T is an improved version of Boss’s DD-3 delay pedal line, upgraded in features but still retains the classic sound and easy-to-use controls. Similar to Boss products, DD-3T is also highly appreciated for its quality and long-term durability.
Boss DD-3T Digital Delay Pedal is added with many special features such as Tap Tempo, Direct Out, and Short Loop. Tap Tempo allows you to easily adjust the delay time by pressing your foot on the pedal, creating more unique and creative delay effects. Direct Out will help send the original signal and delay signal to two different amplifiers to increase coverage and create depth for your guitar sound. Short Loop allows you to record and repeat a short piece of music, creating a new sound effect.
Best Fuzz Pedal
Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi Guitar Effects Pedal
Photo credit: Amazon
Product Information
- Brand: Electro-Harmonix
- Color: White & Pink
- Product dimension: 8.6 x 5.9 x 3.9 inches
- Item weight: 1.5 pounds
- Voltage: 9 Volts
$101.60
- Distinctive fuzz sound
- Easy to adjust with 3 knobs Volume, Tone, and Sustain
- Durable design with high-quality metal housing
- Flexible adjustment and create many different fuzz sounds
- Not suitable for all genres of music
- Sound can be a bit messy at high gain levels
Why We Love It
Of course, the game of audio equipment cannot be without Electro-Harmonix. One of the products that brought Electro-Harmonix to the top is the Big Muff Pi Guitar Effects Pedal. Pi is considered the product that shaped the sound of rock guitar, used by many famous guitarists such as Jimi Hendrix, Santana, Pink Floyd, and The White Stripes. That is also the reason why Big Muff Pi has become an icon in the Rock music scene for more than 40 years.
Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi brings a characteristic thick, warm, and powerful fuzz sound, with high sustain and the ability to create extremely unique tones. Pi also allows you to flexibly create many different fuzz tones, from gentle to strong. The product is also loved for its easy adjustment with 3 intuitive buttons.
Best Looper Pedal
TC Electronic DITTO LOOPER Highly Intuitive Looper Pedal
Photo credit: Amazon
Product Information
- Brand: TC Electronic
- Color: Black
- Product dimension: 4 x 3.9 x 2.5 inches
- Item weight: 2.72 ounces
- Voltage: 9 Volts
$99.00
- Contains special features like True-Bypass or Analog-Dry-Through to preserve the original sound
- Compact, rugged design
- Simple and intuitive user interface
- Sturdy metal housing
- Affordable price
- No special features like undo/redo or changing loop length
Why We Love It
TC Electronic DITTO LOOPER is one of the best guitar effects pedals for beginners. DITTO is simple and easy to use, so if you are new to effects pedals, you don’t need to worry too much. With just one button, you can easily record short clips, then layer them and loop them to create a unique sound. DITTO is equipped with a True-Bypass to preserve the original sound, eliminate noise, and protect the tone.
Despite its compact size, TC Electronic DITTO LOOPER is a great helper to create unique performances. You can have 5 minutes of unlimited overdubs and undo/redo for complete creative freedom. The product also has an Analog-Dry-Through to ensure the integrity of the original sound and increase the clarity of the output sound.
Best Budget Delay Pedal
Donner Guitar Delay Pedal
Photo credit: Amazon
Product Information
- Brand: Donner
- Color: 14 colors
- Product dimension: 3.7 x 1.7 x 2 inches
- Item weight: 8.8 ounces
- Voltage: 9 Volts
$39.99
- Simple, easy-to-use 3-button interface
- Flexible adjustable delay
- Classic bass analog sound reproduction
- Durable and sturdy aluminum alloy housing
- Affordable price
- Fewer features than digital pedals
Why We Love It
If you are looking for a deep delay sound, you definitely must recognize the Donner Guitar Delay Pedal. This is a prominent name in the list of best guitar effects pedals for beginners because of its simple interface and necessary basic features. Donner is a worthy investment because for just under $40, you can own a delay pedal with a smooth sound.
Donner Guitar Delay Pedal is capable of reproducing the warm and natural classic analog delay sound. The product has a delay range from 20ms to 620ms and allows you to adjust flexibly to create the sound you want. Donner Guitar Delay Pedal is also equipped with a true-bypass feature to ensure the original sound and protect the tone. With 3 adjustment knobs Echo, Feedback, and Time, you can adjust the pedal simply and quickly.
Best Overdrive Pedal
Ibanez Tube Screamer Mini
Photo credit: Amazon
Product Information
- Brand: Ibanez
- Color: Green
- Product dimension: 6 x 3 x 4 inches
- Item weight: 4.8 ounces
- Voltage: 9 Volts
$74.99
- Compact and convenient design
- Recreates the legendary overdrive sound of the original
- Intuitive and easy-to-use buttons
- Suitable for a wide range of music
- Affordable price
- May not be suitable for those who like high-gain sound
Why We Love It
If you know Stevie Ray Vaughn, you are probably familiar with the Ibanez Tube Screamer Mini. This is one of the icons in the overdrive pedal community with a great growling sound. Overdrive pedals can be understood as a “cousin” of distortion when they can distort your sound and add fuzz. However, the sound of overdrive will not be as harsh as distortion, so it will be more flexible for beginners.
In fact, the Ibanez Tube Screamer Mini is a miniature version of the Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9. With a more compact size, you will still be able to create legendary sounds. And of course, because it is smaller, it is also cheaper, suitable for beginners with pedals, and do not want to invest too much. Although small, the Ibanez Tube Screamer Mini is still full of features such as 100% Analog Circuit and True Bypass Switching.
Best Phase Shifter Pedal
MXR Phase 90 Guitar Effects Pedal
Photo credit: Amazon
Product Information
- Brand: MXR
- Color: Orange
- Product dimension: 5.5 x 2.5 x 4.5 inches
- Item weight: 1 pound
- Voltage: 9 Volts
$99.99
- Unique and impressive sound
- Easy-to-use design with just 1 button
- Flexible combination with many different instruments
- High-quality and durable materials
- Highly iconic
- Fixed timbre so may not suit some musical styles
Why We Love It
MXR Phase 90 Guitar Effects Pedal is also an iconic name in the list of best guitar effects pedals for beginners. MXR Phase 90 is a phaser pedal, capable of creating a diffuse sound. First appearing in 1970, MXR Phase 90 has become an icon in the music industry with diverse styles, from classic rock to modern music.
MXR Phase 90 impresses guitarists with its unique sound quality. The sound brought by MXR Phase 90 seems to be swirling or moving around, creating impressive and rich guitar solos. MXR Phase 90 is also loved for its flexibility when it can be combined with many other musical instruments such as keyboard or bass. With only one adjustment knob, Phase 90 is very easy to use, even for beginners.
Best Wah Pedal
JIM DUNLOP Cry Baby Standard Wah
Photo credit: Amazon
Product Information
- Brand: JIM DUNLOP
- Color: Black
- Product dimension: 10 x 2.5 x 4 inches
- Item weight: 2.64 pounds
- Voltage: 9 Volts
$99.99
- Distinctive tone, highlighting mid and high tones
- Easy to use and foot-adjustable design
- High-quality materials and meticulous assembly
- Flexible for use with many instruments
- Equipped with Fasel and True bypass coils to ensure sound quality
- Difficult to adjust special parameters like Q or resonance
Why We Love It
If you are looking for a quality and durable wah-wah pedal, you definitely cannot ignore the JIM DUNLOP Cry Baby Standard Wah. Cry Baby is an indispensable icon in the collection of guitarists, from beginners to top artists. Cry Baby possesses a characteristic, colorful wah-wah tone that adds color to your guitar’s musical picture. This pedal uses the legendary Fasel coil to bring a smooth and warm sound.
Cry Baby is also highly appreciated for its easy-to-use design and high durability. You can easily adjust the tone of Cry Baby with your feet to create the wah-wah sounds you want. The product is made of high-quality materials and meticulously assembled components to accompany guitarists for many years. Some famous artists who have used Cry Baby include Jimi Hendrix with his iconic wah-wah effect or Slash with his signature Guns N’ Roses riffs.
Best High-Gain Distortion
Pro Co RAT2 Distortion Pedal
Photo credit: Amazon
Product Information
- Brand: ProCo
- Color: Black
- Product dimension: 4.8 x 4.5 x 3.3 inches
- Item weight: 1.5 pounds
- Voltage: 9 Volts
$89.99
- Diverse and impressive tones, from distortion to fuzz
- Flexible to combine with amplifiers and create many effects
- Easy to adjust tones with filters
- Has true bypass to ensure the original sound of the guitar
- Durable design with sturdy metal housing
- The tone can be a bit strong at some settings so it may not be suitable for some music styles
Why We Love It
If the Boss DS-1 doesn’t give you enough gain to satisfy you, the Pro Co RAT2 Distortion Pedal will do it. The Pro Co RAT2 is one of the classic distortion pedals loved by guitarists all over the world. Kurt Cobain used the Pro Co RAT2 to create the grunge sounds that Nirvana had. Or J Mascis created powerful riffs for Dinosaur Jr with the RAT2.
With its characteristic, powerful, and versatile sound, the RAT2 has become an indispensable part of many pedal sets. The product can be combined with many different types of amplifiers and effects, helping you create unique sounds. The Pro Co RAT2 is capable of creating a diverse collection of tones, from gentle, warm distortion to powerful fuzz. That’s why it appears in many performances with many different musical styles.
Best Flanger Pedal
JHS Pedals 3 Series Flanger
Photo credit: Amazon
Product Information
- Brand: JHS Pedals
- Color: White
- Product dimension: 6 x 4 x 4 inches
- Item weight: 10.7 ounces
- Voltage: 9 Volts
$74.25
- More affordable
- Ability to simulate characteristic analog flanger tones
- Easy to use with 3 buttons Blend, Rate, and Intensity
- Made from high-quality materials, durable and sturdy
- Less customizable than other high-end flanger pedals
Why We Love It
The JHS Pedals 3 Series Flanger is considered a perfect dupe for the expensive classic analog flangers such as the Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress, Tycobrahe Pedalflanger, and MXR M117 Flanger. With a more reasonable price and easy-to-use design, the JHS Pedals 3 Series is a potential candidate for the list of best guitar effects pedals for beginners. Three simple controls and a toggle switch provide a wide range of sounds, perfect for both beginners and professionals
The JHS 3 Series Flanger is equipped with a tape feature, simulating the sound of the first analog flangers, creating a richer and deeper flanger effect. You can combine the flanger effect with other effects to create unique and creative tones. The JHS 3 Series Flanger also uses high-quality components, quality control, and attention to detail to ensure durability.
Best Multi-Effects Pedal
MOOER GE100 Multi-Effects Guitar Pedal
Photo credit: Amazon
Product Information
- Brand: MOOER
- Color: Black
- Product dimension: 9.06 x 2.36 x 5.51 inches
- Item weight: 1.61 pounds
- Voltage: 9 Volts
$76.79
- Over 70 different sound effects
- Excellent classic and modern amplifier simulation
- Intuitive and easy-to-use design
- LCD display
- Compact and sturdy design
- Limited number of knobs can make adjustments difficult
Why We Love It
Why We Love This
Finally, the MOOER GE100 Multi-Effects Guitar Pedal is a versatile choice for anyone new to effects pedals. With a wide range of high-quality effects and amplifier simulations, the GE100 is a great choice to diversify your sound.
If you are still deciding about your musical style or want to try out different genres of music, the GE100 is the perfect piece. It offers over 70 different effects, including distortion, modulation, delay, reverb, and more. The GE100 also can realistically simulate the sound of classic and modern amplifiers to help you create many different musical effects.
The MOOER GE100 is also highly appreciated for its intuitive design and ease of use for beginners. The product has an LCD screen that clearly displays information and the footswitches are arranged reasonably. With its compact size and rugged exterior, the GE100 is perfect for taking on the go.
Wrap Up
Guitar effect pedals will help create unique sounds and make your performance more wonderful than ever. To choose the right effect pedal, you should pay attention to the musical style, pedal type, quality, and diverse functions. Each type of effect pedal will have different sound effects, so you need to choose the type that suits your musical preferences and needs.
Hopefully, Eguitarmania’s top 10 best guitar effects pedals for beginners will help you choose more easily. If you find an effect pedal with diverse functions and great sounds, don’t hesitate to comment below to share with us!
