Table of Contents
Best Distortion Pedals
What is a Distortion Pedal?
A distortion pedal is a type of guitar pedal that alters the sound of the electric guitar by clipping the audio signal, creating a “distorted” or “saturated” tone. This effect is achieved by increasing the gain on the signal to the point where it overdrives the circuitry, producing a gritty, aggressive sound that is a staple in many genres such as rock, metal, and punk.
Distortion pedals differ from overdrive and fuzz pedals in the intensity and character of the distortion they produce. While overdrive pedals simulate the natural breakup of tube amps at higher volumes, distortion pedals provide a more pronounced and consistent clipping effect, resulting in heavier and more sustained distorted tones. Fuzz pedals, on the other hand, create a more extreme form of distortion with a buzzy, compressed sound.
Types of Distortion Pedals
Distortion pedals come in various types, each offering distinct tonal characteristics and suited for different musical styles and preferences. Understanding these types can help you choose the best distortion pedal for your needs.
Classic Distortion Pedals
Classic distortion pedals are designed to emulate the iconic distortion sounds from the late 1970s and 1980s that defined rock music. These pedals often have simple controls and deliver a gritty, crunchy tone that works well for classic rock and hard rock genres.
High Gain Distortion Pedals
High gain distortion pedals cater to players looking for intense saturation and heavy distortion, commonly used in metal and other aggressive music styles. These pedals provide more gain than classic distortion pedals and often include features such as built-in noise gates and multiple gain stages to maintain clarity and tightness at high distortion levels.
Boutique and Amp-Inspired Distortion Pedals
Boutique distortion pedals are typically hand-crafted and designed to replicate or enhance the tones of famous amplifiers. These pedals often offer extensive tone shaping options and multiple gain stages, allowing players to dial in a wide range of sounds from subtle overdrive to heavy distortion.
Versatile Multi-Mode Distortion Pedals
Some distortion pedals feature toggle or mode switches that let players select between different clipping diode configurations or distortion modes. This versatility allows a single pedal to cover a broad spectrum of distorted tones, from mild crunch to fuzz-like textures.
Fuzz-Influenced Distortion Pedals
While fuzz pedals are generally considered a separate category, some distortion pedals incorporate fuzz-like elements to create a hybrid tone. These pedals add a buzzy, compressed character to the distortion, which can be desirable in certain rock and alternative genres.
Key Features of Distortion Pedals
Gain Controls
Most distortion pedals include a gain knob that adjusts the amount of distortion applied to your signal. This allows you to dial in anything from a mild crunch to heavy saturation. The gain control essentially determines how much the pedal amplifies the input signal before clipping it, which directly impacts the intensity and texture of the distortion.
Tone Shaping
Many pedals offer tone controls such as bass, mid, and treble knobs or a three-band EQ. These allow you to sculpt the pedal’s output to better fit your guitar, amp, and playing style. Having these controls can be crucial for tailoring your sound, whether you want a scooped midrange for metal, a mid-boost for classic rock, or a brighter tone for solos.
True Bypass vs Buffered Bypass
True bypass pedals preserve your guitar’s tone when the pedal is off, while buffered pedals can help maintain signal strength over long cable runs. Choosing between these depends on your setup; if you use many pedals or long cables, buffered bypass can prevent signal loss, whereas true bypass is preferred for maintaining the purest tone.
Power Options
Distortion pedals typically run on 9V batteries or external power supplies. Some pedals also support higher voltage inputs for increased headroom and dynamic range. Higher voltage can give a pedal a more open sound with better clarity and less compression, which is especially beneficial for high gain pedals.
Additional Features
Some distortion pedals include toggle switches or mode switches to select between different clipping diodes or distortion modes, offering a wider palette of distorted tones. This feature provides versatility, allowing players to switch between classic distortion, fuzz-like textures, or more aggressive clipping styles without changing pedals.
Built-in Noise Gate
High gain distortion pedals often have built-in noise gates to reduce unwanted noise and feedback, especially useful in metal and high-gain settings. Noise gates help keep your signal clean by cutting off the sound when you’re not playing, which is important when using high gain that can amplify hum and hiss.
Multiple Gain Stages
Certain pedals feature dual gain engines or several gain stages that can be blended or stacked, providing increased versatility and tonal options. This allows for complex layering of distortion, from subtle overdrive to full-on saturation, giving players the ability to craft unique sounds and switch between rhythm and lead tones seamlessly.
Bass Boost Switch
A bass boost switch can add low-end punch, which is especially beneficial when using single-coil pickups or playing with a clean amp. This feature helps to fatten up the tone and maintain fullness, preventing the distortion from sounding thin or brittle.
Top Distortion Pedals
JHS Packrat Distortion
- The PackRat is the ultimate tribute to the 40+ years of rodent evolution...
- Artists from every genre have used the iconic tones in this unassuming...
- Building on our Multi-Mode pedal series that includes the Muffuletta and...
The JHS Packrat Distortion is a versatile pedal that blends vintage and modern distortion tones into one compact unit. Designed to offer a wide range of distorted sounds, it features a simple control layout with knobs for Volume, Distortion, and Filter, providing easy access to shaping your tone. The pedal is known for its smooth gain structure, allowing players to dial in everything from mild overdrive to aggressive distortion suitable for rock, blues, and even some metal tones.
One of the standout features of the Packrat is its ability to respond dynamically to your guitar’s volume knob, enabling expressive playing and note definition. This makes it a great choice for guitarists who want a pedal that can cover rhythm crunches as well as searing leads without losing clarity. The Filter control acts as a tone-shaping knob that adjusts the pedal’s frequency response, allowing you to cut through the mix or mellow out the distortion as needed.
Built with true bypass switching, the JHS Packrat ensures your guitar tone remains pure when the pedal is off. Its rugged construction and high-quality components make it reliable for both stage and studio use. While it may not have as many features as some boutique pedals, its straightforward design and excellent sound quality have earned it a solid reputation among tone chasers looking for a classic distortion pedal with a modern edge.
Whether you’re playing classic rock, blues, or moderate gain metal, the JHS Packrat Distortion offers a great blend of vintage warmth and contemporary bite, making it a valuable addition to any guitarist’s collection.
Walrus Audio Iron Horse Lm308 Distortion V2
- A return to the classic distortion: thick, punchy, riffy and rowdy
- Updated level control makes it easier to dial in unity gain
- Updated tone control allows more Treble to be dialed in if desired
The Walrus Audio Iron Horse V2 is a refined and powerful distortion pedal that pays homage to the classic Pro Co RAT pedal, famous for its distinctive LM308 operational amplifier chip. This pedal is designed to deliver thick, creamy distortion tones that range from crunchy rhythm sounds to searing lead tones, making it a versatile choice for guitarists across multiple genres.
One of the key features of the Iron Horse V2 is its three-mode toggle switch, which allows players to select between different clipping diode configurations. These modes offer a variety of tonal options, from a softer, compressed distortion to a more aggressive and raw sound. This flexibility makes the Iron Horse suitable for a broad spectrum of playing styles, from blues and classic rock to heavier modern metal tones.
The pedal includes three straightforward control knobs: Level, Tone, and Distortion. The Tone knob acts as a treble cut or boost, enabling fine adjustments to the high-frequency content of the distortion. The Distortion knob controls the amount of gain and saturation, while the Level knob sets the output volume. This simple yet effective control layout allows for quick and intuitive tone shaping during live performances or studio sessions. Its robust construction and quality components provide durability and reliability, making it a dependable addition to any pedalboard.
Fender Pugilist Distortion Pedal
- Dual gain engines
- Discrete tone controls per channel
- Led backlit knobs
The Fender Pugilist Distortion pedal stands out as a versatile and powerful addition to any guitarist’s pedalboard. Designed to deliver a wide range of distortion tones, it features two independent gain engines that can be blended together or run in series, providing a unique level of tonal flexibility. This feature set allows players to craft everything from mild overdrive to aggressive, high-gain distortion with ease.
Each gain engine has its own dedicated volume and tone controls, enabling precise shaping of the sound. The blend knob lets you mix the two distortion circuits to find the perfect balance, while a bass boost switch adds extra low-end punch, which is especially useful when playing single-coil pickups or using a clean amp. This pedal’s ability to adapt to different guitars and amplifiers makes it suitable for a broad range of musical styles, from blues and classic rock to modern metal.
Thanks to its dual gain engines and comprehensive tone shaping options, the Fender Pugilist Distortion pedal is a favorite among guitar players seeking both versatility and high-quality distortion tones in a single, compact unit. Whether you’re looking to add subtle grit or full-on saturation, this pedal provides the tools to dial in sounds that stand out in any mix.
BOSS HM-2W Waza Craft
- Get that legendary HM-2 “chainsaw tone” with the BOSS HM-2W.
- After years of requests from hardcore HM-2 fans, the iconic stomp is now...
- Its signature “chainsaw tone” with all knobs maxed is the defining...
The Boss HM-2W Waza Craft is a modern reissue of the classic Boss HM-2 distortion pedal, renowned for its distinctive heavy metal tones and iconic status among guitarists. Originally released in the early 1980s, the HM-2 gained legendary status for its raw, aggressive sound that became a defining feature of Swedish death metal and other heavy music genres.
The Waza Craft version enhances the original design by offering two selectable modes: the classic HM-2 tone and a Custom mode. The Custom mode boosts the pedal’s output, gain, and overall aggression, providing more punch and clarity while preserving the signature “chainsaw” distortion that made the original famous. This toggle switch gives players the flexibility to choose between authentic vintage tones or a more modern, aggressive sound, making the pedal highly versatile.
Built with high-quality components and true bypass switching, the HM-2W ensures that your guitar tone remains pristine when the pedal is disengaged. The pedal also features top-mounted input and output jacks, making it more pedalboard-friendly and easier to integrate into your signal chain.
The HM-2W Waza Craft is particularly well-suited for players seeking thick, saturated distortion with a pronounced midrange and aggressive character. Its distinctive tone excels at cutting through dense mixes, making it a favorite for heavy riffing and powerful power chords. Whether you’re playing classic metal or pushing into extreme genres, this pedal delivers the heavy gain tones and dynamic response that guitarists crave.
EarthQuaker Devices Acapulco Gold V2
- Modeled after a cranked vintage Model T amplifier to bring the openness,...
- Designed to keep the controls as simple as possible; the footswitch...
- This device can be powered conveniently by a 9V battery or a standard...
The EarthQuaker Devices Acapulco Gold V2 is a unique distortion pedal that stands out for its simplicity and powerful tone. Designed to emulate the sound of a cranked Sunn Model T amplifier, this pedal delivers a raw, aggressive distortion that is perfect for players seeking a vintage-inspired, high-gain sound with a modern edge.
One of the defining features of the Acapulco Gold V2 is its minimalist control layout. It has just a single large volume knob, which controls the output volume of the pedal. Unlike many other distortion pedals, it forgoes traditional tone or gain controls, encouraging players to use their guitar’s volume and tone knobs to shape the sound. This design philosophy allows for a very organic and dynamic playing experience, where subtle adjustments on the guitar can significantly influence the pedal’s response and character. The EarthQuaker Devices Acapulco Gold is based on a dimed Sunn Model T amp, offering a powerful rock distortion tone.
The pedal produces a thick, saturated distortion with plenty of sustain and harmonic richness, making it well-suited for heavy rock, stoner rock, and doom metal genres. Its tone is characterized by a pronounced midrange growl and a robust low end, cutting through mixes with authority. Despite its high gain capabilities, the Acapulco Gold V2 maintains clarity and note definition, which is essential for both rhythm playing and soaring lead lines.
MXR Super Badass Distortion
- Highly responsive full spectrum distortion
- Bass, Mid & Treble controls
- 100% Analog
The MXR Super Badass Distortion pedal is widely regarded as one of the best distortion pedals for players seeking a versatile and powerful tone-shaping tool. It stands out in the crowded pedal market due to its extensive EQ controls, which allow guitarists to sculpt their sound with precision. Featuring a three-band EQ with Bass, Mid, and Treble knobs, this pedal offers a wide range of tonal options, making it suitable for various music styles from blues and classic rock to modern metal. The MXR M75 Super Badass Distortion pedal offers a 3-band EQ for tone shaping, further enhancing its versatility.
The pedal’s gain range is impressive, capable of delivering everything from a gentle crunch to aggressive, high gain tones. Its distortion level can be finely adjusted using the dedicated distortion knob, providing control over the amount of saturation and sustain. This level of control ensures that the MXR Super Badass Distortion can adapt to different guitars, amplifiers, and playing techniques, making it a favorite among guitar players who require flexibility on stage or in the studio.
One of the key features that makes this pedal so appealing is its touch sensitivity and dynamic response, which means it reacts well to the player’s picking intensity and the guitar volume knob. This responsiveness helps retain note definition even at higher gain settings, allowing for expressive playing and clear articulation of complex riffs and solos.
The MXR Super Badass Distortion is also praised for its true bypass design, which preserves the guitar’s original tone when the pedal is not engaged. Its robust construction ensures durability, making it a reliable choice for gigging musicians. Additionally, the pedal is extremely affordable considering the feature set it offers, providing excellent value for both beginners and seasoned players.
Pro Co RAT2
- Used as a primary distortion, it excels at arena rock rhythm tones and...
- Nails that sweet spot where a tube amp goes from sparkly clean to warm...
- Use the RAT 2 as a boost for solos and get the extra kick you need
The Pro Co RAT2 is a legendary distortion pedal that has earned its place as one of the best distortion pedals available. First introduced in 1978, it has become a favorite among guitarists for its unique blend of distortion and fuzz characteristics. The RAT2 delivers a thick, chewy sound that is both aggressive and musical, making it suitable for a wide range of genres from classic rock to punk and even metal. Both the Boss DS-1 and Pro Co RAT pedals are often recommended for achieving classic rock distortion tones.
One of the defining features of the RAT2 is its distinctive tone, which combines about 55% distortion with 45% fuzz. This hybrid quality gives it a gritty edge without sacrificing note definition, allowing players to maintain clarity even at higher gain settings. The pedal features three simple controls: Distortion, Filter, and Volume. The Distortion knob adjusts the amount of gain and saturation, the Filter knob acts as a tone control that can roll off high frequencies for a warmer sound or boost them for more bite, and the Volume knob sets the output level.
The RAT2 is known for its versatility; it can function as a mild overdrive when the Distortion is set low and the Filter is rolled back, or it can unleash thick, saturated distortion when cranked up. Its rugged construction and straightforward design have made it a staple on pedalboards worldwide.
Notable artists such as David Gilmour, James Hetfield, and Dave Grohl have all used the RAT2, showcasing its ability to deliver iconic tones across different musical styles. Whether you’re looking for a pedal that can handle crunchy rhythm parts or soaring lead solos, the Pro Co RAT2 remains a timeless choice for guitar players seeking a distinctive and reliable distortion pedal.
Boss DS-1
- Legendary distortion used by guitarists everywhere Since 1978
- BOSS’s first distortion pedal defined a bold new sound, delivering...
- Hard-edged attack remains clear even at maximum distortion settings, ideal...
The Boss DS-1 is one of the most iconic and widely used distortion pedals in the pedal market. Introduced in 1978, it was the first distortion pedal Boss ever released and has since become a staple for guitar players across various genres. Known for its distinctive tone, the DS-1 offers a bright, cutting distortion that works exceptionally well for classic rock, punk, and hard rock styles. Many notable artists have used the Boss DS-1 distortion pedal, further cementing its legendary status.
The pedal features simple controls: Tone, Level, and Distortion. The Tone knob adjusts the treble frequencies, allowing you to tailor the brightness of your distorted sound. The Level control sets the output volume, while the Distortion knob manages the amount of gain and saturation. Despite its straightforward interface, the DS-1 is capable of producing a wide range of distorted tones, from mild crunches at lower gain settings to aggressive, biting distortion when cranked.
One of the DS-1’s standout features is its ability to cut through a mix, making it a favorite among guitarists who want their solos and riffs to be heard clearly. Its distinctive tone has been used by legendary guitar players such as Kurt Cobain, Steve Vai, and Joe Satriani, highlighting its versatility and enduring appeal.
Conclusion
Distortion pedals unlock a world of sonic possibilities, transforming your guitar’s clean signal into everything from subtle crunches to roaring, high-gain explosions. Whether you’re chasing classic rock grit or modern metal aggression, these pedals offer the tools to shape your tone with precision and personality. With features like multiple gain stages, tone shaping controls, and noise gates, they empower guitarists to craft unique sounds that cut through any mix and bring your playing to life. It is important to evaluate how much you like the sound of a particular distortion pedal to ensure it fits your style and preferences.
FAQ
How does a distortion pedal differ from an overdrive pedal?
While both pedals add gain and saturation, an overdrive pedal typically produces a milder, warmer breakup that retains more of the guitar’s original tone, often reacting dynamically to your playing and the guitar’s volume knob. Distortion pedals offer a more consistent, harder clipping effect resulting in heavier and more compressed tones suitable for genres like hard rock and metal.
Can I use a distortion pedal with a clean amp?
Yes, distortion pedals are often used with clean amps to add gain and saturation that the amp alone cannot provide, allowing you to achieve a wide range of distorted tones without needing to crank your amp’s volume.
What are gain stages in distortion pedals?
Gain stages refer to the number of amplification and clipping circuits within a pedal. Pedals with multiple gain stages, such as those with dual gain engines, allow for greater tonal versatility, enabling players to blend or stack different distortion textures for rhythm and lead sounds.
What is the purpose of tone controls and EQ on distortion pedals?
Tone controls and EQ knobs let you shape the pedal’s output by adjusting frequencies such as bass, mids, and treble. This helps tailor your distortion tone to suit your guitar, amp, and playing style, whether you want scooped mids for metal or boosted mids for classic rock.
What is a built-in noise gate, and why is it important?
A noise gate reduces unwanted noise and feedback that can occur with high gain settings, especially in metal and other high distortion styles. Built-in noise gates help keep your signal clean by muting the output when you’re not playing.