The majority of guitar players use pedals to create strange and fascinating new sounds as we are always looking for fresh and original ways to express ourselves. You may apply pitch shift effects to your electric guitar by investing in a top-notch pitch-shifter pedal, which enables you to quickly change the pitch of your input signal and produce some killer tones.
Pitch shifting has been employed to deadly success by many of the best guitar superstars in history, with players like Tom Morello, Jack White, Roger Mayer, Mike Kerr, and Joe Satriani fully utilising this potent effect to produce some of the most terrifying riffs ever. Therefore, whether you want to add dramatic dive bombs to your playing, beef up your riffs with a thick lower octave, elevate your lead lines, or both, then this guide to the best pitch shift pedals is definitely for you.
Table of Contents
DigiTech Whammy V
- 6 Whammy modes including famous 2 Octave Up as heard on 100’s of songs!
- 10 Harmony Bend modes including 2nd Up to 3rd Up simulating pedal steel...
- Expression pedal controls dive bombs and bends
The DigiTech Whammy V is a highly regarded pitch-shifting pedal that has been praised for its sound quality, versatility, and innovative features. It is the fifth iteration of the iconic Whammy series, and many users consider it to be the best version yet. This is a fifth-generation version of a famous pitch shifter pedal that has been around for decades. It now has even more features, yet none of them are confusing or obtrusive. This pedal has been employed by legends such as Steve Vai, The Edge, Tom Morello, and Buckethead as part of their vast sonic pallet.
The Whammy V offers a range of pitch-shifting and harmony effects, including new additions like 4th Up and Down, 5th Up and Down, and Dive Bomb. It also features a Classic/Chords switch that allows users to select between monophonic or polyphonic modes, providing the ability to pitch bend and harmonize full chords without glitching. However, for those who prefer the original glitching effects of the first Whammy, this feature can be enabled via the Classic mode.
Sound quality is a standout feature of the Whammy V. Users have noted a perceptible improvement in the smoothness of the pedal’s pitch bending, with no hiccups anywhere in the sweep. The harmony modes are also highly praised, handling both simple and complex chords with ease. The polyphonic pitch-shift setting is described as incredibly smooth and realistic.
The Whammy V is also appreciated for its true bypass switching, which helps to maintain the integrity of the signal when the pedal is not in use. The pedal is also praised for its robust construction and durability, making it suitable for both studio recording and live performances. In terms of usability, the Whammy V is considered easy to use and inspires creativity. Users have found it to be a great asset to their rig, offering a range of effects from subtle changes in pitch to harmonic beauty. It is also noted for its responsiveness and accurate tracking.
DigiTech Whammy V is a versatile and powerful pitch-shifting pedal that offers excellent sound quality, a wide range of effects, and innovative features. It is highly recommended for both beginners and experienced players looking to add new dimensions and textures to their sound.
EarthQuaker Devices Rainbow Machine V2
- Polyphonic Pitch-shifting Modulat Pedal with Secondary
- Tracking Controls
- Flexi Switch
The EarthQuaker Devices Rainbow Machine V2 is a polyphonic pitch-shifting modulator pedal that is highly regarded for its unique and experimental sound capabilities. It is designed for “experimenters, adventurists, and noisemakers,” and is not typically recommended for purists or tone hounds.
The Rainbow Machine V2 offers a wide range of pitch-shifting and modulation effects. It is capable of pitch shifting up to a 3rd up and a 4th down, which can be controlled by the onboard pitch knob or an expression pedal. The pedal also features a Magic control that adds more harmonic movement and takes the pitch-shifting effects into new sonic territories.
Sound quality is a standout feature of the Rainbow Machine V2. Users have noted that it shines especially bright when used subtly for coloring atmospheric, delay/reverb heavy sounds, creating an eerie and unique sonic texture. The pedal is also praised for its ability to generate a huge range of unique, practical, and downright bonkers sounds, making it an ideal studio tool. In terms of usability, the Rainbow Machine V2 is considered a bit tricky to figure out, but fun to use once you get the hang of it. It is also appreciated for its true bypass switching, which helps to maintain the integrity of the signal when the pedal is not in use.
The Rainbow Machine V2 is also praised for its robust construction and durability, making it suitable for both studio recording and live performances. It has been re-imagined to be more versatile, twice as loud as the original, with an extended delay time, deeper chorus tones, and silent switching. It is highly recommended for those looking to experiment and explore new sonic territories with their sound.
TC Electronic Brainwaves
- State-of-the-art pitch shifter pedal with innovative pressure-sensitive...
- Completely independent dual voice pitch shifting from unison to 2 octaves...
- Offers wealth of studio-grade algorithms including polyphonic pitch...
TC Electronic is renowned for its budget-friendly, feature-packed pedals, and the Brainwaves pitch shifter exemplifies the remarkable capabilities they squeeze into a single stompbox. Within this ingenious pedal, you’ll discover four transformative frequency-altering effects, encompassing classic octaves, dual pitch shifting, harmonizer, and doubling/chorus effects. The Brainwaves, equipped with dual voice controls, empowers you to effortlessly and swiftly craft power chords, tri-octave leads, and mesmerizing doubling effects – an ideal solution for those aiming to enrich their sonic palette.
This pedal boasts a pressure-sensitive footswitch, enabling precise control over the pitch-shifting effect it produces. Moreover, it houses an array of distinctive algorithms designed for various pitch-shifting techniques, all readily accessible through the onboard rotary controls.
BOSS PS-6 Harmonist
- 3-voice Guitar Harmony Effects Pedal with Harmony
- Expression Pedal Controllability
- S-BEND (Super Bend) Modes
In the now-iconic BOSS stompbox shape, the BOSS PS-6 Harmonist provides four sophisticated pitch-shift effects and three-voice harmony. This is a potent pitch shifting pedal from the company that pioneered the stompbox. The PS-6 Harmonist is a powerful creative tool that’s also a lot of fun to use, making it a must-have for any experimental guitarist’s pedalboard.
The PS-6 is a new-generation harmony shifting pedal from BOSS, featuring increased sound quality thanks to the company’s strong DSP. In the modes of Pitch Shifter, Detune, and Harmony, this pedal may generate two or three voices. This might give your guitar’s sound and tonal possibilities more depth. In a natural way, detune deepens the sound. The direct signal can have up to three voices of detuning applied to it. From -3 to + 4 octaves, you can bend the pitch throughout a 7-octave range. You can also manipulate the bending effect in real time with the BOSS PS-6’s pedal knob or an additional expression pedal. By selecting the key, defining major/minor, and using the Shift knob to select the voicing you wish to employ in Harmony mode, you may create a broad variety of effects. This knob alternates between the various pitch options offered in each mode.
The PS-6 utilizes a 9 Volt battery or power adaptor, as do other BOSS stompboxes. Overall, this is a strong release from the stompbox king. This is one of the Best Pitch Shifter Pedals for Guitar in 2024.
Mooer Pitch Box
- Allows you to create great harmonies and take your tone to a new place
- 3 different modes: Harmony, Pitch Shift and Detune
- Full metal shell
The Mooer Pitch Box is our “Best Budget Pick,” an alternative that eliminates some unnecessary functions while keeping others that are really useful, all in order to present you with a less expensive and smaller nano pedal. The Pitch knob and the Mode switch at the top are the two main elements of the interface you’ll interact with. The Mode switch lets you choose between using the pedal as a harmonizer, a pitch shifter, or a detuner. A harmonizer will add a harmonic voice to your original signal, whilst a pitch shift will change your original notes by the interval you specify.
The Pitch knob, which is labeled with plus-or-minus values dependent on the amount of chromatic notes you’re transposing across and delivers up to 2 complete octaves above or below your original pitch, lets you choose the intervals you want to use. The pitch shifting is still polyphonic on this affordable little pedal, which means you can send complete chords through it with no tracking or accuracy difficulties. The harmonizer mode is monophonic and not “intelligent,” which means it doesn’t track keys, but the detune can handle anything.
TC Electronic Quintessence Harmonizer
- Exceptional dual-voiced intelligent harmony pedal with PolySense and...
- Groundbreaking MASH technology turns footswitch into a pressure responsive...
- MASH footswitch lets you easily pitch-bend harmonized notes up to the next...
The Quintessence harmony pedal from TC Electronic is capable of some significant sonic movement. It creates clever two-voice harmonies in real time while you play, with full creative freedom provided via TC’s TonePrint software for customizing your settings. This polyphonic pitch changer can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from country and southern rock to metal.
The MASH technology in the TC Electronic Quintessence Harmony pedal allows you to bend harmonized notes without moving a finger. You can also choose exotic scales and bespoke intervals for harmonies using TC Electronic’s TonePrint technology. It’s impossible to overestimate how simple it is to use this pitch shift pedal. The MASH footswitch is a strong expressive instrument that eliminates the need for an additional expression pedal. The default settings on the MASH switch bend your harmonized note to the next interval in the scale.
Quintessence Harmony is an excellent pitch shifter pedal, and one of the best currently available.
Eventide PitchFactor
- Up to 4 voices of diatonic pitch shifting and up to 1.5 seconds of stereo...
- Studio quality sound
- Guitar or bass compatible
In the world of stompboxes, the PitchFactor is a spectacular innovation. It’s never been easier to bring professional-quality pitch-shifting to the studio or stage thanks to Eventide’s enormous array of incredible effects. For the most discerning guitarists, we recommend the Eventide PitchFactor. It offers a wide range of options as well as excellent sound quality, functionality, and depth. St. Vincent, Deadmau5, and Katy Perry are among the artists who have used it.
From the H910, Quadravox, and even the Crystals effect, to the HarPeggiator and HarModulator, the PitchFactor has some of Eventide’s most prized algorithms. This pedal is capable of much more than just pitch effects. It’s a sophisticated pitch shifter that lets you specify the key and scale you’re performing in order to keep every shifted note in tune.
Because the PitchFactor is polyphonic, it can play both leads and chords. Eventide created apps for your computer, tablet, and smartphone to provide users with a choice of control options. A built-in tuner, MIDI control and clocking, an expression pedal input, tap tempo, and key auto-detection are all included in this pedal. Despite all of its capabilities, it is still fairly simple to operate. You select your key and scale, then the interval you want to move to and the direction you want it to shift in. Then you can add one to four more voices.
The PitchFactor includes ten of Eventide’s characteristic pitch and delay effects, which are useful not just for guitarists and bassists, but also for singers who want to create properly tuned harmonies using a mash footswitch. Look no further than the PitchFactor for the most comprehensive pitch altering solution.
DigiTech Whammy DT Drop Tune
- True Polyphonic Pitch Shifting and Whammy effects in a single pedal
- Drop or Raised tuning by 7 half steps or an entire octave
- Momentary footswitch for Hammer-on and Pull-off effects
Digitech drop has been the industry standard pitch shifter for almost three decades, and the analogue pedals adds features like true bypass wiring and selectable dropped and raised tunings, allowing you to change your tuning up or down seven half steps or an octave with a single button. The DigiTech Whammy line has been the driving force behind pitch shift effects since 1989. After five generations of Whammy pedals, the latest DT model adds unique functionality that has never been seen before on any of the Whammy pedals lik digitech whammy ricochet.
The Whammy DT, in particular, allows you to change the tune of your guitar by seven half steps and an octave. This simple effect allows you to instantly change the tuning of your guitar without having to transfer guitars. The tuning is controlled by a single knob, and the detune effect is controlled by an independent footswitch, allowing you to use the rest of the pedal while the detune effect is active. The Whammy DT also features ten different whammy effects and nine different harmony effects, as well as the iconic Whammy expression pedal, which lets you to get even more creative with how you apply the various effects this powerful pedal can produce.
TC Electronic BRAINWAVES
- State-of-the-art pitch shifter pedal with innovative pressure-sensitive...
- Completely independent dual voice pitch shifting from unison to 2 octaves...
- Offers wealth of studio-grade algorithms including polyphonic pitch...
The Brain Waves pitch shifter, perhaps the most inventive pedal on our list, includes the TonePrint app, which allows guitarists to save pedal presets and download new tones from a growing library of settings. A unique pressure sensitive footswitch gives expression pedal-like capabilities in a smaller package, and the Brain Waves pedal is one of the only ones on the market that allows stereo operation.
With a four-mode pitch engine and twin independent voicing controls, this TonePrint pedal in the TonePrint family gives you access to seven settings of fantastic harmony, doubling, octave, and pitch shifting effects.
Each voice has the ability to change pitch. With the pressure-sensitive Mash footswitch, you may add the effect in real time. On-the-fly effects, pedal-steel bends, and fake-whammy dive bombs are all possible with this setup. TonePrint technology gives you access to the TonePrint community, allowing you to download new sounds and program the footswitch’s behavior. It can slide anywhere in your signal chain because it has selectable buffering.
Buying Guide
When buying a pitch shifter pedal, there are several factors to consider. These factors can help you choose a pedal that best suits your needs and preferences.
Monophonic vs Polyphonic
One of the first things to consider is whether you want a monophonic or polyphonic pitch shifter pedal. Monophonic pedals can track a single note at a time, making them ideal for solo lines and single-note riffs. On the other hand, polyphonic pedals can handle multiple notes simultaneously, making them perfect for chords and complex musical passages.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is another crucial factor. Look for a pedal that offers high-quality sound with minimal digital artifacts. Some cheaper pedals can introduce unwanted noise or coloration to your tone, so it’s worth investing in a pedal that maintains the integrity of your sound.
Ease of Use
The pedal should be easy to use, with intuitive controls and a clear display. Some pedals offer more complex features and controls, which can be great for experienced users who want to fine-tune their sound. However, if you’re a beginner or prefer a more straightforward approach, look for a pedal with simple, easy-to-understand controls.
Features
Look for a pedal that offers the features you need. This could include a wide range of pitch shifting options, an expression pedal input for real-time control, or a specific type of modulation or distortion. Some pedals also offer additional features like MIDI compatibility, which can be a great advantage if you plan to use the pedal in a more complex rig or studio setup.
Durability
Durability is another important factor, especially if you plan to use the pedal for live performances. Look for a pedal that is robustly built and can withstand the rigors of regular use. Metal chassis are generally more durable than plastic ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pitch shifter pedal?
A pitch shifter pedal is a device that changes the pitch of the input signal, allowing you to create unique and expressive sounds.
How does a pitch shifter pedal work?
Most pitch shifters work in semi-tones, the smallest unit in western music. Each fret of your guitar is one semi-tone.
What is the difference between monophonic and polyphonic pitch shifter pedals?
Monophonic pedals can track a single note at a time, whereas polyphonic pedals can handle multiple notes simultaneously.
Do pitch shifter pedals affect tone?
Some pitch shifter pedals can affect tone, especially if they have a lot of latency. However, high-quality pedals minimize this issue.
Can I use a pitch shifter pedal with other effects?
Yes, you can use a pitch shifter pedal with other effects. Experiment with different combinations to find the sound you like.
Can a pitch shifter pedal replace a capo?
A pitch shifter pedal can change the pitch of your input signal, similar to a capo. However, the sound may not be exactly the same.
Can I use a pitch shifter pedal to detune my guitar?
Yes, you can use a pitch shifter pedal to detune your guitar. This can create a unique sound and add depth to your playing.