10 Must-Have Stompboxes for Electric Guitarists

Effects enthusiasts and musicians are very picky about their tone. However, regardless of what stompboxes and cables they pick and how they organize them, one thing is for sure—all of it will impact the overall quality of their tone. For effects gurus as well as those who are just starting to dabble, being educated about the various types of pedal circuitry is important to craft their ideal sound. Understanding how to select the right effects pedal can be challenging. Considering that there are a ton of guitar stompboxes to choose from, it is pretty easy to waste money on unnecessary pedals. Learning the primary types of effects pedals and their functions can help guitarists decide. For instance, gain effects include distortion, fuzz, and overdrive, time effects are reverb, looper, and delay, while filter effects include envelope filter, wah-wah, and equalizer. This article tackles ten pedal categories that have become a vital part of practically every electric guitarist’s board. It also provides some recommendations for specific pedals under each category.

**Delay **

Delay pedals work by repeating the sounds of notes being played at a preset interval. They could be a valuable addition to any rig, no matter if one is playing guitar, bass, or synth. There are various delay types, all of which are instrumental in realizing new celestial sonic oceans and enhancing tones. The BOSS DD-7 Digital Delay takes the most excellent features from its predecessors and broadens the creative potential with longer delay time, external pedal control options, and more. It comes equipped with two revolutionary delay modes—Analog Delay and Modulation Delay. Modulation Delay dishes out chorus-flavored sounds, while Analog Delay delivers a modeled emulation of the classic BOSS DM-2, revered for its unique warmth. The DD-7 Digital Delay’s stereo output allows users to craft stunning effects. It may also be utilized to produce separate dry and wet signal paths. The Flashback 2 X4 boasts ten delay types, including TC Electronic’s new Crystal delay as well as hyper-realistic Tape and Analog simulations. Ten preset note subdivisions and a dedicated Tap switch enable crafting any kind of gorgeous rhythmic delay pattern. Also, thanks to three MASH footswitches, users can experience touch-sensitive expression control.

**Looper **

Looper stompboxes share similar characteristics as a delay pedal. Essentially, they enable players to create layers of repeating sounds they have recorded. While loopers are perfect for rehearsal, they also have tons of practical, on-stage uses. The DigiTech JamMan Stereo Looper enables saving more than 35 minutes of stereo, CD-quality loops in 99 internal memories. An optional SDHC card is capable of storing more than 16 hours of CD-quality audio in 99 extra memories (198 overall). The JamMan Stereo offers reverse playback, true stereo looping, and a mic input, making it suitable for DJ applications or backing tracks. It also boasts USB connectivity and will sync to the free JamManager software, which arranges and records JamMan Stereo loops. The BOSS RC-30 Loop Station is a “twin pedal multitrack looper” loaded with stereo connectivity for everyone in the band. But what makes this looper exciting is the fact that it features two independently controllable stereo loops. Users may switch each stereo loop on/off or add to either one. With the inbuilt effects and rhythm guide, the RC-30 Loop Station delivers virtually infinite creative possibilities. Other features include true stereo looping, USB connectivity, and internal memory.

**Compressor **

A compressor is a must for dynamic guitarists. It acts like automatic volume control, equalizing soft and loud playing, so they have a similar volume. The player’s volume will not change, the effect will only narrow the dynamic range. Compressors are perhaps among the most under-appreciated stompboxes but can have a significant impact on the overall sound.

When it comes to boutique guitar compression stompboxes, nothing receives as much recognition as Wampler’s Ego Compressor. Aside from doing what a compressor is expected to do, the Ego Compressor is excellent at preserving the core tonal characteristics and natural playing dynamics. It also boasts an innovative front end squash control. It is capable of going full squash or providing wide-open studio-grade parallel compression. The Dyna Compressor by JOYO is representative of a traditional Ross, featuring incredibly low noise. With a trio of control knobs (Attack, Level, and Sustain), users can conveniently dial in their ideal levels of compression. “A lot of players don’t think they’ll need a compressor or when they first use one don’t think it’s actually doing anything (I was one of those). Once you realize when and where to use a compressor then it becomes an essential part of your tone. It means you can control when and how much sustain you can have on certain passages. A compressor allows you to play delicately picked passages with masses of effects and you’ll hear every note perfectly without any of them disappearing into the ether or overpowering the others,” JOYO stated.

Chorus

When used appropriately, Chorus pedals are a valuable addition to any pedalboard. They are capable of adding fullness and depth to a sound, something that one cannot quite achieve with a reverb sound. If done right, it can sound like there is a trio of guitarists playing one part rather than just the player. One of the most lauded chorus/flange effects available is TC Electronic’s SCF Stereo Chorus Flanger. It features three different effects—pitch modulation, flange, and chorus—with comprehensive parameter control for effortlessly dialing in the ideal sound, from heavy-duty flanging, squeaky clean chorus, to extreme vibrato/tremolo effects. The SCF possesses a smoothness unrivaled by digital gear. Other features include a remote bypass, overload LED, and onboard preamp/line driver that enables it to function in an entire range of applications as well as helps minimize signal loss along lengthy cables. The Classic Chorus by Carl Martin comes with four tweakable settings and a vibrato switch, allowing it to operate fully as a vibrato when Rate and Depth controls are dimed. It is packaged within a sturdy die-cast chassis featuring neat CM graphics and off-white chicken-head knobs. It boasts that excellent CM quality bypass switching as well as LED indicators.

Distortion

Distortion is a key ingredient for roaring riffs, wailing solos, and the entire metal genre. Those who seek some aggressive drive for their tone should consider adding a distortion stompbox to their rig. Distortion pedals are designed to purposefully clip a guitar signal’s waveform. The Fender Pugilist Distortion is specially made for those who are big on stacking distortion and overdrive pedals to create their electric guitar tones. Thanks to dual gain stages, each with individual tone control, users can explore anything from mild grit to intense, biting distortion. Use the gain stages in series to stack them for dimensional and dynamic tone or in parallel with a blend control to fine-tune the sonic balance. The Fender Pugilist Distortion delivers the versatility of two drive stompboxes plus the gigging convenience of one. Boasting a revamped silent switching system, the EarthQuaker Devices Acapulco Gold V2 is now better than ever. It is like placing the master volume control of a vintage tube amp on the pedalboard. The Acapulco Gold V2 carries an intuitive one-knob control that takes the tone from louder to quieter, covering an extensive range of dirty tones that are highly responsive to the guitar’s tone and volume controls.

**Overdrive **

An overdrive pedal essentially copies the sound of an amp cranked to 11. It is worthwhile, particularly since drastically elevating the volume of an amp while at home is typically not an option. Overdrive is commonly utilized to play blues, but it has various applications in a lead guitar tone as well. The iconic Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer is both a classic favorite and modern pedalboard staple. The original unit propelled into fame when Stevie Ray Vaughan employed it to create his signature tone. Ibanez offers a reissue of this green beast, dishing out the same coveted tones without hurting the pocket. The TS808 Tube Screamer serves up a smooth and full overdrive. It consists of controls for Level, Tone, and Overdrive. Get that raved-about creamy yet crunchy sound at a great value with the BOSS BD-2 Blues Driver. This stompbox emulates the sound of a vintage tube amp, providing convenient access to timeless tones. The BD-2 Blues Driver responds to playing dynamics, so users can obtain a range of tones to give every note the right feel and flavor. It is also capable of adding emotive distortion and warm overdrive to a rig. The BD-2 Blues Driver is controllable using the Gain, Tone, and Level knobs.

**Tuner **

A tuner is probably one of the most essential stompboxes a guitarist can own. Aside from providing one cutoff point for the signal chain, it lets users tune their guitar sans pulling out another guitar tuner.

Ever since its inception in 2008, KORG’s Pitchblack pedal tuner has established a reputation as an indispensable and reliable part of any pedalboard, credits to its great visibility, high sensitivity, and solid construction. To continue its legacy, KORG released the Pitchblack Custom, which boasts “the first vertical 3D visual meter on a pedal tuner.” Versatile display modes and three-dimensional lights offer an unparalleled visibility level. Built with professionals’ needs in mind, the Pitchblack Custom will deliver years of trouble-free operation. The original PolyTune Noir has raised the bar for how exceptional a tuner could be with its sleek black look and compact design. The PolyTune 2 Noir features a dead-on strobe tuner, super-bright display, and TC Electronic’s revolutionary polyphonic tuning mode. It loads sophisticated tuning technology into a mini enclosure. “With PolyTune 2 Noir you don’t just get a small tuner, you get the smallest polyphonic tuner in the world! So besides getting a super fast and precise tuner, you also get room for more gear. PolyTune 2 Noir just keeps on giving,” TC Electronic wrote.

Reverb

A reverb stompbox replicates the guitar being played in different acoustical settings like a concert hall, small room, big room, and others. Reverb is a widely used guitar effect, a fact demonstrated by the sheer volume of exceptional reverb stompboxes available.

The Empress Effects Reverb serves up lifelike emulations of spaces and unique surreal ambiances, represented with exceptional sound quality. It comes in a compact footprint with stereo ins and outs as well as an arsenal of controls. The Reverb strikes the right balance of control and convenience, eliminating laborious menus. The versatile control port, presets, and MIDI open up possibilities for live performances. This pedal boasts two dozens of studio-grade algorithms. The very intuitive yet easy to use Wampler Reflection pedal lets users capture excellent reverberations, which are available only in an overly complicated boutique pedal. It carries a toggle switch that allows users to change between Spring and Plate reverb modes. “Brian Wampler’s attention to detail and commitment to designing the best and most player-friendly products out there are second to none. Those qualities are on full display within the Reflection reverb. From its convenient top-mounted jacks to its top-tier components, the Reflection reverb pedal is every bit a Wampler,” Wampler claimed.

**Volume **

Most guitarists want full command over their signal, including the volume passing in and out. Volume pedals offer a simple way to control the volume not just to cut off the signal but also for specific sound effects that users can produce. Some volume pedals even come with added features. The MVP volume pedal from Ernie Ball is a revolutionary tool to add in a signal chain. Whether it is placed in front of an amp or its effect loop, the MVP delivers seamless volume control without high-frequency loss at any volume. Moreover, the minimum volume control allows users to set the heel position from 0% to 50% volume, and they can program the toe position to boost as much as 20dB to hit the pedals or amp harder. Suitable for keys, bass, guitar, and more, the Volume Plus pedal from Morley delivers necessary performance options. It combines studio-quality audio fidelity and stage-ready playability with an electro-optical circuitry that is free of pots and moving components that can wear out and become noisy. This outstanding all-purpose volume pedal is perfect for amplified instruments.

**Wah **

Popularized by guitarists such as Jerry Cantrell, Eric Clapton, and Jimi Hendrix, wah pedal utilization seems to go in and out of style for players. Prudent use of this pedal could contribute a lot to the sound though. Wah pedals are capable of delivering an extensive range of tonal expressions. Dunlop’s Classic Cry Baby leverages Italian-made Fasel inductors, offering the same beautiful harmonics and that distinctive vocal sweep heard on innumerable classic recordings. It sports the familiar, sturdy, time-tested Cry Baby body style, featuring a Hot Potz potentiometer and heavy die-cast construction. The Vox V846-HW is the ultimate wah pedal for tone fanatics, boasting hand-wired turret board construction and top-grade components. Each component, including the potentiometer, capacitors, resistors, and inductors, has been meticulously picked for supreme fidelity and tone. A tone-preserving true bypass has also been incorporated into the classic design. The V846-HW is the perfect blend of Vox’s world-renowned technology and classic yet sophisticated specifications.