The Pedalboard: Your Sound Laboratory
Effects pedals sit between your guitar and your amplifier and alter your signal in various ways. They're one of the most fun and creative aspects of electric guitar playing — and one of the easiest ways to spend too much money.
The Essential Pedals
Tuner Not technically an effect, but the most important pedal you'll own. A clip-on tuner works fine for practice, but a dedicated tuner pedal is essential for live performance.
Overdrive/Distortion This is the most iconic guitar effect — the crunch and sustain of rock and blues. Overdrive is a softer, more natural-sounding distortion; distortion is heavier and more aggressive. The Boss DS-1 and Ibanez Tube Screamer are classic starting points.
Reverb Reverb simulates the natural echo of a physical space — a room, a hall, a cathedral. Almost every guitar tone benefits from a touch of reverb. Many amps have built-in reverb, but a dedicated pedal gives you more control.
Delay Delay repeats your signal after a set time interval. From subtle slapback (rockabilly, country) to long, atmospheric repeats (U2, Pink Floyd), delay is one of the most versatile effects.
Chorus Chorus creates a shimmering, doubled effect by slightly detuning a copy of your signal. It's the sound of 80s pop and clean funk guitar.
Signal Chain Order
The order of your pedals matters. A common starting order: Guitar → Tuner → Overdrive → Modulation (chorus, flanger) → Delay → Reverb → Amp
Start Simple
Don't buy a full pedalboard as a beginner. Start with a tuner and one other pedal. Learn to use each one well before adding more.
Our Omaha instructors can help you choose your first pedals based on your musical goals.