Wouldn’t you like to find the best starter guitar pedals available today?
It’s easy to see how confusing finding the best starter guitar pedals can be.
It can be hard to know which type of pedal you need or which manufacturer is the best for you.
Plus, it would be disappointing to get excited and buy a pedal, only to find it’s the wrong one for you.
Fortunately, we’ve done the hard work and found some of the best starter guitar pedals available today.
Imagine the fun you’ll have with your new pedals!
Check it out!
The Best Starter Guitar Pedals: Best Overall
Behringer SF300 Super Fuzz
Are you interested in one of the best starter guitar pedals that can create tantalizing guitar tones, features 3 different sound modes, and is very affordable? Then check out the Behringer SF300 Super Fuzz Pedal.
This pedal gives you 3 different sound modes to choose from: Fuzz 1, Fuzz 2, and Boost.
Fuzz 1 produces a classic fuzz tone that’s perfect for creating an old-school sound.
For more modern sounds, you can use Fuzz 2 to create tones perfect for more contemporary music.
Plus, the Boost setting enhances your gain giving you an easy way to increase your volume.
The Level knob gives you control over the overall level of your output.
While the Gain knob lets you set the amount of distortion.
Together, you can use them to shape your sound.
Plus, the two-band equalizer allows you to cut or boost your bass and treble frequencies giving you fine-grained control over your sound.
Finally, you’ll always know when this pedal is active thanks to the easy-to-see LED indicator.
The LED also acts as a battery level indicator so you’ll know when you’re running out of juice.
Pros
- Very Budget Friendly
- Can be Powered by DC Power Supply or a 9-Volt Battery
Cons
- Constructed from Plastic
- Fuzz Tones may be too Harsh for Some Genres of Music
As you can see, the Behringer SF300 Super Fuzz Pedal gives you a nice choice of fuzz tones as well as a very useful boost function.
We think you’ll find its simple design and low price make it a great choice for anyone looking for the best starter guitar pedals.
Why wait? Click here and get yours today.
The Best Starter Guitar Pedals: Best Budget
AZOR AP-302 Distortion Guitar Pedal
Are you looking for one of the best starter guitar pedals that is easy to use, has a durable design, and is incredibly affordable? Then check out the AZOR AP-302 Distortion Guitar Pedal.
Thanks to its mini size, this distortion pedal conveniently fits on any pedal board and is easy to travel with.
Plus, since it’s constructed from an aluminum alloy, the chassis is durable and will stand up to heavy punishment.
You can use the Level, Tone, and Gain knobs to effortlessly create and shape your sound.
The Level knob lets you control the overall volume of distortion.
Adjusting your tone is easily done using the Tone knob.
Lastly, your Gain knob lets you adjust the intensity of your distortion.
The 3-mode switch gives you access to 3 different types of distortion for a wide palette of tones.
Selecting Natural gives you a more organic distorted tone, while Tight is a more aggressive sound.
Classic delivers a high-gain tone with warmer mids that is reminiscent of old-school UK tones.
Finally, this pedal is powered by a 9V power supply and features True Bypass which means your tone won’t be affected when the pedal is not engaged giving you a clearer tone.
Pros
- Mini-Sized Pedal with Big Tones
Cons
- 9V Power Adapter not Included
As you can see, the AZOR AP-302 Distortion Guitar Pedal delivers powerful, punchy distortion in a convenient package.
We think you’ll find its palette of sounds and easy setup makes it one of the best starter guitar pedals for anyone on a budget.
Don’t miss out! Click here and get yours today.
The Best Starter Guitar Pedals: Best Runner-Up
JOYO JF-01 Vintage Overdrive
Are you looking for one of the best starter guitar pedals that’s easy to use, delivers a very vintage tone, and is extremely affordable? Then check out the JOYO JF-01 Vintage Overdrive Pedal.
It features an aluminum alloy casing with stoving varnish finish so it’s very durable and will stand up to use.
The Tone, Drive, and Volume knobs allow you to craft your desired sound.
Drive lets you dial the degree of distortion you want to add to your sound.
The tone knob adjusts the intensity of your overall tone.
Finally, volume adjusts the overall volume of your sound.
All this means you’ll get mid-level gain and overdrive which is very tight and an excellent choice for rock and blues.
Plus, the LED by the footswitch lights up when the pedal is engaged so you always know when it’s on.
If the LED is dim or off, all you need to do is install a new battery or connect to a power source.
Finally, True Bypass will minimize your tone loss and keep your sound true.
Pros
- Can Run off a 9V Battery or an Adapter
- Re-Creation of the Classic TS808 Tube Screamer
Cons
- May Not be a Great Choice for Modern Metal Sounds
As you can see, the JOYO JF-01 Vintage Overdrive Pedal has a unique look and delivers a classic tone.
We think its affordable price and versatile sounds make it one of the best starter guitar pedals out there.
Why wait? Click here and get yours today.
The Best Starter Guitar Pedals: Best Looper Pedal
LEKATO Looper Pedal
Are you looking for one of the best starter guitar pedals that can help you hone your chops, write songs, and perform live? Then Check out the LEKATO Looper Pedal.
This pedal is composed of a Zinc alloy shell and has a compact size which makes it very portable as well as very durable.
It features spots for 3 separate loop tracks that can have a maximum recording time of 6 minutes each giving you a total recording time of 18 minutes.
Controlling this pedal is simplicity itself using the Level Knob, footswitch, and single button.
The Level knob lets you set the level of your playback volume while pressing the button on the face of the pedal lets you switch to Sync mode or tuning mode.
Sync mode lets you begin recording your loop by simply starting to play.
In tuning mode, this pedal turns into a guitar tuner which means you have a convenient way to keep yourself in tune.
The footswitch controls starting, stopping, and deleting your loops as well as the undo/redo process.
With unlimited overdubs, you can layer your playing and create your own songs using just the footswitch.
The colorful LED display is easy to read and lets you know the progress of your loop, which loop you’re using, and your tuning status.
Finally, the included USB cable conveniently allows you to export your loops to a computer in an uncompressed, lossless format.
Pros
- Available in 2 Finishes
- True Bypass Means it will Keep Your Tone True
- Automatically Saves Your Loops
Cons
- Power Supply not Included
- Sync Function can be Tricky to Use
As you can see, the LEKATO Looper Pedal delivers a compact design, useful features, and easy usability.
We think you’ll find it’s one of the best starter guitar pedals for any guitarist looking to write songs, save their playing, or just practice playing guitar.
Why forego the pleasure? Click here and get yours now.
The Best Starter Guitar Pedals: Best Wah Pedal
Dunlop Cry Baby Standard Wah
Are you looking for one of the best starter guitar pedals available that features a time-tested design, delivers classic effects, and is a staple of many pedal boards? Then check out the Dunlop Cry Baby Standard Wah.
This pedal features heavy-duty die-cast construction which means this pedal will stand up to abuse and provide unmatched performance.
It delivers a modern version of the original Cry Baby wah sound so it’s got an aggressive, no-frills wah tone that’s perfect for a wide variety of playing styles.
Plus, it uses a red Fasel inductor to provide a superior response that boosts the wah frequencies which gives you a focused high-end, and an aggressive wah sound that’s legendary.
Engaging the pedal is done by simply pushing the toe of the pedal down until it clicks.
One-click turns it on, another click turns it off. Easy!
Once engaged, rocking your foot back and forth will change your sound and give you the classic wah tones.
Additionally, leaving the pedal in one position means you can use it like a filter and add color to your tone.
Pros
- Battery Can be Changed Without Removing the Back Plate
- Can be Powered by a 9V Battery
Cons
- Power Supply Not Included
As you can see, the Dunlop Cry Baby Standard Wah delivers a classic wah sound in a pedal that’s very easy for beginners to use.
We think you’ll find its legendary sound, rugged build quality, and powerful responsiveness make it one of the best starter guitar pedals out there.
Don’t miss out! Click here and get yours now!
The Best Starter Guitar Pedals: Best Multi-Effects Pedal
Zoom G1 FOUR Guitar Multi-Effects Processor
Are you ready for one of the best starter guitar pedals out there that delivers a generous selection of effects, a compact design, and is easy on your budget? Then check out the Zoom G1 FOUR Multi-Effects Processor.
This pedal features 2 footswitches, 4 control knobs, and 7 buttons all in a very compact design that gives you easy portability as well as easy control of your tone.
With 60 built-in effects including delay, reverb, chorus, and flanger you have a comprehensive set of effects to experiment with.
The 13 different amp models simulate classic rigs so you can recreate some legendary amps and change your sound to fit the style of music you want to play.
Plus, you can use up to 5 effects simultaneously which allows you to chain separate effects together and discover your own unique sounds.
Once you’ve discovered your preferred tones, saving them for later is amazingly simple.
Simply save it to one of the 50 available memory slots and you’ll have immediate access to it at any time in the future!
Plus, the included ZOOM Guitar Lab software allows you to create, edit, and manage your effects and patches.
It’s foolproof to use the 68 built-in rhythm patterns and looper function to create your own backing tracks.
Finally, the onboard chromatic tuner supports all standard guitar tunings including open and drop tunings so you’ll save space on your pedal board and always be in tune.
Pros
- Auto Save Function Saves Your Settings
- AUX Jack Lets You Connect a Music Player
Cons
- Expression Pedal Available on the G1X FOUR
- Absolute Beginners may Prefer a Simpler Pedal Setup
- Looper Only has 30 Seconds of Loop Time
As you can see, the Zoom G1 FOUR Multi-Effects Processor provides an abundance of features and is a great choice for beginners.
We think you’ll find its compact design, abundant choice of effects, and inviting price make it one of the best starter guitar pedals for anyone looking to benefit from a multi-effects pedal.
Why wait another day? Click here and get yours now.
The Best Starter Guitar Pedals: Conclusion
Finding the best starter guitar pedals can be the start of a whole new adventure.
As other guitarists will attest, starter guitar pedals don’t have to be expensive or fancy to be effective.
In short, they’re an excellent way for budding guitarists to explore creating different styles and genres of music.
Plus, just one of these pedals may be the gateway to discovering your unique tone.
Most important of all, starter guitar pedals will help you become a more experienced guitarist and expand your creativity.
The Best Starter Guitar Pedals: Things to Think About When Buying
- Why are you looking for a starter guitar pedal?
Improving your playing is often your best reason to buy a starter guitar pedal.
It’ll change your sound and may help spark your creativity.
If you’re looking to create or recreate a specific sound or tone, a starter guitar pedal can help.
But if you’re looking for a starter guitar pedal because you think it’ll make you a better guitar player, you’ll be better off taking some lessons or getting a book on how to play guitar.
It’s common among beginners to think that the magic of playing is in your equipment.
This often leads beginners to buy a “better” amp or a more expensive “better” guitar.
They think it’ll somehow improve their guitar playing skills.
If you’re looking for a way to be a “better” guitar player, you may become frustrated that spending money on a guitar pedal doesn’t do that.
If you want to expand your sound, experiment, or just feel ready to branch out, then a starter guitar pedal makes a lot of sense.
- Why do I need a starter guitar pedal?
Expanding your tonal palette is one of the best reasons to buy a starter guitar pedal.
You can craft your tone and change the way your guitar playing sounds.
Often, changing your sound can give you a boost of inspiration.
You may find that your creativity flows once you’ve started experimenting with your new sounds.
Plus, a starter guitar pedal is a great way for you to play different genres of music.
You could also find that your new guitar starter pedal causes you to experiment with settings that you didn’t care for before.
If you’ve found your bridge pickup is too brittle sounding, you might find that you find it pleasing once you’ve run it through a distortion pedal or a reverb pedal.
Don’t forget that starter guitar pedals can be a whole lot of fun.
You can spend time jamming using your wah pedal or practice changing the dynamics of your sound using a fuzz pedal.
- When should a beginner buy their 1st starter guitar pedal?
As soon as you’re comfortable with your basics, you can start looking for starter guitar pedals.
If you understand the basics of your amp and the settings on your guitar, you’ll have a much easier time understanding your starter pedal.
Until then, you will have a difficult time figuring out the different ways your pedal settings influence your sound.
It will take a bit of time to determine how your guitar sound can be changed with your pedal attached.
Once you’ve got your first starter pedal, spend some time figuring out all of its settings and discover what settings make the most pleasing sounds for you.
Once you’ve got a fair idea of what your pedal can do, you’re ready to buy your next pedal and start the process all over again.
Over time you might find you’ve built yourself a versatile pedal board capable of fulfilling all of your guitar sound needs.
- Is the pedal you’re looking at right for your style of playing?
Changing your sound by using a pedal can be a fun and unique experience.
But you want to make sure your first starter pedal is the right one for your sound.
This isn’t to limit you but to help you make sure you’re on the right track.
If you’re playing jazz guitar you don’t want a heavy distortion pedal.
Not that you can’t add distortion to jazz, but it’s not the best starter pedal to focus on.
A lot of frustration will be avoided this way.
Some beginners rush out and buy a starter guitar pedal thinking it will be perfect for them, only to find out it’s not the right pedal for their style of music.
Ask yourself if the starter pedal you’re thinking of buying is right for your type of music.
Once you’ve got your sound down, then you can buy inexpensive pedals to experiment with and see how you can change your sound.
- What tone are you trying to achieve?
Choosing the right starter pedals will help you find your style of playing.
If you want to achieve a certain tone, your priority should be making sure you’re getting the right pedal for it.
With today’s wide choice of inexpensive starter pedals you can buy a lot of different pedals that’ll let you find your sound.
But beginners often become frustrated by an inability to achieve a certain sound.
While you may find the tone you’re looking for right away, having the right pedal can go a long way to helping you if you haven’t.
Again, once you understand how your amp and electric guitar settings influence your sound, you can ask yourself what needs to be added in order to create the sound you’re after.
Of course, you could always just enjoy playing and experimenting and worry about finding your tone later.
Your preferred tone often changes over time as you get better at playing and improve your ear.
- What if I just want a pedal to give me a fuller, more professional sound?
If you’re just looking for a fuller, more ‘professional’ sound, you’re looking for a starter reverb pedal.
A reverb pedal will help you to create a fuller sound that’s closer to what you’d get if you were playing in a studio or on a stage.
Beginners are often surprised at how much better their guitar sounds when they add some reverb.
Depending on your setup, you can also connect your guitar to a computer and digitally add reverb as well as other effects to your sound.
It can be interesting to see what kind of tones you can create using a computer.
You can also change the amount of reverb to give you different types of sounds and depth to your tone.
It’s a basic pedal so it won’t change your sound as drastically as a distortion pedal, but it can often improve your sound dramatically.
You may not notice when a guitarist uses a reverb pedal but it can drastically improve your sound.
If you play rock or heavy metal you should consider getting one after you’ve got a distortion pedal in your arsenal.
If you’re playing music with more of a ‘clean’ tone, (like jazz), a reverb pedal can help you create a fuller sound.
- Are there any starter guitar pedals I can use for practicing or songwriting?
If you’re looking for something that’ll help you practice or write songs, then you’re interested in a loop pedal.
You can use a loop pedal to create a simple backing track that you can practice playing over.
With some loop pedals, you can layer your recordings over each other and create a song on the fly.
A loop pedal can also help you if you’re interested in writing songs.
You can record different parts of your song, play over them, and build layers.
If you’re looking for a way to play with other musicians without leaving your house, you can use a loop pedal to record your playing and practice with them.
You can also use a loop pedal to practice keeping time by recording your playing against a metronome.
Then, you’ll have a music track to help you practice playing in time.
Without too much effort, you can create a library of backing tracks that you use when you want to jam.
You can flex your creative muscles as well as track your progress since most loop pedals let you copy your recordings to a computer.
Then you can save them and see how you’ve progressed over time.
Similarly, with songwriting, you can lay down simple tracks using your guitar and a loop pedal and then load them onto your computer and use a DAW program to create complete songs.
The Best Starter Guitar Pedals: FAQ
- What pedal should a beginner use?
- Beginners should consider using a distortion pedal. It’s the most versatile pedal since you can use it to add a little bit of flair to your tone, or crank the distortion up and completely change your sound. See this post on The Best Guitar Pedals Under $100 for more options.
- What first effect pedal should a beginner buy?
- The first effect pedal a beginner buys should be a distortion pedal. Depending on the genre of music you’re most often playing you can choose the type of distortion you’re looking for. For blue and rock, you’ll want a pedal that has a lighter sound than if you’re playing heavy metal. Experimenting is key here, though.
- Should a beginner guitarist get a pedal?
- If you’re an absolute beginner you don’t need any kind of pedal. When you’re just getting started it’s easy to get distracted and confused by stuff you don’t need. Once you’ve got some of the basics down, then you can look at how different effects change your sound. For example, you might find that a reverb pedal opens up your sound and is more suited to your style of playing than a chorus pedal. If you’re just starting out, just be patient and focus on mastering your basics. See this post for The Best Budget Guitar Pedals Boards.
- Do pedals work on every amp?
- Every guitar pedal will work with every electric guitar amp. If you’re trying to get a better sound, make sure you’ve got a decent amp. A tiny, battery-powered portable amp won’t match the sound of a larger amp. See this post on The Best Low Cost Guitar Multi-Effects Pedals.
JT currently resides in Southern California and has been playing the guitar since he was 13. He enjoys baking French pastries, drinking loose-leaf tea, and running Slackware Linux.
