Best beginner distortion pedals

Name: Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion Bundle
Brand: BOSS

Steve Romanoski

Last Updated: Sep 18, 2022

Our researchers have found and tested the best beginner distortion pedals the market can offer today. Below are our in-detail reviews of the top picks offered by Stagg. To decide what exactly you need, make sure you familiarize yourself with the 36 reviews which we've written.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

#TOP 1

Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion Bundle

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Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion Bundle

#TOP 1

#TOP 2

Boss HM-2W Waza Craft Heavy Metal Distortion Pedal

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Boss HM-2W Waza Craft Heavy Metal Distortion Pedal

#TOP 2

#TOP 3

Wampler Ratsbane Distortion Pedal (Rats Bane)

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Wampler Ratsbane Distortion Pedal (Rats Bane)

#TOP 3

Top 36 Best beginner distortion pedals Reviews 2022

#TOP 1

Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion Bundle

BOSS

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Built-in remote jack allows users to connect an external footswitch such as the FS-5L for instant, hands-free switching between modes
Turbo Mode II provides biting distortion with a mid-range boost, perfect for leads
Bundle includes a premium 10-foot Roland Black Series instrument cable is included, as well as a 6-inch Roland Black Series Patch/Pedal cable, both featuring multi-strand, oxygen-free copper core wire that translates the true tones of your instrument, while high-density spiral shielding eliminates unwanted noise. We have also included a 3-pack of Boss celluloid guitar picks in varying thickness, so you can start playing right out of the box!
Turbo Mode I produces warm and mellow distortion with flat frequency response
Classic BOSS distortion tones with added Turbo modes

#TOP 2

Boss HM-2W Waza Craft Heavy Metal Distortion Pedal

BOSS

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High-gain Disttion Pedal with Low/High Col Mix Controls Stard/Custom Modes

#TOP 3

Wampler Ratsbane Distortion Pedal (Rats Bane)

Wampler

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The Gain switch offers three distinct choices. In the middle gives you the “stock” gain for this pedal. The left position offers a firm, yet smooth boost in gain, whereas the right delivers an insane level of creamy distortion.
Turn the distortion control all the way down for a deep but powerful gain booster. Crank it up and you will find rich harmonic overtones and a throaty, fuzz-like distortion.
The Voice switch subtly alters the compression and clipping of this pedal. It tightens the distortion to be more manageable with greater levels of gain, while rolling back some of the fuzz qualities, to deliver a modern, high gain distortion.
Turn the filter control counter-clockwise to cut straight through the mix with precision and high-frequency attack that lets your tone soar with absolute clarity. Turn it clockwise to filter the top end, for a warm, buttery, yet clear tone.

#TOP 4

Boss MT-2 Metal Zone Distortion Guitar Pedal

BOSS

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Disttion Stompbox with 3-b EQ

#TOP 5

Pro Co RAT2 Distortion Pedal

Proco

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Use the RAT 2 as a boost for solos and get the extra kick you need
Used as a primary distortion, it excels at arena rock rhythm tones and soaring leads
Nails that sweet spot where a tube amp goes from sparkly clean to warm overdrive

#TOP 6

Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion Pedal

BOSS

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Features

Disttion Pedal f Guitar

#TOP 7

Boss DS-1 Distortion Bundle

BOSS

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Features

BOSS 5-year warranty
Classic BOSS Distortion tones for guitar and keyboard
Distortion, Level and Tone control to tailor overall sound as desired
Classic, affordable live distortion
Reproduces dynamics of playing, from soft to hard

#TOP 8

Pro Co RAT2 Distortion Pedal

blucoil

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PRODUCES 4 GUITAR EFFECTS IN 1 PEDAL - The Pro Co RAT2 provides distortion, sustain, fuzz, and overdrive effects in one compact stompbox!
RUNS ON AC ADAPTER OR BATTERY POWER - The Pro Co RAT2 offers versatile power source options, you can use either a 9-volt battery or external AC adapter.
INCLUDES - Pro Co RAT2 Distortion Pedal. Power Supply with Slim AC/DC Adapter for 9 Volt DC 670mA with US Plug (Center Negative Polarity). 2-Pack of Blucoil Right-Angled Patch Cables for Effects Pedals. 4-Pack of Blucoil Thin Celluloid Guitar Picks (Assorted Colors).
DELIVERS RAUNCHY SOUNDS WITH ZERO TONE COLORATION - This pedal produces all kinds of raunchy sounds, starting from sweet to nitty grinding. It has true bypass circuitry to ensure your tone stays pure when the effects are off.
PROVIDES VISIBLE LED DISPLAY - It comes with a bright LED indicator that lets you know when the effect is on or off. The glow-in-the-dark control graphics are perfect for the dimly-lit stage.

#TOP 9

Truetone V3 Jekyll & Hyde Overdrive & Distortion Guitar Effects Pedal

Truetone

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Lifetime Warranty... even for second or third owners.
Each channel can be set to either True Bypass mode or buffered, via internal switches. The buffered mode utilizes our legendary Pure Tone circuit.
Features the custom designed Forever Footswitch rated for 10 million hits. This interacts with relays having gold-plated contacts.
Small, pedal board friendly size, with front mounted jacks. Smaller footprint than 2 MXR or similar sized pedals.
Separate inputs and outputs so each side of the pedal can be used in a loop device, or midi switcher. Also possible to reverse the order of effects with a patch cable. Just like having 2 pedals, but in 1 housing.

#TOP 10

Boss DS-1 Distortion Pedal

BOSS

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Features

Tone Controls
Level
Disttion Effects Pedal f Guitar
Bass
Keyboard with Disttion

#TOP 11

Behringer SUPER FUZZ SF300 3-Mode Fuzz Distortion Instrument Effects Pedal

Behringer

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This BEHRINGER product has been designed to compete head to head with leading products on the market
Recreate the whole variety of famous fuzz tones of the '60s and '70s
Dedicated Gain, 2-band EQ and Level controls for awesome sound shaping
Status LED for effect on/off and battery check
3 different sound modes for classic fuzz, grunge and gain boost

#TOP 12

Boss DS-1 Distortion Bundle

BOSS

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Distortion, Level and Tone control to tailor overall sound as desired
Reproduces dynamics of playing, from soft to hard
Classic, affordable live distortion
BOSS 5-year warranty
Classic BOSS Distortion tones for guitar and keyboard

#TOP 13

Revv G3 - Preamp/Overdrive/Distortion Pedal

Revv Amplification

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Preamp/Overdrive/Disttion Pedal f Electric Guitar - Purple

#TOP 14

Fender Pugilist Distortion Pedal

Fender

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Features

Discrete tone controls per channel
Led backlit knobs
Fender amp Jewel LED
Magnetically latched hinged 9V battery door
Dual gain engines

#TOP 15

JOYO Distortion Pedal R Series Heavy Metal Dist Between American and British

JOYO

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Before playing, please make sure the guitar is fully connected with the pedal. in order to make JOYO pedals work properly and avoiding unexpected noise, we recommend you to purchase an extra JOYO original power adapter, or choose the other reliable brands and make sure it meets the working current requirement of single pedal.
JOYO is over decade of brand reputation, provide worry-free after-sale service. with the most popular budget pedals, amplifiers, wireless systems, controllers, metronomes, tuners winning the love of global guitarists and inspiring people's music dreams.
"GAIN" Knob and "VOLUME" Knob, both are of dynamic balance, adjust the "GAIN" knob while don't adjust the VOL, the signal from the circuit will adjust automatically, ensuring the volume is the same as before.
JOYO UZI distortion pedal, designed for heavy metal, it's characterized by High-Gain. with a "BIAS" knob, switch easily between American Distortion and British Distortion.
Whole new appearance and the iconic ambience lights bring out futuristic and retro styles, displaying a perfect fusion, will make our soul happy whether are jamming in the bedroom, studio or on the stage.

#TOP 16

Boss OS-2 Overdrive Distortion Pedal

BOSS

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Features

Overdrive Disttion Pedal Effects Pedal f Guitar Bass with Level
Drive
Col Controls
Tone

#TOP 17

TC Electronic DARK MATTER DISTORTION Phenomenal Distortion Pedal

TC Electronic

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Features

Voicing switch - for an awesome shift in bass response
True Bypass - zero loss of tone
Gain, Level, Bass and Treble controls - total control of your distortion sounds
item package weight: 11.6 ounces

#TOP 18

Donner Multi Guitar Effect Pedal Alpha Force 3 in 1 Effects Delay Chorus High Gain Distortion Pedal

Donner

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Features

3 types of guitar effects in one chain: Delay, Chorus and Higain
Bright, warm chorus module for creating the natural sense of space
Analog-voiced delay module with rich echo feedback.
Whole Aluminium-alloy, stable and strong, LED indicator shows the working state
Insanely heavy distortion with full range response.

#TOP 19

EX-Inferno Metal Distortion Pedal

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Uses a standard 9-volt negative tip power supply, or add a daisy chain to run multiple pedals from the one power supply source. (Adapter not included).
True-Bypass with powerful analog circuitry, housed in a compact, die-cast box. 1/4 inch input and output jacks and an AC adapter input on the top of the unit.
The EX-Inferno death metal distortion pedal is designed for total metal mayhem.
A three-stage guitar metal pedal boost toggle switch allows for total control of brutal chugging, screaming howls and massive attack for lead and rhythm playing.
Fine tune the metal guitar pedal overall balance with the level, tone and distortion control knobs. Dial up shrill metal leads, deep punchy distortion or total metal chunk.

#TOP 20

Donner Distortion Pedal

Donner

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[Durable Guitar Distortion Pedal] Aluminum-alloy classic, stable and strong.
[True bypass Guitar Pedal] True bypass provides transparent tone. LED indicator shows the working state.
[Notice] DC 9V Adapter power supply. (Not Included).
[Inspired by Classics and More] Dark Mouse distortion pedal is made to bring you the real underground rock scene. Sweet overdrives, grinding rhythms and roaring solos.
[2 Modes] Classic: Produce a classic, warm distortion sound with some fuzz feel. Hyper: Perform a more powerful sound with more edges and bottoms.

#TOP 21

MIMIDI Distortion Guitar Pedal

MIMIDI

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TRUE BYPASSTransparent and clear tone, zero tone coloration allows your guitar’s signal get through the non-electronic bypass line when the effect is disengaged.
100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEEDIf you have any question for this distortion pedal, please feel free to reach our customer service. We will give the most satisfying reply. You are entitled to enjoy 12 month refund policy, 18 Months Replacement service. Your satisfaction is our top priority.
MINI SIZEPortable and compact,lightweight and small for easier storage and installation.
SOUND EFFECTThere are 3 functions, natural,tight and classic. The level knob controls the sound volume with effect. Tone knob controls the tone of sound. Gain knob adjusts the intensity of distortion.
SPECIFICATION AC adapter 9V DC (center minus plug),current draw 30mA.

#TOP 22

Rowin Analog Heavy Metal Distortion Pedal

Rowin

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Features

3 way toggle switch allows you to choose from a hi boost, low boost and off boost
Please note this pedal NOT include power adptor. Need a DC 9V power supply with negative in the center to power up. Pleae buy it separately at Rowin Music store. Thank you.
Additional shaping is achieved using the gain and tone controls. You can use the Lo and off boost positions to get a great rhythm tone. In this position play with the tone and gain knobs to recreate tones from your favorite bands or uniquely create your own sound. Then switch it into Hi-Boost for a face melting solo.
SOLID CONSTRUCTIONMade of high-quality zinc alloy, durable and sturdy.
TRUE BYPASSTrue bypass provide transparent tone.LED indicator shows working state.MINI SIZESmall and exquisite,can save a lot of space on pedal board.

#TOP 23

AZOR Distortion Guitar Pedal Effect 3 Modes Natural

AZOR

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Easy to control - 3 Working Modes: Natural/Tight/Classic, switch on/off with 3 knobs to control level, gain and tone
Mini style- Small, light weight and exquisite.Enduring, light-weighted Aluminumalloy chassis .
Power source- 9V DC adapter center negative（no power adapter included）
Classic Design- High degree distortion degree of metal, stable to solo, has strong expression with dynamic echo sound
Style-type- All-sided high-gain distortion with excellent dynamic response and definition

#TOP 24

Crunch Distortion Guitar Pedal

LOTKEY

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Solid Quality: The whole Crunch distortion guitar pedal is made of aluminum alloy and is classic, stable and strong. An aluminum alloy body makes this distortion pedal safe to transport.
Great Tone: Lotkey Crunch Distortion guitar pedal, the British classic rock distortion, has great response and sustains, and the controls make precision fine-tuning a breeze. True bypass switching maintains pure signal flow when the Crunch distortion pedal is disengaged. Dedicated Gain & Volume &Tone knobs allow for precise effect tailoring.
Easy Carry: Powered by a DC 9V adapter (not included in this package), this Crunch distortion pedal has a small size body, is lightweight, suitable for outside gigs.
Lifetime Promise: Unbelievably inexpensive two-knob setup, it's obviously simple to use. For any problem with this distortion pedal, just contact us for a perfect solution, we are always here and help!
Three-knob use: Dedicated Gain & Volume &Tone knobs allow for precise effect tailoring. Volume is for adjusting the volume of the sound, GAIN is for adjusting the amount of the distortion, Tone is for adjusting the intensity of the tone.

#TOP 25

MG-100 Professional Multi-Effects Pedal Processor Musical Instrument Parts 40s Record 55 Effect Mode 10 Sound Di Box Electric Guitar and Bass Loop Amplifier Tube Pedal

Asmuse

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LARGE COLOR LCD SCREEN DISPLAY：Built-in High-quality TFT LCD color panel（160 x128）, way beyond any counterparts in the same price range. Powered by 6*AA Alkaline Batteries or AC Adapter (ACD-007A) For 8 Hours of Continuous Use.
56 DRUM RHYTHMS & 40 SECONDS LOOPER: Built-in 56 drum rhythm patterns that can be used in conjunction with the 40 seconds Looper function allowing you to jam with unlimited overdub layers and countless hours.
72 PRESETS: A total of 72 presets, including 36 factories and 36 user presets which can provide multiple sound options for beginners. You can save any preferred tones by simply pressing down the SAVE button.
13 CLASSIC AMP &11 SPEAKER CABINET MODELS: It has 13 classic high-quality guitar AMP Models and 11 speaker cabinets with True Simulation of Analog Circuit (TSAC) technology. Vintage 3-band passive EQ modeling for every AMP Model. And 6-band graphic EQ designed specifically for electric guitar.(120Hz, 250Hz, 750Hz, 1.6kHz, 3.2kHz, 6.4kHz)
8 EFFECTS MODULES: Our MG-100 offers all guitar effects, including a variety of distortion, compression, modulation, delay, reverb, amplifier, and cabinet models. Each module has several effects, covering 58 effects in total; Up to 8 effects can be used simultaneously.

#TOP 26

JOYO High Gain Distortion Pedal

JOYO

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Features

With a full range of EQ adjustment and tone control, from a little blues rock crunch to an all out snarling distortion this is one versatile pedal.
Before playing, please make sure the guitar is fully connected with the pedal. in order to make JOYO pedals work properly and avoiding unexpected noise, we recommend you to purchase an extra JOYO original power adapter, or choose the other reliable brands and make sure it meets the working current requirement of single pedal.
JOYO High Gain Distortion guitar pedal, get the kind of hard distortion used by the bands you love-from the crunch of AC/DC to the heavy metal of Metallica.
JOYO is over decade of brand reputation, with the most popular budget pedals, amplifiers, wireless systems, controllers, metronomes, tuners winning the love of global guitarists and inspiring people's music dreams.
When used with single coils at lower gain settings you'd have to make sure you hadn't stepped on your vintage overdrive. whole aluminium-alloy housing classic stoving varnish finish, stable and strong, with small LED flash indicator shows the working state.

#TOP 27

Distortion Guitar Pedal

kokko

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ANTI SKID - Rubber pads on the backside is anti-skid, which enhances the stability and avoids friction.
LED INDICATOR - LED indicator shows the status of effect. No battery, Powered by AC adapter(not included).
RELIABLE QUALITY - High quality by aluminum alloy which is durable and have a classic mini size brings you a musical feast.
RESONABLE PRICE - Provided the very reasonable price to match the high quality product, you will not regret it.
EFFECTS - Classic distortion tone. True bypass. stage distortion design provides higher degree of distortion.

#TOP 28

lotmusic Crunch Distortion Electric Guitar Effects Pedal Mini Single Type DC 9V True Bypass

lotmusic

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Solid Quality: The whole Crunch Distortion guitar pedal is made of aluminum alloy and classic, stable and strong. Aluminium alloy body makes this Distortion pedal safe to transport.
Integrated Noise Reduction: Developed with the code to reduce noise swells common with Crunch Distortion circuit, you get the quietest effect possible with this Distortion pedal.
Lifetime Promise: Unbelievably inexpensive two-knob setup,it's obviously simple to use. For any problem with this distortion pedal, just contact us for a perfect solution, we are always here and help!
Pure Signal:True bypass switching maintains pure signal flow when the Crunch Distortion pedal disengaged. Dedicated Gain & Volume &Tone knobs allow for precise effect tailoring.
Easy Carry: Powered by a DC 9V adapter (not included in this package),this Crunch Distortion pedal has a small size body, light weight, suitable for out side gigs.

#TOP 29

FLAMMA FC06 Distortion Pedal Electric Guitar Effects Pedal Mini Analog Guitar Pedal True Bypass Metal Shell

FLAMMA

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Features

2 distortion working modes: High Peak Mode, boost up the bottom-end, when increasing distortion by Drive knob, you will get more volume and a slight increase in high-mid range(around 3.5KHz). Low Peak Mode, color up extreme little to the original sound, very nice for clean boosting.
DC 9V adapter power supply. Not included.
Ultrawide dynamic range and extraordinary open tube-like drive sound.
Small size, full metal shell and durable design.
True bypass provides transparent tone.

#TOP 30

Sovvid Guitar Distortion Pedal

Sovvid

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True Bypass Design, Anti Skid Rubber: True bypass provide transparent tone. When the distortion effect pedal disengaged, true bypass switching maintains pure signal flow and minimize the tone loss to keep the tone quality. Humanized rubber pads on the backside is anti-slip which enhances the stability and avoids friction.
Excellent Gift, Quality Warranty: Thinking for the needs of musicians, Sovvid has provided premium gift of 9V power adapter and USB cable which other didn't provide. To guarantee the effect pedal quality, we have done 100% advance inspection before shipment. If you have any question for our pedal, please feel free to contact us.
Solid Material, Special USB Function: Sovvid guitar effects pedal is made of high-quality zinc alloy, which is more durable and sturdy than the normal aluminum pedal. And we designed a new USB Function, you can even connect the power bank to drive this pedal.
Powerful Tone Creating, Noise Reduction: Sovvid guitar distortion pedal developed with high quality electronic components and 2 layer circuit, it has excellent dynamic response and definition. With such upgraded design, in high gain settings, Sovvid pedals can reduce the buzzing noise and maintain sound natural which other distortion pedals often sound muddy when drive. Sovvid pedal with classic tones suit for all types of music. A very good replacement to DS-1.
Flexible Controls, Easy Carry: Our distortion pedals offers easy in/out and 3 function knobs. LEVEL (output volume), TONE (brightness of tone) and GAIN (degree of distortion). From the three knobs, many different sound colors can be coaxed. And this distortion guitar pedal has a small size body and exquisite, it can save a lot of space on pedal board and very suit for outside show.

#TOP 31

COOLMUSIC C-DI01 Insane Distortion Guitar Bass Distortion Pedal

COOLMUSIC

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Features

With LEVEL, GAIN, TONE, LOW BOOST and FAT BOOST knobs for detailed effects control.
Vintage hard clipping, retains your guitar's tone and clarity.Built-in dual gain circuit, delivers everything from overdrive to distortion.
True bypass footswitch for crystal-clear signal thru.
Distortion guitar effect pedal with full metal shell, durable and sturdy.
With LED light for indicating effects and bypass status.( Pls note that DC adaptor not included)

#TOP 32

SAPHUE Crunch Distortion Guitar Effects Pedal Gain/Volume/Tone Knob High Low Frequency Effect Pedals

SAPHUE

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Features

Integrated Noise Reduction: Developed with the code to reduce noise swells common with Crunch distortion circuit, you get the quietest effect possible with this distortion pedal.
Pure Signal: True bypass switching maintains pure signal flow when the diatortion pedal disengaged. Dedicated Volume & Dist & Tone knobs allow for precise effect tailoring.
Easy Carry: This distortion pedal has a small size body, light weight, suitable for out side gigs,powered by a DC 9V adapter (not included in this package).
Lifetime Promise: Unbelievably inexpensive two-knob setup,it's obviously simple to use. For any problem with this distortion pedal, just contact us for a perfect solution, we are always here and help!
Solid Quality: Aluminium alloy body makes this distortion pedal safe to transport.

#TOP 33

Extreme Distortion Metal Pedal

Horse

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Features

Easy Carry: Powered by a DC 9V adapter (not included in this package), this guitar effect pedal has a small size body, is lightweight, suitable for outside gigs.
Pure Signal: True bypass switching maintains pure signal flow when the Vintage Overdrive pedal disengaged. Dedicated Drive & Volume &Tone knobs allow for precise effect tailoring.
Horse Extreme Metal Distortion pedal with a powerfully adjustable 3 band EQ and sweep Mid-Freq knob, provides a strong low frequency and clear, transparent high frequency. Play the rhythms and leads that cut through the mix.
Lifetime Promise: Unbelievably inexpensive two-knob setup, it's obviously simple to use. For any problem with this distortion pedal, just contact us for a perfect solution, we are always here and help!
Solid Quality: The whole guitar pedal is made of aluminum alloy and is classic, stable and strong. The aluminum alloy body makes this Overdrive pedal safe to transport.

#TOP 34

Distortion Guitar Pedal，Mini Effect Pedal Processor of Classic Distortion Tone Effect Universal

DOLAMO

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Features

LED indicator shows the status of effect. No battery, Powered by AC adapter(not included).
Produces a variety of basic distortion tones-The control layout allows you to perform subtle bites and completely eliminate the rich sense of tightening. Its midrange gives a distinct tonal flavor.
Use AC adapter or battery power-this distortion pedal can be powered by 9 volt dry battery (50 ~ 80 hours) for portable performance, or powered by 9 volt external power supply to extend performance time.
Effects - Classic distortion tone. True bypass. stage distortion design provides higher degree of distortion.
High quality by aluminum alloy which is durable and have a classic mini size brings you a musical feast.

#TOP 35

Sofadio Distortion Guitar Pedal

SOFADIO

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Reviews for SOFADIO PBM Score

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Customer Reviews

Features

Dedicated level & tone &DIST knobs are built with Color LED lights allowing for precise and easy effect tailoring even in dark environment.
Premium chip and circuit are used to guarantee almost zero background noise. The distortion pedal requires a DC 9V Adapter power supply(NOT INCLUDED).
Mini size, light weight and whole aluminium alloy case make it super easy and safe to carry around in your pedal case.
True Bypass Switch provides transparent tone. Color LED lights indicate the working state.
After-sales support are always here to help 7 day 24 hours if you have any problems.

#TOP 36

Sondery Distortion Guitar Effect Pedal

Sondery

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Reviews for Sondery PBM Score

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Features

LED status indicator; user manual included; no batteries needed, powered by an AC adapter (NOT included) delivery, 9V DC, internal negative, external positive
2 modes of Bright and Normal, switch to Bright position to distortion your sound for a bright tone or to Normal position to distortion the device for one-of-a-kind pedal sound. True bypass hardware switching
Made of reliable high-quality aluminum alloy with a beautiful art design on the top, and diamond cut along the edge; anti-skid rubber pad on the backside for stability and friction prevention
Distortion guitar effect pedal gives a British stack sound effect; a recreation of 70-80’s classical sound. 3 Controls by Volume, Tone and Gain
Measures 3.7 by 1.9 by 1.66 inches / 94 by 42 by 48 millimetres; backed by Sondery 1-year limited warranty

Brands

BOSS

Selecting the Perfect beginner distortion pedals: What to Keep in Mind

What is difference between overdrive and distortion?

What's the difference between overdrive and distortion? In short, a distortion pedal is a lot more aggressive than an overdrive pedal in the way that it affects your tone. An overdrive amp will boost your amplifier or will mimic a sound, whereas a distortion pedal will entirely alter your sound.

Why do guitarists have so many guitars?

Some guitar players have so many guitars because each instrument sounds different. It's also typical for each guitar to have a specific tuning, which makes switching from one to another easier for studio recordings or live performances. Some guitar players may simply enjoy collecting guitars too.

Are guitar pedals good for beginners?

The vast majority of effects pedals are good for beginners. The most affordable pedals may not be the best quality, but they're so cheap that you don't really need to worry about the outlay. The more expensive pedals may cost you more, but they're generally of a higher quality in both sound and build.

Why is my guitar tone muddy?

The most common reasons for a muddy guitar sound are having your guitar's tone knob is turned down too far, using old guitar strings, or your amp's EQ knobs are set wrong.

How do I make my guitar tone crunchy?

Although you can get a crunch tone with pedals, it came about by running an amp hard and pushing it past it's happy clean sound. The first way to achieve a crunch tone is by pushing the amp with pedals. A boost pedal does just what the name implies. It boosts the signal coming from the guitar.

Editor's Notes

To make this list of the top beginner distortion pedals we spent 48 hours to analyze over 1871 customer reviews carefully. After that, our experts chose the 36 products most people truly liked. They boast of the rating of 319, on average, and cost around $2503.

Written by

Steve Romanoski

Steve loves music. Steve Romanoski and his wife live in Alaska. They are always on the go, exploring new places and trying out new products (especially those which can help them enjoy the great musics even more). When he's not writing about products, Steve Romanoski enjoys reading books about history and science. He likes to think of himself as a renaissance man, but his wife would probably say that he's just a big kid at heart.