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Unleash the Metal - 14 Best Distortion Pedals for Guitar Tones and Riffs Ready to Shred |
Get ready to shred, because we've compiled a list of the top distortion pedals perfect for metal enthusiasts! These stompboxes boast impressive tonal range, versatility, and unmatchable grit. Ready to elevate your metal sound? Dive in and discover the perfect pedal for you.
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I recently tried the Joyo JF-17 Extreme Metal guitar effect pedal in my musical endeavors, and I must say, it was a delight. The pedal's name doesn't lie – it delivers the perfect balance of highs and bass, giving unparalleled metal distortion. The 3-band EQ controls allow you to dial in the exact tone you desire, whether it's metal, rock, or punk. Its 6 control knobs, including the independent EQ controls, ensure you can achieve the precise sound you're after.
One of the unique features of the JF-17 is the Boost switch, which dramatically increases the gain to give you that extra edge. It's best used on your neck pickup, with the control between 9 and 10 on the Boost dial. This high-gain distortion pedal is perfect for those seeking the ultimate sound to accompany their electric guitar.
Using the pedal was an exhilarating experience. The black casing not only looked stylish but also felt sturdy and well-built. It's powered by a single 9V battery or can be connected to an external power supply, giving you the flexibility to choose your preferred method. This compact and portable pedal is an excellent investment for any electric guitar enthusiast, with a price tag that won't break the bank.
My experience with the JF-17 Extreme Metal distortion pedal has been truly enjoyable. Its versatility, sound quality, and responsiveness make it a top contender for anyone's pedal collection. I wholeheartedly recommend this product and plan to use it in my future musical projects.
As I tested the TC Electronic Fangs Metal Distortion Pedal, I couldn't help but notice the thick, high-gain distortion it produced on my metal tracks. I found that its mid-scoop switch made it easy to find the perfect tone. The various control functions made it convenient to use, but I did find the pedal a bit heavy and large for my small pedalboard.
One of the highlights of this pedal is its True Bypass feature, ensuring ultimate signal integrity. It comes with four controls for gain, bass, volume, and treble, providing a versatile range of tones. The pedal can run on a 9 V battery or the TC Electronic Powerplug 9.
While I enjoyed the rich sound and convenient knob layout, I did encounter a few potential drawbacks. The pedal's weight and size may not be ideal for those with limited space on their pedalboard, and the distortion may be too extreme for some users. Overall, the TC Electronic Fangs Metal Distortion Pedal is a solid choice for metal guitarists looking to add some heft to their sound while still being able to produce a variety of tones.
I've been using the Fender Full Moon Distortion Pedal for a while now and let me tell you, it's a game-changer for any guitarist looking to add some serious bite to their tone. The pedal offers a variety of sound-shaping options, making it perfect for everything from growling chugga-chugga riffs to screaming solos.
One of my favorite features is the 3-Band EQ, which allows me to dial in my sound to taste, with the flexible Hi-Treble control shaping my high end accordingly. And the 12dB switch? It transforms the pedal into a sonic beast, producing a loud and clear audio quality that's simply unparalleled.
But let's talk about durability. The Full Moon Distortion is built to last, featuring a lightweight, durable anodized aluminum chassis and a classic Fender look thanks to the Amp Jewel LED. The LED-backlit knobs are a fantastic addition, allowing me to see my control settings clearly even on a dark stage.
And don't get me started on the battery compartment. Fender's exclusive magnetically latched design makes swapping batteries a breeze, ensuring I'm always ready to rock and roll.
Overall, the Fender Full Moon Distortion Pedal is an excellent addition to any guitarist's arsenal, delivering a powerful and versatile experience that's just as fun to use as it is to listen to.
I recently had the pleasure of trying out the Boss DS-1 50th Anniversary Distortion Pedal, and let me tell you, it was a real treat! As a guitarist who's always on the lookout for that perfect distortion sound, I was excited to give this pedal a spin.
Right off the bat, I was impressed with the build quality of the pedal. It's solid and sturdy, just like I've come to expect from Boss products. The metallic finish and foiled packaging added a nice touch, making it feel extra special.
Once I plugged in and started playing, I immediately noticed how true-to-life the distortion sounded. It reproduced the dynamics of playing, from soft to hard, with remarkable accuracy. The level, tone, and distortion controls allowed me to tailor the overall sound to my liking, giving me the flexibility to achieve a wide range of tones.
One of the standout features for me was how well the pedal responded to picking dynamics. This allowed me to create some really interesting and nuanced distortion effects that I haven't been able to achieve with other pedals before.
Of course, no product is perfect, and the Boss DS-1 had a few drawbacks as well. For one, it's a bit on the heavy side, weighing in at a pound. And while it's a versatile pedal that can handle a variety of genres, it might not be the best choice for someone looking for a more subtle, clean sound.
Overall, I'm very happy with my experience using the Boss DS-1 50th Anniversary Distortion Pedal. It's a great tool for any guitarist looking to add some grit and edge to their sound, and I think it's definitely worth the investment.
As a metal enthusiast, the Empress Effects Heavy Menace Distortion Pedal had me drawn in right from the start. It's like an all-in-one solution for high-gain sounds, and it's not just for palm-muting and extended-range guitars, but also perfect for those seeking a tighter response.
One of the most striking features was the sweepable imd frequency, allowing me to dial in everything from classic push tones to modern scooped sounds - all within reach. Not to mention, the adaptive gate was footswitchable, which gave me even more control over my sound. But what really took the cake was the advanced setup options; the ability to choose between True Bypass and Buffered Bypass, depending on my specific needs, was a game-changer. Empress Effects truly thought of everything.
However, the pedal is a bit on the heavy side as it weighs 0.91 lb, but that's a minor drawback considering the wealth of features it offers. All in all, the Heavy Menace Distortion Pedal is a must-have for any serious metal player, and it's worth every penny.
I recently tried out the Behringer HD300 Heavy Distortion Pedal, and boy, it packed quite a punch! The blue LED made it easy to check its working status, and I found it incredibly user-friendly with its convenient bottom and level controls.
As a metal enthusiast, I was pleasantly surprised by the sound quality this pedal offered. It provided me with serious sustain, allowing me to create some truly crushing and sludgy sounds with ease. The 4-knob layout gave me total control over my tone, and I found it particularly useful optimizing the pedal for lower tunings or 7+ string guitars.
However, there were a couple of drawbacks. First, the plastic housing didn't seem as durable as I would have preferred. Second, the noise level was a bit higher than I expected, which could bother some users. Nevertheless, considering the pedal's affordability and the great range of distortion tones it offers, I'd say it's a solid choice for those looking to enhance their metal sound without breaking the bank.
The Empress Effects Distortion Pedal is a versatile and high-quality distortion pedal that offers a wide range of tones, perfect for metalheads looking to elevate their sound. With an all-analog signal path, this pedal delivers a natural, amp-like distortion that's sure to impress. You'll find three distinct flavors of distortion, from mild to crunch to lead, ensuring you can dial in the perfect tone for your playing style.
Its true bypass design guarantees that your precious signal won't be compromised, and the built-in compression adds depth and sustain to your sound. Additionally, the pedal comes with gain control, two bands of EQ, and output control, providing you with the ability to shape your tone to your liking. The Empress Effects Distortion Pedal is a go-to choice for those seeking a reliable and versatile distortion pedal that'll take their metal sound to the next level.
The Walrus Audio Eras Five-State Distortion Limited Edition, a part of their Retro Series, offers five distinct modes of distortion to cater to your unique playing style. This pedal features a 2-band EQ for added flexibility and a blend control for seamless mix of dirty and clean tones. The customizable high-gain distortion allows you to easily adjust and shape your sound at your fingertips.
With a Kamakura National Park Obsidian Red Retro finish and made in the United States, this pedal guarantees top-quality craftsmanship. Despite its limited availability, this pedal offers unmatched versatility for guitarists seeking the perfect blend of retro and modern distortion. A rare gem in the world of metal-themed pedals, the Walrus Audio Eras Five-State Distortion is a must-have for any serious player's pedalboard.
The Pugilist Distortion Pedal from Fender is an absolute beast in the world of distortion, and I mean that in the most complimentary way. I've always been a fan of versatile pedals, and the Pugilist Distortion does not disappoint. It's packed with a range of tones you can explore, ensuring that there's something for every musician out there.
One of the things that stood out to me is the ease of use. The pedal doesn't require a degree in rocket science to operate, and that's a huge plus. The LED-backlit knobs are a fantastic feature, helping you navigate the controls on dark stages. The battery compartment is a clever design, made for easy swapping and changing of batteries when the time comes.
However, there's one feature that could use some improvement. The LED-powered jewel lights are a bit too bright, making it difficult to see the main controls. It's a minor inconvenience, but it's something to be aware of.
Despite the minor nitpick, the Pugilist Distortion Pedal is a winner. It might be a bit pricey compared to some other pedals in the market, but the quality and performance it offers justify the cost. It's robust, versatile, and sounds incredibly good, making it a valuable addition for any guitarist's pedalboard.
So, if you're looking for a distortion pedal that can deliver a variety of tones and can do it with style and grace, the Fender Pugilist Distortion Pedal is the one you should consider. It's a workhorse of a pedal that's not only durable but also sounds great, making it a top contender in the realm of distortion pedals.
The Horizon Devices Apex Preamp pedal is a modern distortion powerhouse that's perfect for electric guitar enthusiasts. Designed to seamlessly integrate with both digital and tube rigs, it's built to last - guaranteed by MXR. And with its compact size, it's an ideal choice for the on-the-go recording guitarist.
One standout feature for me was the massive amount of gain on offer. I was able to dial in just the right level of saturation for my preferred sound. Then there's the Tight switch, which gave me the option to switch between aggressive rhythm tones and buttery leads with ease.
Additionally, the gate control was incredibly versatile. I appreciated being able to completely remove the gate circuit when needed and adjust it to a mega-tight and modern setting.
However, I did find the Cab Sim knob a bit tricky to get used to at first. But once I understood how it worked, it was smooth sailing. Overall, the Horizon Devices Apex Preamp pedal is a powerful distortion tool that any serious guitarist should consider.
I recently added the Boss MT-2 Metal Zone Distortion Pedal to my collection of gear, and let me tell you, it's been a game-changer. The MT-2 is a perfect addition to any metalhead's setup, delivering a sound that's reminiscent of a classic rock distortion while adding that extra punch that's often needed for high-gain genres.
The dual-gain circuitry in the MT-2 is truly a standout feature. It allows me to achieve a wide variety of saturated tones, making my distortion sound more dynamic and expressive. The 3-band EQ, along with its semi-parametric mid control, adds that crucial layer of sound shaping.
One minor downside to the pedal is its size. Being compact means it might be harder to find a spot on your pedalboard, but don't let that discourage you – the MT-2's performance easily makes up for its minimal footprint.
Overall, I highly recommend the Boss MT-2 Metal Zone Distortion Pedal for any hard rock or metal guitarist. Its unique sound, coupled with its impressive build quality, make this pedal a must-have for anyone seeking a versatile, powerful distortion tool in their rig.
The Electro Harmonix Nano Metal Muff Distortion Pedal is a compact, easy-to-use distortion pedal specifically designed for metal enthusiasts. This pedal offers impressive build quality and a sleek, durable die-cast chassis, making it a great addition to any pedalboard. With selectable distortion amount, master volume control, and a no-nonsense metal sound, it delivers a punchy, high-gain tone that any metal musician can appreciate.
Despite being fairly pricey, the Nano Metal Muff Distortion Pedal is a versatile option that can cater to different requirements while offering an affordable solution to crunchy, gain-laden metal tones.
When I first got my hands on the Boss ML-2 Metal Core Distortion Pedal, I was excited to try it out on my guitar. As a metalhead, I was always on the lookout for pedals that could help me achieve the heavy, aggressive tones I craved. This pedal didn't disappoint.
One thing that stood out to me was the ease of use. I didn't need to spend hours figuring out how to adjust the settings. Once I plugged it in and started playing, the tones came naturally. The pedal's high-gain distortion circuit was perfect for metal and hard rock genres, and the level, tone, and distortion controls allowed me to shape my sound just the way I wanted.
In addition to its simplicity, the Boss ML-2 Metal Core Distortion Pedal was compact and rugged, making it a reliable addition to my pedalboard. I appreciated the fact that it was small enough to fit in tight spaces, yet sturdy enough to withstand the wear and tear of regular gigs.
However, one issue I encountered was with the noise level. While not overly loud, it was still noticeable enough to be apparent during performance. I had to be mindful of it and make adjustments to the pedal accordingly.
Overall, the Boss ML-2 Metal Core Distortion Pedal was a solid choice for anyone looking to achieve those heavy, aggressive metal tones. Although there were a few minor drawbacks, the pros definitely outweighed the cons in my experience.
Prepare to embrace the original essence of 'loud and brutal' with the Eyemaster Metal Distortion pedal. This bad boy brings back the legendary Swedish death metal tone, endearingly referred to as the 'Swedish buzz saw'. It's not for the subtle or faint-hearted - it's designed to make a statement, leaving the mix in its wake. Boasting just two knobs for volume and gain, it's a simple, unapologetic distortion machine that packs a punch.
Although it might not be the most versatile pedal out there, its singular focus and true-bypass effect ensure ultimate signal integrity. If you're looking to bring your sound beyond the limit and channel that iconic Swedish buzz saw, this Eyemaster pedal is your ride or die. With a sturdy metal casing that feels like it's built to last, it's like having a little 'metal beast' in your rig. So, if you're into metal blasting distortion for devastating rhythms and leads, this pedal is a winner.
Welcome to the buyer's guide for Distortion Pedals For Metal. This guide will help you understand the essential features, considerations, and general advice to consider before purchasing a distortion pedal best suited for metal genres. Let's dive in!
- Gain Control: The ability to adjust the amount of distortion is crucial when using a distortion pedal for metal. Look for a pedal with a dedicated gain control knob to easily fine-tune your sound. A three-band EQ (Bass, Mid, Treble) can help you adjust the frequency range of the distortion, allowing you to achieve the desired tone.
- Power Supply: Most distortion pedals require a 9V power supply. Check if your guitar's pedalboard has enough space to accommodate another pedal or consider purchasing a power supply with a daisy chain to connect multiple devices easily. Also, make sure the power supply can deliver the required current (usually between 100mA to 500mA) to your distortion pedal.
- Experimentation: Don't be afraid to experiment with different settings on your distortion pedal. Metal is a versatile genre, and you might discover new sounds by tweaking the gain, EQ, and other controls. Moreover, combining a distortion pedal with other effects, such as a wah or a chorus, can create unique tonal characteristics.
- Keep it clean: Regularly clean your distortion pedal to maintain its performance and longevity. Use a soft-bristled brush or a microfiber cloth to remove dust, dirt, or buildup from the pedal's surface and control knobs. If necessary, consult the user manual for specific cleaning instructions or use a distortion pedal-friendly cleaner.
A distortion pedal for metal is an effects pedal that is specifically designed to generate heavy distortion sounds, which are commonly used in metal and hard rock genres. It can add aggressive, intense, and powerful tones to your guitar playing, helping you achieve the iconic "metal" sound. Some distortion pedals even have additional features such as multiple gain levels, eq controls, and different distortion modes to provide even more versatility and customization options.
Distortion pedals for metal are typically built to withstand the high-volume nature of metal music and feature robust construction materials and durable components to ensure they can handle the demands of these types of performances. They may also have true bypass switching to minimize signal loss and maintain the purity of your guitar's tone when the pedal is not in use.
When choosing a distortion pedal for metal, consider the following factors: the types of distortion it produces (such as overdrive, fuzz, or high-gain distortion), the number of gain settings, eq controls (like treble, mid, and bass), and onboard effects (like delay, chorus, or reverbs). Additionally, think about the pedal's build quality and durability, especially if you plan to use it for live performances. Another important factor is the pedal's compatibility with your amplifier and any other gear you use.
It's also a good idea to read reviews and watch demos of the pedals you're considering to get a better sense of how they sound and perform. Ask other musicians, friends, or local gear shops for their recommendations based on your specific needs and preferences. Many guitarists find that a combination of different distortion pedals can help them achieve a more diverse and expressive sound, so don't be afraid to experiment and try out a variety of options.
Many brands produce high-quality distortion pedals that are well-suited for metal music. Some of the most popular and respected brands include: Boss, Ibanez, MESA/Boogie, Orange, Electro-Harmonix, and TC Electronic. It's essential to remember that the "best" brand for you will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and requirements in terms of functionality and sound.
While these brands have a long history of producing great metal guitar effects, don't be afraid to try out less well-known or newer brands as well. The market is constantly evolving, and there are countless options to choose from. Some smaller or niche brands might offer unique features or innovative designs that could help you find the perfect distortion pedal for your metal playing.
Absolutely! While distortion pedals for metal are specifically designed to generate powerful, heavy distortion sounds, they can still be used with a wide range of music genres. Some guitarists even use multiple distortion pedals with different settings to create varied tones and textures for their playing. Experimentation is key to finding the perfect blend of distortion and tone for your specific style and preferences.
Don't be afraid to use a distortion pedal to add edge and grit to other genres like rock, blues, punk, and even pop or electronic music. Many guitarists incorporate distorted sounds into their songwriting, and a well-crafted distortion pedal can help you bring those unique tones to life in your music.
The cost of a distortion pedal for metal can vary significantly depending on the brand, features, and build quality. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $300 for a decent pedal. Higher-end models with more advanced features and high-quality construction materials can easily reach the $200 to $300 range or even higher.
While it's true that you often get what you pay for when it comes to effects pedals, it's also essential to find the right balance between cost, quality, and your specific needs as a guitarist. If you're just starting out, you might consider investing in a more budget-friendly option and then gradually upgrade as your skills and requirements evolve over time.
If you prefer not to use a distortion pedal or are looking for alternative ways to create heavy metal tones, there are several other options to consider. Some guitarists prefer using distortion channels on their amplifiers or utilize cabinet simulators and other effects processors to create the desired sound. Others might focus on their guitar tone and technique, using heavier string gauges, increased gain on their amps, or unique pick attack patterns to achieve a more powerful, distorted sound.
Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to creating metal tones. It's all about finding the right combination of gear, technique, and personal expression that speaks to you as a musician. Experiment with different approaches, and don't be afraid to combine various techniques and effects to create the sound you desire.
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