Episode #213 Pedals Pedals Pedals

In this episode I take you through my 5 essential pedals. These
are the ones I use all the time and how I set them up.

1. Compressor Pedal



Why it's important: A compressor smooths out the
dynamics of your playing by limiting the loudest notes and
boosting the quieter ones. It helps create a more consistent
sound, adding sustain, punch, and clarity. A great tool for
players who want their tone to sound polished and even,
especially when fingerpicking or in clean tones.


Popular choices: Keeley Compressor, MXR Dyna Comp,
Wampler Ego Compressor.



2. Overdrive Pedal



Why it's important: An overdrive pedal is key for adding
warmth and grit to your tone. Whether you’re looking for
classic bluesy smoothness or heavier, more saturated rock
tones, overdrive is essential for shaping your distortion and
helping you achieve expressive, dynamic playing.


Popular choices: Ibanez Tube Screamer, Fulltone OCD,
Boss OD-3.



3. Reverb Pedal



Why it's important: Reverb creates space and depth by
simulating the natural reflections of sound in an environment.
Whether you're after subtle room ambiance or lush, expansive
reverb tails, this effect is essential for adding dimension to
your sound and making your tone feel more alive.


Popular choices: Electro-Harmonix Holy Grail, Strymon
BigSky, TC Electronic Hall of Fame.



4. Graphic EQ Pedal



Why it's important: A graphic EQ pedal gives you control
over your tone's frequency response, allowing you to shape your
sound by boosting or cutting specific frequency bands. It’s
great for fine-tuning your tone, compensating for room
acoustics, or dialing in specific sounds for different musical
contexts. It also acts as a powerful tool to carve out space in
the mix when playing in a band.


Popular choices: Boss GE-7, MXR Ten Band EQ, Behringer
EQ700.



5. Looper Pedal



Why it's important: A looper pedal allows you to record
short sections of your playing and loop them in real time,
creating layers of sound. This is great for practice,
songwriting, or performance, and it enables you to build
complex, evolving compositions on the fly. It’s a versatile
pedal for solo artists and can be used creatively to add
texture, rhythm, or melody to your performance.


Popular choices: TC Electronic Ditto, Boss RC-3,
Electro-Harmonix 720.



Honorable Mention: Delay Pedal



Why it’s important: Delay is often used in conjunction
with reverb to add depth, space, and rhythmic complexity. While
it's not in your top 5, it’s still worth considering for
creating ambient soundscapes, rhythmic echo patterns, or lead
lines with a sense of movement.


Popular choices: Boss DD-7, MXR Carbon Copy,
Electro-Harmonix Holy Grail.



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