Figure 1 – When it comes to time based effects, don’t be surprised to see Boss pedals take the lead in most categories. (Pictured on the left)

The first type effect we will be looking at is the looping pedals. These types of pedals actually record a section of sound, with the purpose of playing them repeatedly. This is great for guitarists who don’t have a friend present to do rhythm guitar, or wants to use these loops in order to create special effects. It also lets guitarists listen to a song as whole, and not just one specific aspect. The Boss RC-2 and Digitech JamMan are good examples of pedals that will do this.

Figure 2- The Boss RC-2 and Digitech JamMan. 

The Boss RC-2 retails at around $180 (Listen to video sample), while the Digitech JamMan retails at around $300 (Listen to video sample). 

Next, we have the chorus effect. This is just as much fun as the looping effects in a sense, because there are so many sounds. A guitarist can create thick rich walls of sound (so it actually sounds like several guitars are playing at once), crazy tremolo effects, or just a light chorus to fill out a lead line slightly. Look out for the Boss CE-5, Line 6 Space Chorus, and Ibanez CF-7.

Figure 3 – The Boss CE-5, Line 6 Space Chorus, and Ibanez CF-7. 

The Boss CE-5 retails at around $80, the Line 6 Space Chorus goes for around $120, and the Ibanez CF-7 retails at about $60.

One of the more popular time delay effects is the echo. These pedals simply take incoming signal, and delay it to make a echo of the actual signal. The echo effect is amazing when added to other effects, creating amazing soundscapes – try it with a slide if you’ve got one. You can also make some very interesting rhythm effects. The most popular pedals to look out for in this category are the Boss DD-6, and the Line 6 Echo Park.

Figure 4 - The Boss DD-6 and the Line 6 Echo Park.  

The Boss DD-6 retails at around $160 (Listen to demo), while the Line 6 Echo Park is around $150 (Listen to demo).

Lastly, we come to the interesting effect of the flanger. Several types of the flanger pedal can be doubled over as a reverb pedal as well, which is a nice benefit. The flanger essentially takes the incoming signal, slows it down, and then speeds it back up to its original position. The unique sound that results has been popular among older rock, but also sees applications in newer playing styles. Add it to distortion and you’ll sound more like a jet engine at take off. Flangers are pretty good for bass too. The leaders of the flanger industry include the Boss BF-3, and the Line 6 Liqua Flange.

Figure 5 - The Boss BF-3 and Line 6 Liqua-Flange. 

The Boss BF-3 retails at around $120 (Listen to sample), while the Line 6 Liqua-Flange comes in at around at the same price of $120 (Liten to sample). 

The majority of time based distortion pedals will be used in solos or specific rhythm applications, and to provide contrast to a basic sound. You can have real fun with some of these sounds, but take care not to overdo it! Its hard I know. Nevertheless, they provide fantastic sounds that many bands from Rock and Roll’s past have taken advantage of- and they are just as popular today.

•  Choosing Between Basic Distortion Pedals

Figure 1 - There are several basic types of distortion that guitar players should explore. Fuzz crunch, overdrive, and high-gain will be the most common.

Overdriven distortion is much like the name implies- the signal is cut off at a certain frequency to distort the signal.  This is the most basic and common of the four main basic distortion types. These types of edals almost always use solid-state design, although some pedals can be found to incorporate tubes for and edgier sound. The most popular pedals in this class of distortion come from Digitech, Boss, Line 6, and Marshall.

Figure 2 - (From left to right) The Boss DS-1, the Digitech Hot Head, the Marshall Guv’Nor, and the Line 6 Dr. Distorto.

The Boss DS-1 offers a sturdy solution for around $40-listen to sample.

The Digitech Hot Head offers a competitive price at around $40- listen to sample.

The Marshall Guv’nor is a bit higher priced at around $70-listen to sample.

The Line 6 Dr. Distorto offers a more expensive price at $99-listen to sample.

Fuzz distortion pedals also sound like the name implies- a fuzzy type of raunchy distortion that became popular in the 1960s. Guaranteed to turn the weakest solo into a monster! As usual Boss and Electro-Harmonix make great fuzz pedals, but look out for the Keeley Fuzz head which has incredible versatility.

Figure 3 - The Boss FZ-5 Fuzz, Electro-Harmonix Little Big Muff, and the Keeley Fuzz Head. 

The Boss FZ-5 Fuzz pedal comes in at $120, but offers great tone control- listen to sample.

The Electro-Harmonix Big Muff is a more modest $70, which is considerably cheaper- listen to sample.

The Keeley Fuzz Head can easily cost a couple of hundred dollars, but is worth every cent! listen to samples.

Metal fans will undoubtedly flock to the high-gain distortions that offer high-crunch, grit, and head banging worthy tones that bring new life to a guitar. Digitech and Boss have almost a complete monopoly on this section of distortion, and choosingbetween the two can be somewhat difficult- both are competitively priced and of great quality.

Figure 4 - The Boss Metal Zone, and the Digitech MetalMaster.

The Boss Metal Zone will offer a great metal sound at around $90- listen to sample.

The Digitech MetalMaster even has an optional control for morphing, and costs just a bit cheaper than the Boss Metal Zone- listen to sample.

Last but not least, the crunch distortion that is popular among grunge and older rock bands is almost a guaranteed hit with guitar players. Boss, Digitech, and Ibanez dominate the market with their crunchy distortion pedals.

Figure 5 - The Boss SD-1, Digitech Bad Monkey, and Ibanez Tube Screamer. 

The Boss SD-1 is just $50, and is sure to please- listen to sample.  

The Digitech Bad Monkey is a little cheaper at $40- listen to sample.

Lastly, the Ibanez Vintage Tube Screamer is a bit pricier at around $170, but it is considered to be the best in a few respects- there is no better sample of this distortion pedal than to listen to Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters.” While the Ibanez Tube Screamer is actually best for Blues and older Rock, it is commonly used in grunge bands to get a very unique crunch sound in modern day society.

Deciding on which distortion pedal to go for can be hard, the best solution is to ask friends or local music stores if you can test a few out to see what is best for a particular playing style. Basic distortion such as fuzz, overdrive, crunch, and high-gain are just the start; more flashier effects achieved through delays and filters are available to guitar players too. If you are a rock guitarist, these distortion pedals are almost completely necessary. Try out a few istortion pedals, and have fun!.

• Choosing Between Between Time-Based Distortion Pedals