Effects pedals alter a guitar's sound in countless ways, from overdrive and distortion to reverb, delay, and modulation. Early pioneers like Electro-Harmonix and Boss laid the groundwork for stompbox innovation, while brands like Strymon and Eventide have pushed digital processing to new heights. Guitarists use pedals to sculpt their tone, create unique textures, and enhance live and studio performances. Pedals are highly versatile, fitting into pedalboards for any genre, from ambient soundscapes to aggressive rock tones.
